*

　The wagon continued north.
　Crono rode the wagon and looked out at the scenery.
　Last year, when he visited the Holy Argo Kingdom, it looked desolate.
　That time it was winter and the grass and trees on the slopes were dead.
　It's different now.
　The rippling hillsides are covered with flowers and grasses, giving off a sense of fresh vitality.
　So, what will happen now?　And Crono looked over the wagon.
　Since Suu and the convoy are separated from the convoy in the Coma Forest, there are five people in the wagon, including Rio, Sion, Elaine, Priestess and Crono.
　Leonhardt is in the box wagon because of his position, his deputy and White, and Hiilo is riding in the box wagon because he doesn't want to be seen.
　Ignis is also with them.
　We have no choice but to leave the trade to Elaine-san, but do we need to worry about that?　And Crono was a little optimistic.
　The carriage rumbled and shook.
　He must have stepped on a pebble.
　Crono leaned out of the back of the cart and gasped.
　From the top of the hill, they had a panoramic view of the lake.
　Surrounded by small hills, the lake glistened in the setting sun.
　It was like a scene out of a movie.
　There was a town at some distance from the lake.
　The city was surrounded by tall trees, not walls.
　I don't know why the trees surrounded the city, but the city and nature were in perfect harmony.

That city is similar to the royal city of Canopus," he said. It's called the Little City of Kings.
Oh, I'd like to see the King's Landing too... why are you looking at me like that?

　When Crono was honestly impressed, the priestess looked at Crono with a stink eye.

"I just thought it wasn't like you. See, you're a no-good person, aren't you?
Are you judging me for not being good enough or bullying me in this short relationship?
You've been staring at my chest.

　'Mph,' said the priestess, pushing up her chest with both hands.

'I didn't even look away from my chest when the girl over there was straightening up.
It happens all the time.

　Crono turned away from Elaine with a sigh and coughed out a guffaw.

''........Crono.
It's not the same, Rio. No, it's not different. It's just a man's instinct.

　Crono looked up and excused himself to Rio.

'Would you mind not coming too close?'

　Saying that, Rio took a distance from Crono.

''Ri, Rio.''
You can be so sensitive sometimes.

　Huh?　And Crono turned around and realized a fact.
　The women, with the exception of the priestess, were keeping their distance from Crono.

'When did they hate him?'
No.

　Huh?　When Crono stared at her, Elaine let out a deep sigh.

'You haven't been able to wash yourself since you entered the Coma Forest, have you?
Does it smell that bad?

　Crono plucked at his cloak and smelled it, but it didn't feel like a smell, perhaps because it was his own smell.
　Elaine looked at Crono and let out a deep sigh.

'It's not that we care about your smell, it's that we care about our own smell.
You don't have to worry about that.
We care!

　'Yes,' said Crono, pressured by Elaine, and sat back down in the corner of the wagon.

'....Rio.
I don't know if the military should be concerned about body odor, but I don't want people to think I stink.

　Rio turned away in embarrassment.

'In that respect, I'm perfect!
It smells like dirt.

　Crono pushed away the priest who was pushing his body against the guiding body.

'Tsk, you smell like dirt!'
If it's not dirt, it's dust.

　The priest sniffed his clothes with a sniff.

'Mmm, I don't know.'
'I think the priest should be a little more careful with his appearance. Oh, I'm going into town.

　The carriage enters the city.
　Crono looked carefully around the city to assess its structure and standard of living.
　The roads are unpaved and the buildings are mostly wooden.
　There was a slight stench, so perhaps the garbage and fecal matter was not being disposed of well.
　After a while, the stalls were lined up along the road.
　Perhaps because of the time of day, the number of stalls that are open is small.
　There are only a few store-type shops.
　Perhaps it was due to Ignis' policies, but there were no vagrants in sight.

''Priestess, what's going on with prostitution in the Holy Argo Kingdom?''
You like it.
It's not.

　Crono was quick to deny it.

'Hmm, let's put it that way. Well, basically, the diner-cum-tavern wench often doubles as a prostitute.'
Oh, I thought prostitution was a taboo subject in this country?
Hmm, it's a complicated problem.

