*

　Early February, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Rio said that bad laws are also laws, but I don't want to be a part of it, Crono looked up at the ceiling of the ghost house and let out a sigh.
　The officials involved in the corruption resigned, and Neige's subordinates settled into their vacant posts.
　A significant number of them must have been involved in corruption, if you included the end of the line officials, but I never heard of a storm of solemnity brewing.
　It may be the calm before the storm, but Neige's men are getting the job done.
　Yes, safe ... they are sending criminals into the mines who can't pay their fines, regardless of whether they are members of a criminal organization like McQueen's or those who are impoverished and stealing.

What are you going to do about it?
As long as you can't show mercy, I'll just have to report it like it is and ask you to lighten the sentence.

　Crono straightened his posture and looked at Leila.

'So... why are there so many more thieves?
Perhaps it's because we've got a member of a crime syndicate.
What do you mean?
'Yes, we've destroyed the food chain ... the city's ecosystem,'

　When Crono asked, Leila replied confidently.
　But it makes sense if you position the members of a criminal organization as the top predators in the food chain.
　If the number of top predators decreases, it is logical that the number of predators will increase.

'Of course, I understand that poverty is the main reason for this,'
...for sure.

　After the construction of the mausoleum, what is left is a large number of unemployed people.
　Moreover, they have no money, no work, and no one to rely on.
　On top of that, if there was no soup kitchen, they would have to beg or turn to crime.

How is everyone doing?
The less experienced soldiers seem slightly confused.
Maybe if you only know my territory.

　To those who knew the former Marquis of Erakis and other fiefdoms, the devastation in the Imperial City would be acceptable.
　But those who don't must be feeling quite a bit of stress.

''I understand. I'll try to make as much time as possible to talk to my men.''
Are you sure?
It's a boss's job to keep his people motivated.

　He was busy taking the report to the Shoujo Bureau, participating in the regular meetings of the guard captain, and reporting the current situation to Count Piske, but it was more frightening to see his subordinates' motivation decline.

''However, this is just a temporary fix.......Even if it's difficult to find a drastic solution, it's bad if we don't show that we're making an effort to solve the problem.
'Can't we accept it in Master Crono's territory?'
I'm not sure I'm ready to accept it right away.

　Crono said, and Leila looked up slightly.

'I understand what Layla is trying to say, but we all need a reason to agree.

　We can afford the financial situation, but the money is the blood money of the fiefdoms.
　It must be used for the benefit of the fief and the territory.
　We have to plan carefully, put the groundwork in place and spread rumors to all the relevant parties, just in case.
　Even after that much, I'm still worried.

''Now it's up to you to convince me emotionally.
Emotions?
"We're cleaning up someone else's mess, much less what happened in the Imperial City. It wouldn't be funny if we had to use our taxes to do that.

　Leila gave a small nod.
　She must have been emotionally unconvinced because her eyebrows were slightly raised.

''Isn't Crono-sama amused too?''
''I think it's a problem that should be solved in the imperial city before it's interesting or uninteresting. And by the way, I have no intention of making a move on this matter myself.

　Well, I can at least give you an idea, Crono adds in his mind.

''........What would Crono-sama do?''
I'd do a soup kitchen if I were you.
I'm told you can't even afford a soup kitchen?
You've got to earn it.

　'You remember it well,' Crono replied, admiring Leila's memory.

'In what way?'
Yeah, that's something I'm interested in, too.

　Suddenly, a voice is heard.
　Leila leaps back as if she has been touched by something hot and reaches for the dagger she carries from her waist.

'I'm sorry to interrupt you.'

　The owner of the voice........Neige Hyades was standing near the door.
　Leila interrupted between Crono and Neige without turning her gaze away from Neige.
　If it comes down to it, she intends to protect Crono even if she has to use herself as a shield.

''........Layla.
I understand.

　Leila removed her hand from her dagger as Crono called out to her.

''What method does the Marquis of Erakis plan to use to make money?''

　Neige said with a good-natured smile.
　Although it was a thinly veiled one to think that he was scratching the assassination target's head with this kind of smile on his face.

''Why do you want to know how to make money?''
'Verna-san is picky. You brought her here for your own reasons, and you're licking your pants, throwing her out when you're done with her.

　When Crono asked back, Neige cowered her shoulders in an exaggerated manner.

''Since Verna-san is so much of a mess, the people who were thrown out must be more angry.......and by the way, it seems that the Seventh Konoe Order is moving in a lot of ways....
....
There are things going on in the Seventh Kinsman Guard.

