*

　March 43rd March of the imperial calendar - the air in the arena was hot.
　However, it was on a much better level than the first match.
　Compared to Roy Akbens' match, there is a difference between lukewarm and boiling water.
　His name value as the Commander of the Knights of the Konoe Guard, his ability to overwhelm the absolute champion Gillian, his skill in captivating the crowd, and his ability to take his opponent's abilities to the limit after a few matches.
　If Roy's match was the main event, then the morning bout was only a starter.
　As a sign of the lack of interest, the seats in the audience are noticeably empty.
　There were even people chatting away without regard to the match.
　The only people who are keenly interested in the match are the fans or fans of the players.

Yikes!　Ricky!

　Suddenly, there was a yellow cheer.
　A young boy with an innocent face came out into the arena.
　His brown hair was rather long, and he was dressed in crude leather armor.
　The spear in his hand seems to be a good piece of equipment, but since weapons used in the arena are required to be blade-drawn, it's a shame to say it's not worth it.
　
　Then, there was another yellow cheer.

'Fury!　Kill the colored man!

　An angry voice rang out.
　Out in the arena is a man with the appearance of a rock formation.
　He is shaved or has no hair.
　He is shorter than Ricky and wears only a loincloth, but he has superb muscle tone that suggests he has no need for armor.
　The weapon is a cudgel that appears to be handmade.
　They stood in the center of the arena and stared at each other.
　The ringing of the bell that signaled the start of the match rang out and Fury jumped out of the way.
　Ricky tried not to let him close the distance with his spear, but Fury forced him to close the distance.

'Go!　Fury!　I want Ricky bled!　Crack his head open with the club!　Kick him in the balls and castrate him!
....

　Crono silently looked next to him and saw Verna's cheeks flushed and her fists in the void.

'Verna, what are you doing here?'
'Oh?　Of course it's Crono-sama's bodyguard.

　Verna replied with a sullen expression as she asked.

'Yes!　Fury!　Bump, bump, bump!

　Verna leaned out of the nobleman's room and shouted.
　She forgot about her escort duties and went into full spectator mode.
　Crono let out a deep sigh and returned to his seat.

''Crono-sama, come in.''
Thank you.

　Leila quietly pulled out a chair and Crono sat down in it, thanking her.
　Nicole was seated across the small table from him on the other side of the table, and Neige was seated on his right.

'Gehehe, Marquis Erakis, variously.
I feel like a bad person.

　Crono muttered in a frustrated mood as he looked at Nicole, who was smiling like a scoundrel, at the side.
　Since you've made the arena legal, I hope you'll try to be classy enough not to be frowned upon by those around you.

''The seats are noticeably empty, how are you doing?
The real action doesn't start until this afternoon, so don't worry.

　Apparently, Nicole doesn't see the empty seats as a problem.
　I'd like to believe he's up to the task, but I should probably nail it down, just in case.

'I don't want to be taken lightly just because I'm in the front row, do I?
"You have no business mucking about with that precious golden egg. I'm trying a lot of different things.

　Nicole said, sounding miffed.

'Like the match you just had?'
It's no fun to watch these guys play.

　Crono asked, and Nicole leaned in to see if he wanted to hear what she had to say.

'Hey, what do you think of Roy?'
What do you mean?
'Kah!　You don't know anything!

　Nicole slapped her thighs with a bang.

'Roy's a great guy!　He's strong and spectacular!　He deserves to be the absolute champion!

　Nicole stood up and buzzed her fists around.
　There was heat in her voice.
　As a showman, she must have recognized Roy's strength as an audience member.

'....but...'

　He lowers his voice and sits back in his chair with a thump.

'Absolute champions are crooked. That's right, they'll be admired, respected, and awed, but there's a definite lack of empathy.
...sympathy.
'Yes!　Empathy!

　Crono muttered, and Nicole shouted in admiration and spread her arms out.

'The crowd in the arena ain't the elite!　Do those people put themselves up to the born-again elite?　You're not stacking them together, are you?　Is it fun when the elite win?　This ain't fun!　The audience wants to see an ordinary man beat an elite!
I know what you're saying, but it's not much of a line.

