*

　In November of the Imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two years.......Theon held the cup in his hand and brought it to his mouth.
　He didn't put his mouth on it right away, but enjoyed the aroma.
　This incense tea was a blend of herbs that Theon had blended himself with herbs that had a relaxing effect.
　Sion drank the fragrant tea and let out a breath of relief.
　A moment of true bliss ... I even feel like I'm working for this cup of tea.

''Chief Priest, it smells like an old woman.
Bah, old lady?

　Theon peeled his eyes away in surprise and stared at the direction of the voice.
　Then the two female priests - Granette and Plum - were sitting on the couch.
　They sat in contrast to each other.
　Granette was leaning sluggishly and Plum was sitting chomping at the bit with good manners.

'Mr. Granette, you are talking too much,'
Hmmm, I'm sorry.

　When Plum chided him in a lisping tone, Grannette said, without seeming to take offense.

'Well, it's better than being tense, isn't it?
Miss Granet!
'Oh, yes, yes, it's my fault, it's my fault. It's my fault the sky is blue and the sun is setting in the west, it's my fault, it's my fault.

　Granette said in a throwaway tone.

''Did you look ... so tense?''
Plum, you answer the question.
"Huh?

　Plum let out a goofy voice.

''Well, before I went to the Holy Argo Kingdom I felt more like I couldn't afford it!
Maybe.

　Theon gave a small nod and set his cup down. He gave a vague reply, but he certainly didn't have the luxury of time.
　Theon knew that more than anyone else.
　He didn't know if the agrarian reform would succeed, and he couldn't use the Divine Majesty Technique.
　To be honest, he was worried.
　Looking back, it seems that back then, Theon was looking for someone who would accept him in a positive light.
　It's different now.
　He has succeeded in agricultural reform.
　He also regained his divine power arts.
　It may be that he is now able to accept things in a positive light.

'Speaking of which, the Priestess-in-Chief is... ah!
What were you going to say, Miss Granet?
I was just wondering how old the chief priest is.
Miss Granet.
'Okay, okay, I'm sorry.'

　Plum said accusingly, and Grannette scratched her head, looking bummed.

'I turned twenty-eight the other day, though?

　Ahhh, Granette and Plum moaned in low voices.
　They acted as if they had heard something they shouldn't have.

'What's wrong with my age?'
Plum, you're in charge.
Whew, am I supposed to say that?

　Plum made a pitiful noise.
　Plum looked at Theon and straightened his residence.

''........Priest Master, there is a certain age in the world that is suitable for marriage. Priestess Chief-sama is out of the suitable age for marriage.''

　Theon thought about it for a while and looked up with a huff.
　He had forgotten all about it, probably because he had been living a mentally uncomfortable life until now.
　But if he was working as a priest, wouldn't he be able to meet someone?　Theon questioned.

'How, how are you going to get married?'
Uh, Miss Granet.
I don't blame you.

　Granette ruffled her hair.

'Usually in the Temple of the Imperial City.'
'The Temple in the Imperial City is where you study to become a priest, you know?

　'Gosh,' grunted Granette.

'That's true, but what about the man you care about?
I've been busy with my studies.

　Ugh!　Granette grunted.

'Let's see, your caring superiors are going to provide you with a place to meet, aren't they?
I only heard about it when my father died?

　Uggh!　'I'm sure,' grunted Granette.

'I'm sure you've had a chance to get to know a wealthy farmer's son, or a rich bon vivant, or something.
Hmmm, what do you think?

　Theon fished through his memory, but there was no memory of it.
　Unconvinced, Granette raised her eyebrows quizzically.

'Chief Priestess, how have you been collecting donations all this time?
The money for the operation came from selling beats.

　Granette held her temples as if she were trying to hold back a headache.

'All the riddles have been solved,'

　With that, Granet let out a long sigh.

'Chief Priestess, we usually make an effort to collect donations.
...Donations aren't forced to be collected.
Donations are meant to be collected by force!　The bottom line is that they have to collect the donations, pay the top payment, and only then can they ask for treatment based on the amount of money they have!
Oh, the chief priestess was cut off from the village because she didn't pay her top payment.

