※

　帝国暦四三三年四月――シャウラは夢を見ている。
　救貧院で初めてあの人と出会った時の夢だ。
　夢の中で仲間と救貧院の通路に立ち、あの人が来るのを待っていた。
　小さな胸を支配していたのは恐怖だった。
　口には出さなかったが、あの場にいた全員がこれから売られていくのだと考えていたように思う。
　そう考えなければ美味しいご飯をお腹いっぱい食べさせてくれたことやお日様の匂いがする寝床を用意してくれた理由を説明できなかった。
　売られるのは嫌だったけれど、そんなことを言える立場ではなかった。
　シャウラ達は孤児だった。
　だから、いなくなっても誰も悲しまない者が切り捨てられるのは仕方がないことだ。
　そう自分に言い聞かせた。
　どんな目に遭わされるのか考えて震えていると、あの人がやって来た。
　第一印象は怖いだった。
　彼の顔には大きな傷があったし、ボロボロのマントは母が寝る時に話してくれた昏（くら）き森にいる死霊を連想させた。
　それにあの目だ。
　まるで下らない物を見るような目で自分達を見ていた。
　それが堪らなく恐ろしかった。
　彼はよりにもよってシャウラの前で立ち止まった。
　怖かったが、気分を害したら酷い目に遭わされると思い、必死に彼を見上げた。
　すると、彼は手を伸ばしてきた。
　避けてしまった後で怒らせてしまったかも知れないと猛烈に後悔した。
　しかし、後悔をする時間は大して与えられなかった、彼はシャウラの頭を掴み、乱暴に揺すったのだ。
　パニックに陥らなかったのは奇跡と言って良かったが、やはりと言うべきか、平静さを取り戻す時間は与えられず、名前を聞かれた。
　シャウラが名乗ると、彼はぎこちなく笑い、良い名前だと誉めてくれた。
　そこでようやく彼を理解できたと思う。
　彼はどうして良いのか分からなかったのだ。
　それでも、一生懸命考えて頭を撫でようとした。
　初めての出会いはそれで終わり。
　けれど、帰ってくるのを待ってるよという言葉は胸に焼き付いた。

※

　目を覚ますと、光がカーテンの隙間から差し込んでいた。
　パチ、パチと目を瞬かせ、体を起こす。
　そこは土臭い新兵訓練所ではなく、エラキス侯爵領の城砦都市ハシェルにある兵舎だった。
　ハシェルには兵舎が二つある。
　街壁の外にある新兵舎と街壁の中にある旧兵舎だ。
　新兵舎は古参兵が使い、旧兵舎はシャウラのような新兵が使っている。
　文句はない。
　旧兵舎は外観こそ古びているものの、内部はしっかりした造りで清潔感もある。
　家具が据え付けられている上に二人部屋だ。
　さらに食事は一日三食ときている。
　これで文句を言ったらバチが当たってしまう。
　I look at the bed on the other side of the room and see a girl pointing her gray shorts-covered ass toward me.
　Her name is Elsa.
　She's a half-elf from the Imperial City.
　Her hair and eyes are light brown in color, her eyes are droopy but her eyes are sharp.
　She's tall for a woman, but not fleshy.
　Well, she eats her meals like a champ, and she'll gain weight quickly.
　Shaura gets off the bed and quickly changes into her military uniform.
　Wearing a military uniform fills her with an unearned sense of satisfaction.
　Ummmm, Erza groaned and turned over.
　After a while, she raised her body with her arms and stretched out like a cat.

''Good morning, Shaura.''
Good morning.

　Elsa quickly changed into her uniform and sat down on the bed.

'What was the plan for today?'
City security.

　To be exact, it would be cleaning, breakfast, morning assembly, city security, lunch, city security, end of assembly, dinner, and free time, followed by bedtime.
　On training days, city security only turns into training, so you know the schedule in detail without telling me.

'Security is nice and easy, isn't it?
You'll be pissed off if you say that.
So serious.

　Elsa gave a bitter smile.
　Two weeks since she arrived the training is so strict that it's barely possible not to fail.
　In contrast, the city's security is relatively easy.
　However, it may just feel easier because there's little to do now.
　I'm in the stage of learning the job, or rather, trying to figure out if it's OK to let them learn the job.

'And it's really safe, isn't it?
Yes.

　I tried to agree, but I honestly don't know much about it.
　All Shaura knows is the settlement she lived in and Hashel.

''The shops are busy, the peddlers come and go, and if there's money to be made from this, there's not much to say.''
I think we can use the advance payment system.

　When I arrived, Deputy Mino explained to me that new recruits could borrow up to ten pieces of silver in advance of their pay.
　Shaura didn't use it, but there seemed to be a lot of people using it.

