*

　Albus watches the proceedings of the Pre-Orthodox Council.
　The Pre-Orthodox Council is taking place in the castle's chambers.
　King Magnus is seated at the top of the long table, The Temple is on King Magnus' left hand side, and the generals, including Ignis, are seated on King Magnus' right hand side.
　You've aged a lot, says Albus, catching King Magnus in the corner of his vision.
　King Magnus's hair and beard have been dyed white.
　His eyes have an intelligent glint in them, but they are not as sharp as they once were.
　No hero and no wise man is immune to old age.
　Two years ago, King Magnus invaded the Cepheus Empire because he was aware of his old age.
　If King Magnus had fully demonstrated his abilities, the Crown Prince Regulus would have had a strong say in the matter.
　In any organization, the words of those with no achievements tend to be taken lightly and those with achievements tend to be taken seriously.
　It is no different in a nation.
　The fact that they had won a victory over an enemy nation and occupied territory, even if only in part, could be enough of an achievement to silence the High Priestess.
　However, the Crown Prince of Regulus was defeated.
　He had been defeated by an enemy of only 1,000 men while leading 10,000 men.
　Albus believed that King Magnus was responsible for the Dauphin Regulus' defeat.
　He said that his impatience with the little time left, and his trust in the Crown Prince Regulus and Ignis had led King Magnus to misjudge him.
　Right now, he should pay more attention to General Ignis than King Magnus, and Albus was conscious of Ignis' words and actions.
　This pre-King's meeting was intended to be a check on Ignis.
　Not now.
　Albus's purpose has switched to exploring Crono's movements through Ignis.
　Albus was generally aware of the events in the city of Carina and the events that followed.
　Information could be obtained by listening to the congregation and the young priests.
　I've heard that there is a growing dissatisfaction with the 'temple' around the city of Carina.
　It's good if it's only a complaint, but at worst, we have to consider the possibility of burning down the temple," said Albus, maintaining a gentle smile.
　Out of the corner of his eye, Albus catches the High Priestess of the 'Blue Temple', Leum, out of the corner of his eye.
　Leum hasn't opened his mouth once since he came to the chamber.
　It was an afterthought.
　That would be the common thought of all the High Priests, except for Leum.
　Leum was in too much of a hurry for merit.
　General Aqua should have let him focus on spying.
　If he had done so, he might have been able to grasp Crono's intentions.
　As long as he had scattered prints criticizing the 'Temple', Crono's goal was undoubtedly to disrupt the kingdom.
　But even if the people's discontent is fomented, the area where the burning will take place should be limited, said Albus, his eyes downcast.
　The burning of the 'Temple' has taken place many times in the past.
　All of them were caused by people who could no longer bear the brutality of the priests.
　However, the scale of the damage is not large.
　It's just that the arrogant priest was hung up and the temple that was involved was burned.
　There will certainly be confusion. But it wasn't hard to find the drop-off point, Albus wasn't sure if he was really right while analyzing it.
　No, he was unsure.
　Let's think again. General Ignis, trade routes, soup kitchens..., and Albus shuddered at the conclusions he drew from the factors that seemed to be relevant to this case.
　If allowed, Albus would have abused Leum.
　Leum had given Crono the opportunity to make a move.

'I believe the slaughter of the sub-humans should be stopped and they should be deported. What do you think, Lord Albus?

　Albus looked up when Ignis asked him a question.
　It was an unexpected helper.
　Maybe Ignis didn't understand what Crono really meant.
　Albus struggled to think.
　He had no choice but to nod at Ignis's words.
　But if Ignis' suggestion was Crono's instruction, what was he intending to do?
　I can't read it.
　I can't read it, but if I don't nod, Albus will be ruined.

''I agree with General Ignis' proposal.

　Albus said, and Ignis' eyes widened in surprise.
　Albus didn't have the time to be concerned about Ignis.
　He must order the Inquisitor to end the meeting as soon as possible and eliminate the bandits on the East-West Road as soon as possible.
　How much sense would it make to move now?　But the bandits must be eliminated and the value of the 'Temple' must be shown.
　The option to remain silent was already lost.

