*

　Late March 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Strange aristocrats are strolling through Alfirk Castle.
　Some of them are dressed in extravagant costumes, while others are dressed in old military uniforms.
　Some looked cunning and crafty, while others looked dumb.
　Although they lacked a sense of unity in their appearances, they all shared a commonality in their attempts to get into Alfort.
　Oh dear, this isn't a social gathering, though, Rio thinks that while looking at such nobles with a sideways glance.
　It would be helpful if they saw each other as rivals and pulled each other down, but they get along quite well.
　As far as I'm concerned, it's a matter of a small person living quietly and doing no good...as far as ordinary people are concerned, they don't do much as far as they are concerned when they have too much time on their hands.
　It's a word that would undoubtedly lead to a fight if said face to face, but Rio didn't think there was a more appropriate word for them to use.
　They were uninvited guests.
　Alfort welcomes them, but the Kingsguard knights and court nobles consider them to be an intrusion.
　Even if they don't say it out loud, their emotions can be felt.
　Perhaps that's why they've swarmed to resist the tangible and intangible pressures.
　When there are so many of them, even if you kill one or two of them miserably, they may not become quiet, but rather gain momentum.
　If he did that, Alfort would surely be happy to solve the problem and punish Rio and puff his nose up in pride at punishing him.
　I don't want to be punished for my own or my subordinates' mistakes, but I don't want to be punished for being involved in a child's play.
　While I was thinking about that, I arrived at my destination.......Count Piske's office.
　After knocking on the door, I enter the office.
　Count Piske had folded his hands to hide his mouth.
　His face is pale and tense.
　Thanks to the somewhat improved security of the imperial capital, it was picking up, but he was probably forced into another troublesome situation.
　It's ironic that a man who has been elevated to the position of Knight Commander of the Konoe Guard by politics is at the mercy of politics.
　I sincerely think he should retire before his body breaks down.
　However, Count Piske wouldn't shake his head if I recommended retirement.
　A man under pressure loses perspective.

'Hey, what do you want?'
....

　Count Piske did not answer, even though Rio made an effort to call out to him cheerfully.
　After waiting for a minute or two, Count Piske slowly opened his mouth.

''The Ninth Order of the Kingsguard has been relieved of its duty to guard the castle at the end of March.
Oh, you didn't see that coming.

　I was less upset because I thought I would be relieved of my security duties eventually.
　I didn't expect that time to come so soon, though.

'Aren't you going to ask me why?'
I'm willing to listen if you tell me.

　Rio lightly cowered his shoulders.
　The Knights of the Kingsguard is a unit directly under the emperor, but the resignation order is handed down via the Military Affairs Bureau.
　It's as if Count Piske is saying there is a backstory when he tells them.

''I've been told that ... it's because of the abandonment of duty.
Oh, I got permission to do that, didn't I?

　Abandonment of duty would have been to deliver a diploma of knighthood to the Marquess of Erakis.
　I felt comfortable and stayed, but I've been properly authorized to do so as well.

''You can't leave the Imperial City for ten months...''

　'I can't protect you,' said Count Piske in a stifled voice.

'I don't like lies, though.
It's true.

　Count Piske looked into Rio's eyes and said, if he could believe such words, he would have had an easier life.
　Even he wouldn't expect them to believe him.
　In other words, he has had to renege on his promise not to make a problem of it.
　Nine times out of ten, it may be the work of Vizier Alcor, but there is one thing I can't agree with.
　If we relieve the Ninth Kinsman Guard of its security duties now, it will give the Alfortists a boost.
　What would be the point of doing such a thing when their influence is declining, even if it's just for free?
　Or have they lost so much power that they can't dismiss the Alfortists' appeal?

'So where do we go?'
We're going to be in the castle for a while.
I won't be able to roam the castle any longer.

　It's a shame, he mutters with a sigh.
　It's a shame that I won't be able to observe the sloppy courtly romance from a special seat.

''Have you decided on a replacement?''
Not yet.