''I don't want to be in debt. I don't know what they'll do to me.''

　Elsa said with a frown.

'It's not a debt, it's an advance.
It's not the same thing.

　It would certainly be like borrowing money from your future self.

''I don't think I'm going to get a bribe either~''
I don't think that's a good idea.

　The city's security is a team effort.
　You can't fool them all, and it's hard to convince them all to look at you.

'I know,'
The first time you went to the brig and the second time you didn't tell me.

　You know what I'm saying?　He just said.

'But it's a well-designed system. My lord has given us permission to operate, so there's no point in bribing us.''
Yes.

　For now, I'll just phase in.
　Honestly, I don't know what the system is called.

Unless the whole thing is rotten, but that's not the mood I'm in.
Yes.

　Elsa's eyes narrowed quizzically as Shaura ministered again.

'You don't understand, do you?'
Yes, you don't understand.
Oh, God, you're a terrible little girl. You need to know what you're doing.

　Elsa said with a sigh.

'Information?'
Yes, information. For example, the Marquis of Erakis, do you guys know anything about that?

　Shaura shook her head.
　'The only thing I know about Crono is that he's a kind person.

'How come you don't know?'
'Because I fled from the Holy Argo Kingdom and immediately went to boot camp.
You mean, you're a nomad?
Yeah.
Oh, I see.

　Elsa nodded her head as if to say she was satisfied.

'Should I explain to you about the Marquis of Erakis?'
Please.
Well, at your request the Marquis of Erakis.

　Elsa punctuated her words in a wasteful manner.

'You're a womanizer,'
I'll get my cleaning supplies.
'Wait a minute!　That's pretty serious information!

　I was about to leave the room when he came around.
　I had no choice, so I went back to my own bed and sat down.

'I'm not sure of the details, but I hear he's messing with the half-elf too. I'm sure it's the woman sitting in the groom's seat in the wagon.

　If you ask me, there was a half-elf with silver hair and brown skin.

''Then don't you think I have eyes, too?''
....

　What can I say?

'Agreed, agreed. This is still not local....sorry. I'm sorry.
I understand.

　Many female soldiers are reluctant to reveal their past.
　The rule here is not to pry into each other's affairs.
　If you ask them out, you can end up hurting yourself as well as them.

"So, we'll start over, okay?
Come in.
'Agree with me, I agree. You can't be a soldier forever, and if you become a nobleman's mistress I'm sure you'll get at least a handout when we part ways.
I think I should study and become a clerk.

　Deputy Mino also explained the education system.
　He said that anyone who wanted to learn anything could be taught to study for free, and that he could be hired as a clerk after he left the military.

'Has Shaura applied for it?'
Yes. It's going to take a while for your turn to arrive.
You're a curious one.
I want to help Master Chronosphere.

　Shaura lied a bit.
　I'm not lying about my desire to be helpful to Crono, but I thought it would be cool if I could read and write.

''Hmmm, since they're teaching me to study for free, maybe I should sign up for it too.
I think it's a good idea.

　Shaura and Elsa's shifts are the same.
　This seems to be a consideration to help them sleep well.
　Aside from that, it's good to have someone you know with you.

''Well, shall we clean up?''
Yes.

　Shaura gave a small nod and stood up.

*

　The dining room was crowded.
　Trays in hand, we stood in line and took our food from a woman standing on the other side of a horizontal serving table.
　The woman is a civilian.
　She cooks, serves food, washes dishes, does laundry, and prepares baths, but she doesn't just clean up.
　Shaura takes the food and takes an empty seat.
　Elsa is seated next to her.
　I don't know why she's sitting next to me when the seat opposite me is empty.

''Today's food looks good too!

　Elsa set the tray on the table and slid her hands together.
　The menu consisted of a large loaf of bread, a soup full of meatballs and vegetables, and a salad full of cabbage.
　By the way, refills are free.

''You'll get fat, right?''
That's okay. Everyone gets fat.

　Surely his friends said he'd gained weight, too.
　Still, the reason no one wears a patched-up uniform is because they can get it tailored for free.
　If the limits of tailoring were exceeded, a new uniform would be tailored.
　Well, Shaura had no plans to use either of them.

''Mmm, yummy!''

　Elsa took a mouthful of soup and broke the happy chemistry.

'Shaura, are you free?'

　When I looked up, I saw an elf boy.......Rigel standing there.
　His hair and eyes were brown in color, his face was neutral and his body lines were thin.

''I'm free.''
Thank you.

　Rigel took a seat across from me.

'What are your plans for today?'
City security.

　Hmmm, Rigel ministered disinterestedly and bit into the bread.

'What about Rigel?'
We're just training. So eat lightly.

　If you ask me, the food on the tray is not much.
　I am not restricted in my diet, but eating too much will interfere with my training.
　The rigors of the training can cause you to vomit, so you must eat sparingly.