*

　You went along with my offer so easily, didn't you?　And Ignis climbed the steps of the castle wall, wondering about Albus's attitude.
　As Ignis climbed the stairs, a strong wind blew in from the lake.
　After a short walk, he saw a figure.
　The figure's identity was Crown Prince Regulus.
　The Crown Prince Regulus would be eighteen years old this year.
　He was taller than the average man, but his body lines were thin.
　His hair is long enough to touch his shoulders, and his eyes have a gentle yet intelligent light in them.
　The appearance of Prince Regulus is perfect for a crown prince.
　A scholar, or even a priest, would be no problem.
　But as the next king, I must say that he is unreliable.
　Even from the point of view of Ignis, who knows the talents of the Dauphin of Regulus.
　The Crown Prince Regulus leaned against the castle walls and stared out at the lake.
　Ignis repeatedly complained that the top of the ramparts was dangerous and physically uncomfortable, but the Dauphin of Regulus would not listen.
　Eventually, Ignis gave up trying to persuade the Crown Prince of Regulus.
　Ignis stopped and stared at the profile of the Crown Prince Regulus.
　Crown Prince Regulus' skin was morbidly pale.
　The emotional scars he had suffered two years ago and the remorse he felt for causing the death of his subordinates must still be tormenting the Crown Prince Regulus.
　Those who do not speak out say that the Crown Prince Regulus is a softling.
　Others say he is a coward who has lost the will to fight after just one defeat.
　But Ignis felt that the Crown Prince of Regulus had grown up.
　Two years ago, the crown prince of Regulus had a slight sense of pride.
　The defeat two years ago had removed the pride that lurked in the heart of the Prince of Regulus.
　The Crown Prince of Regulus seemed to notice Ignis and slowly turned around.

'Hi, Ignis.'
Your highness, the wind in the lake can be a pain in the ass.

　Ignis said as he reminisced about the old days, and what fun he was having, the Crown Prince of Regulus chuckled.
　When Prince Regulus finished laughing, he leaned back against the city wall.

''Ignis, it looks like trade is going well.
....

　Ignis shushed him.
　This operation was known only to King Magnus and a limited number of people.
　Crown Prince Regulus was not one of those limited people.
　He should be.

'Don't look so surprised. I have ears, too. If you listen carefully, you can hear most things you hear.

　Prince Regulus plucked at his ears and said in a theatrical tone.
　It would be strange not to be surprised.
　The Dauphin Regulus does not leave the castle.
　How in the world is he going to gather information?

“Of course, we have our hands. Ignis, do you recognize this print?
No.

　Ignis took the print from the Crown Prince of Regulus and shook his head.
　It's a print of a giant priest eating people.
　He must be accusing the priest of preying on the people.

'I don't recognize it, but I have an idea.
Ignis, how did the meeting go?

　Ignis was puzzled as to why the Crown Prince Regulus would ask such a question.

'We gave him one request, but it wasn't a fruitful meeting. It was just harassment.'
Really?

　Ignis almost nodded and quickly reconsidered.
　Albus seemed to be strangely wary of Ignis.
　It was strange that he had swallowed Ignis's suggestion so easily, and that he had walked out of the chamber without greeting her when the meeting was over.

'I see that Albus has realized the true intentions of the Empire and of Crono.
What was the Crono's real intention?

　Ignis knows what the Empire is really up to.
　The Empire is trying to disrupt the kingdom.
　That's what King Magnus has factored in.
　That's why King Magnus was trying to drive Crono and the others back when he was able to counter the 'Temple'.

'Crono is trying to create a god.
Are you crazy?

　Ignis's words were directed at Prince Regulus.
　The Crown Prince Regulus gave a bitter smile.

'There is a misunderstanding. What Crono is trying to create is a new god. Yes, a god who wants people to share in the bounty of the earth. ─ This new god cannot be driven out, as long as the people want him to be. As long as the people want him to be.
.....

　Ignis gasped at the words of Crown Prince Regulus.
　Because he imagined the future of a kingdom divided into camps of old gods and new gods, fighting each other.