　She's going to say that this is entertainment or that the concept is a gladiator (idol) that you can go see.
　I mean, I think Nicole has forgotten that Crono and Neige are nobles.

''It looks like they're going to sell the right to date.

　Neige blurted out, and Nicole's eyes widened in surprise.
　Suddenly Ricky's spear passed through her brain.

'Oh, come on, don't be an idiot. I was just paid for my time and effort to deliver a message. I don't know where it goes from there.
I'm sure there will be some people who will want to take over.

　When Neige muttered again, Nicole swam her eyes to see if such a story had already been told.

'Well, it doesn't matter,'
You scared the shit out of me.

　Nicole let out a breath of relief.

'I'm already hardened, you know. I've listened to your arguments and paid my taxes once a month, and I've told them to give a soup kitchen and donated to the Temple. There's no one in this imperial city who contributes more to the country than us.

　I'm sure the major trade associations pay more in taxes than the Nichol group, but this would be a flower if not said.

'What percentage of the donation kickback is that?'
What are you talking about?

　Nicole met Neige's gaze head-on.

'Don't be too fancy, okay?'
I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but I'll keep that in mind.

　Neige's second-in-command looked a little sullen.
　Maybe he was trying to make a deal instead of keeping the injustice quiet.

'By the way, is the box office okay with the players being pulled out?
We'll talk about it again.

　Nicole let out a great sigh.

'I know it doesn't look good, but there's nothing wrong with a poor man getting a job. You can pay a good amount of money for a mid-level player or above. It's enough to buy you a life in the top tier.

　But," he said, cutting off the words there.

'How many guys do you think will get to the top, or even the middle class?　Hard work doesn't always bring results in this world. A single defeat can cost you everything. That's why it's not a bad idea to drop out and settle down with a rich mistress before your body gets damaged. Not only is it bad, I'm recommending it.
...I see.

　Crono gave a small nod.
　I thought he was just a simple defender, but he seems to have a lot of love for his players.

''Even if they're weak, if you do well, you can still grab the money, so it's easier to get players.
You're screwed.
Look, I'm not in the charity business, okay? I can't stay in business without making a profit.

　Nicole leaned forward and glared at me, but I didn't feel much fear.
　I'm getting brazen too, I even think.

'Tch, you're losing it,'

　Nicole clicked her tongue and leaned against the back of the chair.
　It must be quite sturdy.
　There was no sound of creaking.

'Geez!

　Suddenly, Verna let out a scream.
　Fury must have been hit~ Crono looked at Verna with a somewhat blank mood.

'Fury!　Get up, get up!　You're a slumming hero!　You're going to win for the kids!　Get up!
...What's the setting?

　When Crono turned to look at her, Nicole scratched her head in embarrassment.
　She looks like some masked wrestler somewhere.

''Just a strong face is boring, so I added some humanity to it.
Isn't it bad to make them do it?
No, don't get me wrong. I ain't lying about Fury coming from the slums, and I ain't lying about my donations. I'm just using my boys to spread the word.

　'Just a little,' said Nicole, creating space between her thumb and forefinger.

'Really, just a little?'
Oh, uh, that's a bit of a stretch, too.
You're lying!
"Don't talk like that!

　Crono shouted, and Nicole shouted back.

'This is, you know, that thing ... that's called staging. Or fantasy?'

　The last part was a whispered voice sound.
　It was weird to have a big, bald-headed man do that to me.

'They'll know you're lying,'
'Yes!　Get up!　Fury, you are a man among men!　Go!　Let's turn it around from here!

　Verna shouts and swings her fist around.

'There's something strangely naive about Verna-san, isn't there?
...naive.

　Crono muttered as he looked at Neige sideways.
　Can you describe a daughter who tries to steal a purse from someone who is collapsed in an alleyway as naive?

'You can't take advantage of naivete, can you?
It's a good thing they don't find out. They don't find out.

　It's hard to decide if Nicole's line is in response to the staging, or if it's in response to Neige's words.

''That said, even if we legalize it, we're still selling serious competition. I won't just do the eighteenth.
Oh, I see.

　Crono replied with no effort.
　What can I say, I don't care if I've spread rumors or made up a story or not.

'Yes!　Fury wins.　Good thing I bet on Fury, man!
You b*tc*.