'Shaura, stop talking and introduce me.
She's my roommate, Elsa, and he's my mate, Rigel.

　Shaura points to Elsa and Rigel with the palm of her hand.

'Nice to meet you,'
You're welcome.

　Elsa and Rigel leaned forward and shook hands with each other.

'The training here is much harder than in the boot camp, isn't it?
They do this and that to you, don't they?

　Shaura nodded as she sipped her soup.
　The seniors are strong.
　Even though they are new recruits, the beastmen can't even get a handful of elves and dwarves in a team-up.
　When it comes to the actual battle format, we're already in over our heads.
　The seniors will even use their dirty hands even though there is just a difference in strength between them.
　However, when you see such strong seniors fighting without regard to their appearance, it makes you feel that you have to fight without regard to their appearance.

But I do feel like I'm getting stronger. The bow is also........was it the mechanic's bow?　It's not quite as user-friendly as the ones we used in boot camp, but it's a hell of a lot more powerful.
It's a powerful thing, though.

　Elsa mutters as she shreds a small piece of bread.
　She would say that the bow is awesome, not Rigel.
　It's true that the mechanic's bow is an awesome weapon.
　The armor provided and the daggers that are used as auxiliary arms are too different in performance from the ones used in the recruit training camp.

I hope we can get to war soon. Then we can make good use of the war effort.
I wish I didn't have to go to war.

　Then Elsa chewed on her bread.
　Shaura nodded as she ate her salad.
　With her own strength, instead of being useful to Crono, she would end up dragging the old soldiers down.

''Is that enough for Shaura?''
That's fine.

　Maybe it was because he didn't agree with me, but Rigel didn't look amused.
　He would want to avenge his family by killing the soldiers of the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　Of course, even Shaura wants to avenge his family, but it seems wrong to want a war for that purpose.
　That country is trying to eradicate the sub-humans and considers them unnecessary, so they should be able to clear their noses if they contribute to the development of Crono's territory.

''Well I thought Shaura would understand.

　Rigel scraped his soup and sat up.

'Good, we're from the same town, aren't we?'
That's it.

　If I was a little smarter, I could have put it another way, but for now, this is all I can do.

'Well, just because you've had a similar experience doesn't mean you're going to feel the same way.
That's what I mean.

　Shaura ate her bread.

*

　Shaura straightens her back and stares ahead.
　The city wall rises in the back, and in front of it, the Mino lieutenant and the centurion - Arididid, Deneb, Taiga, and Nasr - are lined up in front of it.
　Furthermore, there is a sturdy-looking platform in front of it.
　It's a platform that doesn't faze the Minotaur, the Mino deputy, even if he gets on it.
　Taiga and Nasr are two of the centurion's most closely related.
　Taiga is in charge of security and Nasr is in charge of training archers.
　Alideed and Deneb are in the cavalry, so they only get a chance to see each other during the morning meeting.
　Nasr walks out and raises his voice.

''We will now begin the morning assembly!

　Voices are coming from all directions.
　This is because they're using a communication magic item-not strictly speaking, apparently- but they're using a communication magic item.

Lieutenant Mino has a message for you!

　Lieutenant Mino climbed onto the platform and straightened up.

'First Officer Mino, I salute you!

　He saluted at Nasr's command, and Deputy Mino paused for a moment to salute.

'Fix it!'

　He takes an upright and immovable posture as the order is given.

''........Two weeks have passed since the new recruits were replenished. I think it's about time you finally got used to the atmosphere, but that doesn't mean you have to do a lick of it.'' (Bumo, Bumo~)

　A low, stifling voice rushed in from all sides.

A lick is a bad thing. "A bad soldier is a pest that destroys our good name and property. You don't want me to be the exterminator. Do not make me an exterminator. (BUMO)

　A chill ran down my spine, I guess that's what it was.
　For some reason, Aridid and Deneb swam their eyes, but it must have been my imagination.

''That's all from me.'' (Bumo)
"First Officer Mino salute!

　I salute to Nasr's command again.
　It's probably not my imagination that they seem to be more aligned than the previous salute.

''That concludes the morning salute!　Dismissed!

　The morning meeting is over and Shaura heads down to the squad leader.......Zag.
　In front of him, besides Shaura and Elsa, there are eight elves and half-elves in front of him.
　Of the eight, four are old soldiers and the remaining four are new.

''We're all here,''

　Zag coughed when he saw that his men were assembled.

'As First Officer Mino mentioned, don't do anything stupid.

　The new recruits, including Erza, have an expression of understanding again.
　Zag must be aware of this as well, but instead of being offended, he has a look of understanding on his face.

