*

　June, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--Alan hid behind a rock and clenched his crotch. His vision was covered by a cloud of dust and the impact was intermittent.
　He wanted to get away as quickly as possible, but when an accident happened, he should hide in the shadows. That's what I've learned over the past month.
　Of course, there is no guarantee that I will be able to protect myself. Even if you hide in the shadows, if you hit a shattered rock, it's over.
　Even if you escape serious injury, if your injuries worsen, it's over. If you can't move, you'll be shoved into a decaying hut.
　Then you die. There are no doctors here, not even bandages. No one could be saved under such circumstances.
　Even the uneducated Alan could understand such things.
'.........d*mn.
　I shouldn't have come to this place, he continued in his mind. Alan made a living picking up trash in the Imperial City.
　He crawled around the marketplace for food and roamed the streets picking up rusty nails and other things. Sometimes he dredged up dumps because that's not enough to make a living.
　If you're lucky, dredging dobbing in the area where the nobles live can earn you a lot more money than picking up trash, but the competition is fierce.
　If you run into a rival, you'll get into a fight, and if you're not good at it, you'll kill each other. Well, it's the same with garbage pickers.
　It's hard, dirty work in both cases. They don't get any respect. If you pick up trash, you're a garbage worm, if you pick up garbage, you're a garbage worm, if you dredge up garbage, you're an earthworm.
　Young men are even labeled as half-wits. Those who belong to a criminal organization are considered higher in rank.
　I want to be respected. I don't want to be called a half-brained person. This is why I participated in the construction of the mausoleum.
　As it turned out, it was a naive idea. The income was more stable than that of a garbage collector, but the danger was incomparably higher.
　I saw a number of people die or be crippled in accidents there. Still, when the mausoleum was completed, he felt proud of himself.
　However, such a feeling did not last long. The salary I earned from building the mausoleum was gone in the blink of an eye, and I was back to being a trash picker...a halfwit.
　No, back wasn't accurate. What awaited Alan was a tougher day than before.
　The construction of the mausoleum was finished and the city was flooded with mass unemployment. Alan lost the struggle and was pushed further to the lowest rung of the ladder.
　It was at that time that he heard that there was an opening for a quarryman in the Baron Bowties' territory. The pay was not high, but the fact that they guaranteed food, clothing and shelter, and that even inexperienced people could apply for the position was appealing to him.
　I knew what lay ahead for me in the Imperial City. I jumped at the chance to get out of the lowest rung of the ladder and jumped at the story.
　From there, things went swimmingly. The next day, he left Imperial City in a covered wagon, and ten days later, he arrived at Baron Bowties' territory.
　I firmly vowed to escape from the lowest point while looking at the mountains in the setting sun. However, that vow was lost the moment I saw the abandoned house called the Inn.
　Accidents like today's happened frequently in the quarry. The cause was obvious. There were no real craftsmen here.
　Amateurs bring their scant knowledge to the quarry and quarry the stone through trial and error. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail.
　Every time they fail, people die, and as they do so again, the knowledge is lost. When that happens, you have to start over from scratch.
　I can't tell you how many times I've done that.
'd*mn, d*mn it, how did this happen...!
　As he mourned his misfortune, he realized that someone was approaching. At this moment, Alan's reaction was not relief that his companion was alive, but fear that his life was being threatened.
　That someone would try to hide if they found the shade of a rock. If the two of them shared the space, they would have a better chance of hitting a piece of rock.
　The two men who died because they shared the shade of a rock were in my mind. Both of them suffered terribly.
　They didn't deserve to die like that. I don't want them to die like that, and I'm sure that someone else is getting close enough to them to agree. If they know that Alan is behind that rock, they will try to push him away.
　Don't come over here," he said, clutching a piece of rock. Despite his prayers not to come, that someone is approaching.
'Don't come!'
Who's there?
　Alan shouted, and the guy came up to us.
'I told you not to come in here!
　Alan threw a piece of rock. The piece of rock went in a straight line and hit that someone - the man who had come with him from the Imperial City - in the forehead.
　He was probably amused by the sudden impact. The man stopped moving for a moment, and the Reaper did not miss the opportunity.
　A flying piece of rock pierced his head and the man fell as if a thread had snapped. Blood poured out, staining the ground.
I'm not...
　Not bad, I scratched my head. I warned him. And yet the man came closer. It didn't help that he threw a piece of rock at me.
