[Duran]


　In late August of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two, in

Mister, you need to wake up. Mister.
Oh, I know.

　Duran sat up, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
　The bed, made by a dwarven craftsman, didn't squeak as Duran raised himself up.
　It didn't squeak even when he and Angier were working hard.
　It was a very solid piece of furniture.
　All of the furniture that is provided is well made.
　How much money would it cost to buy furniture of such high quality in the imperial capital?
　At the very least, it would be difficult to do so on the salary Duran received when he was a guard in the imperial capital.
　Duran got off the bed and sleeved his clothes.
　The color of his clothes was neither white to indicate he was a Kingsguard Knight nor black to indicate he was a common soldier.
　A pair of linen trousers and a shirt.
　They are fine for everyday wear, but they are not enough for clothing to appear on official occasions.
　He does not wear a sword belt and sword.
　The current Duran is not a knight, but a clerk's apprentice in the Marquess of Erakis.
　If it's judged to be OK after three months of probation, he'll be cleared to become an official clerk.
　If it's judged to be a problem, the probationary period will be extended or you'll be reassigned to the cavalry of the Marquis of Erakis territory... and you'll return to the army.

''Mister, will you take care of your meals?''
Yeah, I'll eat.

　These days, Duran tries to go to bed early and get up early.
　Being late must be avoided at all costs in his position as an apprentice clerk.
　Duran followed Angier upstairs to the first floor.
　Breakfast was laid out on the dining room table.
　The breakfast menu consisted of bread, white fish soup and a salad.
　Duran took his seat and brought the soup to his mouth.
　The price of fish and salt was cheaper in the Marquis of Erakis territory than in the Imperial City.
　It might not be surprising, though, since the sea was only half a day away.

''Mister, how's business?''
That's okay, isn't it?

　Duran rested his hand.
　It's a bit of a lie.
　I have a lot to learn and not a lot of mistakes to make.
　Often times I feel self-loathing at my insufferability.

''Has your husband given up on becoming a Knight of the Kingsguard?
Well, you know.

　Duran slurred his words.

'For me, sir?
If I say it's for your sake, it's for your sake.

　Ten companions died on a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　Of the twenty survivors, ten wanted to work in the imperial capital, and the remaining ten wanted to be transferred to Crono's territory.
　Among them, Duran was the only one who wanted to be a clerk.

''If you dig down to the bottom of it, it's for your own good, isn't it?
For yourself?

　Oh, Duran nodded.
　Duran knew that not everyone could die a hero on a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　But I think.
　Even if he had the opportunity to die a heroic death, would he be able to die as a hero?
　Would I be able to accept my death with heroic feelings?
　I don't think so.
　When Duran was conscious of his death in the Holy Argo Kingdom, he could only remember Angier.
　And it was a memory of being in bed with Angier and encouraging him.
　Duran realized that he was not a heroic vessel.
　And he chose a mediocre life rather than death as a hero.
　Duran asked Leonhardt to help him find a job as a clerk.
　The job was quickly found.
　There was also a job in the imperial capital, but he decided to work in Crono's territory.

''For that, I think it's a bit of a non-starter.
Well, swordplay training you never know what's going to happen.

　Duran still continues to pretend.
　Partly out of habit, but also because he wanted to maintain enough strength to protect his own family.

'So, don't worry about the job. I'm still having fun doing this, you know? Or is that thing?　Do you have an unfulfilled title as the wife of a knight of the Kingsguard?
I don't have a problem with that.

　Angel retorted in a slightly stronger tone.

'But I'm too happy, I'm a little worried. I'm just lucky that my husband has found a woman like me... and I'm changing jobs and this treatment.

　Ange looked around at him as if he had no place to be.
　I know what you mean.
　The house that Duran and Angel lived in in the imperial capital was a drafty, run-down house, but this house, which was rented out as a dormitory, was well furnished.

''There's no need to worry about it, is there?
I do care.