　Granet barked with a tremendous swagger, and Plum supplemented with a sigh.

'Yes, um, excuse me,'

　Theon had to cringe.

'Well, now that you're paying your top dollar... oh, but you can't have a meeting place.
Why is that, Miss Granet?

　Granette scratched her head awkwardly.

'Maybe, but I wonder if the higher ups think the Priestess is on good terms with Lady Crono?
I have no such relationship with Master Crono.

　The Crono donates to the operation and development of the poorhouse.
　It shouldn't be any more or less than that.

'I know, I know. But Master Crono is a bit of a womanizer, isn't he?

　Ugh!　And now it was Theon's turn to moan.

'That's why I don't think the higher ups are going to make a meeting place for the Chief Priestess.
Lady Crono is a.........

　Theon tried to argue back to Granet, but he couldn't get a word in defense.

'Mr. Granet, Master Crono is not a womanizer,'

　It was Plum who defended Crono.

'And what's on your mind?'
Lady Crono is faithful to the 'Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility'. 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth'.
That's it!

　Granette pointed her left and right index fingers at Plum.

''What about ... Mr. Granet and Mr. Plum?''
I can't!
Me too!

　Granet and Plum crossed their arms in rejection.

'Why?'
I knew it had to be someone who would put me first, you know?
I have a man who has promised me a future, sir.

　Granette was reluctant to say, and Plum said, holding her cheek with her hand in embarrassment.
　Well, Theon looked at his cup and let out a deep sigh.
　Apparently, Theon's troubles were never ending.



　Sion looked around the first floor of the Savior's House with a candlestick in hand.
　The first floor of the Relief and Poverty Institute was silent.
　There were only a handful of people in the hospital, although there was a set bedtime for them.
　When the Saviour's Hospital had reopened, the booths - the original term Crono had started using - had all been filled, but now there were more empty booths.
　The empty booths only became noticeable a while after the Paper Workshop was established.
　Not all of them are employed by the paper workshop; some of them are engaged in growing beets.
　They are in the position of peasants.
　But they are not complaining, they say.
　It is said that regardless of the quality of the beet, it is good to be able to earn a certain amount of money.
　As a servant of the "Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility," it's hard for me to explain, but it's also true that beet cultivation would be difficult without them.
　The people involved in both jobs have left the Saving Poverty House.
　The poorhouse in the Marquis of Erakis' estate is less disciplined than the rest, but there are disciplines that need to be followed.
　It is a natural consequence of leaving the poorhouse in order to live a life like before.
　Currently, those in the poorhouse are those who are unable to fend for themselves for various reasons the injured, the sick and three orphans.
　Theon climbs the stairs and stops in front of Tony and Matthew's room.
　The three orphans have been given a room.
　The three are being given special treatment because they will have to live in a relief home for years to come.
　Sion closes his eyes and exercises the Divine Majesty Art "Activation" ... and pulls up his hearing.
　The hearing raised by the Divine Majesty Technique catches the breath of Tony and Matthew as they sleep.
　Theon turns his attention to Sophie's room and confirms that Sophie is asleep.
　Theon released his divine authority jutsu and suddenly felt uncomfortable.
　While he thought that there was no way he could use the Divine Majesty Jutsu so well, he also felt that he deserved this much.
　Theon shelved his doubts and headed to his room.
　Theon entered his room at the end of the corridor and closed the door behind him.

'....light.

　The magic item for lighting on the ceiling emits a white light in response to Theon's voice.
　There are only three rooms with magic items for lighting ... the Director's office, Theon, Granette and Plum's room.
　What a waste, said Theon, blowing out the candles and smiling.
　You're using an expensive lighting magic item and you're worried about the length of the candle.
　It felt funny.
　Theon took off his priestly uniform and stared at his reflection in the mirror.
　Plum's words that the Priestess-sama is out of marriageable age passed through his mind.
　Uggh, Theon moaned.
　Sion's skin was surprisingly white.
　However, that was only the part that was hidden by the priest's uniform.
　His normally exposed face and arms were tanned by the sun.
　Sion tilted his head as he remembered the two of them, thinking that Granet-san and Plum-san didn't seem to have much of a tan.
　Maybe they have the technology to not get a tan.
　But still, I'm with Crono-sama?　'Impossible,' Sion shook his head, feeling his cheeks heat up.