　When Crono was silent, Neige repeated the same words.
　He just said that he repeated it because it was important.

''It seems that the Seventh Konoe Guards are making a lot of moves.
I pretended not to hear it because I didn't want to get involved.
'Oh, really?　I got you into this, didn't I?　Whatever it is, it seems that Count Ralph Libra is deliberately trying to get you to riot.

　Ah~, Crono held his head in his hands.
　Ignorance is not acceptable with this.

''I understand that Count Ralph Libra is thinking of a bad idea, but what benefit is there for Lord Neige?
'There is no merit to it. I simply don't like that old man's methods. I don't mind if you want to focus on efficiency. That old man goes too far.

　Apparently, Neige wants to avoid the disadvantages caused by the riots.
　Should we interpret this favorably as the pursuit of the happiness of the greatest number?

'So how is the Marquis of Erakis trying to make money?
....

　Crono turned his gaze to Leila.
　Then Leila was looking at Crono, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
　Surrender, Crono raises his hands in the air.
　Count Ralph Libra is about to start a riot.
　There was no choice but to sit on the sidelines when he found out about it.

''........The means of making money is.......''
How do you make money?

　Neige gulps and clears her throat.

'Quite simply, it's a gamble!
What?
Mr. Crono.

　When Crono declared on a high note, Neige let out a goofy voice and Leila had a sad expression on her face.

''Just for the record, we're not going to make more money by gambling, okay?　The state is the body that runs the gambling house.
That's going to cost a lot of money, isn't it?　I don't even have the know-how to run it, you know?
So why don't you just bring it from one place to another? For example, incorporate a criminal organization that gambles for a living.
Some of these places make a spectacle out of killing each other, you know?
'We don't necessarily have to kill each other, do we?　There are many ways to do this, such as captivating the audience with advanced fighting techniques. Well, I think there are people who are not interested in gambling, so you could charge an admission fee and bet on it or not, depending on the person you are betting on.

　Hah~, Neige let out a breath of admiration.

''As expected, Marquis Erakis. Just like a nobleman, you're skilled in the art of making money for fun.''
Are you trying to pick a fight?
'No, no, I'm complimenting you. I don't think he's Mr. Claude's son.
Yeah, hi.

　Crono barely held his tongue.
　Apparently, Neige has figured out that Crono is an adopted child.

''I'll leave the rest to you, but you owe me this one. I'll collect it exactly, and I intend to do so.''
Truly aristocratic.

　Neige smiled bitterly and walked out of the room.

'Master Crono, is it alright?'
Well, it's Mr. Neige and the others who will have the most trouble.

　If you just put out an idea and try to suck the delicious juice, you'll get a bad look on your face.
　If that's the case, you should probably owe it to them.
　Is there something on your mind, Leila has slightly lowered her eyes.

''Leila, is there something you're worried about?''
'No, yes, Master Crono it's probably more than just an idea.
I'm not very good at negotiating with people who don't have a lot of power behind them, am I?
Master Crono will be fine.
Trust is heavy, Miss Leila.

　Crono let out a deep sigh.

*

　Nicole's group's base was located west of the Twelfth Street area.
　The building was a two-story brick structure.
　Although it is located a little far back from the main street, it is large enough to house at least four houses.
　It seems to serve as both a base of operations and an arena, and the bottom of the vault that extends to the basement is covered with darkened stone pavement.
　Crono was in the reception room on the second floor.
　There was a sofa, a table, and a flurry of expensive-looking furnishings.
　It could be described as a normal reception room if it wasn't for the red-black tinted sword with its handle adorning the walls.

''Leila's premonition is true.
"I'm sorry to have bothered you, sir.

　Crono muttered, and Neige's second-in-command, who was sitting next to him, apologized in a small voice.
　He looks next to him with a sideways glance.
　Neige's second-in-command is a woman wearing glasses.
　She wears her long hair in a barrette.
　She is a woman with a seamless and, if anything, cold-hearted atmosphere.

''Neige-sama doesn't want to work,''
I mean, come on, I don't want to be honest with you.

　My motivation, which is just so low, is about to drop to a negative level.

''That person is a transcendent, so it's rare for him to move like he did this time. In a manner of speaking, he still seems to have a sense of obligation.''
Oh, you're like a priest.
Yeah, that's right.

　So you even know about the priest. I've been trying to use me for how long, Crono said, poisoning his mind.
　But I got some information that may be useful.
　If Neige is the same as the priest, he won't be hostile right away.
　Let's explore a bit more, shall we?　And just as Crono was thinking, the door opened.
　It was a large man with a bald head who opened the door.
　He had a gold pot eye, a dumpling nose and thick lips.
　His face is etched with a number of old scars that seem to have been caused by a blade.