　Count Piske has a reluctant look on his face.
　I can't help but laugh now.
　It's like he's confessing that this resignation is to take away Rio's authority.....................and by extension, to allow those idiots to roam free.

'I don't know what they're thinking at all,'
"I'm sorry, Count Chiron.
No, it's your situation. You don't have to worry about it. Well, I'm going to go.

　Rio fluttered and waved his hand and turned on his heel.

*

　When Rio returned to his office, the deputy hung his head reverently.
　He took his seat beside such a deputy and let out a small sigh.

''Rio-sama, thank you for your hard work.
I'm home.

　The second-in-command poured the incense tea and placed it on the desk.
　Rio brings the cup to his mouth, enjoying the refreshing aroma.
　The incense tea kept the temperature to Rio's liking, even though he shouldn't have known when he would be back.
　It's times like these that I'm truly glad to have him as my second in command.

''What did Count Piske say?''
The guard duty ends at the end of the month.
....

　The deputy was silent, but his face was red with rage.

'Well, well, calm down,'
We are calm. If you don't mind, I will go and protest to Count Piske.　Of course, I will protest calmly and methodically.

　The deputy said as he swung his right arm like a pendulum.
　With this, he would be able to beat Count Piske to death calmly and calmly.

''I can't give you permission,''
If that's what Master Rio says.

　The deputy nodded in a reluctant manner.
　I can't give permission to be told, 'Hey, I'm going to go and kill you.

''But for what reason?''
I heard it was because you were playing around with the Chronosphere.
'I'm not sure I agree with you punishing me after eight months. And moreover, you have not protested in Master Rio's absence.

　Although it is an old saying that "reward and punishment are necessary", everything has an expiration date.
　Both rewards and punishments must be meted out promptly.

It's not whether it's the right thing to do, but whether it can be used as an excuse.
I am increasingly unacceptable.
You couldn't sue me for this. I've done a lot of things for you.

　You can use the fact that you chopped your opponent to death in a duel, or that you wore a dress to a ball, if you try to use it as an excuse.

''........politics?''
It's tricky.

　I can't see myself fighting a thorough battle and going off the deep end.
　It's not like you have any career aspirations.
　It's time to get out of trouble.

It's disgusting.

　The deputy looks reluctant.

'You don't like politics?'
I don't like it. Especially if we're the ones involved.

　'How could you serve as a countess with such a personality?' chuckled Rio.

'You gave up on my father because of politics.
Politics isn't a political game.

　That is the kind of political skill he has shown.
　Without him, Rio would have had to kill his father.
　The affection for him had long since died out, so he had no qualms about killing him, but it was better if he could take over the family in peace.

'Hmm, you don't dislike my father, do you?
I don't like it. I don't hate it.

　He had a history of losing his job due to military reorganization and becoming a servant of the Countess of Chiron.
　Considering his age alone, it was no wonder they were like brothers, but my father seemed to have failed to establish trust.

''Do I have to be careful not to get kicked out too?
You're kidding.

　The second in command snickered.
　It was uncomfortable because he couldn't think of where the servants of the Countess of Chiron and the Ninth Kinsman Guard's loyalty came from.

''Regardless of the reason, we're out of business. The rest is just a matter of time...
I'm afraid I can't do that, sir.

　The deputy interrupted Rio's words.

Until the end of March, the castle is under the jurisdiction of the Ninth Kingsguard. Regardless of your political decisions, you must perform your duties responsibly until the end.
You're so serious.

　Rio let out a sigh.
　Call it a deputy, call it a Wiseman teacher, but old knights were stubborn.
　As a new knight, I envy him for that.
　They both have different directions, but they both have what should be called a core.
　'Well,' said Rio, standing up.

'Are you going somewhere?'
'I don't think I'll be able to walk around the castle freely once I'm relieved of my guard duty. I thought I'd say hello to everyone I know while I still can.
Aye, Lady Ferna.
'I don't have any other friends besides her. When I'm done with that, I'm going to go visit Crono.
...the Marquis of Erakis.