　Crono clenched his fists.
　I thought I was being strangely empathetic, but then I realized he was playing a betting game instead of his guard duty.

'....I need more time to train.
I've hit the basics. Please take care of Verna.
Nice to meet you.

　Neige and his second in command interrupted Crono's words and hung their heads deeply.

''No~ I made a profit, I made a profit!

　Verna approached with a big smile on her face.

'If you don't have any plans, why don't you come over for dinner?
'I am sorry. Master Crono will be going to see his recruits off after this.

　Leila declined Nicole's offer in a matter-of-fact tone.

'I'm sorry. I really couldn't do anything for the girls, so I wanted to at least give them a good send-off.
Yeah, well, that's no help at all.

　Nicole lightly cowered her shoulders.

'Oh, come to think of it. I totally forgot about it, man.''
Verna's a new recruit.
'I don't have a choice!　I've been busy being me!

　When Crono rushed in, Verna raised her voice.

'I mean, am I supposed to have graduated from boot camp?

　Verna crossed her arms and tilted her head.
　'I know you've been working hard on your training under Neige, but I'd like you to pay a little more attention to yourself.

'Don't worry. I've already arranged for that to be arranged with the War Office.

　Neige's second-in-command pushed his glasses up.
　It seemed he used an unlegitimate method, but I shouldn't have to point out that Crono used a similar method to get Shaura and the others assigned to his territory.

'Thank you, bespectacled sister!　After all, it's different when you have someone solid!
Hey, Sis.
I'm not very firm, am I?

　Neige's second-in-command looks a little disgusted, and Neige is slumped.

'I think it's time to go,'

　Crono let out a sigh and then stood up.

*

　The three of them took the wagon to the recruit training camp.
　Leila was holding the reins in the gosha's seat, Crono next to her, and Verna...sitting with her legs thrown out in the cart.
　Crono looked over his shoulder at Verna and let out a small sigh.
　Then Verna seemed to notice that she was being watched and turned her gaze to me.

''Crono-sama, what do you want to do with me?''
I mean, you need to work a little harder.
You're a good worker.

　Verna frowned, her lips twitched in frustration.

'Where?'
I'm always on the lookout. I mean, you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, so why not?
"You can't be more sloppy than your commanding officer. Read the air, air. Create an air of seriousness.

　Maybe it was because he left the boot camp halfway through, or maybe Neige's training was poor, but he's become a bad boy.
　This means I'll have to educate him from scratch.

I can at least read the air!
Really?
Have you forgotten about Master Crono? I was the one who first noticed that Cecily was in love with Master Crono.
Thank you for setting this up for us and thanks for that.

　'Yes,' said Verna, proudly beaming.

'However, from the reactions I've had since then, I don't think Cecily was in love with me.
No, that's impossible. It's because he doesn't have an ounce of integrity that he talks smack. Is she a tsundere?
That would be great.

　When Crono smiled gently at her, Verna's face twitched.
　Her face turned pale as the blood drained away quickly.

''Really?''
"Seriously.

　Crono replied shortly.

'I think you're f*cking, but you are, right?'
It's been a lot of fun.

　'Thank you, thank you,' said Crono, worshipping Verna.

'It's Master Crono who should read the air!　If you realize you're not in love with him, don't mess with him!　Why are you messing with me!

　Verna got down on all fours and hit the back of the load with a bang.

'There was a lot going on in the parent conquest and on the southern frontier, so I pushed as hard as I could.
'What the hell are you doing?　I don't even know what to look like to meet Cecily anymore!

　Verna put her head in her hands.

'I think we should meet with a smile.'
'You bastard!　You're a demon!　If I hadn't messed with you, it would have been a laughing matter, what the hell were you thinking!
Can't we just turn this around and confess to them honestly?
'No!　Cecily would kill herself if she told you the truth!
'How often is it a tragedy for the people involved, but a comedy in the eyes of others?
'Don't talk to me like I'm somebody else's problem!　You're a party to this!

　Ah!　And Verna rolled around the back of the cart, scratching her head.
　Well, even Cecily should understand her position..............that she was sent as a hostage, so I don't think there's no need to be concerned about it.