"I'm Nicole.

　The big man with the bald head Nicole sat down on the sofa.

"Aah~ What the hell are you laughing at? What's so funny about my face, huh?

　Nicole leaned forward and said in a curly voice.
　Crono couldn't help but gush.

'What's funny?'
I feel like a big shot now that I'm talking to the big boss of a crime syndicate on equal terms.

　As Crono leaned forward, Nicole pulled back.
　The color of confusion was clearly visible on her face.

''Tch, you're losing it.

　Nicole scratched her neck as she ragged.

'So, what can I do for you?'
Yes, I'm here to discuss one of the illegal gambling cases the Nicolle Corporation is involved in.
I know what I'm talking about!　Beyond that!

　Nicole tapped the table, but Neige's second-in-command didn't change his face.

'We want to legalise illegal gambling and fund the operation of the relief hospital and soup kitchens for the poor.
A source of funding?　You've got to be kidding me!

　Nicole tapped the table again.

'Okay, sis?　I rose from the shit hole with no help from anyone. I figured out the betting game myself. You want the guy?
Did I mean to tell you that?

　Nicole's face turns reddish-black.
　I'm suggesting it myself, but normally I'd be angry.
　If this is the case, the conversation won't come together.......I guess it can't be helped, Crono opened his mouth.

''Oh well, master. First of all, calm down and listen to me, please.''
Tsk.

　When Crono spoke to her, Nicole clicked her tongue and sat back down on the couch.

'I don't think it's a bad deal for your master, either. Until now.........it's a gambling game with killing each other as a spectacle, so I wouldn't want them to do it in a big way, but I couldn't do it in a big way anyway.
Yeah, and...

　Nicole leaned forward.
　Not because she was interested in what Crono had to say, but because she understood her position.
　No matter how big he was, he was just the boss of a criminal organization.
　If the Sixth Konoe Knights get serious, Nicole's group will disappear from the imperial capital in a few days.
　But that said, if you just follow them out of spite, you will lose the trust of your subordinates.
　They need an excuse to say that they teamed up with him because it would benefit them.
　Ahhh, I see, Crono finally understood his role.
　Just like Nicole needed an excuse, the Sixth Konoe Order needed the fact that they didn't make any concessions to the criminal organization.

'The more customers we have, the more income our masters will earn, and on top of that, it will be easier for us to do the entertainment business since the state is backing us. We can concentrate on our core business and earn money to run the poorhouse and soup kitchen. It's a win-win situation for both of us.

　It's not for me.　Crono shouted in his mind.

'Not bad, not bad, but you can't make it legal to kill each other and bet on who's going to survive.
Thank God your boss has some common sense.
'Common sense and conscience are important, whether you follow them or not. If you push too far, you'll die a quick death.
'I'll keep that in mind, but don't worry about it. We'll set the rules so that we don't kill each other, and I'll make sure to bet on who will win.
Hey, hey, hey, they come for the blood.
No, the audience is here for the unusual. And you don't have to kill each other to make a living.

　Crono exhaled and leaned back on the couch.

'For the most part, it would be a waste of time to have a dead man in every game, wouldn't it?
....

　Nicole shushed him.
　She said she didn't understand, but to Crono, she was just saying the obvious.
　A famous musician had said something about not paying for information but paying for the experience, and people were interested even if they didn't do martial arts.

''Well that ain't a bad story,''

　Nicole crossed her arms and fell on her face as if in thought.

'All right, I'll ride. But do me one favor.
If I can help, I will.
You're talking fast. I just need you to show your boys that you're serious.
What do you mean by that?
Yeah. The Knights of the Kingsguard I don't want to be the head of the group, but I want someone with some skill.

　Now it was Crono's turn to shut up.

'Marquis Erakis, please.

　When I looked next to him, Neige's second-in-command was pushing up his glasses with a twang and a clear expression.

''No, even if you ask.......will you willingly join us?''
'At worst, it would be fine if the Marquis of Erakis were to join us. Rest assured that we'll take care of the legalization matter here.

　Screwed, Crono clicked his tongue.

*

　The next day, Crono visited Rio's office in Alfilk Castle.
　When he explained the situation, Rio stuck out his cheekbones and gave him a disgusted look.

''I've felt it before, but Crono really isn't very to the point, is he?
Yes, sir. You're right.
I'm kind of bored myself.
I'd like to pick up some wisdom.