　The deputy scowled.

'You don't like Crono?'
'I would have liked you if you weren't Lady Rio's lover. Well, old people are always jealous of young people.

　I don't know what I'm jealous of, Rio chuckled and left the office.



　Rio wanders around the castle in search of Fana's appearance, although if the emperor was alive, he should have stuck it out in his bedroom.
　I know where her office and the lady's lounge are, but if I visited her in person, I would have created a good rumor.
　I'm a big fan of lover's quarrels and edgings, but I don't want to be the star of unsubstantiated gossip.
　It's best to pretend it's a coincidence.
　Fortunately, or perhaps I should say, Fana, the head lady-in-chief, has been busy roaming the castle.
　If I'm not unlucky, I'll be able to meet her before the end of March.

''Ah, Count Chiron.
You sound like Sir Nam.

　I turned around when my name was called from behind.
　Then Baroness Nam Korne and her daughter Aina approached.

''Hello, Lady Aina. You look well.''
Yes, thanks to you.

　Aina bows lightly as she hides behind Baroness Nam Korne.

''What can I do for you, Lady Nam?''
'It's stifling to be stuck in a room, so I was walking around the castle with my daughter for a change.
Even though it's March, it's still very cold and I think you should come to your room.
You have to move around a little bit to slow down.

　When Rio patted the scarf and said, Baroness Nam Korunu smiled like a baby girl.
　However, her eyes were not smiling.
　Her argument is completely built up.
　Since her daughter wasn't taken seriously by Leonhardt, she's probably scavenging for men.

''So what are your thoughts?''
'It's still cold, after all. So I think I'll go back to my room in a little while.

　Apparently, there was no man in the room who could meet your expectations.

''Um, if it's convenient for you, would you be willing to show me around the Imperial City?''
Since the imperial capital is not a safe place, why don't you ask Lord Argena or Lord Roy to help you?

　In case you're wondering, they both come from prominent families.
　Both have troublesome personalities, but they are perfectly capable as guards.

''I've heard that Count Chiron is one or two of the most talented among the leaders of the Kingsguard.
As you can see, I don't look very strong, so I'm useless as an escort.

　She's white-knuckled while fighting more than evenly with that Rio.
　She would be able to hum through the slums.

'Humble, isn't it?'
I do not believe a knight's sword is wielded lightly.

　Rio replied with a hand on his chest.

''Then it can't be helped. But I don't have anyone else to rely on, so........
'Mother, why don't you ask the Marquis of Erakis for help?

　Baroness Nam Corne looked over, and Aina was quick to reply.
　Her voice was upturned, as if she didn't mean it.

''Oh, you are acquainted with Lord Crono?''
Yeah, it's a bit of a coincidence.
I'm sure Mister Crono is busy with his work.
I thought the three of us walking through the Imperial City would be a nice distraction, but...

　Baroness Nam Korunu ruffled her hair as Rio put his hand on the hilt of his sword as he said.
　If it came down to it, she would be willing to sacrifice one of her arms to keep Rio at a distance.
　It's a battle strategy that only a divine warrior of the 'Goddess of Blue and Life' could have.

'After all, you don't want to interfere with your work, do you? I'm sure you're a pretty versatile person, so I wanted to talk to you.

　Her former place of residence was under the direct control of Emperor Kai a trading city where the belief in the "Goddess of Blue and Life" is flourishing.
　I thought they dispatched her out of consideration for the feelings of the residents, but it seems that she wasn't just a woman who could perform the role expected of her.
　No, this is the kind of woman that may be why she was sent to Emperor Kai's direct domain.

''Your current post is in Alfiruk, sir?

　Baroness Nam Korunu only tilted her head slightly.
　Does this mean that he's already laid the groundwork?

''I wanted to have a family affair with Lady Crono, but I will consider a different approach.

　He adds in a whispered tone of voice, "I don't want to get kicked by a horse.