'Certainly ... Crono-sama is a kind man, and a very brave one at that.

　Theon folds his hands in front of his chest and mutters softly.
　The image of Crono, who came to save her without sparing the danger, passes through Sion's mind.



　Sion stares at his reflection in the mirror.
　The image of Princess Tyria and the landlady passed through his mind.
　Not to be outdone, Sion puffed out his nose.
　But it droops a little... no, no, just a little.
　Just a little bit, a little bit if it's this big, Sion huffed and shook his head with a pull.

I think he's tired.

　Theon told himself and crawled into bed.



　The next morning, Sion left the Rescue House after completing several tasks.
　He was going to have a meeting with Crono in the future.
　Whenever he had a meeting with Crono, Sion always felt heavy.
　His footsteps were naturally heavy, but now he was light on his feet.
　Is it because the burden has been reduced?　And Sion thinks like that.
　In fact, Theon's workload is much less than it was at one time.
　Education for Crono's subordinates is now handled by teacher Arthur Wiseman and his subordinates, and the teaching of agricultural techniques is split up with his subordinates.

'....the girl over there.
Yes?

　When Sion looked towards the direction of the voice, Priestess.......The High Priestess of the 'Jet Black Temple' in the Holy Argo Kingdom was sitting on a wooden box.
　A crude sign that read 'The Jet Black Temple, Marquis of Erakis Sub-Branch' invited pity.

''Lord, you are troubled, aren't you?''
No, no.

　Theon answered immediately.

'Mm, there's something there, isn't there?
No, not really.

　Theon answered immediately again and looked around.
　The Priestess is in the corner of an area lined with stalls.
　The area itself is bustling with activity, but only the area around Priestess's shop is deserted.

'Isn't it the priestess who is troubled?
That's right!

　The priest stood up and said.

'Will you listen to the troubles of the eagle!　Here, sit here!
Ha ha ha.

　Sion sat down on the empty wooden box as the priestess urged him to sit down.

'What's bothering you, Priestess?'
Money.
I can't help you.
I'm not waiting!

　When Theon stood up, the priest grabbed Theon's wrist.

''How is it unbecoming of a priest to try to leave all of a sudden!
I don't think it's right for a priest to talk about money out of the blue.

　Theon had no choice but to sit down on the crate.

'I can't help you with your debts.

　Sion declared earlier.
　The budget of the Relief and Poverty Institute comes from Crono, and the funds for its activities come from the 'Yellow Earth Temple'.
　Theon doesn't have a lot of money at his disposal.

I know. All you have to do is consult with me," he said. To tell you the truth I set up a stall, but I didn't make as much money as I would have liked.
I think you should work diligently.
I'm starting to think that if you work, you lose.

　The priest opened his eyes and spoke in his sleep.

'I'm just kidding. How can I make money?'
I guess we'll just have to work diligently.
I want to make money in this business, but I don't. But I won't make any money. To tell the truth, dubious fortune tellers make more money than me!　You're being unreasonable when there's not much difference in what you're doing!

　The priest tapped the wooden box that served as a desk with a thump.
　Sion felt his eyes on me and looked to the side to see the robed fortune teller staring at me with a miffed look on his face.
　'Sorry,' said Sion, narrowing his shoulders.

''It must be difficult to make money from life counseling alone, isn't it?''
I thought there was demand for it.

　Despite the demand, it's difficult to offer advice to someone you've never met before.
　Surely, the fortune teller must be implementing ways to ease the resistance of offering advice to someone they've never met before.
　Theon stole a glance next to him and saw that his guest was at the fortune teller's place.
　The fortune teller took one look at the priest and smiled a victorious smile.

''.......What happened to the matter of moving the sub-humans out of the Holy Argo Kingdom?''
We're on hold.

　I see, Theon returned shortly.
　The fact that General Ignis and General Aqua had set up the new 'temple' was probably a factor.

''We have to make money somehow.
Why do you need the money?

　'Ugh,' grunted the priest.