　Angier let out a depressed sigh.
　Duran drank his soup and sat up.
　Then Angier got up and saw Duran off to the door.



　Duran heads to the Marquis' house.
　Duran's house is located at a slight distance from the Marquis' residence.
　According to Angier, it's not convenient to buy things.

"...Duran...

　Duran's name was called and he slowed his pace.
　After a while, Bruno caught up to Duran.

So it's Bruno.
Yeah, it's me.

　Duran walks shoulder to shoulder with Bruno.
　Like Duran, Bruno dreamed of becoming a knight of the Kingsguard and joined a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　Bruno also seems to have thought a lot of things over after the mission and was transferred to the Marquis of Erakis territory.
　He belongs to the cavalry.

How are you doing?
Not bad.

　Bruno replied, stroking the wound on his lip.
　'Apparently, you've been squeezed quite a bit in training.

'Have you lost some weight?'
The captain is trying to get me to lose weight. I hear it's going to slow the horses down.

　Bruno's bosses are Alideed and Deneb.
　They must be cursing pretty foul-mouthed because of those two.

'You're getting fat,'
Tsk, I'm a very fat man.

　Duran clicked his tongue.
　He continued to train in swordsmanship, but he had much less time to move his body compared to when he was in the Imperial City.
　He felt that he had gained weight himself, but it made him angry when others pointed it out to him.

''Have you given up on the Konoe Knight?''
Yeah.

　Well, Bruno nodded.
　Duran isn't stupid either.
　He thinks he knows what he's being told behind his back.

'I respect your decision.
Thanks. You won't give up your Kingsguard knight?
You're a Kingsguard.
The Thirteenth Kingsguard, though.

　Duran lifted the corners of his mouth to look evil.
　The position of the Thirteenth Kingsguard, which was created by one of His Highness Alfort's own, is delicate.
　The Thirteenth Kingsguard Order is an army mainly made up of sub-humans, and the leader, Crono, is a new nobleman.
　That's why they aren't considered the Knights of the Kingsguard.

''I'll start here,''
Okay.

　Now it was Duran's turn to nod.
　The Thirteenth Konoe Order had only a small number of cavalry.
　Light cavalry, bow cavalry, and even if Bruno and the others were added to it, there were only fifty-seven of them.
　Did Bruno think he could sell himself high?
　Probably not.
　Bruno saw potential in the 13th Kingsguard.
　That is the possibility of the 13th Konoe Order and also Bruno himself.
　If you belong to the Thirteenth Order of Near Guards, you might be able to get an advanced education like Aridid and Deneb.
　Even if you can't get an education, you can still steal it.
　Stories of soldiers and mercenaries with real-world experience would also be a great way to grow.
　Bruno is trying to get beyond the knights of the Kingsguard.
　As Duran walked, he and Bruno debriefed each other on the recent developments.
　Since their jobs are different, they can only minister to each other.
　However, there was a common topic.......recognition.
　The clerks and the soldiers were surprisingly disciplined.
　Often times, the guards of the imperial capital would ask for bribes.
　Rather than crack down on petty criminals, they would take bribes and give them a pat on the back.
　Even tax collectors and other officials and court nobles accepted bribes and favors.
　It got worse after the construction of the mausoleum began.
　When I say it got worse, I don't know the exact numbers, so it's just Duran's feeling.

''To the people on the site... well, there are a lot of sub-humans. Anyway, it's amazing how much that penetrates to the people in the field.
'The guy who tried to bribe the peddler got kicked by the captain. You newcomer, like you think you've improved the security of the city with how much trouble and hardship you've had to go through, you newcomer!　That was a hell of a sword fight from Tomo.

　Whose imitation is that?" said Duran, swallowing his impressions.
　Well, the fact that it didn't get through to Duran's ears meant that Alideed stopped him in the preliminary stages of demanding a bribe.