'Now, if you'll excuse me,'

　Baroness Nam Corne lightly bowed her head and turned on her heel, but she didn't try to walk away.

''Speaking of which, you said, 'Even though it's March, it's still cold...'
I think it's colder than last year.
Will we have a cold summer this year?

　Rio thought for a moment and opened his mouth.

'I have no proof, but I think it's going to be a cool summer this year.
Yeah, that's good enough for me.

　What was enough, Baroness Nam Korne began to walk slowly.



　The castle's living area was dominated by silence.
　Every nook and cranny was cleaned and the furnishings decorated the space.
　Despite this, the impression of desolation is probably due to the absence of the master of the living area.......Ramal V.
　Has it been like this since the time of His Majesty's lifetime?　Rio gave a small nod of his head.
　Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't.
　As he was walking around thinking about this, Fana came out of the bedroom.

'Hello, Lady Fana.'
Count Chiron, what a surprise.

　Rio called out, and Fana stopped and gave a small smile.
　After this one caught up with her, she slowly walked away.

'It's been a long time since I've been here, but it seems lonely.
No, you haven't. This place hasn't changed a bit.
If you say so, Lady Ferna, I'm sure you're right.

　Rio cowered lightly.

How did you end up here?
What a horrible place this is. Even if it were, this is where His Majesty used to live.

　There is no atmosphere of blame, but the ease with which he talks to his friends.

'Can't you ever forget His Majesty?
I was just slacking off.
'I've always thought of you as a serious man, Lady Fana.
A High Priestess doesn't need to be a serious person. Doesn't a knight do that?
Well, what do you think?

　Rio tilted his head.
　Most of the Knights of the Kingsguard captains have serious personalities, but since he could serve himself, maybe anyone could serve.

''I wonder what the Earl of Chiron came here for?''
I'm going to be relieved of my guard duty at the end of March. I just wanted to say hello.
Where are you going?
It doesn't look like we're going to be reassigned, but we won't be able to walk around the castle at will.

　Yes, Fana muttered ruefully.
　It is her virtue not to offer to do something about it.
　Women as creatures tend to perceive a man's power as their own, but she makes a good distinction.
　At least that's how it seems to Rio.

'How is everything going with your lover?'
That's about right.

　It's been a while, though, I add in my mind.
　Since we are here in the imperial capital, we want to love each other to the extent that we are not dissatisfied, if not to the fullest extent.
　But I haven't had the opportunity to do so.
　Perhaps he and Leila are in love with each other.
　Thinking about it makes me feel jealous.

''I'm ... jealous.''
Oh, yeah?

　It's hard to date a man who surrounds himself with a large number of mistresses.
　I don't want to be compared to other women, even with a body like this, and the fear that one day I won't be chosen comes with me.
　Still, it felt good to be envied by a normal woman.
　Perhaps understanding Rio's feelings, Fana smiled as if she was troubled.

''Well I've never been like that.''
'You didn't love His Majesty, did you?

　If you're guarding the castle, you'll hear about how Fana became a concubine.
　And if you watch Ramal V's actions, you know it's true.

'There was no love, was there?'

　Fana said in a refreshing tone.
　That would be true.
　I don't know how I would react if I was told that this was affectionate.
　Well, even if the way it started sucks, it still seems like a relief if I can stay like this after it's over.

'Well, I'd better get going then.
Did you need something?
I thought I'd go see my girlfriend.

　Rio and Fana parted at a fork in the corridor.

*

　The stronghold of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard is in the First District.
　It's a plot of land where the mansions of the famous great aristocrats stand.
　It's an unsuitable plot of land to place a base of operations for financial reasons, but it's a different story if it's a bargain.
　The mansion that Count Piske prepared for Crono is also a reasonable property.
　It is said that the ghosts of noblemen who were brutally murdered during the civil war appear in the mansion.
　Of course, Rio doesn't believe it.
　Most likely, he started a rumor to keep people away or something like that.
　Rio walked through the gate of the mansion and stopped in front of the door.
　There were two beastmen standing there with their spears at the ready.
　When I looked upstairs, something was looking down at me.