　Crono asked Rio in a flat voice.

'Have you spoken to Lord Leonhardt?'
No, he was going to say no.
'It's the right decision. Lord Leonhardt puts the house first, you know.

　Rio poked his cheekbones and smiled nastily.

'My deputy is very picky. It's not easy for me to cooperate.

　Rio let out a sigh as if to say he was overwhelmed.

''That said, I'll deal with Count Libra's case.
How?
'It's no big deal. We'll talk to Count Piske and Lord Leonhardt and get them to check it out accordingly.

　An unexpected aspect, Crono said, looking at Rio.
　Then.

''I think Count Libra's measures will have a certain effect on improving public safety, though. I don't want you to do that without laying the groundwork for it.

　What's he like?　And Crono was intrigued by the character of Count Ralph Libra.
　Maybe I should talk to my foster father.

'I guess I'll just have to leave, after all?'
'Don't bother looking for a replacement, I'm sure Crono would be reasonably excited about it.
''The Heavenly Cardinal Kagura has too much killing power, and the imprinting technique is difficult to use because of the time limit. Besides, the way I fight....
That would certainly be frowned upon.

　Concealed weapons, pretending to be defeated...............................heel street.
　I'm not likely to be a baby face by mistake.

'I thought Leonhard-dono or Rio would be accepted by the public.
I don't know if it's going to be popular, but I can think of one person who might.
Who?

　Rio chuckled as Crono leaned forward.

'It's Count Roy Akbens,'
Oh, that's him.

　He was the red-haired man who had been in a duel when I came to report for my arrival.
　Afterwards, he was in a grappling fight with Count Algena Dios.

'He's a battle freak, you know.
...a combat enthusiast?
Apparently, Crono and I feel differently about it.

　Rio smiled happily as he poked his cheekbones.

'If you want to talk to Count Akbens, you can wait in the courtyard.
'After looking all over the place, they say, 'Oh no, I've been looking for you,' I understand.
Crono's jokes are hard to understand.

　With that, Rio cowered his shoulders.



　As Crono waited in the garden, Count Roy Akbens soon arrived.
　He broke out of his uniform and bit down on a raw yawn.

''Ah, ah, the Marquis of Erakis. Standing there in a daze, what's the matter with you?
I've been waiting for Count Akbens.

　Puzzled, he answers Count Akbens.
　I had only expected him to talk to me in a quarrelsome manner.

'Well, sit down,'

　Crono looked around and noticed that two rocks were close together.
　They were cubes that held as much as one and had their corners scraped off.
　As Crono sat down, Count Akbens also sat down on the rocks.

'So, what do you want?'
Actually....

　It's not a good idea to hide anything.
　When I thought about it and told it like it was, Count Akbens smiled ferociously.

''I'm not happy about the part where we don't kill each other, but I think I'll enjoy it. Are you sure it's me, though?　You don't want to get carried away, do you?
Oh, no, I'm not worried about that. Count Akbens seems calm.
I consider myself a doomsday guy, you know?

　Count Akbens lifted the corners of his mouth.

'As far as I can tell, Count Akbens is just longing for a ruinous way of life.

　It reminds me of the duel last month.
　Count Akbens started out fighting in a way that put his life at risk, but after a while, he began to move with sophistication.
　A person who wanted to live a devastating life wouldn't fight like that.

'Hahahaha, they'll tell you,'

　Count Akbens slapped his own thighs with a bash and looked up at the sky in frustration.

''........What do we do now?''
I'll take it. I just might be satisfied with the next one. And don't get me started on Count Akbens. I've only been in charge since my two brothers died.
Well, I'll call you Roy, and you can call me Crono.

　Crono shook hands with Count Akbens Roy.



　A few days later, Nicole's group's base was crowded with nobles and merchants.
　The majority of the nobles were young men who were either Kingsguard Knights or aspiring to become Kingsguard Knights.
　Probably, they came to the Twelfth Street District because they wanted to see or steal the skills of the Konoe Guard Commander.
　The merchant's purpose was to get acquainted with the nobles.
　Many of the knights of the Kingsguard are the children of senior nobles.
　Many of the young people who want to become a Knight of the Kingsguard are lower class nobles, but there is no harm in getting acquainted with them.
　Maybe that's why there are so many young merchants.
　Crono entered the noble's room with a sideways glance at such nobles and merchants.
　The windows of the noble guest room are large for the purpose of spectating, and the tables and chairs are pulled up to the window.
　There was an earlier guest in the guest room.
　It's Neige Hyades, Commander of the 6th Kingsguard.