　Elaine asked, and the priestess snorted with a difficult look on her face.

The Pure White Temple prohibits prostitution. The Yellow Earth Temple also states that s*xual intercourse that is not for the purpose of procreation should not be done. The other temples are not so negative.
'Am I understanding that the situation changes depending on the city or the influential 'temple' in the territory?
I guess you could just turn a blind eye to it or shut up about it, huh?
You can't run a brothel in your own house?

　What about the colors of "The Temple" being the colors of the city?　'No, well, so I guess it's a problem,' said Crono, poking his cheek.

'Why is the Holy Argo Kingdom like this?
It's a long story.
I'll be quick.
"At the dawn of my kingdom, I solved a lot of problems on the theory that God gave the king the right to rule his country.
'Oh, I see.'

　Crono nodded.

'So the expedient means of legitimizing the king's authority is no longer just expedient?
The theory is that God is above the king, and since he rules the country by that logic, he can't go to the Temple.

　The priest said sincerely.

'When I hear stories like that, it makes me feel like the first emperor of the empire was a visionary.
"I wish the other 'temples' would have been more respectful of their position.

　The priestess slumped her shoulders emphatically.
　People aren't as stout as the priestess, Crono thought, but he didn't dare to say it.
　Priestesses' senses are out of sync with those of humans.
　Humans don't have as much of a long-term perspective as priests, nor are they as good as the priests believe they are.
　No, from the priest's point of view, humans may be good.
　
　But that's the bigger perspective.
　Smaller perspectives ... from the perspective of Crono personally, some humans are good and some are bad.
　Some people think about things in the long term, while others seem to only think about satisfying their immediate needs.
　That's why the priest couldn't change the country, though, Crono let out a sigh.



　Crono got out of the carriage and looked up at Ignis's mansion.
　Ignis's mansion was at the end of the street.
　The mansion was surrounded by a flat stone-piled fence, with plants flourishing inside it.
　It's hard to determine if the plants grew on their own or if this is the type of garden.
　The appearance of the mansion looks like the castle itself.
　Considering the fact that it is used as a mansion, it would be better not to expect it to function as a castle.
　As Crono was standing in the garden, Ignis got off the box carriage.
　Leonhardt followed Ignis.
　He was further followed by his cloth-clad deputy, White and Hiilo.

'This is my mansion. I've already had a room prepared for you.''
.....

　Crono jumped up.
　Elaine poked Crono in the side of his head.
　'What are you doing?'　And when Crono glared at her, Elaine picked at her clothes.
　Apparently, Elaine wanted Crono to ask her to bathe in hot water.
　Crono looked at Rio and Sion for relief.
　Rio just said goodbye and Sion looked apologetic.

'General Ignis!'
What?

　When Crono raised his hand, Ignis said in a dusky voice.

'Can I have a hot bath?'
Oh, I'm sorry. I'll have it ready for you soon.

　Ignis seemed to have noticed the woman's presence and uttered an apology.

'Could you get me some clothes for my eagle, too?
...the old lady.

　Ignis covered his face with his left hand.

'That's an opening. I was prepared for the old lady to never come back.
I'm just delivering the elves to the next county over.
Just a little?　It's important, isn't it?
'That's not all. We've made a deal to accept subhumans as immigrants.

　The priest was proud of his chest.

'Old lady, you're being tricked, aren't you?　I don't see how any sycophant would accept a sub-human from another country, even if it's his own country.
I'm here.
Hi. They're very welcoming to subaltern types from other countries.

　Crono was dragged in front of Ignis by the priestess and bowed his head in a bow.

'What's in it for you to accept a sub-human?'
We're hoping you'll be able to help us settle and trade with the Holy Argo Kingdom.

　Once the trade gets going, the demand for minotaurs and lizardmen should increase.

'As long as the sub-humans are gone as a result, it won't be a problem.

　The priest said with a smug look on his face.

*

　The Night Rangers are six warriors blessed by the Six Pillar God.
　Fight with the power of God and faith, Night Ranger!