''Oh shit, what's your name?''
　I scratched my head, wondering what this guy's name was.
'It's John, I believe it was John.'
　It was John who approached me when I was in the wagon. We hadn't spoken to him since we arrived in the Barony of Bowties, as we had a separate work area.
　John had a stunned look on his face when a piece of rock hit him. Perhaps he hadn't thought to push Alan away.
''Hi, hi........!
　The next time he was about to scream, his vision swung wildly and Alan collapsed. And before he could comprehend what had happened to him, he lost consciousness.



　Sion was sitting on the sofa in the office of the poorhouse and enjoying a cup of fragrant tea. It's a special thing to drink incense tea when you're done with your work.
　He thinks he does, but Granette told him he smells poor. I was shocked when she said I smelled like Baba, but I was also shocked when she said I smelled poor.
　I said it back to him in a quirky way, but he said it back even more and I was at a loss for words. The tea set was a gift and the incense tea was my own blend.
　If I say it smells poor, it might as well be poor.
''Well it's fine,''
　Just as he blurted out a small blur, there was a knock on the door.
'Come in!'
I'm home.
We're home!
　Theon said loudly, and Granette and Plum came in. They took their cups and sat down on the sofa.
'It's hard to go around the rural areas,'
Miss Granet, you're not going to like that.
　Plum plunged into his cup, pouring the incense tea into it. The work of the priests who serve the "Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility" does not end with the transfer of agricultural knowledge and skills.
　The work is not over until we confirm that the knowledge and skills are established in the form we intended, and then we have completed our work.
'How did it go?'
The weather's been bad this year, so it's not as bad as last year.
But it's the coldest wheat in the world, so I think we'll be able to minimize the damage.
'Yes, I agree with you,'
　Theon nodded, cupping his cup with both hands.
'Is there anything else?'
Speaking of which...
What is it?
　Suddenly, Granette stood up and bowed deeply.
'Mr. Granet!　Have you lost your mind?
No!
　Granette glared at Plum and shouted at him.
'Congratulations on your promotion, Master Zion!
Ah, now I know why Miss Granet has bowed out.
　Plum turned his contemptuous gaze on Granette.
'Um, how do you know that?'
　Theon glanced at his desk. The letter he had received from Temple Headquarters reeking of promotion had just arrived.
'I have friends all over the place,'
　'Huh,' said Theon, nodding vaguely.
'It would be nice if you could nominate me for Chief Priestess.
I'm not sure I'm going to get a promotion, sir.
Promotion is on the horizon. You've improved your beet breed, you've developed new farming methods, you've got new tools- a thousand-tooth harvester and a winnowing machine.
　I didn't get a winnowing tool. I just reported that I saw such a tool. Nevertheless, it's a simple substitute in principle, so the temple will succeed in replicating it.
'The donations are high, and Master Crono has become an ally of the Economic Alliance. We'll just have to promote Master Zion now, Temple-wise.
　'Huh,' said Sion, nodding vaguely again.
'Aren't you happy?'
Well, I was just going to say no.
No!
　Granette slammed the table with a bang.
'That's not an opportunity that's come around!
But it's not in my power...
　If you got a chance at a promotion on your own, it's still all Crono's power. If you get promoted because of that, it will only make you feel uncomfortable.
''It's Zion-sama's power.
　Granette said, looking at Theon. He was more serious than ever. Looking at those eyes, I feel like it might be my power.
'Sion-sama, you shouldn't take Granette-san's words for granted. Granette-san is just aiming to take over from Sion-sama.
　Grannette's expression tightened at Plum's words.
'But, of course, there's more to it than that. I think Master Sion should rise to the occasion.'
Why?
I don't think I'm going to be able to marry you.
　Granette blurted out, and Theon felt a shock as if he had been hit in the head with a blunt object. He felt even more shocked when Plum gave him a pitying look.
''Oh, um, it's not like I've decided I can't marry you anymore...''
How far were you with the Chronosphere?
　My heart leaps. Does Granet know about that ... what Theon is doing in bed?
　No, it can't be. Sion's senses have become more acute since he was able to use the Divine Majesty Technique again.
　Even through the door, he can detect Granette's presence and other such contrivances. However, perhaps he understood what he was doing from something like a lingering scent.
''Why is it limited to Crono-sama?''
Master Theon has no other men close to him than Lady Crono.