That was a good decision.
''Well, you've found out that the Imperial City's style doesn't work. But, ''No bribes, never! With an atmosphere like that, there's hell to pay after asking for and receiving a bribe. I'll have no place to be.

　Ah, Duran agreed with one of them.
　'No bribery, no way! The air that says "I'm not the only one" is not created by Crono, but by the people on the ground who have actually struggled to improve security.
　It's not just the hardships, but also the pride of having improved public safety.
　Duran and Bruno walked through the gate of the Marquis' mansion and parted after making a reasonable promise to have a drink in their free time.



Good morning!

　Duran entered the office and reception area on the first floor of the Marquis' mansion and greeted him in a loud voice.
　The room was separated by a counter about a third of the way down.
　One third of the room was for the waiting room and application form storage, and the clerk's desk lined up in the remaining two thirds.

Oh, good morning. You're early again today.
Good morning.

　Duran bowed to the sitter sitting in the back seat.
　He said the sitter was early, etc., but still, Duran was never ahead of the sitter.
　The sitter was also late to leave.
　Normally, his subordinates would be too shy to leave, but the clerk leaves without hesitation.
　Duran checked the number of applications in the reception area and took his seat.
　Then he takes out a stack of papers ... a manual from a drawer.
　A rough work flow is written in the manual.
　You can't take out the manual while you are working, you have to steal the details from your seniors or make up for it yourself, but there is a big difference between having it and not having it.

'....Good morning.
Good morning.

　A woman sits next to Duran.
　The woman's name is Lucia.
　Her shoulder-length brown hair gives the strong impression that it's not stretched out.
　Her eyes and nose are reasonably well-groomed, but her expression is dull.
　As soon as Lucia took her seat, she let out a loud sigh.

''It sounds painful.''
It's hard, actually.

　Lucia is a tax collector.
　It was said that a man named Kane used to be the captain of the cavalry and a tax collector, but since he was appointed as the deputy of the county of Caddo, Lucia was selected as the tax collector.

''........I thought that the tax collector's job would be busy from September?''
Until last year, that is.

　Lucia let out a big sigh.

'Crono-sama.......Anyway, Crono-sama's 'thousand tooth handler' made it faster to thresh. I have to beat the ears after all, but still.

　Hmmm, Lucia let out a sigh.
　I don't know how I feel.
　I was working on my own schedule, and then it suddenly fell apart.
　It's called a sigh or two.

''I have to write a report as well, right?
Is that a report?

　Lucia let out another loud sigh.

'About the results of the agrarian reforms they say sowing clover on fallow land helps the wheat to grow better.
How did it go?

　Duran had never heard of clover helping the wheat grow.

'I think it's been successful, but it's a pain in the ass because I have to pull up historical data,'

　Lucia glanced at Duran.
　It seemed to show through her feelings of wondering if she could help~.

''If it's okay with me, I'll help you.
'What?　Yes♪

　Lucia said happily.

'But I have to work as a receptionist too,'
'You can do it after work... the report will be ready when the tax collection is over.

　She's a cash woman, Duran thought.
　Nevertheless, it wouldn't be a waste of time to show him that she was positive and committed to her work.



f*ck you.
My name is Duran, and I'm here to get the historical yield data.

　Did I do something to make you hate me?　Duran inwardly tilted his head and explained the situation to the quarrelsome woman.
　According to what the sitter told me, the quarrelsome woman is in charge of accounting for Elena and Crono's territory.

How many years?
'Oh, oh, how long?'
'You are. You came here to get the data and you don't know how long it's going to last.

　Elena shook her head to say she was dumbfounded.
　You don't have to say that much, Duran thought, but he quickly reminded himself.
　Accurate reports are required by the military as well.
　Rather, he thought it was odd that he had come to get the data without asking for details from Lucia.

''Then, five years.''
No.
What?

　Duran couldn't help but ask back.