*

　That day, the same calm morning as usual came to the village of Farrus.
　Farrus is a village in the hills of the southern part of the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　The villagers keep sheep on the gently undulating slopes to earn their daily bread.
　Many of the villagers were industrious, but the village was poor.
　Nevertheless, there was peace in the village.
　The villagers believed that today would be the same as yesterday, and that tomorrow would be the same as today.
　But the illusions the villagers held were shattered.
　Suddenly, a roaring sound occurred and shook the entire village.
　The villagers panicked and ran out of their homes.

"Gee, the humans are coming out of the woodwork and they're coming out of the woodwork! (BUMO!)
"Dinner is served!　We're hungry! (GASPS!)
b*tc*, let me out!　Sell high! (Gah!)

　A vicious minotaur and two werewolves, who seemed to be henchmen, were waiting for the villagers.
　The villagers could not contain their fear.
　The minotaur was covered in thick muscle armor and wielded a log-like club with one hand with ease.
　The two werewolves gave off a three-service-like vibe, but their toned bodies told him that they weren't just three-servants.

'Oh, oh!　You can have the food!　Please, please, please don't let anyone in the village get to you!

　The village chief, emaciated and emaciated as a dead tree, knelt down and begged the minotaur for mercy.
　The village has its own weapons.
　But the minotaurs were wearing an air that only robbed them of the will to fight.

''Then give us some food, quickly! (BUMO!)
I'll take it all out! (GASP!)
Pile them in the middle of the village! (GASP!)
Forgive me. This village is poor. If we are deprived of all our food, we will not be able to survive.

　Please, please, please,'' the village chief rubbed his forehead against the ground.

''I........it's none of our business! (Bummo!)
We don't know! (GASP!)
"Food, food! (GASP!)

　Oh, God. Save us, the chief prayed.
　But the chief knew.
　But the chief knew that God had never come to their rescue before.
　The Temple, God's representative, has no intention of helping them.
　Just when resignation was about to take over the village chief's mind.

That's enough, sir!

　A woman's voice rang out.

'Dude, where are you?!' (BUMO!)

　The minotaur and the two werewolves scurried around.

'So much for the violent wolfing of the innocent!
"Master on the roof! (GASP!)
People! (GASP!)

　The two werewolves pointed with their fingers, and a woman was standing at the end of it.
　The woman was dressed in a jet-black outfit and covered the upper half of her face with a jet-black mask, perhaps to hide her identity.

''Wha, what is this?!'' (BUMO!)
"You will not have a name to call yourself, sir!　Toh-oh!

　The woman landed on the ground with an impressive leap.
　Then four men and women ran up to the woman from the shadows of the building.
　The four men and women were dressed in red, white, green and yellow costumes respectively.
　The man in the red costume was a shipwright.

''Wha, what is this?!'' (BUMO!)

　When Minotaur asked again, the man in the red costume retreated as if he were frightened and looked to his companions for help.
　'Name, name, name,' said the four companions, hurrying the man in the red costume.

'Wha, my, my name is, well, Red Knight.

　The man in the red costume........Red Knight's voice was reduced to a hipscratch.
　Just then, a small pebble flew at Red Knight's feet.
　Red Knight stared at the shadows of the building.

"Oh, I am the Knight on Fire!　Red Knight!

　The Red Knight came forward in a loud voice that could only be described as desperation, and thrust his left arm up.
　Shugor, a red light rises from the Red Knight.

''I am the Knight of Light!　White Knight!
"Knight of the Wind!　Green Knight!
And this is the earth priest the Yellow Priest.

　Three people dressed in white, green and yellow earth costumes came forward one by one, posing around the Red Knight.
　The white and green light rose up, but the yellow light did not.

''Dark Knight!　It is the Dark Knight!　The Sixth God Squadron!　Night Ranger! It is!

　The red, white and green shone even stronger as the Dark Knight came forward.
　It was a sticky darkness rising from the Dark Knight, though.

