*

You guys ready to go?　Like!

　The elven woman screamed, and yeesh!　And her men thrust out their fists.
　Ew~, Duran moaned like a morning hungover and thrust his fist out without effort.
　Duran's companions also thrust their fists out without power.
　Why are they doing this?　Duran looked up to the heavens.
　The blue sky was visible through the gap between the overlapping branches.
　The East-West Road connecting the Free City States and the Holy Argo Kingdom, the sky looking up from the intervening road was narrow.
　Why are we doing this?　Duran asked himself again.
　The answer is out.
　For the sake of his title, for the sake of his career, for the sake of a brighter future with Angier.
　Duran looked at his wrist - the ring woven from Angier's hair - and tried to rouse himself.
　But Duran couldn't rouse himself.
　He knew why.
　It was because the commander was an elven woman.
　It seemed like a poor quality joke to come all the way from the imperial capital and be commanded by an elf woman.
　If the elf woman was incompetent with this, I could have let her quit as commander, but the elf woman was more capable than Duran, who was quickly organizing four or five subordinates in the imperial capital.
　For example, her understanding of strategy.
　Duran thought his role was to disguise himself as a bandit, kill the merchants and take their cargo.
　But the elven woman told him that their role was to load the flow of gold and goods.
　So, she also said, it would be enough to take a percentage of the gold and stuff.

'And you're not very loud!　Like our job is to spook the merchants and drive them to the ambush team!　Like that doesn't even freak out the things that freak you out!

　The elven woman had split the squad into two.
　The team that Duran belonged to would be responsible for driving the merchants through the East-West Road and the other team would be responsible for ambushing them.

''Bastards, are you ready?　Like!

　Yeah!　'Oh!' cried Duran, half in desperation.

'Like I don't kill you, I don't rape you ... like I'm taking a little baggage and money!

　With that, the Elf woman turned her head.



　How's the economy?　And Crono greets the owner of the stall and heads to the only eatery and tavern in the city, buying merchandise at random.
　Crono is not wearing a military uniform, but everyday clothes.
　The cafeteria-cum-tavern is located in the south of the city.
　Sometimes vomit would be splattered right in front of the restaurant, but fortunately today it wasn't there.
　Crono entered the diner through the open door and sat down at the counter.
　The restaurant was dimly lit, and a miscellaneous smell wafted through the air.
　Since this diner and tavern focuses on nighttime business, the daytime counter is Crono's reserved seat.
　However, I can't expect service at this time of day.
　After a while, there was a creaking sound on the stairs.
　When Crono turned around, he saw a woman coming down from the second floor.

'Oh, hi,'

　
　Mirei is the diner and tavern's female warden.
　Her face is well-groomed there, but she is always brusque, probably because of the wrong time of day.
　Her long brown hair is in a sleeping habit and her clothes are disheveled.

'Yes, please,'
....

　Mirei placed the cup on the counter, with a great lack of movement.
　Crono took the cup with a chipped rim to his mouth and sipped the warm incense tea.

''Hmm~ Is it okay if I have some leftovers from last night?''
Whatever.
Okay, yes.

　Crono caught the bread that Mirei threw.
　The bread was hard and grayish on the inside.
　This bread was a mixture of many things.
　Crono placed a few copper coins on the counter and a bracelet woven from brightly colored yarn he'd bought at the stall.

'A gift?'
Well, sort of.

　Milay wrapped the bracelet around her wrist, looking a little pleased.

'Maybe you're trying to hit on me?'
'I needed to do some shopping to get to know the people in town. Well, just think of it as sharing.

　'Sharing,' said Milay, looking at the bracelet.

'Why do you have to get along with the town's people?
I need someone to talk to.
'Oh, maybe General Ignis isn't the type to smile and banter. But then again, so is he to his relatives.

　The reason Crono wants to befriend the city's residents is to gather information.
　It's the same reason why he uses the cafeteria-cum-tavern.
　Incidentally, 'Relatives of Ignis' is a title that keeps people from getting suspicious.

''Do you have any interesting stories to tell?''
I don't know if it's funny, but it's like the bandits are on the East-West Road.

　Hmm, Crono nodded.
　It seems that the separate workforce is doing its job.
　However, it's hard to tell if they're doing their job well just by listening to Milay.

''Yes, soup.''

　Milay put the plate on the counter.
　The plate was a soup of scrap vegetables and sliced sausage.
　Crono brought the soup to his mouth.
　The food served in Ignis' mansion was reasonably good, but this soup was not salty enough.
　They must be saving the salt because the price of salt jumps up by the time it is brought to Ignis' estate.
　Crono nodded repeatedly, saying that one dish could tell you a lot, right?
　Crono ate slowly, gathering information as he ate.

'If you come in at night, I'll serve you, though?
I don't like to drink, and Father Ignis was too picky.

　Crono cowered his shoulders and left the diner and tavern.