''I didn't see anything,''
What do you want? (Gulp?)

　The beastly soldier asked, ignoring Rio's mutterings.

'I want you to call Crono.'
I understand.

　The beastman soldier nodded and walked into the mansion.
　Rio stole a look at the trees in the yard.
　A rope hung down from the tree's branches.

''Well I didn't see anything.''

　After waiting for a while, trying not to look at anything unnecessary, the beastmen came back with Crono and Leila.

''Rio, what's going on?''
I've come to ask you to meet me.
No, I have a job to do...
Why don't you go out and see if you can't make it?

　Leila interrupted Crono's words.

'But I have work to do...'
Master Crono works too hard.
I take my days off regularly.

　When Crono said excusingly, Leila let out a deep sigh.

'There's no point in waiting at the mansion even on holidays. I'll take care of your absence, so Crono-sama, please go stretch your wings.''

　Leila closed the door of the mansion, leaving Crono looking battled.

'Where are you going?'
I'm thinking of going to a restaurant on Second Avenue at the end, but other than that my schedule is blank.
Do you have a restaurant reservation?
I don't have to worry about my membership.

　The restaurant is located in the second district and is a private room only restaurant.
　It looks like a castle and has no signboard.
　It is a restaurant for the nobility to hold secret talks.

''Even if we want to go sightseeing, it's not safe and secure~''

　Crono grunts.
　I'd like to see if there's a guy who's going to poke at the Konoe Knight, but it's better to keep quiet.

''Was there ever a tourist attraction in the Imperial City in the first place?''
In the suburbs, there's the remains of the temple that was burned down by the first emperor. And then there's the tree where the imperial brotherhood's nobles were hung.
It's not a tourist attraction, it's a haunted place.
I guess it's similar, though.

　Religious buildings from the dawn of the empire and before were destroyed by the first emperor, and the buildings that escaped destruction are still in use in some form or another, so they are not easy to visit.
　Buildings with a historical background are similar.
　One or two bloody incidents have occurred in every building.
　Crono groaned with a grunt.

Oh!

　I raised my voice.

*

　Leonhard Palatium's mansion was built to occupy a corner of the first city block.
　The mansion, with its high walls and cylinders on all sides, has undergone several renovations, but it is undoubtedly one of the oldest in the Imperial City.
　Leonhardt tipped his cup elegantly in the pavilion.
　It's still cold, but if you look carefully, you can feel the breath of spring coming from the gardens.
　He sets the cup on the table and exhales quietly.

''So what are you two doing here?''
I'm here to see the sights.

　It was Crono who answered Leonhardt's question.
　He tilted his cup in a less than flattering gesture and let out a breath of relief.

'Sightseeing?'
The Imperial City is a dangerous place. I thought I could safely see some rare things in Lord Leonhardt's mansion.

　Rio took a mouthful of incense tea and frowned slightly.

''Leonhard-sama, you frowned!　There's no way I'd entertain anyone without any education!　I want someone else to take his place!

　
　She is a chubby woman.
　She's not an ugly woman, but she's definitely less than humanly possible.
　She has more flesh on her breasts and ass than she needs, and her waist is dull.
　Her tone, and her missing double teeth, give her an unrefined air.
　If you told me that a peasant who couldn't pay his taxes offered his daughter to me, I'd believe you.
　Rio crossed his legs, wondering if he was addressing her to help her learn how to handle women.

'No, no, don't worry about us.

　With that, Crono reached for the cookie.
　Leonhardt chuckled.
　Perhaps he is thinking like a poorly made brother.
　It's obvious, but he wouldn't have a maid like Leela refrain from being beside him if he was concerned about his physical appearance and face.
　Surely, Leonhardt is also allowing his heart to be in Crono's hands.


I don't think this is a bad idea.

　Rio muttered as he stabbed his cheekbones, and Leonhardt said as he propped up his cup with his hands.