'The Marquis of Erakis has charged me for food and drink. The other day I was humiliated by him in exchange for stalling the deadline for repayment.
...humiliation.

　'Mm,' said the priestess, nodding with a divine look on her face.

'Well, what kind of thing is that?'
...and called to your room.

　Theon leaned forward.

'....I was made to wear an obscene outfit called a swimsuit.

　Theon gulped down a gulp and swallowed raw.

'Yes, I was made to pose as I was told.
Oh, is that all?
'That's not all!　I've never been humiliated like that before!

　The priestess banged the wooden box with a bang.
　Well, Theon would have felt humiliated if he was in the priestess's position.

''Priestess has lived a long life, so I thought you had plenty of experience with that sort of thing?''
Plenty!　When I was young, when I was young....well, how was it when I was young?

　The Priestess tilted her head.
　Apparently, the priestess's experience was so long ago that she forgot about it.
　Since he's so oblivious, I doubt if it's 'the first time I've been humiliated like that'.
　I can't deny the possibility that he's not experienced enough to say it with his mouth before that.

Hmm, I guess this is the end of our consultation. We'll figure out what to do with ourselves in the future, but you really don't have any problems, do you?
No, sir.

　'Oh,' said the priestess with a nasty smile.

'Lord, you don't feel any discomfort, do you?
Strange, huh?

　Sion tilted his head, unable to understand the priest's intentions.
　He suddenly remembered that he had learned to use the Divine Majesty Technique well, but it was only natural that he could do that much.

''Don't you realize that you've been eaten?''
Eaten?

　Theon looked down at his hands.
　He felt like he was forgetting something.
　What on earth was he forgetting?

'You saw that thing, didn't you?'

　Ah, Sion muttered quietly.
　Sion had a deep communion with the 'Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility' in the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　
　At that time, what does '........' say that he ate of Zion?
　If he said that he was eaten, then what made up for the part that was eaten?
　Sion was grossly hairy in his imagination.

'Don't worry, my boy,' he said. Don't worry," he said, "as far as I'm concerned, you're in the realm of humanity. Oh well. The reason you're not afraid of me anymore is because you've mastered the art of divine power... maybe...
"Many?

　Theon asked back in a hushed voice.

''It's because you've learned to use your divine magic well.
....
It's true!　It's given me more room to do what I can do!

　When Theon was silent, for some reason, the priest got pissed off and said.

He said, "Not only have you learned to use your divine power technique well, you may have at least acquired visions of the future!

　Future vision is said to be the ability to see the future.
　Many saints have the ability to see the future.
　However, the frequency with which the ability manifests itself varies greatly from person to person, with some seeing the future frequently and others seeing the future only once in their lives.



　Theon gasped with a huff.

'Looks like you have an idea, doesn't it?

　Theon was at a loss for words.
　There was definitely a verse that came to mind.
　He had a dream.
　It was a dream that could only be described as a lewd dream, but Sion felt a little relieved.
　Because at least the future of lifelong celibacy could be avoided.

''........Speaking of which, do you wear future vision, Priestess?''
I'm wearing it.

　The Priestess arrogantly threw out her chest.

'Wouldn't it be easier to make money if you used your future vision?'
Well, you can't always see the future the way you want it to.

　The priestess muttered sincerely.

''And....''
'Huh?　What's wrong with you two here?
'Nuh-uh!　Lord, you've come to this place to collect!

　The priest jumped up when he heard Crono's voice.

'Master Crono. Why are you here?
''No, since Sion-san doesn't come to the mansion very often, I thought I'd go and inspect Count Caddo's estate...''

　Crono turned his gaze awkwardly to the wagon.
　An elf man was sitting in the wagon's groom's seat.
　Theon thought he heard the sound of bloodlust.
　It was a big mistake to have been so happy to talk to him, forgetting the meeting with his backers.

''Wow, let me come along for the inspection!
'What?　No, we'll have another meeting when we come back.
I'm coming, too!
Okay, I understand.

　Theon assured him, and Crono nodded as if pressured.