*

　Crono retraced his steps the way he came and returned to Ignis's mansion.
　The development of the sales network seemed to be going well, as he rubbed up against a cart on the way.
　The sound of wooden swords being struck together could be heard from the gardens.
　Crono stitched his way through the overgrown trees to the source of the sound.
　His vision widened rapidly.
　He came to an open area of the garden.
　There, Faye and Leonhardt were meeting their wooden swords.
　Rio was sitting at a little distance away.

''Well Crono, how did you gather information?''
It's like a separate team getting the job done.
You don't look very happy for it, do you?
I knew it would hurt to have no way to contact them. I'm sure Aridid and Deneb would be more than willing to do our bidding.

　In a situation where there's no way to contact them, Aridid and Deneb are the only people you can count on.
　Alideed and Deneb may be stupid in their normal speech and behavior, but they will act as officers.

'What about you?'
I've been practicing my sword since morning. I have my own ideas about what I can do with a sword, but they are exceptional.

　Hmmm, Crono made an appropriate phase and turned his attention to Faye and Leonhardt.
　Faye and Leonhardt are hitting each other's wooden swords together with great speed.
　It's a speed that makes me think that both of them are moving with a prediction of the future.

''Well?''
From what I see, Faye's a little outnumbered.

　Crono didn't know which of them had the upper hand even after Rio's explanation.
　The only thing he could understand was that both Fay and Leonhardt were on a different level of ability than Crono.

''What about the reversal?''
'It's almost a pure swordfight.

　In other words, it's impossible for Faye to reverse the situation.
　Even if Faye tried to turn the tables with tactics and chicanery, it seems like Leonhardt would be able to handle it without a care in the world.

''But it looks like you two are having fun~''

　As if to say that Faye can't stand it, Leonhardt has a thin smile on his face.

''Isn't it the joy of meeting someone as good as me?
Is that how it works?
That's the way it is.

　Rio nodded in translation.

'Yeah, it's about to end.'

　Right after Rio said it, Faye swung the wooden sword down.
　Leonhardt closed the distance as he slid down the side of the wooden sword and thrust the tip of the wooden sword into Fay's neck.

''I'm saddened.''
Hmm, I've never been in a situation where I've been pushed so hard before.

　Leonhard retreated from his wooden sword and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his clothes.

''You look happy, aren't you?''
My dream was to fight with Leonhardt side by side in a gag. I am very happy to have this dream come true and to be able to have a swordfight with him.

　When Crono asked, Faye put her hand on her chest and closed her eyes as if she were biting down on her joy.

''Hmm, was it your dream to join the First Kingsguard Order?
Stop!　No pulling out!

　Crono slid on the ground with a zuzaar, interrupting between Faye and Leonhardt.

''Crono, if you're thinking about the well-being of your men, shouldn't you be willing to send them off?
Ugh!

　Crono grunted at Rio's words.
　Rio was right.
　It might be happier for Faye to be transferred to the First Kingsguard than to be in the Thirteenth Kingsguard, where she was being treated differently.
　Crono looked at Faye.

''........Faye.
What is it, sir?
Well, if the Fae want to transfer to the First Kingsguard, I'll be happy to send them off.

　Crono said in a trembling voice.

'It's a terribly skinny thing to do, isn't it?
'Of course!　You know how much time and effort Kane and I put into raising Faye!　And a steeplechase kidnaps it!

　Crono called out.
　When they met, Faye was a swordsmanship fool.
　How carefully do you think he raised Faye, who was dragged along by Kane in guarding the streets and was beaten to full height by the bandits?

''Oh, my dear, Leonhard!　d*mn it!　Curse on that name!

　A curse escaped Crono's mouth.
　Crono clasped his hands together and prayed.

'That's great evil. Something is really going to come out of it.'
I'm pretty sure an ordinary demon could put him down.

　The trees in the garden rustled, and Rio and Leonhardt reached for the sword at their waists in alarm.

Hey, hey...!
You sent for me!
I'm not calling you!　Go home!

　Crono shouted at the priestess as he jumped out of the bushes.

'You called me out and what a mouthful!

　The priest booed and went back to the bushes where he came out.

'd*mn, I prayed so hard and only the priest came out.

　Funny. I felt like I could summon a fantasy evil god in Cosmic.

''Lord Leonhardt, can you defeat that thing?''
I don't think that thing is ordinary or demonic.

　Rio and Leonhardt exhaled in relief.

''Crono-sama, you don't need to worry so much. It was a long time ago that I wanted to gag and fight with Lord Leonhardt.''
There's something sad about being dismissed as an old story, though.

　Leonhardt said sincerely.

'I am truly sorry, sir. However, all I want now is to work for Master Crono.
Thank you, Faye.

　Crono remained on his knees and clung to Faye.

''Well it's kind of a moment where I can understand how people say things like, 'He has to be without me.'

　Faye made a subtle expression.

*

Huh, I'm really tired. It really is a lot of work to negotiate.

　When Crono opened the front door, Elaine approached, complaining.
　Since she even bothered to mention such a thing, the preparations for the wholesale market.......the negotiations with the merchants and nobles of the Holy Argo Kingdom must be going well.
　Faye, Rio and Leonhard-dono didn't want to hear Elaine-san's sarcasm, so weren't they practicing their swordplay in the garden?　And Crono thought of his companions who were still training in the garden for swordplay.