''Hey, you're a Night Ranger?'' (Bum?)
"The Knight Ranger is a knight under the protection of the Six Pillar God!　Our main mission is to go beyond the confines of The Temple and engage in vigilante activity!　So, leyed!　It is a night bazooka!
What?

　With that, Red Knight took out a stack of papers.
　The Red Knight dexterously rolled up the pages with one hand and indicated a section of the page to the Dark Knight.

'Momentum is important in these things!
Okay, okay. Let's get ready.

　White Knight carried something tubular in a large eight-wheeler.
　All four of them, except the Red Knight, carried it, all decked out in decorations.

'God give me strength.

　Red, white and green light and sticky darkness rise up.

Night Bazooka, it's a shoot!

　Red, white, and green light and sticky darkness were released from the night bazooka.

''Guhya~! (BUMO!)

　The minotaur screamed far before the light and darkness collided.
　Red, white, green, blue, dark, yellow ... six colors of light blasted out of the Minotaur's body.
The Minotaur fell down.

''Master!'' (GASP!)
Boys, I remember! (GASP!)

　The two werewolves carried the minotaur and staggered out of the village.

'Pull out. We'll be back in a minute.
Aren't you General Ignis?

　The village chief called out to the Red Knight.
　When it came to the man who was blessed with the blessing of the ship arm, the 'Crimson and God of Destruction', Ignis was the only one the village chief could think of.

''No!　I'm a Red Knight!　I'm not Ignis or anything else!

　The Red Knight ran out to get away.

*

　Crono greeted his second-in-command, White and Hiilo with a smile as they returned to the boxcarriage.

'No! Mino-san, Shiloh and Hiilo, that was a great performance!
"Why is it good like that? (Bum?)

　The second in command took out a magic item that he had planted in his clothing.
　The magic item is a thing that only emits six colored flashes of light.

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

　The second in command didn't seem to be full of it, but White and Hiilo were silent.
　Both of them are surprisingly naïve in some ways, so they need to follow up.

''White, Hiilo, that was good.
"We're the enemy.
"Sad.
'No, the antagonist is important. They're super important. They're indispensable to the story. The story wouldn't be complete without the antagonist.

　Crono encouraged a sullen White and Hiilo.
　It was then that Ignis and the others returned.
　Ignis got into the carriage and slumped back into his seat.
　I'm sure you'll be able to see that I'm not the only one who has had a lot of fun.

''It was fun, wasn't it!
"Faye was in a groove. I'm tired of it.
I'm tired, too.

　Faye is in good spirits for nothing.
　Rio and Theon seem confused by the unfamiliar skits, but they don't seem as worn out as Ignis.

''Crono-dono?''
What is it?

　Crono straightened up when Leonhardt approached him.

''........If we're going to call ourselves the Six God Squadron, shouldn't there be six of us?''
The sixth will join us later.

　Hmmm, Leonhard nodded and took out a stack of paper ... a script.

'How is it that your team's name is Night Ranger and you have a Priest?
The Night Ranger was just a fling, so there's no deeper meaning to it.
"And about the theme song, 'Go! Go! Night Ranger'... Earth's in trouble!　Go, go, go!　Effen Effen!　And after a coughing fit, why is it blank?
I was trying to write a lyric that sounded like it, but it just fell apart in the middle.

　Crono replied to Leonhardt, who read the lyrics nonchalantly.

'And how about carrying the Night Bazooka in a big eighteen-wheeler?'
What about converting a night bazooka into a disassembled version?
'That doesn't sound too bad, but it won't be able to be modified quickly. It would be a shame if an amateur messes with it poorly and breaks it. Shouldn't the main focus here be on sword fights?

　Leonhardt tapped the sheath of the sword he carried from his waist.
　Leonhardt's weapon... or rather, the Night Ranger's weapon was a namakaze with a crushed blade.
　The log the deputy was holding in his hand was also a hollowed out hurricane with its contents hollowed out.


You're not done.

　Ignis said disgustedly.

'This is all about gaining ground to win the people over. The skits and soup kitchens will win the people over to our side, while the trade will win the merchants and lords of the surrounding areas over to our side.