'You may not be able to imagine it from the current Hashel, but before Master Crono became the lord, security was very poor. The people were heavily taxed and corruption was rampant. And we took it in stride.

　The old soldier nodded his head in agreement.

'Lord Crono, who has become a lord, has reduced his taxes and let it be known that the time for favors with money is over by setting an example himself.

　Zag punctuated his words there.
　His eyes shone like a maiden in love.

'But it's not the end of the story. In order to restore security, we had to get people to believe that things were different now. Of course, it's not going to happen overnight. It's a steady stream of hard work that has brought us to where we are today, Hachel.

　The old soldiers, including Zag, are somewhat proud of themselves, but the new recruits, including Elsa, don't seem to understand a single thing at the moment.
　I wonder what expression I have on my face.
　I'm sure they must have the same expression as Erza and the others.
　I can't believe it when people say that the security situation was bad.
　The city is vibrant and many residents seem to be enjoying their happiness.
　Of course, it only looks that way, but in reality there must be all sorts of unhappiness.
　Even with soldiers patrolling the streets, there is no guarantee that they will escape the violence.
　Still, most residents would still believe that tomorrow is coming.

''Well you won't understand now when people say trust is an asset, but do your job diligently. Then you'll understand.

　Will we ever really know?　Shaura tilted her head inwardly.

*

　Shaura stands in the stall district.
　Perhaps because it is early in the morning, the stall district was deserted.
　At lunchtime, it is crowded with people, but right now, most of the shops are preparing to open.
　There are some shops that are not ready to open, but that's not true.
　Some stalls are already open for business.
　In one corner of the stall area, there is a vigorous call out.

'Cheap!　It's a fresh fish! This is a freshly harvested cabbage! Beans!　We have beans! Wildflowers!　Wildflowers!　I risked my life gathering wild plants from the Dark Forest! This is a delicacy!　It's an octopus that's live enough to walk away! Vinegared!　It's our family's secret recipe for pickling!

　Every shopkeeper is desperate to get people to buy their food.

"...Shoula.
Huh!

　Shaura jumped up when Elsa poked her finger in her side.

'Oh, I'm sorry,'
You scared me.

　Shaura looked around without a care in the world.
　Fortunately, or should I say, there were no witnesses.
　Zag and the other old soldiers called out to the shopkeeper, while the newcomer stood there with a sleepy look on his face.
　He lets out a small breath and pats his chest.

'You don't need to be so uptight.
Is that right?

　Even though he's a new recruit, he's a soldier protecting the security of Hashel.
　I don't want to look disheveled.

What's the problem with people thinking we can't afford it?
...I think you might be right.

　Tension is contagious.
　If a soldier is tense, the inhabitants are worried about what's going on.

'So what were you looking at?'
I was looking at the stalls.
I can see that.

　Elsa said in a dumbfounded tone.

'It's terribly lively,'
They're desperate because if they don't sell out, they're going to be bought cheaply by the stores that carry the food.
I think we should set up a food stall.
That's impossible.

　I thought it was a good idea, but Elsa didn't seem to think so.

'A store that deals in foodstuffs isn't just going to have to do that.
...?

　When Shaura tilted her head, Elsa giggled.
　It's not a small, mocking laugh, but a laugh that wants to say it's cute.

It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of it. They come to sell their produce from fishing or working in the fields.
Yeah.

　If you've been working longer than the rest of us, it's going to be hard to work harder than you are now.

'You know a lot about this, don't you?'
It's normal. Normal. Normal.

　If Elsa is normal, then what am I?
　As I was thinking about this, she patted me on the head with an eagle.

I'm sure you'll be fine. I know there are people who say you have to get information, but in my experience, information comes to you on its own as long as you are doing your job as a normal person.
Is that how it works?
That's just the way it is.
No, you don't get that information by doing your normal job.

　Suddenly, a voice called out from behind them, and Shaura and Elsa reflexively turned around.
　Then, there was a dark-haired beauty standing there.

''Shaura, it's been a while.''
...?

　He looks at the woman and tilts his head.

'Wow, you haven't forgotten, have you?　I'm the one who saved your life.
'I remember. It's just that you never told me your name...

　The woman patted her chest.

"Mm, I am the High Priestess in the service of the 'Goddess of Blackness and Chaos' we call you Priestess here.
Thank you for what you did for me.

　Shaura bowed to the priest.

'I wonder if there was a 'Dark Temple' in Hashel?'
Do you have one?

　The priest looked behind him over his shoulder.
　Out of the corner of his eye he saw a crude sign and a wooden box.
　I didn't know what the sign said, but I knew I was in need.

'How do you make a living, sir?'
Yeah, I make a living at counseling.

　I heard a poof.
　The robed woman next to me erupted.
　The priestess's face turned bright red.