'The data from last year and the year before is reliable, but before that it wasn't as reliable as it could be. If that's okay with you, I can lend you some?
"based on data dating back to the year before last.

　Then don't ask, Duran nodded as he poked around in his mind.
　Elena quickly took out a stack of papers.
　She was only in charge of accounting and seemed to be well organized.

''Thank you,''
Give it back to me.

　Duran received the data and left the scene.

*

Yeah, my arm hurts.

　Duran left the Marquis' mansion, relieving the stiffness in his shoulders.
　Transcribing two years' worth of data was a bone of contention.
　Duran thought Elena would complain, so he transcribed the data, but when he went to return the data, Elena had left.
　d*mn it, Duran looked down at his hands and smiled.
　My arm hurts.
　Fatigue in its own right.
　He wasn't sure if he could become an official clerk, but he also felt a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

''Well, let's get to work tomorrow.

　Duran headed to his house.
　Angier is waiting for Duran at home.


[Crono]


　In the middle of September of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two, a line of workers carrying sacks of wheat passed in front of Crono's eyes.
　This year is going well, Crono thought to himself.
　Last year, Crono was late in paying his taxes because he was on military business in the southern frontier, but this year's tax payment was earlier than the year before.
　According to the sitter, this is because the efficiency of the threshing process has been improved by the 'thousand tooth handling'.
　How much did it improve the efficiency of the operation?　And Crono stroked his chin.
　This year, he had no difficulty in securing manpower to carry the wheat bags.
　Since most of the laborers were from rural areas, there was no doubt that the efficiency of the work had improved dramatically.
　That made the labor cost more expensive, but the journeymen could earn cash income and their men could focus on their primary job.
　You should be pleased.
　This success was a credit to Leila.
　If Leila hadn't pointed it out to him, Crono wouldn't have been able to remember The Thousand Tooth Handler.

''This, I have to give Leila, gosh, a reward for this.
You don't have the look on your face when you say you deserve it.

　Crono looked next to her and saw Elena standing there with a board in her hand that served as a clipboard.
　Her gaze is not favorable.
　It was as if she was looking at something incomprehensible.
　To put it bluntly, it was a contemptuous look.

'....Kohon.
....

　As Crono sat back down, Elena moved silently away from Crono.
　She's pretty much sitting back.
　Apparently, she is wary.

'What do you think I look like?'
You have a look on your face when you're thinking about the wrong thing.
'Rude. I, as a lord, was thinking of a reward for Leila.
So, what do you have in mind?

　'Mmm,' Crono snorted.

'So, like a date or something?'
Aren't you trying to enjoy yourself?

　It was a good point.

'Mi, swimsuit?'

　Huh~, Elena let out a sigh.
　She looked like she'd chewed up a dozen bitter worms.

''People don't like it, but that swimsuit cost quite a bit of money. It's a supreme piece made from wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom by a dwarven craftsman.......Come to think of it, Elena skipped swimming, didn't she?
And I've been busy with work!

　Elena hugged her clipboard and pulled further away from Crono.
　Crono smiled thinly, "A swimsuit viewing party for a long fall night is being held," she said.

'You're thinking about some bullshit, aren't you?
No, not at all.

　Crono turned away from Elena.

'Is it okay to sell oil in a place like this?'
'I'm taking a break because I'm done with work. The meeting ended early.

　Crono put his elbows on his thighs and poked his cheekbones.
　The meeting with the rural village chiefs had ended without any major trouble.

''How did it go with your neck?''
It has been decided to grow clover on all fallow land starting next year.
You don't seem too happy about it.
'I had my sitter prepare some materials for me, and I practiced explaining them at the meeting... but the materials were enough.

　Crono hung his head helplessly.
　It was quickly decided to grow clover on the fallow land.
　The meeting was so smooth that it was tempting to suspect that the village chiefs had sent the villagers to work for them to gather information.

''In a manner of speaking, I see the material was useful.
Did Elena make that file?
That wasn't me. You see that guy, Duran, the junior clerk, right?
Yes, you're the one that Lord Leonhardt recommended.