''But the distribution network I worked so hard to create will be successfully used by my peers, won't it? In total, don't you think it's a loss?

　You think it's a loss, don't you?　And Elaine drooped to Crono.

'So maybe you could lower the price of salt a bit?
'Oh!　Little Father Ignis!
"Who's my uncle?

　Crono called out, and Ignis ran up to Crono with tremendous speed.

'Ah, no, you were set up as my, distant relative.

　Ignis coughed to regain his composure.

'You're back at last, you grain-crusher. Shame on you for not doing your job and walking around aimlessly.'
You're talking about breaking bread.
'I'm going to call even my own children grainy when they grow up to be grainy. No, I'm going to throw them out of the house before they do.

　'I really think I'm going to do it,' said Crono, looking at Ignis, who looked good at it.

'So, what do you want?'
When you are able to successfully host the market, what is Elaine's reward?
"The market shovel fee... or was it the entry fee?　for ten years.

　When Crono turned his gaze to look at her, Elaine turned her gaze away from Crono.
　Elaine turned her head away as she tried to get around to view.

'Elaine, Elaine Sinner. I hear you're losing money in total?''
'Oh, my God, did I say that?　My head hurts a bit, so I'm going to lie down.

　Crono looked away at Elaine, who deliberately pressed her temples.

'Did you get seduced into waiving a decade's worth of entry fees or something?
'It's an entry fee in a market that may not last a decade. It's not something to be regretted. If it's going to last ten years, Elaine is the biggest contributor. In fact, it's rather cheap.

　Ignis replied to Crono's flippant comment in an irritated tone.

'Hey, do you have time?'
I have.
Let's move on.

　With that, Ignis started to walk away.
　Crono maintained a certain distance and followed Ignis.
　Ignis entered a room on the third floor - a study or perhaps an office - and sat down in his chair.
　He rested his elbows on the armrests and poked his cheekbones.
　He looks sullen.

'This is the first time I've ever talked to you like this, isn't it?
That's because I didn't want to be alone with you. To save our lives.

　An awkward silence descends.
　It's not surprising.
　Crono and Ignis were enemies.
　Even now, they can't be considered allies.

''I'm not going to try to kill you.
Thank you.

　Crono couldn't read Ignis' intentions and answered vaguely.

'If I kill you now, there is no cause there. It's merely self-satisfaction.''

　He's not a bad person, Crono thought.
　Ignis may be upright, but he's not a bad person.
　Rather, he's likeable.
　If they had met in a different way, they could have been friends.
　But Crono remembers.
　How could he forget the moment when Ignis burned an elven woman to death, the moment his men were blown up by Ignis' divine magic?
　That's why the story ends here.
　Crono and Ignis have killed too much to let it all go by the wayside.
　Crono and Ignis can't be friends, they can't be friends.

'I'll cooperate as long as the situation allows.

　Do you think we're being pestered?　No. Checking where you stand?　And Crono left Ignis' room.

*

　Now, where is Mr. Theon?　And Crono walked around Ignis' mansion in a dusty manner and found Sion in the ground floor living room.
　Sion was sitting on a faded sofa, reading a book.

'Mr. Sion, are you free?'
'What?　Well, I'm sorry.

　Theon's shoulders slumped apologetically.
　Maybe he felt he was being accused.

'Well, never mind. It's my fault that Sion-san is bored.'
It makes me feel a little better to hear that.

　Zion doesn't seem to have anything in common with anyone else, so I guess I should have paid attention.　And Crono sat down next to Sion.

'You have a lot on your mind when you do this.
'Oh, yeah, yeah,'

　Crono ministered.

''Like ... my dead father,''

　It's heavy!　Crono barely managed to keep from plunging in.

'Have you thought of anything else?'
God.

　It's getting heavier!　Crono almost put his head in his hands.

'I've been trying in my own way, but I'm wondering when I'll be able to make peace with God.

　Ugu, Crono grunted.
　I'm sure Sion is in a fight with God right now.
　Otherwise, Crono told Sion, God gave him time to cool down.
　That was two years ago.

'Have I not been able to look at my feelings yet?

　Crono also said that if Sion-san could look at his feelings firmly and make peace with God, he would be able to use even the Divine Authority Technique.
　Two years ago, Crono was desperate to encourage Sion, but he didn't think that the problem would not be solved for two years.
　Sion has even lost his confidence, Crono thought.
　Right now, Sion isn't sure of his own righteousness.
　If he had been able to use the Divine Majesty Technique again, Theon would have been able to believe that the path he had chosen was not wrong.
　To Sion, being able to use the Divine Majesty Technique is synonymous with being approved by God.
　Crono tightened his grip on the necklace.
　I have words to say to Sion.
　But even if Crono admonishes him, I have a feeling that Sion won't realize the meaning of the words.

''I don't think what Sion-san has done so far is wrong.
Is that right?

　Crono looked at Zion, like a super-negative person or like a child who had been separated from his parents.
　I hope this strategy doesn't have a bad effect on Sion-san, Crono thought now, and got up from the sofa.