'Hello, Marquis Erakis.
Hi.

　Crono bowed lightly and sat down next to Neige.

'The Marquis of Erakis made it easier to gather an audience.
I understand there were other things going on?
''It was tough. Even though I've been preparing for it for many years, to legalize gambling or allow the Kingsguard Knights to participate...''

　It's not that way, though, Crono frowns.
　According to the new nobleman's information network, the bosses of several criminal organizations that exist in the imperial capital are dead.
　You may think that he was killed by a rival organization, but every organization is said to be engaged in internal strife.

You can't afford to have your forces strengthened for the next round of warfare. If anything, I'd like to see a separation of the two groups.

　Perhaps sensing our intentions, Neige mutters to herself.
　Coexistence and co-prosperity.......................Perhaps that is the way Neige and the others envision the 12th district.
　At this rate, it seems to be rooted not only in the Shouji Bureau, but also in criminal organizations.
　It's also doubtful that they are really sending criminals to the mine.

''Are you saying that Nicole's group is a model case?
'I hope so. Oh, it will begin.

　I looked down at the arena and was about to see Roy come out carrying a spear.
　A little later, his opponent appears from the door on the other side of the building, holding a large mallet in his hand.
　It has a huge frame that makes you want to ask if it's really human.
　It's bigger and thicker than a minotaur.
　When the two confronted each other at a distance, an announcement rang out.

''The spear in my hand is the Commander of the Fourth Konoe Order!　Count Roy Akbens!　Against the absolute champion of the arena!　Gillian!

　Roy spins his spear in a circle and points the tip of his spear at his opponent.
　


Well, it's pre-opening, so that's something we'll have to work on in the future.

　Neige said in an easy-going tone as Crono plunged in.
　The ringing of the bell signaling the start of the match rang out.
　Gillian was the first to move.
　He rushed in furiously and swung his mallet down from the top step.
　The shattered cobblestones fly like scattered bullets.
　Perhaps this was one of the factors that pushed Gillian to become the absolute champion of the arena.
　The first to deal damage and gain the advantage.
　Of course, Gillian himself takes damage as well, but due to his huge body, he takes less damage.
　Roy couldn't duck Gillian's attack.
　Although he quickly moved away from the distance and became half-formed, the shattered cobblestones struck Roy's body.

''........Is it over?''
Yes.

　Crono muttered, and Neige agreed.
　Gillian swung the mallet down as before, but the shattered cobblestones could no longer hurt Roy.
　Roy slipped past Gillian's side just in time for the great hammer to be swung down and took cover behind it.
　Roy attacks sporadically, but Gillian only swings the mallet around.
　Although he is the absolute champion of the arena, he is an entity that is an endemic species adapted to the environment of the arena.
　The range of tactics was limited because they didn't have the opportunity to fight the same opponents.
　Well, it's very possible that he couldn't formulate new tactics because he was overwhelmingly strong.
　On that day, Roy defeated the absolute champion of the arena in a landslide.



　It would have been easier if he had been quiet for another thirty years, Alcor smiled bitterly as he looked at the papers on his desk.
　Neige Hyades, Commander of the Sixth Order of the Kingsguard..................An assassin who tried to take His Majesty's life during the civil war.
　He's a joke. He tried to assassinate someone without ever revealing his face, and despite his face being split, he remained the leader of the 6th Kingsguard.
　Well, is that because of our incompetence, I let out a long sigh.
　Your Majesty Lamar V wanted to die.
　That's why he put Neige in charge of the Sixth Kinsman Guard.
　With the faint hope that he might kill himself.

You're not a country thief. They may have been motivated by a subordinate, but even for a subordinate, they are not in the habit of stealing country.

　We have a general idea of what Neige and his men are up to.
　They are trying to strengthen their influence through relatively benign means.
　It's a steady effort that makes it hard to believe that they belonged to a group of assassins, such as forcing officials involved in corruption to resign, and trying to legalize illegal gambling in the Twelfth Ward to be used for the operating expenses of the poorhouse and the budget for soup kitchens.
　Well, I turned my hand around so that those steady efforts would be rewarded.......

''Now we just have to deal with those two.

　Count Ralph Libra you are a capable but overly theoretical man.
　He will be quiet for a while, but if the situation drags on, he will no doubt try to solve the problem the way he believes is right.
　Alfort he is planning to bring the nobles into the castle to succeed to the throne.
　Where do you want me to get the money to perform the succession ritual from?
　Alcor let out a deep sigh.