*

　Late January of the imperial calendar 43rd year.......Crono got off the boxcarriage and let out a breath of admiration.
　
　Not a single piece of trash has fallen on the cobblestone paved roads, lined with mansions worthy of the prestigious aristocracy.
　There is even a streetlight using magic items for lighting on the road.
　Magic items for lighting are one of the cheapest magic items in the world, but it is a different story when you have enough of them to cover a city block.
　I have no idea how much they cost.
　I didn't expect you to provide accommodation in the first city block, Crono looked at the mansion in front of him.
　He had asked Count Piske to arrange accommodations for him so that he wouldn't end up with no place to stay when he came to the imperial capital.
　Of course, I didn't forget to send him a gift to get him to make the convenience.
　Nevertheless, the mansion in front of me was quite inferior to the surrounding mansions.
　It must have been unoccupied for a long time.
　The large garden that should have once delighted the eyes of the mansion's inhabitants and visitors has fallen into disrepair, and the pavilion that should have been set up to feel the changing seasons up close is covered with ivy.
　Perhaps because of the seasons, the garden seemed to look more devastated.
　The three-story mansion located at the back of the rundown garden must have once boasted the same or greater grandeur than the surrounding mansions.
　But now, the plaster is peeling off here and there, and it's a miserable sight to behold.
　It's safe to assume that the house has become quite dilapidated.
　Still, Crono did not resent Count Piske.
　Rather, he felt like praising her for doing so well with that level of gift.
　Even so, I don't feel halfway out of place~ Crono looked at the series of covered carriages behind the box carriage.
　There are a total of twelve covered wagons with seating for ten people.
　The covered wagons have an improved undercarriage, just like the box wagons.
　Other modifications have been made to make it easier to cover the wagons.
　This should help alleviate the fatigue of my men.
　The number of subordinates brought to the imperial capital this time is 123, including Leila, Shiro and Hairo.
　I also brought Snow with me since he had been living in the imperial capital.
　
　The rest of the shift is going to repeat this I'm going to provide security for the rest of the shift.
　Two soldiers stood in front of the rusted gate.
　They were a middle-aged man and a young man.
　Judging from the fact that they were wearing black military uniforms, they seemed to be Imperial City guards.
　As Crono stood there, the two soldiers gave him a look.
　Then, the young man opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.

''Excuse me, is it the Marquis of Erakis?''
'Oh, yes, yes,'

　The young man's eyes widened in surprise.

'I beg your pardon. I have orders from Count Piske to give you the key when Master Crono arrives.
Oh, hi.

　Crono received a bunch of keys from the young man while bowing lightly.
　I wondered if I didn't need to confirm the person's identity, but Crono is wearing a military uniform exclusively for the 13th Konoe Order.
　He even has a large number of subordinates in tow.
　Is it because of some of the features?　And Crono stroked the wound in his right eye.
　As he thought about this, the two soldiers saluted Crono and left.
　Apparently, the only thing they were ordered to do was to hand over the keys.
　Crono looked behind him over his shoulder and saw Leila almost getting out of the carriage.
　Layla stopped next to Crono.

''Well Crono-sama, what are your plans after this?''
'Hmmm... I guess I'll go to the military service office to go through the landing formalities, and then I'll go to the boot camp to check on Verna and Shaura, and then I'll say hello to my dad one last time?'

　With that, Crono looked at Leila.
　I really want her to follow me, but maybe I should let her get some rest.
　I guess it's been two days now.
　He seems to be out of sorts, like he's not on top of things when he talks to you or makes small mistakes that he wouldn't normally make.
　Perhaps a past trauma could be the cause of the slump.
　When I visited the Imperial City before, nothing happened, but this mission is to restore security.
　Due to the nature of the mission, he would probably meet up with some of his old acquaintances.
　If that happens, Leila will have no choice but to face her past.
　Even though she volunteered, she should have thought more deeply about it.

'Crono-sama, I'm fine.'