'If only we knew that!
I did. I spoke to your father about it a lot.

　Does that mean King Magnus wasn't listening?
　Or that he was confident that he could contain the chaos brought on by Crono?

'What a man,'

　Ignis spat.
　Crono is outside the norm.
　The same is true when the Empire invaded.
　Crono conducted a night raid with impunity, calling it a one-on-one battle, while tricking us into a deception.

''There's still a lot left for us to do.
What's a hand?
'Ignis, you will unite those who want new gods faster than Crono.
But will he allow it?

　Prince Regulus nodded at Ignis' question.

'I think Crono is lost,'
Are you lost?

　Ignis asked back.

'You invite sub-humans into your domain because you're lost. And the timing of scattering the prints is too soon.'

　Prince Regulus looked at Ignis.

'Come on, go. We can make it now.
"As you wish.

　Ignis turned his back on the Crown Prince Regulus and started to run.

*

You guys ready to go?　Like!
Yeah, yeah, yeah!

　Duran responded to Alideed's soundtrack with a loud enough voice to make his throat ache.
　I'm not embarrassed.
　Arididid's men weren't embarrassed, and neither was Bruno.
　He should be ashamed to respond in a small voice, Duran thought.
　Well, I'd say he was dyed in the wool, too.
　What, well, it's amazing, Duran said, stealing a glance at Alideed as he stroked the neck of his beloved horse.
　Alideed........his sister Deneb and their men are awesome guys.
　Aridided and Deneb have perfect abilities as commanders, and their experience as soldiers allows them to pay attention to detail.
　When Aridid and Deneb take the cargo from the merchants, they give priority to taking food and serving it to their men.
　And alcohol.
　If I had to pick up a problem with Arididid and Deneb, it would be that they are extracting a mysterious liquid from the excess alcohol.
　Her men are so good that Duran would want to have them as his subordinates when he becomes commander.
　That's not all, Duran thinks.
　They all have a tragic past.
　And yet, they are positive.
　The half-elf cavalryman was studying under Aridid and Deneb.
　Studying is an investment in the future, Duran believes.
　In other words, Crono makes his men believe that their efforts for the future will not be in vain.
　So Crono wasn't educated in martial arts, he was educated that way?　I knew my dad was a hero, though. If that's the case, Crono's dad is an order of magnitude bumpkin, Duran was in awe of Crono's father, who he'd never met.
　It's not just swordsmanship, right? You're missing everything, Duran looked down at his hands.

'Like I won't kill you this time, I won't rape you, and I'll take a little bit of your baggage and money!

　Ariddead circled his horse's neck and Duran drove his horse.
　Duran and his men entered the East-West Highway from the intervening road and drove the wagons away.
　Duran and his men drove the wagons away, while a separate force, led by Deneb, blocked the wagons' path.
　It was a simple strategy, but surprisingly effective.
　There was little resistance from the merchants.
　Thanks to the policy of not rape, not kill, and take a little cargo and money.

'What is it?'

　Duran narrowed his eyes.
　A figure dressed in pure white clothing - probably a priest from the 'Pure White Temple' - was standing in the middle of the street.
　A wagon passed by the priest's side.

''Oh no!　Like, scatter!

　Alideed shouted.
　Arididid and her men scattered left and right without hesitation.
　Both sides of the road were wastelands covered with waist-high grass.
　The horses might hurt their legs.
　Such thoughts delayed Duran and the others.
　Something wet Duran's face.
　When Duran hurriedly wiped his face, his hands were stained red.
　Blood.
　The man in front of him was sprawled out on his horse.
　No face.
　No, maybe there was one, but his face was a mess, as if it had been crushed.
　Duran swallowed a scream and pulled hard on the reins.
　A white light passed by Duran's ear.
　The next moment, there was a scream.
　And the heavy sound of something falling.