*

　The wagons proceeded west along the city road.
　The ride in the wagon was comfortable.
　Theon had slept well last night, but the pleasant vibrations made him sleepy.
　He lost consciousness for a moment.
　Sion quickly regained consciousness and looked next to him.
　Then, Crono was making a big lack of movement.

'If you want to sleep, you can go to sleep, okay?'
Yes, no it's just too comfortable to ride.

　Theon replied to Crono, who was sitting next to him.

'Speaking of which, Goldie said she installed a spring.
Yeah, so,

　Theon nodded.
　Unlike an ordinary carriage, the Crono's wagon was made up of two parts.
　One was the wheels the base part including the wheels and the other was the cart part.
　The base and the cargo bed were connected by a bundle of metal plates.
　Presumably, the bundled metal plates were absorbing the impact transmitted to the bed.

'It's kind of like it's not a wagon.
We have seats.

　Then Crono laughed.
　Long softs were set up on either side of the cargo bed.
　The metal fittings were on the outside of the cargo bed, so maybe a top could be attached.

'It would have been fine if it was just a regular wagon,'
I'm sure he was doing his best for Lady Crono.
Maybe he wanted to try some new technology?

　Crono says so, but he doesn't seem to be full of it.
　Theon and Crono continued to chat for a while, but the conversation was cut short.
　Suddenly, Crono leans in closer.
　Sion reflexively looks at Crono.
　Then Crono was sleeping comfortably.
　Sion stared at Crono's profile.......lips.



　In the evening, the carriage arrived in Sylvania, Count Caddo's territory.
　A little over a year after the port was completed, the port city, named Sylvania, continues to grow.
　The city is about to reach the deputies' offices, although the buildings tend to become shabby as they move away from the port.
　However, Theon didn't like the atmosphere of Sylvania.
　The people of Sylvania were only interested in their own interests and newness, and did not want to leave out others or the old.
　He also didn't like the place where the city itself seemed to be in a hurry to live.
　Theon's eyes narrowed, though.
　But now I love Sylvania.
　This is also a human activity.
　Be born, multiply, fill the earth, Theon smiled and tapped his temples with the palm of his hand with a thump.
　Is this another effect of being able to use the Divine Majesty Technique well?　And Theon looked down at his hands, his cheeks blushing as he remembered his future vision.
　Uh-uh, Crono moaned.
　When Sion looked next to him, Crono's eyelashes were trembling.
　Perhaps the carriage was so comfortable to sleep in, Crono remained asleep until Sylvania.

''Good morning, Sion-san.''
Master Chronosphere.

　Theon looked at Crono.

'Do you believe in fate, Master Crono?'
What?

　Crono pulled away from Theon and crossed his arms as if he were thinking about something.
　Then he wandered his gaze and looked at Sion again.

''........Do you believe in fate?''
Um, uh, excuse me, I'm a Buddhist.

　For some reason, Crono apologized and moved away from Theon.
　Sion closed the distance between them as Crono moved away.
　With a frightened look on his face, Crono dropped back towards the guru's seat and stopped moving at the edge of the cargo bay.

'Zag, zag!
"A second of caution, a lifetime of injuries.

　When Crono called his name, he did not look back.
　He just rolled his back in an apologetic manner.
　Sion smiled and leaned closer to Crono.

'What do you think of your fate?'
Heeee, you know, I don't believe in that stuff.
I'm hoping that Master Crono will feel his fate.
Heeeee!

　Theon's smile deepened, and for some reason, Crono screamed.

*

　Sion was led by the deputy's miscellaneous maid Aria and apprentice maid Quanto to the deputy's barracks the room on the second floor of the deputy's office.

''This will be Sion-sama's room.'' (Pumo Pumo)
Thank you.
''No, because Sion-sama is an important person. If you have any problems, please don't hesitate to tell me or Quanto-chan.'' (Pumo, pumo~)
Be my guest.

　Quanto peeked out of Aria's shadow and said in a blunt tone.
　Pumo~, Aria squealed as she let out a sigh.

''Quanto-chan, you're a maid, you have to be polite.'' (Pumo, Pumo~)
I'm a fighter.

　Quanto said, phrasing off the words.
　She claims to be a warrior, but she is wearing a very revealing maid's outfit.