　Leila said, as if she knew what was on Crono's mind.
　At times like this, long relationships are tricky.
　They can see right through your heart.

''I understand. But you must tell me if you have any problems. This is not a request from your boss, it's a request from me.
I understand.

　Leila nodded quietly.

'Me and Leila are going to the castle!　White, Hiilo, bring your stuff into the compound!

　Crono shouted, and White and Hiilo jumped down from the wagon.

*

　Crono and Leila rode the box carriage to Alfirk Castle.
　Located in the center of the imperial capital, Alfirk Castle was surrounded by high walls and a deep moat.
　When the boxcarriage stopped, Leila got out of the carriage before Crono did.
　It's probably a consideration so as not to bother Crono's hands.
　You don't have to be that careful, Crono said as he got off the box carriage.
　The boxcarriage is parked in front of a drawbridge.
　Two knights were standing at either end of the drawbridge, spears in hand.
　Even though they were knights, they were not wearing sheet metal armor (plate mail).
　Instead, they were wrapped in white military uniforms, the sign of a Kingsguard knight.
　I have heard that the castle is guarded by the Ninth Kingsguard Knights.
　Perhaps the two knights belong to the Ninth Kingsguard Order.

''I'm Crono of the Thirteenth Konoe Order of the Kingsguard. I'm here to arrange for your arrival.''
"'Ha!　Master Crono, thank you for your hard work.

　The two knights straightened up and saluted Crono.
　It's such a brilliant salute that you want to put it in a textbook.
　Rio wouldn't let them practice the salute, so it must have been Rio's second in command who made them practice the salute.

''........Crono-sama.

　One of the knights looks at Leila for a moment.
　'She's trying to tell me that sub-humans are not allowed to enter the castle.

'She is my assistant, a distinguished noble with a knighthood.
"...and...

　The two knights looked at each other in silence.
　As far as Crono knew, there was no rule that sub-humans were not allowed to enter the castle.
　It's a custom, or a rule that should be called an unspoken agreement.
　As I was watching to see how they would respond, my vision suddenly faded.

'What are you guys doing?'

　A heavy voice sounded from behind me.
　When I turned around, I saw Count Ernat's son.......Gaul standing there.
　As usual, his body was large.
　However, he was wrapped in a black uniform, not a white one.
　Crono was puzzled.
　One of the reasons was that Gaul was accompanied by a boy, but the atmosphere had softened.
　Gaul looked at Leila and the gatekeeper in turn and let out a light sigh as if to say he understood the situation.

''The commander of the Thirteenth Konoe Order just ascended the castle with his members. It won't be a problem to let him through.
Ha!

　The two knights saluted Gaul.
　Apparently, Gaul's statement was a crossover for the two knights.

'Let's go.'

　Crono hurriedly followed Gaul as he walked with the wind at his shoulder.
　When he crossed the drawbridge, it was a passage that a boxcarriage could barely pass through.
　When he looked up, he saw a long, narrow gap in the ceiling.
　There are many small holes in the walls as well.

''........This is the key to our defense. Naturally, there are traps all over the place.
I see.

　Gaul said to himself.
　In the event of an emergency, grates and boiling oil would fall from above and spears would fly out of the side.
　Beyond the gates was the castle.
　The inside of the castle walls have a complicated structure, perhaps because it was added and remodeled haphazardly, or perhaps in order to disperse the forces in the event of an enemy attack.
　In spite of this, Gaul proceeded without hesitation.

'By the way, do you know where I want to go?'
With Count Piske, I suppose. After that, you'll go to the War Office to sign up.
How can you not get lost?
I've been there so many times thanks to someone else.

　Hmmm, Crono countered suitably.
　Of course, it was an act.
　He felt like he could be blamed for anything he said.

'Duel!'