　Duran exclaimed.
　Light.
　A white light painted his vision.
　Light bullets rained down on Duran and the others like a sideways rain.
　A sense of buoyancy enveloped Duran.
　He was swung down from his horse.
　Oh, d*mn it, Angel, and the memories of Angel passed through Duran's mind.
　For some reason, all that passed through his mind was what happened in bed.
　The shock hit Duran.
　Duran rolled on the ground several times before finally stopping.
　Duran picked himself up, fighting back the nausea, and reflexively turned around.
　His companions were dead.
　In terms of numbers, there were more living companions.
　But Duran couldn't take his eyes off his dead companions.
　There were comrades who died with their faces crushed.
　Some of his companions had fallen off their horses and were motionless, others had been crushed by horses.
　Duran couldn't believe it.
　Duran had been prepared to die.
　His companions must have been prepared to die, too, on this mission, but they hadn't expected to die so easily.
　He should have believed that a heroic death would color his end.
　Duran's vision fades.
　His breathing becomes ragged with fear.
　When Duran turned around, he saw the Priestess looking down at Duran.
　The Priestess was smiling.
　Even at the moment of ejaculation, he wouldn't smile so ecstatically.
　Such a smile.
　Oh, d*mn it, Duran moaned in a desperate mood.
　The priest had an erection.
　It didn't seem to color Duran's final days as a hero.
　He might be raped after he was killed.
　It felt like a mistake to hope for the possibility that it wouldn't happen.

'Bu, oh!

　A roar rises.
　It was Bruno.
　Bruno closed the distance between him and the priest and swung the sword in its sheath full swing.
　He was caught off guard, and the priest was flung off.
　The priest's feet carved two streaks in the street.
　The priest raised his left arm.
　His left arm was broken at his forearm - his wrist and halfway up his elbow.
　As the priest's smile deepened, a white light enveloped the priest's arm.
　A divine technique.
　The fracture healed instantly, and the Priestess grasped and opened her hand to check her condition.
　Light bullets floated around the Priestess.
　There were more than ten of them, and that alone was enough to kill Duran and Bruno.

"Flamebang!

　Flaming bullets rained down on the priest.
　But the flaming bullets were blocked by an invisible wall.
　The arrows flew in the air.
　
　The priest shook greatly.
　It seems that the impact is not prevented by the invisible wall.
　Duran was dragged into the wasteland.
　Bruno had jumped into the wasteland on the other side from him.

'I'll be hidden in no time!　I want to die, like!
....

　Alideed pushed Duran to the ground.
　What are you going to do, Duran guffawed at the urge to scream out.
　Apparently, Ariddead and her men had abandoned their horses and were hiding in the wasteland.

''Well I'm asking Deneb for backup and...''

　Perhaps sensing Duran's unease, Aridid showed Duran the magic item for communication.

'Like if Deneb comes, we'll get cover and retreat to the forest.

　What if the enemy doesn't dare to take cover?　What if the enemy is also good at white knight combat?　And such a question loomed up in his throat.
　Duran stared at the Priestess through a gap in the grass.
　The light bullets that were floating around the Priestess rose in unison and rained down all at once.
　Duran held his head and frantically bit down on his scream.
　The ground shook with a zun, zun.
　Duran's groin was assaulted by a sensation that could be taken as either tingling or numbness every time the ground shook.

'Run, like!'

　Duran was pulled up by Aridid and guffawed at!　He let out a voice like a crushed frog.

'Run, run!　Like if you don't run, you'll die!

　Duran was kicked in the ass by Aridid and ran towards the forest.
　The surviving comrades were also led by Arididid's men and headed for the forest.
　The figure of the Priestess was visible for a moment.
　The priest was under a concentrated attack.
　The moment the arrows touched the invisible wall where the Priestess was deploying, they scattered flames, shockwaves and lightning.
　It was probably an attack by a magic item.
　As Duran jumped into the forest, Aridid grabbed Duran by the collar and pulled him towards him.
　In the next moment, a blast mixed with sand and stones rushed in.

''......''

　Duran thought he screamed, but the scream didn't reach Duran's ears.

Run, run, and when you run ... like, anyway, run!