　'Not only that, though,' Crono added in his mind.

'What good are these people who roll with the profits?'
'It's useful in its own way, I'm sure. You don't have to be on our side, just enough to be neutral.

　Ignis doesn't look amused.
　Well, it's not hard to understand the feeling.
　For Ignis, who was forced to fight with a limited hand, Crono was a cheat bastard for pulling a hand from his territory.

''So, what about the letters to the merchants and lords in the vicinity?''
'Yeah, I wrote to the guys I'm familiar with as you asked.
'It would be nice if you could advertise that if you're friendly with General Ignis, you can get a deal in the market!

　Crono gave him a big smile and Ignis let out a sigh.

*

　When Ignis returned to the mansion, he retreated to his room without bathing in the hot water or eating.
　He plopped down on his desk and held his head up.
　He had to do three skits after that.
　How could Dark Nai....no, Faye be able to act like that without shame?
　That would be a clown.
　Isn't he proud to be a knight, Ignis grunted.
　I can stand to borrow the power of the Cepheus Empire.
　I can endure borrowing the power of my former enemy (Crono) and treating him with civility.
　But I find it painful to act as the leader of the clowns.

'Oh, are you getting rough?'
...the old lady.

　Ignis looked up and stared at the hag - or as Crono called her, the priestess - and stared at the hag.
　The hag is wearing a dress that Ignis has prepared for her.

'Hooray, if you have a problem, I'll listen to you.
...actually.
'I am the Knight of Fire, Red Knight! Did you?

　Buhhhh, the old lady let out a vulgar laugh.
　Ignis gritted his teeth.
　What was embarrassing was the fact that someone he knew had seen him acting as a clown leader.

'I don't understand why you would willingly do something so embarrassing.
That's stupid.

　When Ignis accused Faye, the hag smiled pityingly.

'Stupid?'
Why do you think that little boy has the wherewithal to do that?
What?

　Ignis nearly rose from his chair, barely restraining himself.
　She repeated the deep breath and regained her composure.
　Surely the old lady was right, Ignis reminded himself.
　Come to think of it, Ignis had been boiled by Crono a number of times.
　First of all, it was a woman named Elaine.
　She is well educated and skilled in the art of negotiation.
　Since she's following such a woman, Crono should be considered to have a reasonable amount of ability.
　That's not all.
　Both Leonhardt and Rio seemed to be standing up for Crono.
　The priest of the "Ocher Temple" also seemed to be paying attention to Crono.
　I'm an idiot. Why couldn't I think that the Fae were so enthralled that they would put Crono's orders ahead of a knight's pride, Ignis was ashamed of his own shallowness.

'You're right, hag. I was foolish.'
Well, Faye's an astute student, but she's a natural.
Old lady!

　Ignis stood up and swung his left hand down to the desk.

'Oh. What's the matter with you, so loudly?　Drink a cup of tea and calm down.

　Ignis sat down in a chair, wondering if it was not mature enough for him to be a quirk.

'Ignis, there's no tea.'
You make it, old lady!

　Ignis shouted again.

'Enough. What kind of man is Crono in the eyes of the old lady?'
Your passionate embrace will drive me crazy.

　The hag hugged herself and cranked her body fanatically.

'Go home, old lady,'
Where do you want me to go?
It's my temple!
I don't want to go back to the temple!

　'Tsk,' said Ignis, clicking his tongue.

'That reaction is hurtful. Well, so much for the joke.....Isn't that boy generally a good person?
The good guys?　After you torture my men to death?
That's because they were the enemy. What this country is doing to the sub-humans is far worse than what they're doing to us.

　Ignis shushed him.
　If you ask me, we are both enemies.
　This one also tortured a prisoner to get information, so it doesn't make sense to blame only Crono.

If you don't like the reputation of being a good guy, then you're a good guy there, a bad guy there, an honest guy there, a calculating guy there, and extraordinary ideas are popping up, but you don't have the ability and experience to make them happen. In short, an ordinary young man.
That's a terrible assessment.

　I'm pretty good at losing to a man like that, Ignis chuckled.