''When I was in the Second Kingsguard, I used to treat Count Ernat to incense tea and drinks.
'I don't suppose you've ever been barged in or pushed around?
Well, you know.

　Leonhardt laughs as if he is troubled.
　Commander of the Kingsguard....Friendship between nobles is not easy.
　Family status and title are involved.
　Suddenly, I heard a sound of kacha.
　When I looked at the direction of the sound, Crono was looking at me with a guffawed face.

''Are you bothering me?''
I'm sure that's not true.

　Leonhardt replied after a short pause.

''Then I'll show you around the mansion after I finish my incense tea.
What would you like to see, by the way, Crono?
...the bones of a dragon.

　Rio and Leonhardt looked at each other.
　Although the Palatium family was a great noble family linked to the blood of the first emperor, they had never heard of slaying a dragon.

''No, it doesn't matter if it's not a dragon bone, or a stuffed animal of a rare animal, or anything else. You see, my predecessor was the same way, but aristocrats collect strange.......interesting looking things.

　Apparently, Crono came here to see something really unusual.
　Rio is having fun, but Leonhardt looks awkward.

''Crono-dono, that kind of thing is a stone.......''
I have.

　Leela interrupted Leonhardt's words.
　No servant should ever interrupt the Lord's words, but their relationship would make it so.

'Was there ever such a thing?'
There's a room with giant bones, a huge stuffed bird, and unicorn horns. You really don't know?

　'Hmm,' said Leonhardt, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

'Could it be that it's the unopened room?
"Open?　What are you talking about? We clean it once a month.

　Leonhard tilted his head curiously.

'Hmm, I don't think my father was the type to pour money into those things, do you?
That's because Master Leonhardt bought too much. My grandfather used to spend a fortune buying all sorts of weird stuff.
...I see.

　Leonhardt nodded with a divine look on his face.
　Well, in short, the room was probably the culmination of his father's embarrassing past, or the culmination of his youthful indiscretions.
　Because of the large amount of money he had invested, he couldn't throw it away, and he must have kept it unopened because he didn't want his serious son to know about it.

'They didn't keep it quiet, did they?
You can't hide it forever. I'm surprised that Leonhardt-sama hasn't been more interested in it until now.

　Leonhardt frowned just a little bit.
　Apparently, the Palatiums have problems in the Palatium family.
　Rio looked at Crono, even though the ones who weren't related by blood were closer.



　Fruit and wine served in silverware on a small table.
　The quality of the wine, as well as the furnishings in the room, are top-notch.
　However, after visiting the castle's residential area and Leonhardt's mansion, it's not as good as it could be.
　Rio gazed at Crono while savoring the wine as he licked it.
　The items that were displayed in the unopened room seemed to have captured Crono's heart.
　He didn't know what was so funny, but he laughed at the mermaid mummy.
　Apparently, Leonhardt's father also had a deceitful mouth.

''Rio, there's something that's been bothering you?
What is it?
Why do I have a bed?

　When Crono looked behind him over his shoulder, he saw a canopy bed.
　Of course, there are two pillows.

''Hmph, you're not a first-time girl, are you asking me that now?''
So that's what this restaurant is all about.

　Crono turns to Rio and sips at his wine glass.
　He doesn't drink it down, just moistens his lips.

'This isn't a restaurant for this sort of thing,'

　Rio stood up and walked over to Crono and sat down quietly on his thighs.

'This is the kind of restaurant that lets you do these things. Why don't we make love to each other as much as we want?
....

*

　That night, Rio and Crono returned to the mansion in the boxcarriage.
　As Crono got out of the boxcarriage, Leila came running up to him.

'Master Crono, I have a letter from Count Piske.
What do you want?

　Crono took the letter from Leila and opened it on the spot.

'What does it say?'
I'm getting relieved of my duties at the end of March.

　Rio tilted his head.
　For a moment, he thought that Count Piske was trying to take credit for Crono's work, but he reminded himself that he couldn't afford that right now.
　Perhaps it was Vizier Alcor's suggestion.