　Aridaid grabbed Duran by the collar and started to run.
　Duran ran, tears and snot dripping down his face.
　Duran hid behind a tree and held his head in his hands.
　His crotch was cold.
　He pissed himself.
　No matter how much fighting spirit he had in him, Aridid and her subordinate archers pushed through the gaps where the blast had subsided and fired their arrows.

''Teeeeeeeeeee!　This is why the Divine Majesty Technique!

　Alideed shouts in frustration.
　The attack doesn't look good.

'....d*mn it, that was foul!

　A whine escapes Duran's mouth.
　Our attacks can't get through, but their attacks can get through to us.
　It's like an archer equipped with a perfect defense.
　How do you expect me to defeat such a guy?

''The weaknesses of the Divine Majesty Technique are time and frequency!　Attack!　Attack!　Sometimes, like an evacuation!

　Huh?　And Duran looked up at Ariddead in disbelief.
　Noticing Duran's gaze, Arididid gave a tight smile.
　Alideed's hands were trembling slightly.
　Alideed was also afraid.
　Nevertheless, Arided is acting as a commander.

'It seems to be the end of the world when we give up. If the good guys are waiting for me in my country, then I have to win.
....

　Dylan clutched the ring woven from Angel's hair and nodded widely.
　Before he knew it, the trembling had stopped.

*

"Flamebang!

　Aridid leaps out from behind a tree and shoots his magic at the priest.
　Countless flame bombs were blocked by the priest's unfolding invisible wall, but the flames burned into the leaves and grass on the ground.
　The priest covered his mouth with the sleeve of his clothes.

''Flame-bullet barrage!''

　The elven archers unleash their magic.
　The flaming bullets are blocked by the priest's unfolding invisible wall, just as they were in Aridid, but they spread the flames beneath their feet.
　Even those who can't use magic, including Duran, don't sit back and watch.
　They threw stones, wood.........................anything that could cause damage.
　That priest isn't invincible or the strongest, Duran tightened his grip on the stone.
　Our attacks certainly won't reach them.
　But the smoke is effective.
　Maybe the priest just covered his mouth reflexively, but the accuracy of the attack has been reduced.
　Duran threw a stone and quickly ducked behind a tree.
　Immediately after, the impact shook the tree.
　The light bullets fired by the priestess hit the tree.
　Duran had regained his composure.
　He could understand why Aridid had fled to the forest.
　It was to use the trees as a shield.
　If it was an unshielded place like a city street, where you know the direction of travel, the priest would be the worst opponent.
　However, if it is a place that has a shield, it is not the worst.
　Of course, if you take a direct hit from a lightning bullet, you can't avoid serious injuries, and you can't be too careful with the blast.
　Even so, it's an opponent that can be resisted.
　If Alideed had given up, Duran would have been killed without realizing that he could resist.

'And I'll run!

　Duran followed Aridid's instructions and jumped out from behind a tree.
　A blast of pebbles and pieces of wood mixed with pebbles and debris struck Duran's back.
　Duran pulled the priestess away moderately and jumped into the shadows of the trees.
　Alideed and her subordinates had a lot of experience in actual combat, and they had refined the way of waiting and evading.
　Perhaps they should be commended for the fact that they reconfigured their formation while waiting and evading.
　Duran and the others had formed a formation in an arc around the Priestess.
　
　They repeat this process and move to keep their distance from the priests.
　Duran tightened his grip on the stone and jumped out from behind the tree.
　That's when.
　The stone Bruno threw struck the priest's head.
　The priest reared back.
　An arrow pierces the priest's shoulder.
　Now!　It's now or never!　And Duran threw down the stone and ran towards the priest.
　Duran draws his sword as he runs.

''Bah, fool!''