'Ugh, I'm a warrior,'

　Quanto clung to Aria with a face that looked like she was about to cry.
　Aria stroked Quanto's head gently and headed for the stairs.
　Quanto remained clinging to her waist, but Aria didn't seem to be bothered by it.
　Theon saw Aria and Quanto off with a smile and entered the room.

''........You're cleaning up properly.''

　Theon stood in the center of the room and looked around.
　The barracks at the deputy station were not only used as housing for the staff, but also as a base for the cavalry.
　The cavalry would only stay in the barracks for a day or two, at best.
　They shouldn't be caught if they cut corners, but Aria is cleaning the barracks for that one or two days.
　Theon sat down in his chair and folded his hands as he would when he was praying.
　The purpose, however, was not to pray.
　It's to find out what Crono is doing.
　When Theon closes his eyes, Sylvania and everything there....the existence of what is in the sky and the sea is almost impossible to grasp....comes to his mind.
　Crono-sama, and Sion follows Crono's presence.
　Crono's presence is unique.
　No, it's even different, beyond unique.
　Theon found Crono and smiled.

*

　Crono was in the Mercenary Guild.
　The mercenary guild was located in the center of Sylvania it was quite far from the port and its surroundings.
　The building was a two-story brick building.
　According to what I've heard, the number of mercenaries living in Sylvania is about two hundred or so.
　The building of the mercenary guild is too small for two hundred people to live in, so the mercenaries' residence must be elsewhere.
　It's hard to see, said Sion, raising his eyebrows.
　With the naked eye, it should be an ordinary building that could be found anywhere, but it was terribly difficult for the current Sion to see.
　It's as if a thin sheet of paper is blocking his view.
　Sion forces his way through the obstacle and looks at Crono.
　Crono was in what looked like a reception room on the second floor of the Mercenary Guild.
　Crono wasn't the only one in the reception room.
　The guild master of the mercenary guild was also with him.
　Crono was sitting on the sofa, drinking a cup of incense tea.
　He placed the cup on the table and smiled happily.

''Ahhh, the incense tea is delicious.''
Okay.

　The Guildmaster of the Mercenary Guild........I think I said Sif.......was sitting face to face with Crono with a Buddha's face.

'By the way, what do you want?　You didn't come all the way out here to drink incense tea, did you?
I've come all the way down here for a cup of fragrant tea.

　Crono turned over and said in a gloomy tone.

''I suppose it's only right that we come out to you.

　Yeah?　Crono nodded his head curiously.

'It's about time you gave me permission to call my relatives.
''We just took in a hundred mercenaries the other day.......speaking of which, it's been seven or eight months since Sif came to Count Caddo's territory?

　Crono said, folding his fingers deliberately.
　Sif answered Crono with silence.
　He was probably wary of what he might demand.

'Well, it's a promise,'
Thank you.

　Sif hung his head deeply to Crono.

''Well I need to talk to you about it.
Well, if you're just asking.

　Crono crossed his legs and leaned back on the couch.

'I need to rent some land.'
Why is it a land and not a house?
....

　Sif closed his eyes as if he were meditating and opened them as if he had made up his mind.

'I want to farm,'
You mean you want to export your crops?　If they export our crops, we'll have to increase the per capita tax, so we'll pay too much tax and we'll be left to dry in the sun.

　Crono's concerns are valid.
　If Schiff is going to export what he pays in taxes, Crono has to make them pay taxes on the rest of the crop.
　Even if they were going to export what they had left, it would be hard to keep people engaged in farming if they had nothing left.

'No,' he said. We want to move to a land of plenty.
You want me to take you in as an immigrant?
'Of course, the Union of Tribes will bear the cost until the settlement gets off the ground. This can't be a bad deal.
Not a bad deal, right?

　Crono poked his elbow into the armrest of the sofa and smiled unfaithfully.

'It's certainly not a bad deal. If you'll pay the costs over there and pioneer it, I'll get more tax revenue for free. But is it too hard to accept?
Why?　You have already taken in immigrants from another territory, another country. I also hear that you have taken a Lou girl as your wife.

　Sion had the same question as Sif.