　I asked, trying to keep my cool, and Granette said it was only natural. I inwardly patted my chest as I realized that the secret hadn't been exposed.
''So, where are you and Crono-sama?''
I don't know where you're going with this.
　We haven't gotten anywhere. I have an appointment to go to Sylvania tomorrow for an inspection, and Shaura and Elsa are with me.
'You'd better give up on marriage and choose a career.
Why do you say that?
Because there's nothing going on with that Chronosphere.
.....
　Theon was at a loss for words. Aside from Crono, it's hard to be single for the rest of your life. And I just can't believe that I can get ahead in The Temple.
　I mean, if I had the nous to get ahead, I wouldn't be selling beats at a stall.
What do you think I should do?
You can't just wait for love to happen.
　Granette said with the attitude of a grown woman, both sour and sweet.
'If you don't approach her yourself, approach,'
...approach.
　Theon parroted.
'Love is not a passive thing. Now Sion-sama is a herbivore ... or rather, grass, grass.
...grass.
　Grass could be eaten by a herbivore if it was grass, but is grass a poisonous plant even if it is grass?
''Oh, but I've made an approach...''
How?
I believe in fate...
Ouch, ouch!
　Granette interrupted Theon's words and held her temples as if to endure a headache.
'Is it that bad?'
It didn't work, did it?
Yes.
　He nodded when Granet asked him back. Indeed, Crono had been donkeyed at that moment.
'But what should I do?'
'It's easy. Look him in the eye, fold your hands in front of your chest, and say, "I love you. All you have to do is say, 'I want to be your girl,' and it's a one-shot deal.
...a blow.
　Well, I didn't approach it that way.
The rest of the time, casual touches and glances worked well.
Would I be able to do that?
I'm going to take it to pieces.
　I felt like I shouldn't be shattered, but I decided to shut up and listen to Granette.

*

　As Crono was working in his office, there was a knock on the door. It was a slightly messy knock.
　After a moment, a sitter opened the door and walked in. Her hair was sticking to her scalp and her clothes were soggy.
　In issuing a trading license to the Commercial Union under the direct control of Emperor Kai's territory, Crono had sent the sitter and a few of his men for preliminary negotiations.
　Considering the position, there was no need for us to go out here. But he wanted to grasp the atmosphere of the territory directly under Emperor Kai.
''Thank you for your business trip. I'm sorry that you came all the way here, but it was fine to take a good rest today, right?''
Thank you for your concern, yes. But we want you to know as soon as possible.
　The sitter walked over, wiping the sweat off his handkerchief, and placed the bundle of papers on the desk.
　There are two bundles of paper. I can tell from the paper quality that one is a report, but I don't recognize the other. He picked it up and flipped through the pages.
'....A list of artisans?
That's right, yes.
　The list of names and family members, what craftsmen they are, what they specialize in, and what kind of work they've been doing.
'Is this over there?'
I told them that the artisans who responded to the invitation would be exempt from the lease and two years' tax, and the next day so many of them wanted to...
'Which means it wasn't Baroness Nam Corne's idea.
　Well, it's not surprising. To use a card that doesn't exist as a bargaining chip is simply fraud.
　If you're a fraud, that's fine, but Baroness Nam Korne had claimed to represent the Commercial Union.
''There must be........a hundred of them.
Yes, that's right.
　Crono chuckled. He said it without guessing, but he was right.
'Nah, I'm afraid there's a backstory to it.
As you wish, sir.
　I knew it, Crono frowned.
　They are trying to give it away. It would be strange if there was no backstory.
''Of course, one of the factors is that the conditions presented by Crono-sama were attractive to the artisans, yes.
Do you find it that attractive?
　I suppose it's a reasonable condition, but I don't think any proven craftsman would jump at it.
''As a matter of fact... there seems to be a lot of discontent swirling around in Emperor Kai's direct domain.
Dissatisfied?
''Yes, there is a smoldering dissatisfaction that I can take over the workshop even if my skills are inexperienced, or I can't be independent even if my skills are good enough, yes. There is also a glimmer of dissatisfaction with the Commercial Union's control of the territory.
　'I see,' Crono nodded.
'I feel like I've been physically forced into trouble.
So?
'No, I'll accept the craftsman. It's a win-win situation for us.
　Crono leaned against the back of the chair.
'But it's annoying that you seem to have been treated so well. Do you have any better ideas?'