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

　Crono straightened his residence at Leila's call and quickly nodded his head.
　New recruits and wagons are lined up in the training camp's training grounds.
　It's not strange so far.
　It's because he had asked the War Office to let him see off the recruits assigned to his territory.
　The problem is the number of people.
　I thought that Shaura and the others only ten people would be assigned to Crono's territory, but there are ten times that many.

''There are about a hundred of them?''
One hundred and twenty.

　Leila was quick to correct him.

'Aren't we treated as a Kingsguard Order?

　Aside from the fact that Crono has not been knighted, when it comes to the Knights of the Kingsguard, they are the top elite in the military.
　I want manpower by the throat, but I'm not sure if one hundred and twenty new recruits will be assigned to it.

''On the paperwork, they aren't Knights of the Order, are they?''
Yeah. And your uniform is black.

　My men's military uniforms have yet to be sent to me.
　I hope they will take proper steps to be treated as a Kingsguard Order.

''The Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard!　Salute to Commander Crono!

　The recruits obeyed the training instructor's command and saluted Crono with a single, threadbare movement.
　It was still a somewhat broken salute.
　Leila stopped the wagon at one of the training grounds, and Crono gallantly landed on the ground.
　He moved to the front of the recruits and gave a military school-inspired salute.

'Fix it!'

　When he stopped saluting and made a glance at her, the training instructor gave the command again.

'Training Instructor!'
Ha!

　Crono called out, and the training instructor came running up.

''You're all new recruits to be assigned to my territory, right?
'Ha!　There's no doubt about it!

　The training instructor straightened his back and replied.

'Good job, you've trained me so well. I'd like to thank you personally later.
Thank you!

　The training instructor saluted and returned to his original position.
　By the way, a salute is a reward for giving me the opportunity to speak to the new recruits.
　Crono turned to the recruits.

''Well first of all, I would like to compliment you for successfully completing the training process. You did well to get through the rigorous training. I am honored to have you as my subordinates. You are members of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard from today.

　I cut off the words and look at the new soldiers.
　They all have a glint in their eyes.

'When you're a soldier, there's a chance that you'll die on the battlefield. Death is the end. But the souls of those who die for their comrades in arms and their ideals are passed on. I wish to be bound to you and your souls, that our souls are eternal, that's all.
"Thirteenth Kingsguard!　Salute to Commander Crono!

　The recruits once again obeyed the training instructor's command and saluted without a trace.

'Fix it!　Now, get in the wagon!　Don't giggle unless you want to embarrass yourself in front of Commander Crono!

　The tension eased, but the training instructor, perhaps because of the wait for Crono's arrival, had run out of room in his schedule, and gave out loud instructions.

''........Leila.
Yes, Mr. Crono.

　Crono took two bags of silver coins from his pouch and handed them to Leila.

'Give one to the training instructors and the other to your people.
Yes.

　Crono shifted his gaze to the parade ground and looked for Shaura and the others.
　Fortunately, Shaura and the others were quickly found.

''Shoura!''

　He called out his name loudly and raised his hand.
　Then the recruits, who had been moving in a hurry, stopped.
　It was as if time froze in place.

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

　I silently beckoned to her, and Shaura ran up to me with a nervous look on her face.
　The children she had sent out of the estate also took a beat and started running.
　Shaura stopped and looked up at Crono.

'Only once... oh no, I'm sorry I couldn't come to see you properly.

　I only visited the recruit training camp once.
　I was only able to talk to them in the form of an instruction to the new recruits.
　I think it's too late now to think that I should have set aside time to talk to Shaura and the others, since they'll be able to give me flexibility if I give them money.

'Dancho! Hey, Marquis!

　Apparently, Shaura can't decide what to call it.

'Crono is fine,'
'Yes!　Master Crono!

　Shaura spoke softly to her, trying not to make her nervous, and she raised her voice.
　The gesture made me smile, so I patted her head.

''I think I'm going to be in the Imperial City for a while, but I'm going to listen to Mino-san's orders and stay well.
Yes!

　Shaura said with a twinkle in her eye.
　She suddenly looked up to see the elven boy looking at Crono, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.