'I have no problem accepting people who have no place to go back to. But....'

　Crono punctuated his words.

'The question is where your hearts are. The home country ... well, I have my doubts about the right way to put it, but if your hearts are in the Bethel Mountains, I can't accept you as immigrants. If they take effective control of us, we won't be able to look at them.
....

　Sif is silent.
　But he doesn't seem to regret it.
　Perhaps Crono's answer was within Sif's expectations.

''I knew it,''
''If you've been a lord for more than three years, even an ordinary person can make this kind of decision. It's a pity.

　'No,' said Sif, shaking his head in denial.

'The person I'm dealing with better not be an idiot.
What's your heart?
"A deal with an idiot doesn't last forever.
Tough.

　Crono playfully raised his hands in the air.

'Well I have a lot to tell you.

　Sif stood up, tracing the tattoo on his right cheek.
　A jet-black glow colored Sif's body like barbarian war veneer.

'So much for peeking.

　The moment Sif stepped on the floor, Theon's consciousness was popped.

*

Ouch!

　Theon opened his eyes in shock.
　The shock itself wasn't much, but the carelessness of not being attacked made the shock feel more than it really was.
　Carelessness?　No, Zion underestimated his opponent too much.
　He knew his opponent was capable of interfering with the Divine Majesty Technique, but he failed to be alert.
　A little more cautious this time, Sion closed his eyes and searched for any sign of Crono.
　But he couldn't find any sign of Crono.
　Why?　And Theon focuses his attention.
　I know where it is.
　It's the Mercenary Guild.
　But even if I search the mercenary guild, I can't see Crono and Sif.
　Perhaps Sif is disturbing Sion in some way.
　Why are they doing this?　I just want to know how Master Crono is doing, Sion bit his lip.
　Sion sat up after wondering if he should go and look for Crono.
　He wondered for quite a long time, but if he decided to go looking for him, the only thing left to do was to do it.
　Theon left the room and made a short run to the entrance of the barracks.
　Theon grabbed the doorknob and nearly fell over.
　The door opened on its own.
　Someone caught Sion who almost fell down.

''Ah~, Sion-san are you okay?
Of course!

　When Theon looked up, Crono turned away awkwardly.
　He wanted to hug Crono a little longer, but he had no choice but to leave.
　Theon looked at Crono.
　There had to be a reason why he couldn't look for any sign of Crono anymore.
　Sion moved his gaze from top to bottom and noticed a change in the necklace.
　A small piece of wood had been added to the necklace.
　Fine writing was engraved on the piece of wood.
　Apparently, this piece of wood was drowning out Crono's presence.

'Master Crono, what is it?'
This?

　Crono plucked up a piece of wood from his necklace.

'It's an amulet,'
Amulet?

　Theon's voice trailed off in surprise.
　'How could you treat a priest who serves the 'Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility' as a disaster of all things?

''I hear that an evil spirit is trying to harm me.
'Evil?　Harm?

　Theon was confused by the unfamiliar assessment.
　Not only did he treat it like a disaster, he treated it like an evil spirit.
　It was too much of an assessment for just looking at Crono.

''Crono-sama, would you like to take that off?
'What?　No, it's not a good idea to take off something you've given me so generously.
Well, would you mind if I touched it a little?
Well, you're welcome.

　If he could touch it, he should be able to neutralize the piece of wood, and Theon reached for the piece of wood.
　Just as Sion's fingertips touched or didn't touch the piece of wood, a beehive of black sparks shot out.

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

　An awkward silence descended between Crono and Theon.

''This is some kind of mistake. Perhaps this piece of wood must reject the power of the Six Pillar God as well. Of course it does.''

　Theon wound up.

'Yeah, yeah, well, maybe it happens.'
Wow, I'm not feeling well, so I'm going back to my room.

　Theon turned on his heel.