　Crono immediately remembered Duran's name.
　Leonhardt had sent him a total of ten letters of recommendation - Duran was the only married man recommended as a clerk, so he was particularly impressed with him.
　Crono addressed the renovated, empty house to Duran as his quarters.
　The bedrooms were meticulously remodeled.
　But Crono is still wondering if he should adopt Duran.
　That's why we put him on a trial period.

'That guy came to me to borrow my yield data. Maybe it was Lucia, the tax collector, who actually made the data.
Yeah,

　'Elena,' Crono countered, thinking rudely, 'I didn't know a clerk other than Westa.

'You should be a little happier now that your agrarian reform over the last three years has been a success.
'No, I mean, yes, I know, but you know what? I've spent three years on it and it's just not as exciting as it could be.

　Crono's lips twitched as he said, "My position, having even made a collection of supposed questions and answers....

''That's because you don't have any feelings about it, right?
I'm certainly not as attached to it as I am to Mr. Theon.

　Crono remembered Sion.
　When it was decided to grow clover on all the fallow land, Theon had been in tears.

''Well, I'm glad we succeeded,''

　Crono muttered sincerely.

*

　Crono looks over the report on this year's expenditures and expected tax revenues.
　There's still a week left in September, and there's no denying that tax revenues could fluctuate depending on the market price of wheat.
　The report is only tentative.

'Crono, when you're drinking incense tea, forget about your work.

　When Crono looks up, Tilia is seated face-to-face with a sullen expression on her face.
　Tilia put her mouth on the incense tea.
　The next moment, Tilia's expression had softened.
　She looked kind of happy.

''What is Tilia thinking about when she's drinking the incense tea?''
'I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do after I finish my incense tea. What does it matter?
Yeah, I'm not so sure about that.

　Crono let out a sigh.
　According to Leila and the sitter, Tilia had been doing the acting lord's job properly in Crono's absence.......

''If you're paying attention to me...''
I didn't do it.

　Yes, Crono nodded.
　I expected the answer to be that I was standing up for my husband as a legitimate wife, but maybe I shouldn't have expected it.

'I don't think we're on the same page now that we're on the same page.
'I think that's my line, don't you?

　Tilia knew what was on Crono's mind or not, but he spouted a manly line.
　It's a line I'd like to say at least once.
　How did this happen?　Crono could not help but think.
　During her military school days, Tilia had acted like an imperial princess.
　At least, she wasn't the type of person who would say that the food she ate without working was good.

'Crono, there was a time when I thought of you as a lifelong friend.
Hmm.

　Maybe after we beat Tyria in a military school exercise?　Crono took a look at it.
　'I think that's when we started to see glimpses of the Tilia we have now.

'I think a friend is a relationship you can talk about with an open chest collar. And even more so when you're a married couple who are going to be together for life.'
Well that's, well, maybe.
I know, right?

　Crono averted his gaze from Tilia, who nodded her head as if to say my intentions.
　Even Crono thinks that a lifelong friend should have a relationship with a lifelong friend like Tilia says, but I think the reality is different.
　Crono folded his hands, wondering if Tilia was innocent or if I was dirty.
　He kept his gaze averted from Tilia.

''Well my mother is very sick,''
That's a first, that I've heard.

　Crono unclasped his hands.

'I've been curing myself in a place called Justia Castle, far from the imperial capital, for many years now. It's been years. My father never visited my mother in his life. I'm sure he didn't love her much.

　Tilia poked her cheekbones and said languidly.
　Crono felt like he finally understood Tilia.
　Tilia was as innocent as a child.
　Perhaps Tilia had been taught the definition of a friend by someone else.
　But she hadn't made someone she could call a friend, and she hadn't had the opportunity to learn about the couple.
　Maybe she had the opportunity to learn, but she didn't have an example close to her, so she placed the couple as an extension of her friend.