　It was while walking down the pathway built through the garden that such a racket was heard.
　A duel?　When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw a man in a white military uniform and a red-haired man glaring at each other.
　The red-haired man was also wearing a white military uniform, but it was not like a kinsman knight.
　His hair was upside down and his military uniform was disheveled.
　He has a bad eye and a fierce smile on his face, but he has a fairly well-defined face.
　At one point, he could make his disheveled military uniform look like a fashion statement.
　The other one is...well, what can I say, he has no distinctive features.
　Still, he is taller than Crono and has a stocky body.

''Oh, stop dueling, both of you!

　Lover's quarrel, Crono concluded as he looked at the woman who cringed between them.
　'Tsk,' said Gaul, clicking his tongue uncomfortably.

'You know him?'
As for the redhead, you know. That man is Count Roy Akbens the head of the Fourth Order of the Kingsguard.

　Gaul spat out.

'What's going on?'
'If I could see you dueling every time you climbed the castle, I'd be tempted to give you a tongue-lashing or two.
I thought I had a history of losing.
'I'm not getting ripped off!　We'll win next time!

　When Crono made a light comment, Gaul got pissed off and said.
　While they were having such a conversation, the duel had begun.

''A ... dangerous way to fight.

　Crono muttered as he watched the red-haired man the way Roy fought.
　Roy didn't even draw his sword.
　On top of that, he just barely ducked the opponent's attack.
　It's not just that he's ducking out of sight, it's that he's enjoying risking his own life in this fight.
　But as he dives, his movements become faster and more refined.
　At the same time, his expression changes.

''Is he bored?''
Do you understand?
Yeah, well, let's see his face.

　Roy's face, which had been tinged with amusement earlier, is now tinged with disappointment.
　Roy raises his sword, as if it were a misstep.
　It's just a thin piece of skin to cut, I guess you could say.
　It's a level of injury that could still be fought.......................and his foster father would force him to fight.
　But.

'Agh, gah!

　The man who had been cut dropped his sword with an exaggerated yell.
　Then he clenched his wrist as if his hand had been cut off.

''Ah....''
I'm sorry. I would have given him a taste of your pain.
It's okay, I love you.

　The lady officer hugged the man. Roy was scratching his head boringly.

'....What is this travesty?
Don't ask me.

　Crono looked blankly at the man as he walked away, supported by a female officer as if he was seriously injured.



　I don't know when we got close, but Roy leaned against a pillar and explained politely.

''Well if that's what you're getting at,''
Don't get your f*cking panties in a twist, Al. You know what? That's not how it works.　Well, I'm enjoying it on my own.

　Kukuku, Roy cleared his throat.
　Gaul's face turned red.
　He looks like he's about to hit me.

'I don't think you should mess with someone who has a boyfriend just because he asked you out.
.....

　Crono said, and Gaul turned around with a guffawed look on his face.

'Crono, look up.'
Okay?

　Crono looked up, just as Gaul had told him to, but there was only a ceiling.

'Keep it up, spit.'
I don't want to.

　Crono looked at Gaul and said.

'You have a shelf in your heart, don't you?　What are they built with?
I don't know what that means. Are those steel shelves you made in our workshop?

　Crono nodded his head and replied to Gaul.

'And to top it all off, you're thick to the skin on your face.
Rude. I'm not...

　Just as Crono opened his mouth to retort, a man walked towards us.
　He was a great man with glasses.
　His hair is rather long and he looks somewhat intelligent.
　He has the man who was defeated by Roy earlier in the day in tow.

Hi, Al!　What can I do for you?
Don't call me Al. My name is Algena.

　

'You, I hear you had a duel with my men?
Oh, no, no. You could've just lost, or you could've cried to your boss.

　Roy cowered his shoulders broadly and shook his head from side to side.

'I hear it's you.
Don't you listen to me?
You're messing with my man's fiancée again. Are you still a knight of the Kingsguard?　Shame on you, shame on you.
It was consensual then, it was consensual.
"Quibble!　We, the knights of the Kingsguard the old nobility, must be an example to everyone.
Ha, you're setting a good example by crying to your boss after losing a duel.