　We leave the boot camp in a wagon.
　The time was probably past noon.
　It took longer than I expected.
　I exchanged a few words with the elven boy, and then the recruits began to line up.
　I was calling out to him, patting his head and hugging him, feeling sorry for him to be turned away, but it was now this late.
　I suddenly felt a look and turned around to see Verna looking at me with eyes that seemed to want to say something.

'What are those eyes?'
''Well it's not that, I just thought you were being nice to the new recruits.
That's a spiky thing to say.

　Apparently, I'm worried about Cecily.

'I was just trying to do it back?
There's a way to do it, you know. There's a way to do it.

　Verna said with a frown.

'The way you take advantage of their weaknesses will leave you with a bad heart. Isn't that what noblemen are all about?　Besides, I didn't think Master Crono was that kind of guy.

　It's a line that sounds like some stand user.
　That aside, no matter how you go about it, it's bound to leave something bad behind.
　Once a grudge is created, it never disappears.
　At least Crono will never forget it.
　That's why Tilia calls me a small vessel, but it's better than being licked.

''Crono-sama........
Hmm?

　Leila mumbled and Verna turned her gaze to the guru's seat.

'This is the kind of person,'
....

　Verna's mouth is open.

'No, so that's the way it's done.
'Half-hearted retaliation is counterproductive. When you do it, whether it's physical or mental, you have to do more damage than they can imagine.

　This is what it means to be nibbly, Leila dismisses Verna's rebuttal in a nonchalant manner.

'You know, so...'
What is it?
Nothing, no. Nothing at all.

　Verna was about to retort, but Leila's power overwhelmed her and she pulled back.

''Crono-sama, what will you do after this?''
I think I'll stop by my dad's.

　If it was as usual, it would be the time for my adopted father and Myra to return to the southern frontier, but perhaps it was because Crono was in the imperial capital, but they were delaying their return this year.

''We have to be filial to our parents, don't we?

　Crono looked up at the sky.

*

　As I tied the horses to the stables and headed for the front door, my adoptive father and Myra ran out of the house looking flustered.

'Sorry you came all the way out here, but I'm going to be gone for a while!
I'm sorry, but we're not in the office at the moment!
Don't forget to take care of it!　Goodbye!
Goodbye, Mr. Butt.

　Crono lightly raised his hand to see them off.
　But still, what had happened?

'Crono-sama, what shall we do?'
I couldn't leave the house.

　When I had no choice but to go into the house, I heard a voice.
　A gloomy woman crying.
　I suddenly remembered that White was staring at an empty space.

''The ... voice.''

　'Yes,' said Leila, nodding quietly.

'Verna, go ahead,'
Well, it's okay.

　Verna didn't seem to understand a single thing at the moment.
　Maybe she didn't hear the woman's cries.
　She takes the lead while tilting her head.

'There might be ghosts, ghosts, ghosts, but be careful.
What?

　Crono grabbed both of Verna's shoulders as she tried to turn around.

'We'll go on without looking back,'
Make me look back!　I mean, what the hell is a ghost?
A ghost is a spiritual thing that can do a lot of things.
I don't know what's going on with all of these things!　I didn't ask for an explanation for the ghost before that!
Yeah, just go ahead!

　Verna fiercely resisted, but Crono was slightly more dominant.
　Little by little she came closer and closer to crying.
　But unexpectedly, Verna stopped moving.

''Hehe, don't lick me!
Don't lick me, either.

　Crono activates the imprint, jet-black glitter marks coloring his body like barbarian war veneer.
　Verna begins to move again.

'My hot-burning soul doesn't matter.
I don't feel an ounce of heat in the air!
It's a pain in the ass to figure out how to say it.
'Shit!　I'm not going to lose!

　Sparks buzzed around as the magic power was strengthened, and the two of them were competing for power.

''How's my power?''
Tsk.

　I was annoyed by the quirks.
　Who do they think they are to be so proud of themselves when they treated you so kindly when you were a maid?
　You have to teach them about hierarchy, after all.

"Heh, that's not going to happen at all, is it?
"...phew.
'Geez, geez!

　Verna exclaimed as Crono breathed into her ear.
　She pushed through the gap in her concentration and moved down the corridor at once.

'This, this!'

　The sparks scatter again and Verna stops.

''Huh.''

　I breathed into his ear again, but this time he just writhed and didn't proceed.