'Are you able to make a living?'
The Marquess's house is under our protection.

　His voice was dark and somber.

'No, I'm not sure I'm indebted to you. I've got rent, food, and even that drink you drank in secret, written off as a debt.

　When I look at the priest, I feel sorry for him.
　Even if he is a hypothetical lifesaver.
　There's no way I can despise him.

''Hmm, so what did you want with Shaura?''
We thought that in exchange for the information, we'd ask for a donation.

　When Elsa asked, the priestess narrowed her shoulders apologetically.

''I've saved your life,''
I thought you were the High Priestess.
But maybe they don't want me. The people in the temple don't come after me and Ignis doesn't contact me after I send him a letter. So much for the humanity paper balloon.

　The priest finally looked down.

I worked hard for the Holy Argo Kingdom when I was young. It's not right that the young generation, who don't know anything about anything, are living in luxury because of this, when I was working so desperately for the Holy Argo Kingdom. The world is wrong.

　At last, he even started to complain.
　Shaura's opinion of the priestess is cancerously lowered in Shaura's mind.

'You guys aren't going to abandon me, are you?
You...?

　I nodded my head, not understanding the meaning.

'Of course there are ten men who became soldiers. It's only ten, but they are great believers.

　The priestess puffed out her chest in a great way.
　Even so, when did Shaura and the others become followers of the 'Goddess of Jet-Blackness and Chaos'?

''What about the others?''
"They've become followers of the Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility.

　It doesn't seem unreasonable, or even natural.
　I don't want to say this, but the priestess only let me escape from the Holy Argo Kingdom and didn't do anything more than that.
　The one who welcomed me warmly at the place I escaped from was Crono, and the one who kindly took care of me was the 'Yellow Earth Temple'.
　I can give them money for once, but please don't make me a believer.
　Maybe my friends will think the same thing.

''........You were thinking that you wanted to give me a break, weren't you?''
I'm sorry.

　Shaura apologized honestly.

''If it's ... money.''
"I don't want your money!　I didn't save you for money!

　So what do you want me to do?

'Nah, it's a pain in the ass. Aren't you looking for money?
I don't want you to think that I helped you for money!
But you want the money, right?
'I want money, but more importantly, I want my followers!

　'Hmmm,' groaned Elsa.

'You want followers and donations?'
Hmm, well, there's that.

　After all, he wants the money.

'Well, I'll make a believer out of you then.
Elsa?
It's all right. It wasn't the Temple, but he did help me once, a long time ago. In short, I owe him.
Oh, there's a second believer at last!
Second?

　Shaura tilted her head, wondering if such oddities existed.

The first is the cavalry captain, Fay. Well, he hasn't brought a single donation to me, but...
So I'm practically the first believer.

　Elsa laughed happily.

'So, what's a believer to do?'
All you have to do is say your prayers before you eat and before you go to bed and in your spare time.
Is that all you have to do?
Mm, that's as good as it gets.

　The priest was still beaming with this.

Is it really that simple?
I can't teach you agricultural techniques like in the Yellow Earth Temple. Well, I can treat wounds and diseases, but...

　Is there anything the High Priestess can't do?

''What benefit is there in that?''
'You'll get God's love by becoming a believer.
Love?

　Elsa frowned in a stinky way.

'God's love is an affirmation of existence ... that it is good to be here. That's the peace of mind of the soul. Well, if you do what you want, you'll be thrown in jail.

　The priest grinned.

'I'll donate it, for now.

　Elsa took a silver coin from her pouch and handed it to the priest.

'You had the money,'
I've been saving it for my own emergencies.
'Oh, that's my first donation!　God bless the Lord!

　Elsa placed a gentle hand on the priest's shoulder, which made her eyes water.

'Pray for yourself, not me.
'Oh, the world is not what it used to be. Be that as it may, God bless the Lord!

　With that, the priest went back to his shop.............



Huh, finally some food.
I'm hungry.

　Shaura and Elsa entered the barracks dining hall while talking about that.
　The mess hall was not popular, and the smell of dirt was in the air.
　The sun was past the middle of the sky, and the soldiers who were training ate their meals at the same time, but the soldiers in charge of security took turns eating their food.
　He takes a tray, grabs a piece of bread himself, and plates the food.
　I'm starving, so I take a seat near me.
　Elsa takes a seat face-to-face and clasps her hands together as if in prayer.
　After a few moments, she opened her eyes and smiled as if she were beaming.

'There's something embarrassing about that.'
Is that so?
Yeah, just a little bit.

　Shaura and Elsa eat their food in silence.

''It was surprising nonetheless,''

　Elsa blinked her eyes with a crackle and a crackle.

'Oh, that I donated to you, right?'
'Yes, we thought Elsa wasn't one of those people.

　I thought he was more dirty with money.