''Well Tilia, what is it about married couples?''
What?

　Tilia straightened her residence.
　She didn't have the slightest hint of the languor she had just experienced.

─ We can be friends, but what do you think we should do about our faults?
'I think we should admonish people for behavior that is out of the ordinary, inconvenient to others, or unbecoming of their position, but shouldn't we basically accept it?'
Yes.

　Crono nodded, feeling guilty.
　A warm feeling spread through his chest as he thought of Tilia's behavior so far as part of her clumsy display of affection.
　This, this kind of thing, but a wicked smile escaped his lips as he imagined Tilia thinking that he should accept her as his rightful wife.

*

　The expenditure for the current year is forty-nine thousand one hundred and thirty-eight gold coins, and the carryover is seventy-four thousand seven hundred and fifty-four gold coins and ten silver coins... Crono reads the report in his room.
　If you include the taxes, port royalties, and stock dividends that the slavers receive, next year's budget is going to be amazing.
　First of all, a cemetery, or perhaps a mausoleum or ossuary would be better?　Now I just need to work on the roads, and since I've got more cavalry, I want to buy a spare horse and get the school to take the next step... Crono fell into bed and let out a sigh.
　When he looked to the side, he saw Tilia lying on the bed, looking at Crono.
　Tilia is in full relaxation mode.

''Crono, is there something wrong?''
No problem, but I'm just wondering what I'm going to do next year.
'Hmm, it's essential to improve the streets to develop commerce. Crono, what's that sorry look on your face?
Yeah, because I'm thinking the same thing.
'You didn't say that!　Just wait a minute and I'll come up with an idea that will surprise you.

　Tilia scratched her seat on the bed and crossed her arms thoughtfully.
　Crono followed Tilia's lead and scratched his seat on the bed.
　Gunnu, Tilia groaned.
　The exchange of Tilia coming up with ideas and Crono giving her a no-no continued for a while.

''How about........how about we expand the market a little more aggressively?
''You mean you're going to do the same thing in other fiefdoms as Viscount Hammar?''
That's right.

　Tilia nodded in satisfaction.
　''Eliminate the tariffs and put in place the same stall system.......If we involve the adjacent territories, the market size will increase, and if the market size increases, the activities of the peddlers will also be revitalized.

''Hmm, what do you think?''
That's a very stubborn attitude.
'No, I think Tilia's idea is great. If I suggested it, would the other lords be interested in it?
That's good to hear.
Yes,

　Crono was a little shocked that he was agreed to, but he understood his position reasonably well.
　Crono is from the new nobility.
　From the point of view of the historic nobility, he's just an upstart.
　Even if such Crono made a proposal, there wouldn't be many old nobles who would be interested in it.

''If that's the case, why don't you just not make the proposal honestly?''
What do you mean?

　Tilia puffed out her nose in a proud manner.

''It's simple. The merchants will sell the wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom in other territories. The wool from the Holy Argo Kingdom is expensive, so that alone should be of interest to them. 　You may ask the former Viscount Hamar to give the other lords a gift.

　How about Tilia, he said, chest thumping.
　'Looks like it's not Tilia,' Crono clapped, thinking rudely.

'Write to Lord Brad at the earliest opportunity.
Why don't you ask Cecily? It's a favor from my own daughter. I'm sure the former Viscount Hamal will be happy to oblige.

　Crono turned over, lazy and greasy sweat pouring off his face.

'Crono, what's with the greasy sweat?　What have you done to Cecily?　Crono, look into my eyes!

　Crono turned away from Tilia.
　He ran away from Tilia for a while, but there was no escaping it.

'I made you serve. No, don't get me wrong, it's really just a service.
I'll be the one to convince Cecily to join us.

　Tilia let out a deep sigh.