　Alideed's cursing reached Duran's ears.
　A cold sweat ran down Duran's spine.
　Besides Duran, there are other friends who have jumped out from behind the trees.
　Bruno is one of them.
　Bruno is running ahead of Duran.
　The priests release light bullets.
　There are only a few light bullets.
　A companion is hit by a direct hit of the light bullets and falls down.
　Duran let out a yell to dispel the fear.
　Bruno swung his sword down, but it was blocked by the light shield that the priest deployed in his palm.
　The priest quickly released the light bullets.
　Bruno catches the lightbulb in the abdomen and collapses.
　The priest turned his palm to Duran.
　The flow of time changes to a slow one.
　Death.
　Death is approaching.
　White light gathers in the priest's hands.
　The white glowing particles gather and form a glowing bullet.
　The light bullets are released and the soil erupts.
　Duran is not injured in any way.
　Bruno grabbed the priest's ankle and made him miss his aim.

''Whoa whoa whoa!''

　Duran thrust the cutting edge into the priest's chest as if he were going to hit the body.
　The next moment when Duran was sure of his victory, a light burst out.
　Duran and Bruno were sent flying by the light and rolled on the ground.
　Their bodies were numb and unable to move.
　The priest took one look at Duran and turned himself around.

''Like I don't have to chase you!

　Duran stared at the priest's back as he moved away and let out a deep breath.

* *

　The inquisitor continued west on the street.
　His footsteps are firm, but that was the effect of the divine power technique 'Activation'.
　The Inquisitor would normally not even be able to walk.
　He is forcing his body, which is that exhausted, to move it with the Divine Majesty Technique.
　The regret of not being able to meet God's will is there.
　There is also anger at being made to do this by an inferior subhuman.
　But the Inquisitor thought he should heal his wounds and wait for his next opportunity.
　The Inquisitor collapsed.
　An arrow had pierced his thigh.
　The Inquisitor pulled the arrow out and healed the wound with his divine technique.
　His head hurt like it was cracked open.
　The arrow pierced his shoulder and his side.
　The Inquisitor tried to block the arrows with his Divine Majesty Technique, but he was too worn out.
　The Inquisitor left the street and fled through the wasteland.
　An arrow pierces the Inquisitor mercilessly.
　The Inquisitor laughed like a madman, realizing that he would not get another chance.
　If you don't get a second chance, there is only one thing to do.
　The inquisitor prayed to God.
　An arrow pierced the Inquisitor, but the Inquisitor felt no pain.
　Commune with God more deeply than ever before.
　Oh!　And the Inquisitor burst into tears.
　The Inquisitor was intoxicated by the feeling that his consciousness was spreading everywhere... The Inquisitor left his clothes and disappeared into the air.



　Ignis arrived at the city of Carina after a few days of hard marching.
　The city hadn't changed at all.
　There was no visible change, but the atmosphere of the city was distinctly different.
　It felt dangerous, as if an army was staring at each other.
　Ignis slowly moved his horse forward and noticed that a large number of people had gathered in the square.
　The people gathered in the square were shabbily dressed.

''Master Ignis!''

　Someone shouted, and his gaze fell on Ignis.
　As Ignis dismounted from his horse, one of the men knelt at Ignis' feet.

'What's the gathering?'
Yes, we were gathered to hear the true voice of God.

　Ignis felt dizzy.
　For he realized the correctness of the Crown Prince Regulus' words and the horror of the chrono.

'I have heard that the 'Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility' wants people to share in the bounty of the earth.

　The man's eyes were moist with tears as he looked up at Ignis.
　Perhaps he has lost someone dear to him because of his hunger.
　The man is sincerely seeking God.
　He is not looking for a god that the 'temple' of the kingdom serves, but a new god.
　Ignis looked at the people gathered in the square and bit his lip.
　So many people are looking for a new god.
　They are looking for salvation through a new God.
　Ignis has given his allegiance to King Magnus and fought for his kingdom.
　He believed that by doing so, he could protect his people.
　But what is the reality?
　He couldn't even notice that so many people were suffering, nor could he even notice the suffering of his childhood friend, Aqua.

''General Ignis, please hear the word of God.