*

　The next day, Theon went to the pioneer village.
　Crono seemed to have business with the Mercenary Guild and the 'Sinner Trade Union' and was going separately.
　Sion stopped and looked around the frontier village.
　There are less than eighty houses in the village.
　The houses are better built than those of other farming communities.
　The distance between the houses is wide.
　This is because the trees were cut down to make room for them to be transported.
　Krono buys the trees cut down that could be used as building materials and the rest of the wood is used as firewood for the frontier villages and salt pits.
　Excess firewood is sometimes sold in Sylvania, but Crono doesn't seem to have any intention of restricting it too strictly.
　Sion looks around the village slowly.
　There is not much sign of people.
　Everyone must be out working.
　This is also the reason why there are no children playing outside.
　Children are an important part of the labor force in the frontier villages.
　The pioneering is going well, but it's going so smoothly that it's scary, Sion has that impression.
　Pioneering is harsh, Sion has learned, but maybe the harshness could be lessened if the lords gave their full support.
　Sion stopped just as they passed through the village.
　To the north of the village was the Coma Forest.
　The power of the Coma Forest was almost overwhelming, but when he lowered his gaze slightly, he saw the fields there.
　As I move my gaze sideways and to the side, the field breaks off unexpectedly.
　Beyond that is a wasteland and a forest.
　There, elves and beastmen are chopping down trees and hauling them away.
　As soon as Sion uses his Divine Majesty Technique, he can end the settlement.
　But this isn't just a settlement.
　It's a rite of passage for the pioneers to have their existence recognized by the other lords.
　Thinking that, Theon felt guilty that it was negligent not to use it even though he had the power.
　As Theon approached to check on the situation, an elf rested his hand on his axe.
　The one-eyed elf........Dino.

''Hey, guys!　Take a break!

　Dino called out loudly and they all rested their hands.
　The methods of resting varied from sitting on a stump to walking over to a barrel for a drink of water.
　Dino approached Theon, wiping the sweat from his neck with a cloth that he wore around his neck.
　When he reached Crono's territory, Dino was terribly thin.
　He was still thin enough to be skinny, but he was a healthy amount of skinny.
　But the thing that had changed the most was his expression.
　It seemed to be less rugged than when we met.

''........Sion-sama.
How are you doing?
The minotaurs are friendly... and the ones who came after me were good-natured.

　Dino said in a trenchant tone.
　It is likely that he is unable to measure the distance between him and Theon, the head priest of the "Yellow Earth Temple".
　It's not unreasonable.
　Although they are different organizations, the Cepheus Empire and the Sacred Argo Kingdom's 'temple' are dedicated to the same god.
　Theon heard the latest news from Dino and left the frontier village.



　

''Crono-sama, you've been waiting for me...''
Yeah, well, normally, they're waiting for you.
That too, I suppose.

　Theon laughed and got into the wagon.
　As Crono got in, the wagon began to move slowly.
　Theon leaned over to Crono.

'Master Crono, do you believe in fate?'
No, I'm a Buddhist.

　Then Crono fell silent.
　Sion wasn't happy with Crono's answer.
　If Crono said that he believed in fate, then Sion could become Crono's property.

''........But if they should have met by chance, but the relationship continued afterwards, or it meant more than a coincidence, I'd be inclined to believe in God.

　Tsk, Theon clicked his tongue.
　A roundabout denial, or a roundabout affirmation.
　It's a small hatred of trying to leave an escape route.
　That's fine, Theon closed his eyes.
　There was no point in being impatient.
　Sion was destined to be tied to Crono.
　Kufu, Theon laughed.



　It was that evening that Zion returned to Hashel.
　He parted from Crono in front of the Relief House.
　Then the priest emerged from the shadows.

'How are you?'
We didn't find anything.
Well, I guess so.

　Theon replied, and the priestess said with a nasty smile on her face.
　Sion suddenly remembered that the priestess was about to say something when they parted.

''Well come to think of it, when we were parting ways,''
Hmm, it's about future vision, isn't it?　Future vision doesn't allow you to see the future the way you want.

　And," said the priest, cutting off his words.

"Honestly, I can't tell if I'm really seeing the future or if it's just a daydream!
Nah!

　The priest laughed in amusement.

'Aww, how dare I?'

　Sion's face turned pale.
　Asking Crono if he believed in fate, probing Crono's condition with the divine power technique... she looked like a painful woman.

''You should learn to doubt people a little more, Lord.

　Then the priest laughed.