I thought you'd say so, and I've been talking to him about the bond.
Bond?
Yes, sir. I'll need the Commerce Guild to post a bond of ten gold pieces for each craftsman.
Does that make sense?
When I told him that if there were no errors in the list, I would return it to him after two years, he was reluctant to do so, but he nodded, yes. Of course, I also told him that I would check to see if the craftsmen themselves had prepared a deposit. What do you think?
Yeah, I think it's a good idea.
　Thanks to the sitter's quick thinking, my hoarding dropped a little.
'By the way, did you get enough money for the trip?'
We were paid enough money so that we could gather more information.
That's good to hear.
　Crono patted his chest. The cost of the business trip would include the cost of alcohol. According to my foster father, if you go to a tavern or brothel, you can quickly gather information about the city.
　Elena said, ''Why do you have to pay for the booze and even the money to buy a woman! I was angry, but I convinced him to agree to it on the condition that he submit a report.
'Oh, I'm sorry I just got back,'
I'm at your disposal. Okay.
We're going to be hiring extra clerks.
　'Oh,' said the sitter, his eyes widening in surprise.
'There are ten of us, and I'm thinking of sending two of them to the faculty.
Duly noted. I'd like to be in force by the time the taxes are due, yes. Is tomorrow the right day for our meeting?
I've already got a rookie fixer.
　Crono snapped his fingers and the door to his office opened. It was Neige's second-in-command who opened the door.
You wanted to see me, sir?
Redo.
　Neige's second-in-command scowled in disgust and closed the door. He snapped his fingers again, and with a shrill sound, Neige's second-in-command suddenly appeared with one knee propped up.
''Ko, what is this?''
'Ning jaaaaaaaah!'
"Ninjah!
　Crono shouted, and the sitter shouted as if caught in the act.
'She is a master of magic of Eastern origin namely a ninja.
Huh? You're a ninja? And what's your name?
"Ninjas live in the dark...
'I'm Klinge Hertz. And I will live in the sunshine and die with my family taking care of me.
　
'I see,'
　'Yes,' said Klinge, nodding quietly.
'Aside from her background, I'm asking her to direct a mobile theatre company, well, I'm working on a script right now. 'How's your progress?'
The bizarre scenes have been reworked in a mild manner. We cut out the scene where the raccoon blows the old lady to death and turns her into old lady's soup.
What?
I told you that the scene where the raccoon blows the old lady to death and makes her soup was completely cut.
　Klinge said, pushing up his glasses.
'That scene is just like the original!
The original version is not acceptable.
　Crono shouted, but Klinge didn't take it up.
'You don't have enough respect for the original!
What if the child imitates you?
'What kind of child would murder an old man and use him for soup?
Children are like that, after all.
"s*xual misogyny, yikes!
Crono doesn't understand children. Children can be angels or demons, depending on their education.
That's not something to laugh about!
　Crono poked at Klinge, who smiled cruelly.
''........So I'll fix the bizarre scene. I don't want it to become a liability issue in case they imitate me.''
Well, I'm surprised you're a ninja.
　The sitter said admiringly.
'Do you understand, sir?'
Do what you want.
　Crono said, feeling disgusted.
''Well then,''
Oh, wait a minute.
　He stops Klinge as he is about to leave the room.
'What is it?'
Actually, I have a gift for you.
　Klinge's eyes widened in surprise.
''Well if you're a ninja, I'd say this is it.
It's June.
　When Crono took out a black scarf from a drawer, Klinge raised his eyebrows quizzically.
'When you say ninja, you mean scarf, right?'
...I'm not a ninja.
Ninjah!
Ninjah!
　Klinge was mugging and moving his mouth, but he shouted in response when Crono shouted.
''Well, well, I'll take what I can get.
　Blushing shyly, Klinge picked up the scarf and wrapped it around her neck.
''Actually........I have a mini-skirt ninja outfit ready for you as well.
....
　As Crono reached for the drawer, Klinge disappeared with a shuffling sound.
'Escaped. Well, since that's why, take care of the girls.
But how do I make contact with them?
Maybe I'll meet you outside the room.
Ha, ha...
　The sitter nodded as he let out a sigh.

*

　Two sounds echo through the gardens of the Marquis' mansion. The sound of hammering and clanking, and the sound of hammering nails.
　When I looked into the workshop, I saw that the dwarves were busy working. They are working hard to mass produce the crossbow and iron thorns.