'That's a terrible thing to say,'
Excuse me.
But, well, I wouldn't have donated when I was in the imperial capital, would I? Even this time, I donated because I didn't know if the time of need would ever come.
I think I'm going to go say hello.

　I donate because I can afford it.
　It was obvious, but Shaura didn't take it for granted.
　Even though she had just become a soldier and didn't have time to pay attention to anything else, she should have greeted the priestess who saved her life.

''To the Priestess?''
No, it's to the 'Ochre Temple'. The rest of the time, when you're not busy, you can go to the frontier village...

　The poorhouse took care of me, and Dino and the others took care of me while I was on the run.
　After all, you should go and greet them at least once.

''Hmm, but isn't it tough for you to go alone?　It's a fair distance and you'll have to ride in a carriage, won't you?
I'll do my best.

　But I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that.
　I can't ride a horse, so I'll have to negotiate with the peddlers and stallholders to get a ride in the carriage, but I don't know how to negotiate.

'Well, then, shall I go with you?　I'll negotiate for a ride in the carriage, and when it costs me money, we'll split it.
Sorry, sir.
'Oh, never mind that I have a purpose.

　Elsa waved her hand in a patter.

'Do you even know someone?'
He's not here.
Then why?

　When Shaura tilted her head and asked, Elsa giggled.

'I want to see that ocean thing.
...sea?
Yeah, the ocean is like a big lake. Oh, the ocean is like a big, fancy lake.

　Perhaps to convey the size, Elsa held out her arms.
　The ocean was not in her vocabulary, but she could barely tell if it was a lake.
　According to her dead mother, a lake is bigger than a swamp and the water is clearer.
　I can barely imagine a lake, but if it's bigger than that, it's completely out of my imagination.

'How big is it?'
Hmm, as far as the eye can see.
...as far as the eye can see.

　Shaura parroted.

'It's so awesome I can't picture it, but wouldn't you like to see it at least once?'
Yeah, right.

　Water as far as the eye can see ... how big is it all?

' ... but...
But what?
'Is it okay for a soldier to do that?'

　All Shaura wants is to be useful to Crono.
　Doing what I want to do is a little different, I think.

'There's no law that says you have to put up with what you want to do just because you're a soldier, is there?　Take a bit of a lesson from Captain Aridid and Captain Deneb of the cavalry.
I've only seen it from afar.

　Aridid and Deneb are guarding the streets, so they don't get a chance to see each other outside of the morning meeting.

''Oh, really?　Well, good. Those two look like they're having fun when they're off duty.
Huh.

　I phase in appropriately.

'You don't understand. If you're able to become a captain after being so rambunctious, that means Crono-sama approves of it.
Is that right?

　Shaura tilted her head.
　Why don't they think that they are actually solid or equipped with great abilities?

'I know what you mean. 'I know what you mean, you mean that you might actually be great, right?　But I don't think Lieutenant Mino, even if he's competent, would tolerate anything that would damage his credibility.
What about it?
I mean, you can't get mad at me for being as frank as those two guys.
I don't want Master Crono to think I'm a bad boy.

　Elsa let out a small sigh.

'I'm not saying that you should be a bad boy. I was trying to say that Crono-sama is a soldier, so he's not asking you to put up with what you want to do.
Yeah.

　Shaura finally came to a point and let her voice trail off.

''Now we can go to the beach with a big swing, right?''

　Yes, said Shaura with a small nod.

*

　Shaura cut off her meal early and headed to the poorhouse.
　Elsa said it could be an off-duty day, but she felt that what she could do today should be done today.
　A middle-aged woman sat in the reception area of the poorhouse, and a man stood across the desk from her.
　He didn't look like a hobo, so he must have been offered a job.
　After waiting for a while, the man received a piece of paper from the woman and left with a somewhat excited look on his face.
　Apparently, he was able to get a job offer.

'What can I do for you, soldier?'
Um, is Master Theon there?

　The woman at the reception desk gave her a quizzical look, and Shaura realized her failure.
　Returning a question to a question was not smooth communication.

''I'm the one who was previously in charge of this poorhouse.
Yeah, that time. I think it was Shaura. She's so big now, I didn't recognize her.

　I always thought they had forgotten me, but I think they remembered me.

'I've come to say hello to Lord Zion.
Of course the director will be pleased. Can I get him to come over if you want?
No, no, I won't let you do that.
All right. The director should be in his office. Do you know where it is?

　Yes, Shaura nodded. 'I've never stepped foot in there,' she said, 'but I remember it's at the end of the second floor.

'Then come on in.
Thank you.