''Seriously, aren't you ashamed to do that?
All you have to do is win, and you'll win!

　Crono shouted back at Verna.

'd*mn, I'm not going to lose!
Now, how far do you think you can go?

　She blew on her ear, but Verna only made her body tense up.
　No matter how many times I tried it, it just made my body tense up.

'Heh, heh, so, what do you think?　I won't lose no matter what they do to me.
I'm feeling lightheaded.

　Crono shook his head.

''Well if it comes to this, we have no choice but to play the deep end.
Backroom?

　Verna gulped and cleared her throat.

'I'll rub your breasts.'
'What do you really think you're doing?　Geez, geez!

　Verna screamed as Crono hugged her from behind.

'He's going to rub me like this!
No, stop!　I'm going to blow you away!

　Crono and Verna rolled down the hallway in a tangled mess.
　Then they stopped in front of the cafeteria.
　They could hear crying coming from close by.
　When they looked at the diner in horror, they saw a woman propped up at a table.
　Behind her stands a man dressed in military-style clothing.
　It was a man with glasses.
　An old wound runs across his lips.

Robert?
Master Crono, I'm sorry for the interruption.

　With that, the man ... Robert, the deputy head of the Baronial Vigilante of Ekron, pushed up his glasses.
　The fact that Robert was here meant that it would be Canaan who was propped up on the table and crying.
　Canaan was wearing a black dress and an embroidered bolero.
　She has a scarf around her neck, but it's not coordinated.
　When she raised her body, something soft touched her palm.

''........Why did you rub my breasts?''
I'm not rubbing you.

　When I looked at her, I saw Verna glaring at me with a bright red face.

'No, I rubbed!　I definitely rubbed it!
I'm not rubbing you.
No, no, you rubbed it, didn't you?　You saw Master Crono rubbing my breasts, right?
I didn't see it.
I'm sorry, sir, my lens is fogged up too.

　Leila turned away, while Robert took off his glasses and wiped his lenses as he said

''Well there is no justice in the world, is there?''
Just think of it as a stray dog bite, and give it up.
That's not what he says!

　Crono tapped Verna lightly on the shoulder and took a seat facing Canaan.
　Mukher!　And Verna is flapping her feet, but I dare to ignore her.

'By the way, what's wrong with you, Kanan?
"...it's a matter of honor for the young lady.

　Robert looked down awkwardly at his eyes, and Canaan slowly raised himself up.
　His crying, swollen eyes were painful.

''Well I'll explain it to you myself.

　Canaan began to talk about poppycock and poppycock.
　The story itself was long, but the bottom line is that she came to complain to her foster father because her marriage life wasn't going well.
　I guess it's not surprising that his marriage life isn't going well~.
　He had been so aggressive as the leader of a neighborhood watch group.
　It's strange that there are no bad rumors.
　You can't talk about it.

''You didn't have to come all the way to Teito, you should have talked to someone about it.
I came to Teito because I couldn't talk to him about it.

　Canaan said in a voice that sounded like it came from the depths of the earth.

'What kind of partner do you want?'
As long as you don't look like a mountain monkey, I don't have any requirements...

　Cohon, Canaan coughed.

'I don't mind the looks in its own way. I can put up with an age difference of up to ten years old. I usually prefer someone who can stand up for me, the head of the family, and stand in the line of fire when the occasion calls for it.

　Hmmm, Crono groaned.
　Money and power are not free, and on top of that, he is expected to care and be in the line of fire if something goes wrong.
　Honestly, it's not often that a man wants to marry a man on these terms.

'I think it's quite a compromise, Master Crono, what do you think?
....

　I can't get the words out on the spur of the moment.
　Perhaps if I expressed my opinion, I would be rebutted, and if I agreed, I would have to go through an endless stream of complaining.
　My adopted father and Myra didn't like either of them, so they ran away.

'Surely someone who fits the bill... ha!

　When I looked up, I saw Robert shaking his head in a small way.
　Crono also fit Canaan's conditions.
　Since the Crawford Baronial Domain and the Ekron Baronial Domain are adjacent to each other, a commuter marriage is not impossible.
　Rather, that would be more convenient for Canaan.
　We should force ourselves to change the topic here.