[Ignis]


　Ignis looked down at the city from the high ground.
　The city where Ignis's mansion is located is called the Little King's City because it's on the shore of a lake.
　It's a big name, Ignis chuckled.
　Right now, Ignis was not looking at the lake from which the Little King's City was derived, but at the marketplace outside the city.
　Many tents and wagons can be seen.
　The market seems to be thriving today.
　Merchants come across the Coma Forest.
　The trade routes are said to have been chosen as safe routes, but it is only relatively safe and not without risk to life.
　Even so, the merchant balances risk and profit.
　Merchants are extremely greedy creatures.
　And that greed is what keeps Ignis' pockets full.
　Of course, he shouldn't be satisfied there.
　Ignis has to find a way to keep the merchant's greed alive and his people's pockets full.
　The right sleeve of his military uniform swayed in the wind.
　Someone grabbed the right sleeve of his military uniform.
　Ignis looked next to him and saw Aqua grabbing his sleeve.

'Ignis, do your job properly.'
What about you?
'I'm doing my job properly. How many priests do you think I've pulled out of the old 'Blue Temple'?

　Aqua threw out his chest proudly.
　The old 'Blue Temple'........no, the old 'Temple' was the name to distinguish it from the 'Temple' that Ignis and the others set up.
　Naturally, the 'Temple' that Ignis and his friends set up is the new 'Temple'.
　Ever since Reum's downfall, the old Blue Temple has been engaged in a power struggle for the position of the next High Priestess.
　Aqua is taking advantage of the power struggle in the old 'Blue Temple' to recruit priests and priest apprentices to take advantage of the power struggle in the old 'Blue Temple'.

''And it looks like Wentos and Terra are also siding with us.
What did you do?
'I didn't do anything. I'm sure Wentz and Terra didn't want to side with the old 'temple'. You're with me.

　Aqua said as he let out a sigh.

''Well I'm an idiot,''

　Ignis muttered softly.
　His vision was too narrow.
　He had never made an effort to understand the other person because he was only trying to be right.

"Ignis, work.
I'm a good worker.
Dear Father Ignis.

　Ignis grunted at Aqua's words.

'Look, you're leaving the package that arrived from Lord Crono alone. You can't say you're doing your job properly then.'

　Ignis could not say anything back.
　'Crono's letter - as soon as I read the first line of it, I lost my motivation, so I came to the high ground.

'So what was the package Lord Crono sent you?
...The Book of Agriculture.
"Ignis.

　Aqua said in an accusing tone.

'Why do you let it go?'
I don't trust the Chronosphere.

　Huh~, Aqua let out a loud sigh.

'It's possible that he's trying to trick us.
So, you're going to verify it, right?
Well, yeah, that's true, but...

　Ignis couldn't say it back this time, either.
　Aqua's argument was correct.
　The new 'temple' needs tangible benefits in order to expand its power.

''Aqua, what do you think Crono has in mind?''
Yeah.

　Aqua crossed her arms thoughtfully.

'I wonder if he thinks he's helping us?'
We've got the upper hand, and now we're going to give them the upper hand?
I'm not so sure about that.　Hey, don't look at me like that.

　When Ignis glared at her, Aqua's willow eyebrows went upside down.

'I don't have any scary eyes,'
'Do you want to check it out in the water mirror?　I can make it in a minute, okay?
Maybe I was scared out of my wits.

　Ignis retracted his previous statement.

'So, what do you think?'
Well, that's okay.

　Aqua's lips twitched in a sultry manner.

'Lord Crono seems to want the forces of the old and new 'temples' to compete with each other, but I think it's for trade.
You mean money?

　Ignis clicked his tongue.
　There were many things he wanted to say, but he swallowed them all.
　It's also true that the power of money is supporting the new 'temple'.

You should be able to trust me as long as our interests are aligned.

　Ignis let out a sigh and stepped forward.

'Ignis?'
We need to get back to work. I'm going back to the house.

　I don't know how far I can trust Crono.
　I guess we should deal with the problem at hand now.