　I bail and enter the poorhouse.
　The inside doesn't seem to have changed much since the time Shaura was under his care.
　No, I wonder if the number of people admitted to the hospital is lower than before.
　Well, it's a good thing the poorhouse is deserted.
　We climbed up the back stairs to the second floor.
　I stopped in front of the office at the end of the hall and took a series of deep breaths.
　He knocked, and the door opened immediately.
　The one who opened the door was a woman in a priest's uniform.......Sion.
　Her tanned skin was still the same as before, but the atmosphere was softer than before?

''Shaura-san, I see you were able to safely become a soldier.
'Yes, it's been two weeks since I arrived, but I just wanted to thank you for your help... well, I don't have a lot of money before payday.

　Theon gave a small smile.

''That feeling alone is enough for me. I was just about to brew some incense tea, but it's not very tasty to drink it alone, how would you like to join me?''
I'll take you up on your offer.

　Theon turned on his heel and Shaura followed suit.

'Come this way,'
Thank you.

　He sits down on the sofa in one corner of the office as prompted.
　I only move my eyes and check my surroundings.
　The impression of the office can be summed up in one word: simple.
　The furniture is solidly built even to a layman's eye, but it is devoid of ornamentation, as if it were the embodiment of practical principles.
　Perhaps the furniture in the poorhouse and the barracks were made by the same craftsman the dwarves working in the workshop of the Marquis' mansion.

''It's hot, so please be careful.
Thank you.

　Theon quietly placed the cup on the table.
　Shaura picked up the cup and brought it to her mouth.
　Her tongue tingled slightly as she took it in her mouth.
　It was hot and bitter, but never unpleasant.
　She swallowed down the portion in her mouth and exhaled in relief.
　The heat spreads from inside my body, making me feel a little lighter.
　I wasn't aware of it, but maybe I was tensing up.

'How are you doing?'
Delicious.
It's still cold, so I used some herbs to help with circulation.

　Theon said happily and sat down on the couch facing him.

'Excuse me. I'm sorry I'm late in coming to say hello.'
It's okay.

　When Shaura bowed her head, Theon said in a soft tone of voice.

Well, they're all...
Everybody is fine.

　I let out a breath of relief.
　I know it's selfish, even though I didn't care about it earlier, but it's also a real feeling.
　I take the cup to my mouth again and stop moving.
　It's because I remembered Sion's words about it still being cold.

''........Will it be alright?''

　Theon tilts his head curiously, and Shaura realizes his failure.
　It's too short of words.
　It's no wonder they don't understand this.

'Because the plants can't grow.
We're sowing cold hard wheat, so you don't have to worry too much about it.

　Shaura looked down in embarrassment, saying, "There's no way Sion-sama hasn't taken measures.

''Would you like to come and see the pioneer village?''
But... but...
I'll send for the carriage.

　'But I owe it to Crono-sama,' said Sion, shyly.

'Can I have a friend too?'
Of course.

　Theon smiled happily.

'Um, if I could, I'd like to go and see the ... well ... the sea.
Good.

　Shaura let out a breath of relief.

'When do you want it done?'
Preferably after payday I'm sorry.

　It's too rude to come empty-handed to the Salvation Army and yet bring souvenirs to the frontier village.

''You don't have to worry about it.

　Zion's voice was full of compassion, and so it gouged Shaura's heart.

*

　Shaura and the others had finished their afternoon's work and were lined up just as they had been at the morning meeting.
　There was no sign of the cavalry, if anything was wrong with them.
　The soldiers who had taken part in the training were dirty, but it was easy to distinguish between the new and old soldiers.
　The new soldiers are the ones who are about to fall over.
　The most painful time for new recruits is the final assembly.
　This is because even though we are exhausted, Lieutenant Mino and the others are moving slowly.

''The final salute is about to begin now!　Lieutenant Minot has an instruction for you!

　Today, Deputy Mino slowly walked up to the platform.

'I salute Lieutenant Mino!'

　I salute at Nasr's command, but as I said, the new recruits who have just finished training are slow to move.

''Fix it!''

　I straighten my back to the command.

''New recruits, I won't try to make you start over until the salute is complete, but I will wring you out until you become soldiers worthy of the Thirteenth Kingsguard. A soldier of the Thirteenth Kingsguard must not only be strong, but must also be feared by the bad guys and loved by the people of the territory.'' (Bummo, bummo~)

　Deputy Mino's voice rushed in from all sides.

''But don't do anything that makes you look like a bad person. That's all.'' (Bumo)
"First Officer Mino salute!

　I salute again as the order is given.
　The order to disperse doesn't come when First Officer Mino comes down from his platform.
　The new recruits' heads bobbed and weaved.
　Isn't it about time some of them fell down?
　The next moment when I thought that.

Dismissed!

　Nasr raised his voice.
　One by one the recruits slumped into place like puppets whose strings had been broken.