''........That scarf looks good on you, doesn't it?
Is it this scarf?

　Kanan patted his scarf with a languid expression.
　Crono immediately realized his mistake.
　It was because Robert had a look on his face as if he had bitten down on a bitter worm.

''It was given to me by the Earl of Chiron, the man I set up with today.
What?

　He rises from his chair with a start.

''Master Crono, you know that Count Chiron has feelings for you, don't you?
Yeah, well.

　Crono slurred his words.

'Um, well, I don't think Rio fits the bill, do you?
Yes, I know my family's size is out of proportion.

　Not only is it out of balance, but it's a good place to aim for the ball.
　After all, you don't want to compromise on anything, do you?

"Is that scarf an apology?
'Yes, I have heard that you processed wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom in your own domain.

　Tilia?　Crono tilted his head inwardly.

''........If we don't decide on a marriage partner at this point, the Baron Ekron family will be cut off.
I don't think so, sir.
What?

　When Crono answered immediately, Kanan's eyes widened in surprise.

'Ne, ne, ne, sis is, well, that pregnant?'
It seems to be a matter of time.

　Relieved that he hadn't beaten her to it, Kanan patted his chest.

Master, may I brew some incense tea for you?
You change so quickly.

　Robert's expression softened and he cowered lightly.
　His attitude was mischievous, but his eyes were serious.

'If you don't have a partner, then why don't you marry Robert?
With Robert?

　Canaan turned and looked at Robert with price-stamping eyes.
　Not bad.
　He could feel that feeling.

'I'm sorry, sir, but I have a fiancée.

　Robert pushed the glasses up and the lenses gave off a cold glow of rejection.

'I, when?'
I'm from the Barony of Ekron.

　With her strong background, and the 'yellow earth and fertility mother goddess' as her divine master, she must be a force to be reckoned with.

''I'm hoping to hold the ceremony before the end of the year.
Shh. Bless you.

　Kanan plopped down on the desk without effort.
　The shock of finding out that the person he thought was his equal was getting around so well was immeasurable.

'Should I give up on the marriage?'
What do you think?

　When Crono asked back, Canaan's lips twitched in frustration.
　You should refrain from making positive statements and easy consolation.
　An instinct sharpened by numerous battles whispered that.
　Just as he prayed for them both to come back soon, Leila opened her mouth.

''Crono-sama, it seems someone has arrived.
Can you do that?
Of course.

　Leila walked out of the dining room and I heard her voice.
　Nice timing.
　If we do well, we might be able to get Canaan to leave.

'Hey, I'm here to see Crono.
"Count Chiron.

　Oh, God. You are such an a**h*le.

*

　Crono opened the door of the mansion as he fell down.
　The cloak was heavy, as if it had turned to lead.
　I'd like to take it off, but I can't treat my foster father's gift to me poorly.

''I'm ... tired.''

　I stopped in the middle of the entrance hall and let out a deep sigh.
　It had been a hell of a few hours before my adoptive father and Myra came back.
　Common sense dictated that it should be pretty awkward to sit in the same room with someone who had refused to be in a relationship.
　Especially if you're with a lover.
　But there are some people in the world who don't think outside the box.
　I'm not going to be the only one.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.
　It's typical for Rio to hit the line just in time to deceive.

''Crono-sama, thank you for your help.
I'm really tired.

　Crono took off his cloak and offered it to her, and Leila took it and draped it over her arm.

'Do you think you could have fooled me?'
I'm sure they were suspicious.
Yeah.

　Crono hung his head in a gulp.

'Now we just have to hope that Robert-san will follow through. But why would Rio do something like that?'
'The Earl of Chiron would like to be treated as a lover, wouldn't he?
I'm handling it.
'I don't think Master Crono means what he thinks he means.

　He answered immediately.
　And with a straight face.

'Making out in public is a public affair,'
Worldly wisdom, huh?

　Leila raised her eyebrows slightly.

'For what it's worth, Rio comes from a great family. I'd say I'm sorry to hear him speak ill of me, or preferably avoid it.
Mr. Crono.

　Leila's mouth fell open in happiness.
　Crono scratched his head and headed for the stairs.
　The objective was not the second floor, but the basement.

''Aren't you going back to your room?''
We need to get Snow out of there first.