''What do you want to do?''
'What to do or not, it's an order. We have to go home.

　While saying that, Crono doesn't seem to be convinced of one thing right now.
　It's not surprising since he has lost his subordinates by being used by Vizier Alcor Vizier.

''........This isn't fun.

　Crono stared at the letter and said in frustration.



　April 1, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Alkor entered the Round Table Room and immediately noticed something strange about Alfort.
　He struggled to hold back a smile.
　He had such a look on his face.
　
　Only Alfort is unaware of being noticed.
　At this minute, they wouldn't have noticed that Alcor turned his hand and relieved the Ninth Kingsguard of its security duties, nor would they have noticed that he had returned Baroness Nam Korne to Emperor Kai's direct control.
　Alkor let out a small sigh.
　It wasn't the best education, but I gave him enough education that he wouldn't be embarrassed to send it anywhere.
　At least I gave him the environment.
　In spite of that, what we've got is a person who doesn't think deeply about things, but instead is coaxed into doing so by others.
　However, the one who should really be blamed is Arkol, who used Bonko as a palanquin.
　He hates and fears Queen Astraea so much that he shades his eyes.
　It's nothing short of foolish.
　Therefore, you must take responsibility for your actions.
　Even if it is a mistake that cannot be atoned for by your own life alone.
　Arkol goes to his seat.
　He suddenly remembered Claude.
　When he first met him, he had felt estranged.
　He was crude, selfish, strong and brave like a hero in a story.
　Just being around him made me feel inferior.
　So it was a relief when he was enclosed on the southern frontier, and a dark amusement when he had to work out the budget for the settlement.
　But he must not have had such feelings in his teeth.
　For they were laughing in the midst of poverty.
　And they overcame many hardships and managed to settle the southern frontier.
　At that time, I no longer feel inferior.
　Now I remember the days when I felt inferior.
　
　I wonder how his wife felt when she was made to feel knowing her body was unable to bear children.
　How did it feel to die apologizing for not being able to bear children?
　At the very least, I took Claude's suggestion to manipulate the family register to leave proof that Ellea Fronde had lived.
　It would be hard to escape the slander of hypocrisy if you think about what you did to Crono, but still, I wanted to do something for her.
　There was no pretense of that feeling.
　When Alcor took his seat, a large number of nobles opened the door and avalanched into the room.

''........Could you please leave the room?''
You don't have to leave the room.

　It was Alfort, not the nobleman, who answered Alcor.
　He was stuttering badly, but apparently, he was cured.

'I will succeed to the throne.
We don't have the budget to hold the coronation.
Well, we'll find the money, then.

　The man at the front of the line said with a proud smile.
　Of course, it wasn't out of the goodness of his heart.
　He intends to pay for a key position.

''I think the reason the imperial city is in turmoil is because there is no emperor.

　'Yes,' the nobles followed.

'Don't you think it's because you've wasted so much money that you couldn't even help the poor?
I didn't squander it.

　Alfort threw out his chest.

''....Good. Let us allow you to succeed to the throne.''

　When Alcor said this, Alfort's face was red from anger.

''Yo, I'm going to denounce you!

　Alfort stood up and pointed at Alcor.

''The security of the imperial capital was disrupted because you blocked my succession to the throne for a reason!　That sin is not light!
I am obeying your late Majesty's last will and testament. And if you say I'm guilty of something, I'd like to know what I'm guilty of.

　I had made some preparations, but Alfort and his cronies didn't seem to be able to get there.

''We're going to have to leave the room, sir.
Capture Alkor!

　When Alfort shouted, the nobles moved.
　However, their movements were slower than a turtle.
　They aren't checking each other out, but rather imposing unpleasant roles on each other.

''.........Would it be alright if we went to the main tower where Princess Tilia was imprisoned?''

　Alcor stood up and walked leisurely away.
　There were some who gave way, but none who tried to catch him.


　This is how the end of the empire began.