'You're going to hit the line just as hard as the recruits can stand it.
Yes.

　Shaura agrees with Elsa.

'Now we just need to go to the bathhouse, eat, and have some free time.
I'm tired again.

　Shaura let out a small sigh.

*

　Shaura and Elsa picked up their dinner as they had at breakfast and sat down at the empty seat.
　The seat opposite them was filled, so Elsa sat next to her.
　Looking next to her, Elsa clasped her hands together as if in prayer.
　Curious glances were directed at her, but she didn't care.
　After a while, Elsa opened her mouth.

''Well you could have eaten first.''
No, it's better to eat together.

　Shaura chewed on a piece of bread.
　She could eat a full meal without thinking about dinner.
　She wanted to share this happiness with her dead family.
　Next, she took a sip of the soup.
　It's a thick, salty, whitefish soup.
　It doesn't have the muddy smell of swamp fish, but rather a light taste.

'Hah, the rice is good again today.
It's delicious.

　After training, you can't afford to taste your dinner.
　Having to eat when you have no appetite is tantamount to a struggle.

'I wonder if my body will be able to eat well after the training is over once it gets used to it?
I think I'll be able to eat.

　Shaura replied after looking around.
　Some soldiers are eating well despite their dirty uniforms.
　They are old soldiers too.
　However, they are not the oldest soldiers in the new barracks, but the soldiers who arrived before Shaura and the others.
　The soldier in front of him stood up with a tray and was replaced by another soldier....Rigel, who sat down.

'Hey, Shaura.'

　Rigel raised his hand without effort.
　He must have been squeezed quite a bit.
　His uniform is dirty and his face is pale.
　Still, he takes a mouthful of soup.
　The next moment he pours it into his mouth, he frowns.
　It's after a strenuous workout, so the food probably smells like iron.

''I went to the Salvation Army today.
Yeah,

　Rigel muttered disinterestedly.

'When we go to the frontier village, we're going to be given a ride in a carriage.
Then I'll go alone.
'No, I told him I wanted to go with a friend and he nodded his head willingly.
What did you negotiate?
Master Theon is a good man.

　It's distressing that I seem to have taken advantage of good intentions.

'Would Rigel like to go with you?'
No, I'm good.

　Rigel shreds a small piece of bread and brings it to his mouth.

'Why?'
Well, I mean, I had Dino and his guys at my beck and call. I mean, I'm the one who ended up selling us out.

　Rigel said in a whispered tone of voice.

'But I couldn't afford it,'
'I know you couldn't afford it. I would have done the same thing in Dino's shoes, but you can't convince me of the fact that I was sold, can you?

　'Ah,' Shaura let out a small voice.

''........Crono-sama is....
'Don't get me wrong, but I'm grateful to Master Crono. I don't think it's a bad idea to fight for that man.

　I patted my chest.
　If I had bad feelings for Crono, I wouldn't be able to consider him a companion.

''........enough to show my face.
We'll just make things awkward for each other. Even Dino knows he sold us out and got the life he's got now.
Do you think people are thinking the same thing?
'Well?　But you shouldn't expect too much.

　The back of my nose tingled.

'I'll give everyone a shout out, just in case.
Please.

　It was a gratifying offer.
　I don't know what to do if they tell me that everyone else feels the same way as Rigel.

'Maybe you should say hello to the priest?
Priest?

　Elsa said, and Rigel raised his eyebrows suspiciously.

'It's a woman with dark hair ... dressed like a whore.
Oh, you're that guy. I'd say hello to that guy. When I refused to become a believer, he got miffed at me.
I've become a believer.
So you were praying.

　Apparently, Rigel had seen Elsa praying.

'Is it good to be a believer?'
They say that if you donate and pray, God will tell you that you can stay here.
Hmmm, I thought it would be more complicated than that.

　I guess I failed, Rigel muttered softly.

*

　Shaura carefully folded her undressed uniform and placed it on the desk and sat down on the bed.
　Elsa was, as I say, lying on her back on the bed.

'Was it a shock?'
What's that?

　When she asked back, Elsa looked at Shaura.

'It's Rigel's word,'
I was shocked.

　After a moment of silence, he replies.

'Well, you can't say you're my friend and share your feelings, so why should you feel betrayed?
...betrayal.

　Oh," he says, letting his voice trail off.
　Elsa is right, he feels he has been betrayed by his friends (Rigel).
　Of course, he hasn't betrayed them.
　He just assumed that Shaura felt the same way on her own.
　But just thinking about how many people will be coming with you is enough to make you feel depressed.

'Exciting, isn't it?'
What's that?
Looking at the ocean.

　Then Elsa smiled like a child.
　Well, maybe it's better to think of something fun than to imagine something bad.
　Shaura lay down on the bed and quietly closed her eyes.