　The man folded his hands as if in prayer.
　What can I say now, Ignis said silently.
　I suddenly remembered the old lady.
　When did he also say that the role of God is the approval of existence.
　So what is the approval of existence?
　How should I tell him?
　Aqua, if it's you... what are you, no, you're not, Ignis scoffed to himself.
　Surely, Aqua wanted Ignis to love her.
　She wanted to be by Ignis' side.
　I see, Ignis agreed.
　The people here want a place to stay.
　They want to be here.
　They want that one word.
　Approval of existence is to be loved.
　The role of God is to give love.
　Humans are parents and children, lovers, friends... Humans can only love others in relationships.
　But God is different.
　God can love people through faith.
　The new God that people are looking for is a love-giver.
　And those who serve a love-giving God must find a way to do so.
　That's why the priest of the empire.......wasn't that what Theon was doing at the soup kitchen?
　Ignis knelt there and clasped the man's hand in his.

''God loves you all.
"Dear Mr. Ignis.

　The man burst into tears.

*

　When Ignis returned to his estate, the sun was setting.
　Ignis used the Divine Majesty Technique 'Activation' to disguise his fatigue and hurried to his mansion.
　The mansion was enveloped in an eerie silence.
　Ignis's feet turned toward Aqua's room.
　The thought of having to protect Aqua was driving Ignis forward.
　When Ignis entered Aqua's room, Crono turned around with a giggle.
　Crono seemed to be talking to Aqua, who was sitting in a chair.
　I knew he was going to take advantage of Aqua, and I was angry that he was going to take advantage of her.
　Ignis found himself grabbing Crono by the neck and slamming him against the wall.

'Little Ignis, you're hurting me,'
'Crono, you!　You are a man!

　Crono laughed as Ignis put his fingers to work.
　It was like a crack, a smile of unfathomable malice.

'Ahhh, did you notice that?'
'Yeah, I finally realized you were trying to make a new god.
What's going on?

　Aqua got up from the chair with a pale face.
　Aqua must have realized that he was about to be used.

'This guy, this guy was trying to create a new god and start a civil war. The trade, the soup kitchen, and that skit were all part of that plan.
'A new god?　Haha, it's not that big of a deal.

　Crono laughed.

'What?'
What I was trying to do was contaminate the idea.

　Ignis felt like he was finally in touch with the essence of Crono.
　To Crono, a god is an idea.
　This guy should be killed here, Ignis draws up his physical abilities with his divine power technique.
　Even if he can't use his weapons, he can still crush Crono's head in his grip.

''I want you to take your hands off Crono-sama, sir.

　The blade touched Ignis' neck.
　Ignis looked behind him over his shoulder and saw Faye standing there with her sword at the ready.

''Let go of Crono-sama, or you will die.
'Try it. You'll have plenty of time to kill Crono if you get your head cut off.
Stop it!　Don't kill Ignis!

　Aqua pointed her palm at the fey.
　An arrow of ice floated a few inches away from Aqua's hand.

''Mm, it's three cowering.
Not really.
If you barge into the Priest's Hall here, though, we'll lose.

　Rio and Leonhardt answer Fay.
　Ignis realized that he was defeated.
　The old lady is gone.
　It was inconceivable that Theon would side with Ignis and the others.

'Lord Leonhardt, what shall we do?'

　Leonhardt gave a wry smile.

'It's an honour to be relied upon, but I'm having a hard time swallowing the situation we're in.
You've done all this and more.
We only cooperated at the request of King Magnus.

　How dare you stand out from the crowd!　And when Ignis turned around, Faye hurriedly retreated her blade.

''He strengthened the economic base of the royalist faction through trade and let the people of the kingdom know that the 'temple' of his country is not absolute by letting them touch our country's 'temple'. I think the night rangers have gone too far with the quicksilver, though.

　Ignis bit his teeth.
　The Empire's and Crono's cooperation was essential for the King's Faction to counter the 'Temple'.
　The worst-case scenario was avoided, but the fate of the kingdom was in the hands of the Empire.
　The least that can be done is that there remains the possibility of eliminating the influence of The Temple.
　But that would take years, decades.
　Ignis took his hand away from Crono.

'Little Ignis, I hope we can continue to maintain our friendly relationship.
Yeah.

　Ignis squeezed back the hand Crono had offered him.