　Algena had a rugged attitude and developed a theory, but Roy spat it out.

'This whole thing happened because you messed with someone else's fiancée. I'm telling you not to do that.
'Oh?　Then preach to the women, too. Don't open your legs to a man who isn't your fiancée.

　Kukuku, Roy cleared his throat.
　Still, Arjena told herself that they had to keep order and embody their ideals... and suddenly, Roy was blown away.
　Arjena beat Roy to the punch.

'I told you to be disciplined!　d*mn you!
Nice. I like this one better, man. I like it better!

　The two men started fist-fighting as it was.
　Crono looked around, unable to keep up with the situation.
　The one who told him to be disciplined was hitting him and cursing him.
　What are you doing before your tongue is even dry!　I want to shove it.

........let's go.
Shouldn't you stop?
You're wasting your time.

　Crono followed Gaul, feeling a dim sense of unease at the sound of blows and loud laughter from behind him.

*

　I don't know if there were this many people here the last time I was here.　And Crono followed Gaul as he looked around.

''Well don't scurry around so much.
Do you have eyes on your back too?
I can tell by the signs.

　I'm not convinced of one thing now, but maybe training in martial arts from a young age makes even humans more sensitive to signs.

''Why are there so many people here?''
'I hear he's here to pay his respects to His Highness Alfort.
Those two guys too?
Roy and Algena have been reassigned.
Argenta?　Ah, that guy with the glasses. Is that guy also the Commander of the Kingsguard?
Commander of the Third Kingsguard.

　Ugh, Crono frowned.
　He couldn't believe that Roy Akbens was the leader of the Fourth Konoe Order, but he also couldn't believe that someone who could suddenly snap out of it was the leader of the Third Konoe Order.

''........That's still an ability worthy of a Kingsguard Knight. His ability as a commander is also comparable to your father's, if it's a battle without small forces or tricks.
It's not a compliment.

　Gaul silently quickened his pace.
　Gaul's father........Count Ernat's second name 'Iron Wall' came from his solid army and his achievements in preventing the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　Well, it might be an amazing thing just to have a subordinate who can fight and lead evenly with the 2nd Nearest Cavalry, who are experienced in actual battles.

''........Could it be that the person in the glasses beat you as well?''
How do you know?

　Gaul said in a stifled tone.

'Yeah, well, it was a subtle compliment,'

　Gaul's feelings are somewhat understandable.
　He didn't try to hide his disgust for Roy because he felt as if his fight was undermined.
　The reason why he was praising Arjena is not because he was defeated by a no-good person, but because of the mentality that he was defeated by an opponent who has the ability to be worthy of the Commander of the Kingsguard.

''I'll win next time.''
I guess that's one of the reasons I'm not defeated. You're as sharp as ever.

　When Crono spoke his thoughts, Gaul slowed his pace even more.
　He managed to duck to the side, but he almost collided with her.

''Well I wasn't sure if I should tell you.

　Gaul cut off his words there.

'....I'm having a child. The other one is Lara.
'What?　Oh, congratulations.
....

　Gaul continued to walk in silence, and after about ten steps, he opened his mouth.

'Is that all?'
'Yes, no, of course, it's not just words. I'll send you a letter and a baby shower when your child is born.

　Crono touched his wallet over his clothes.
　There is a reasonable amount of money in it, but I don't know what the price of the congratulations is now.
　Common sense wouldn't allow me to offer the gold coins as is.

Oh, if it's a girl, well, a dress.
'Oh, no, the word is enough.'

　Gaul smiled shyly as he said this.

''This is Count Piske's room.
Sorry to have to ask you to show me around.

　'No,' said Gaul, shaking his head.

'The Marquis of Erakis I have had a lot of problems with you, but from now on I will consider you a friend.
'What?　I thought we weren't friends?
You ... Crono, are we close enough to call each other friends?