　A door on the side of the staircase opens to reveal a staircase that leads to the basement.
　Magic items for lighting are set up on the wall, but their light is weak, as if they are nearing the end of their life.
　Crono poked his hand against the wall and slowly descended the stairs.
　Down the stairs, there was a horizontal space there.
　Doors lined up at equal intervals on one wall, and in front of the door at the far end, a beastman standing in front of the door at the far end with a spear in his hand as a sentry.

''Good night, can you open the door for me?''
"Ha! (GASP!)

　The beastman bowed to Crono and unlocked the door.
　A magic item for lighting illuminated Snow, who was holding his knees on the bed.
　Snow noticed us and looked up.

''Crono-sama, you can't come!

　As he entered the room, Snow's face turned red and he exclaimed.

'Snow, that's not the way to talk to your superiors.
'Because I haven't had a bath since I got in here!　And, and the bathroom...

　When Layla said in a quiet, yet strangely powerful voice, Snow's face fell down in embarrassment.
　She glanced at me as if she was curious about my reaction.

''........Hoho.''

　As Crono stared at the jar in the corner of the room, Snow looked as if she was about to cry.
　Apparently, shame is more effective than restricting freedom and food.

''Hee, that's terrible.''
'You have to feel the pain, or it won't be a punishment.

　U~, Snow's lips twitched as if she was sulking.
　The reason why he didn't argue is because he is aware of the lightness of the punishment imposed on him.

'This case was also my fault, and since no harm was done to the public, I got away with a light punishment. Don't ever misunderstand me there.
I'm sorry.

　Snow nodded with a divine look on his face.

*

The crime rate in the Twelfth Ward is down, and the crime rate in the New Town is also on the decline. With the new financial resources available to us, we are able to run the poorhouse, soup kitchens...
That's all right. I'll read the rest of the report.

　When Alcor interrupted him, Count Piske looked relieved.

''Then I will be excused,''
You should go home and get some rest.

　Count Piske bowed reverently and walked out of his office.
　At one point I wondered what would happen, but he seemed to have regained quite a bit of composure.

''........But how long will it last?''

　Alcor picked up a petition.
　It is an appeal for the ouster of the Ninth Kingsguard Knights who are guarding the castle.
　Considering Count Chiron's words and actions, it seems like a natural progression, but looking at the names linked to the petition, it is clear that it is the work of the Alfortists.
　Most likely, they think that if they get rid of Count Chiron, they will be able to move around the castle freely.
　It can't be laughed off as a misguided effort.
　If the nobles of Alfort's faction are allowed to move around the castle freely, the resistance will surely gain momentum.
　Alfort would become emperor with their encouragement, Alcor would be dismissed as vizier, and the personnel of the various bureaus would be revamped.
　And the empire will be thrown into chaos.
　There is no way to stop that trend.
　Even if they were able to push it back, they would eventually be pushed out.
　Alkor let out a sigh and leaned back.
　He was an old man.
　His strength and energy are far less than they were in his youth.
　He had sworn to dedicate his life to the Empire, and he had lived that way, but when he was conscious of the time he had left, he felt the thought that he should have had a child.

''Well I have cut back on the influence of Empress Astraea.

　I was carrying a bad portable shrine.

No, it was my negligence in relying too much on your authority.

　Self-mockery is bitter.
　Because he was fully trusted, he was able to push for reform and reconstruction without being bothered by the rebel forces, but on the other hand, many aristocrats must have been unhappy that they were not able to benefit from it.
　The current situation could be considered a reaction to the heavy use of Arcol.
　If that's the case, should they have engaged in a bogus power struggle?
　That is impossible.
　The empire at that time was exhausted by civil war.
　If it had not wielded its power, it would have perished.
　There was no choice but to get rid of them, said Arkol, closing his eyes.
　If Princess Tilia succeeded to the throne, it would strengthen the influence of Empress Astraea, but if he didn't get rid of Alfort, the idiots would ruin the country.
　The problem is how to get rid of Alfort.
　Assassination is not enough.
　We need to get rid of his cronies as well, or there will be trouble.
　There are only a few ways to get rid of Alfort.
　It is a spiteful approach, but if it is the only way, we need not hesitate.