*

　A few days later, the Pre-Orthodox Council met again.
　Last time, the High Priests had called Ignis, but this time Ignis called the priests.
　Ignis stared at the High Priests who had arrived later than King Magnus.
　The High Priestess Leum of the Blue Temple is nowhere to be found.
　Leum was stabbed in a passionate affair.

"Ignis, you need to calm down.
I know. I know.
It's in their nature.

　Ignis answered briefly to Aqua and the hag.
　Albus sat face to face with Ignis, while the other High Priestesses sat at a reasonable distance.

'Well, General Ignis. Why did you call us here?
Say hello.

　Greeting?　Albus smiled softly and asked back.

'I'm going to set up a new 'temple' with the two of you here.
"The High Priest's Palace in the 'Jet-Black Temple'?

　Albus asked the old lady.

I don't want to do anything new, but to be honest, I don't like being lumped in with you guys.

　The hag replied, wrapping her hair around her fingers.

'God loves man. God's love is an affirmation of existence. The new 'temple' is meant to give love.
It's a unique view, but it's a heresy.
Heresy?

　Ignis scoffed and prayed to God in his mind.
　Then a red glowing particle was released from Ignis.

''If I'm a heretic, then I shouldn't be able to use the Divine Majesty Technique. On the contrary, I ask you, can you guys use the Divine Majesty Technique?　If you can only use the Divine Majesty Technique, which is weaker than me, then why would the gods lend so much power to me saying that you are heretics?

　Albus' smile twitches.
　Of course, Ignis knows that the High Priests can't use much of a divine art.
　The hag held her belly and giggled.
　Ignis held his tongue.
　The quibble he learned from Crono was more effective than he expected.

'Then let me give you my opinion on the kingship. I believe the kingship is given by God and maintained by the king's virtue and the will of the people.'
It is the 'temple' that guarantees the legitimacy of the kingship.
Well, that's what we decided to do at the dawn of our kingdom.

　Albus stared at the hag.
　No matter how much Albus complained about the role of the 'Temple', it made no sense in front of the hag.

''High Priestess of the 'Jet-Black Temple', what do you think you're doing?'''
Quiet.

　It was King Magnus, not the hag, who answered Albus' question.
　King Magnus spoke quietly.

He said quietly, "Ignis, I do not oppose your efforts to organize the new Temple, but I do not want to cooperate with you. But I do not want to cooperate with you either.

　Albus smiles.
　'Because they thought King Magnus had chosen them and not Ignis,' he says.

'But I'm confused. He wonders which one reflects the divine will. Therefore, I don't think I should accommodate either of them.
Oh, no!

　Albus stood up.

'God has given Ignis the power to do the same. It's called irreverence to question the will of God.
Well, I suppose you can't let one side or the other get in the way of politics.

　The old lady poked her cheekbones and grinned.



Nice to meet you, Mr. Theon.
'Yes!　'The Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility!'

　Crono said, and Theon knelt down and touched the ground.
　A yellow light emitted from Theon's hand for a moment.

'Well?'
'Yes, I'm down here. God!

　The ground shook as if in answer to Zion's prayers.
　Parts of the ground softened and a large amount of bone appeared.
　Ignis and Aqua stared at Crono and the others from a little distance - Crono, Sion, Leonhardt, Rio, Fay, and the twenty mercenaries who usually guarded the merchants.
　The three sub-humans were gone.
　They seemed to have returned to the Empire first.
　Ignis is in a corner of the East-West Road.
　Last year, Ignis burned the corpses of enemy soldiers and buried them in the ground to prevent the plague.

''Ignis, what do you have in mind?''
Yeah.

　Ignis answered vaguely.
　What on earth was Crono thinking?
　All of Crono's machinations were aborted along the way.
　Ignis aborted it.
　But Crono didn't seem too concerned about it.
　Maybe Crono was just coming for his dead subordinate.

'What did Crono tell you?'
They don't say what you're worried about. He just asked me to help out. He also said that if you were going to run away, you'd have to come to his estate.

　Well, Ignis nodded and looked at Crono.
　Crono stroked his subordinate's bones as if he were caring for them.