　Gaul said with a sigh.
　Well, if you ask me, I don't think we were close enough to call each other friends.

''Crono, if you have any trouble, you can tell me.
Pray that no trouble comes up.
Yeah. That's the first step.

　Gaul left with the boy.

*

　I've lost a lot of weight, Crono thought as he looked at Count Piske's face.
　Count Piske's cheeks are thin and his eyes are bloodshot.
　His hair is shaggy, as if he doesn't have time to adjust it.
　The room was a mess, as if reflecting Count Piske's state of mind.

''Marquis Erakis, you've come a long way!
Yeah, hi.

　Crono stood in front of Count Piske, bowing lightly.
　Leila was waiting near the door, but Count Piske didn't seem to notice.

''This time.......I heard that your mission is to restore public order?
''That's right. ''The security of the Imperial City is getting worse and worse. Therefore, I want Marquis Erakis to be in charge of the Twelfth District!

　Huh, Crono replied as Count Piske pressured him.
　I'd like to ask why I have to take charge of the Twelfth Street District, but if I ask a bad question, I'll probably offend him.
　Well, it's probably because it's the least safe, or something like that.

'So how long have you been on the job?'
I could start tomorrow!

　
　He must have realized that he was acting recklessly.
　At times like this, his impression of Count Piske was shaken.
　He relegated Faye to the stables attendant and sent her a harassing letter.
　On the other hand, he kept his promise to Crono in the parent conquest and arranged for his men to be treated.
　Thanks to that, many of my subordinates were saved.

''As far as I'm concerned, I'd like you to start your duties tomorrow.
....

　Count Piske said in a low voice.
　Crono shushed him.
　I need at least a day to assess the situation in the imperial capital, take over, and give my exhausted subordinates at least a day's grace.
　Is it possible to start tomorrow if I'm a little reckless?
　He let out a deep sigh.

''I understand. And you've prepared a luxurious mansion for me.
Mm, yeah, no big deal.

　Count Piske said, his eyes swimming.
　Is it a property for a reason?　Crono nodded his head inwardly.

''And about the trainee soldiers from my territory...''
I've been talking to my contacts at the War Department about it.

　Crono patted his chest, feeling somewhat guilty.
　It's the job of the Military Affairs Bureau to decide where soldiers are assigned.
　In a nutshell, the battalion commander has the authority to request whoever he wants under his command, but the decision-making authority lies with the Military Affairs Bureau.
　That's where they need to put their heads together.

'Thank you, sir. Now, I will go to the Military Affairs Bureau to arrange for your arrival. After that, I would like to comfort the trainees in the training camp?
Then I'll let you talk me through it.
Thank you.

　When Crono hung his head.

Oh, you're not gonna say hi to me?

　The sound of a mischievous voice hit Crono's ear folds.
　When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw Rio standing near the door with a mischievous smile on his face.
　Neither Count Piske nor Leila were surprised, so Rio seemed to have opened the door normally and walked in.

''Rio, long time no see.''
'Can't you give a hot hug to a lover you haven't seen in a while?'
What?

　Crono looked around in a hurry.
　Leila had a slight expression as usual, and Count Piske had a reluctant look on his face as if to tell him to do it somewhere else.

''I was joking. I'm just kidding. I'll take the liberty of showing you around.
You're in charge.

　How about a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard to be our guide?　I thought, but I decided to take advantage of Rio's kindness.

*

　Crono and Leila were led by Rio to the Military Affairs Office..................the area assigned to the Military Affairs Office in the castle to be precise.
　From the castle gates to Count Piske's room, there were many nobles, but as they moved on, it became less and less popular.
　Fortunately, perhaps I should say.
　Crono and Rio are walking arm-in-arm like lovers.
　I'm a little torn as to whether I should tell them to stop holding their arms together.
　Rio is recognized as a man by those around him.
　Of course, Crono loves Rio in his own way, but I don't give a d*mn what others say!　I haven't reached the point where I can reopen the door.
　I look behind me over my shoulder and see Leila staring at Crono and Rio with her usual slight expression.
　I feel uncomfortable and look forward.

'Crono, is there anything you want to ask me?　I can answer for anything in the courtroom.
'What do you mean when Count Piske said that security in the imperial capital is only getting worse?

　Huh, Rio let out a small sigh.

''Are you aware of the matter of the mausoleum being built in the Aldemiran Palace?''
'Hmmm, oh, I don't know if I've heard of that from someone else or not?'
They say they don't know what that is.

　Rio said with a sigh.

'Prince Alfort has decided to build a mausoleum dedicated to His Majesty Emperor Ramal V and the Six Pillar God in order to reconcile the old and new nobles.
Why?　Why do you let the old nobles and the new nobles get along with each other in a mausoleum?

　The idea is so far-fetched that it doesn't make sense.

They wanted it to be a symbol of reconciliation?
Symbols are not meant to be built before they're reconciled.

　It is difficult to reconcile the old aristocracy and the new aristocracy.
　At least not while the old aristocracy has a monopoly on key positions in the empire.
　However, it's not hard to understand the sentiments of the old nobles who are trying to protect their vested interests.
　At the very least, if the new aristocracy were to be the commander of the battalion stationed on the southern frontier, we could expect an improvement in relations.

''That's right. The problem is the people who were working on the construction of the mausoleum. Although the mausoleum was completed, they were unable to get another job, they turned to crime and joined criminal gangs, and the security of the imperial capital deteriorated rapidly. Well, it seems that a lot of things have happened since the construction of the mausoleum.
Why don't you do a soup kitchen?
The trouble is, he doesn't have any money.

　Rio hung his head in a gulp.

'What?　So much for building a mausoleum?
I heard the price of marble for the mausoleum had risen sharply. I heard that the amount of marble being mined in the Baron Bowties estate has dropped dramatically.

　Maybe it's my fault?　And a cold sweat runs down Crono's back.
　Speaking of the Barony of Bawties, it's the home of the deputy.
　Crono emigrated his family of lieutenants to build the port.
　At that time, I had inwardly poked fun at Baron Bawties' shallowness in easily giving up his skilled craftsmen in a humble manner, but I never dreamed that the situation would develop to the point where the empire's finances would be in the toilet.

''Oh, no, but even so, there's no way that building a mausoleum would be enough to put the finances on the line...''

　Not, Crono couldn't say.
　It was because he suddenly remembered his history lesson.
　As I recall, it was about the Great Buddha in Nara.
　I don't remember the details, but the total cost of the Great Buddha in Nara is just over 460 billion yen in modern terms.
　I heard that the financial base was torn to pieces to pay for it.
　At the time, I thought it was unbelievable that the country's finances could be torn apart by a budget of 460 billion yen, but in hindsight, the economic scale of the country is different between the time when the Buddha was built and today.
　The size of the empire's economy must have been much smaller than Crono had imagined.
　He should have realized it when he heard that nearly fifty percent of the tax revenue was devoted to military spending.
　But.

'Didn't Vizier Alcor do anything about it?
'Hmmm, so Crono is buying into Vizier Alcor.
Don't make fun of me.

　Crono was irritated, but he quickly regained his composure.

─ Prime Minister Alcor has been taking steps," he said. He's been saving some of his tax revenue for emergencies. For more than ten years.
Isn't this the right time?
Of course, she would have used it.

　Rio gave a sarcastic smile.

''........Did you possibly use it?''
To build a mausoleum.

　Are you nuts?　I gulped down the word.

'Rio?'
'Don't worry, I'm making sure no one but Leila can hear our conversation.

　As if to prove Rio's words, a green light surrounded Crono and the others.
　The light was so faint that you had to strain your eyes to see it.

'Vizier Alcor didn't say anything?'
You've been warned. There are a lot of dumb people out there.
What do you mean?

　Crono asked back, not understanding the meaning of the words.

''It means that His Majesty doesn't wield as much immense power as he did when he was alive.
Does power go away that easily?
'I still have a lot of influence over the court nobles. ─ We still have a lot of influence over the court nobles, but someone else has invited those idiots in. Well, even a fool can become a very powerful force when gathered in numbers.

　I see, Alfort was inviting them in, and Crono finally understood why there were more people in the castle.

''And the reassignment of the Kingsguard?''
''Well, yes. Except for the Second and Eighth Near Guards, all of them have been transferred to the Imperial City and surrounding areas.
Isn't that bad?

　If Crono's memory was correct, the Kingsguard would have been stationed at key points in the Empire.

''That's why Count Piske is busy coordinating and cleaning up after them.


　A soup kitchen isn't a drastic solution either, but simply cracking down on criminals is only a symptomatic solution.

Well, we'll just have to go along for the ride.
I'm here to make a difference.
You won't get your way. Did you find a place to stay, by the way?
I've got a mansion set up for you in the First Ward, so you'll be fine.

　Crono chuckled, "You said you could answer anything inside the court.

'A mansion in the First Ward?'
You see that house that looks pretty old?

　Huh?　Rio's expression grew stronger.

'What's going on?'
''In the past, there was a nobleman of the imperial brotherhood living in that house. I heard that this nobleman was brutally murdered. Ever since then, the ghosts of the slain aristocrats have appeared there.
'So that's what Count Piske's reaction was!　You can't do this!　I want my money back!
It's just a rumor. It's a rumor.

　Crono glared at Rio, saying, "You talked yourself out of it," but Rio didn't seem to be offended.

''Well, we've arrived at the War Office.

　With that, Rio moved away from Crono.
　Can't we just turn around and go home?　And Crono let out a deep sigh.

*

　The wagon proceeded along the ramparts.
　Crono sat in the corner of the coach's seat and looked up at the castle walls.
　I've been in this world for six years now, and every time I see a huge structure, I'm impressed by how it was built without using heavy machinery.
　However, I can't help but admire it.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

''Crono-sama, does the consolation of the training soldiers have to be today?''
I've asked Count Piske to lay the groundwork for me, and I'm afraid I'll procrastinate if I miss today.

　Honestly, I'm sorry.
　If I push myself too hard, I'll put a burden on Leila.
　I know that, but I can't make Leila a priority.

'I mean, I'm sorry,'
No, I'm just doing what I want to do.

　Layla's mouth twitched slightly. Crono looked down, feeling more and more apologetic.

''Crono-sama, I can see the new training camp.
.... a little more luxurious than our barracks?

　Crono stared at the Recruit Training Center with his eyes.
　The military school within the city walls was surrounded by high walls, but the Recruit Training Center had none of that.
　It was a simple, horizontal, single-story building with a two-story building next to it.
　The earth is heaped up at a considerable distance, probably for bow training.
　Naturally, the training soldiers were training there in several groups.
　Humans and beastmen are training in kumite, dwarves are training in spear kata, and elves.......surely there must be some half-elves.......are training in archery.
　And .........

'You want to stand out by losing on purpose!　You want me to pretend to be in pain so you can take pity on me?　
What's the matter with your bent back?　My old man has a more spirited waistband than you two!
'Can't you get a good shot off?　Every time you guys miss an arrow, an ally dies!

　The three training instructors are shouting abuse at the trainees, such as
　All three of them have the look of a beaten-up soldier.
　Which is better, being abused with your buddies or being abused one-on-one?　And Crono asks himself, remembering Myra's special training.

'Was it like this with Layla?'
Yes, training instructors are equal, for better or worse.
Are you saying that all trainees are equally worthless?

　Leila's eyes widened in surprise and she gave a small nod.
　As we stopped the wagon, one of the training instructors looked at us.
　The training instructor took a deep breath and

Abort drill!　Three abreast against the Marquis of Erakis!