''Crono-sama, what can I do for you?''
'I'm going to Sylvania tomorrow to see how well my crossbow is doing.
There are 30 of them.
...30 cars.
　
''I suppose it would be better if we could speed things up a bit more.
We have a very limited number of workers.
　Goldie muttered sincerely.
'At any rate, I'll take ten cars tomorrow.
I think I get it.
Well, nice to meet you.
　He tapped Goldie on the shoulder and headed for the stables. There, Cecily, dressed in a black military uniform, crossed her arms in a pompous manner and watched the stables' expansion.
''Where's........Silva?''
　Looking around, Silva was staring at the drawing at a considerable distance from Cecily. Or rather, she seemed to be hiding herself so as not to provoke Cecily.
'What's wrong?'
"Well I don't like that woman. I'd rather not be involved if I could.
　When Crono called out to her, Silva said in a whispered tone of voice.
'You don't need to be so alarmed, do you?'
I'm an architect. Before that I was a horseshoe builder, and before that I was a mason. I've fought in fights, but I've never been in a hard fight.
I know.
You know what I mean?　If that woman goes crazy and goes off on a rampage, I have no way of resisting her.
I wish I could share that feeling with Faye~
　It's probably the difference in combat ability. Faye is ready to return the favor. Stopping her from wanting to provoke him is a challenge in its own right.
I'm going to go talk to him just for the hell of it.
I'm sorry.
　Cecily jolted as Crono approached, and she shuddered. I thought she was going to run away as it was, but she bit her lip and stopped in place.
''........Cecily.''
'It's ridiculous to order twenty bad horses when you can deal with the Hammar family.
　Cecily crossed her arms and pouted and turned away.
'I'd call him a bad horse, but he's just an ordinary one.
'If we're going to expand the cavalry, shouldn't we order a great horse?
Twenty ordinary horses instead of one great horse.
　Even ordinary horses are not cheap. And since we have to expand our cavalry, we should prioritize numbers over quality.
"Look, Ceci...
Don't worry about your education policy. I'll follow the head maid's lead and try to praise and develop it.
　Cecily interrupted Crono's words and wound up saying.
'Praise and extend?'
What's that look on your face?　I can do that much myself!
　When Crono frowned, Cecily got angry and said, turning bright red.
'Well, education...'
Speaking of which, how do you like your new maid?
....
　When Crono stared at her silently, Cecily's gaze wandered around as she scurried around.
'That blatant...'
Shut up!　I know you're trying to humiliate me! Yes!　Going off topic will only buy you time!　It's not enough to humiliate them, not like a cat teasing a rat!
　Cecily bit her lip as she turned red and screamed.
'I didn't mean to humiliate you today, did I?
You're lying!
　I was assured. Apparently, Crono is not to be trusted at all. Well, after what we've been through, it's no wonder.
　Cecily glanced at Crono.
''........Then what do you want?''
It's a distraction and I need you to go away.
Am I interrupting?　What's wrong with me?
Existence?
Existence!
　Crono said as he tilted his head, and Cecily's eyes widened in surprise.
'He says he can't concentrate on his work when Cecily is watching him.
Yeah, I get it.
　Cecily said regretfully, turning on her heel.

*

　The next day, when Crono went out into the garden with the box, the three of them - Theon, Shaura and Elsa - were waiting in front of the covered wagon.
''Good morning, Crono-sama,''
Good morning!
　As Theon bailed, Shaura and Elsa saluted Crono. It's a slightly broken salute, but the attitude is serious itself.
''Crono-sama, I've already finished loading the crossbow.
　Goldie emerges from the shadows of the covered wagon.
'Good work,'
The crossbow is in its own box.
　When Crono called out to him, Goldie took a large box out of the covered wagon and opened the lid. Then he tilted the box so that we could see it.
　There was dried straw inside the box, perhaps as a buffer.
'Thank you,'
No, no, no, it's my job.
　Goldie closed the lid and put the box back on the wagon.
'Well, shall we go then?'
What?
　When Crono called out to her, Erza asked back. 'Erza-san,' said Shaura, bashing her two arms.
''Is something bothering you?''
In this carriage, sir?
Yes,
...and the boxcarriage?
　Elsa looked upwards at Crono. Apparently, she wanted to ride in the box carriage. If I had known that, I would have prepared a box carriage.
''I'm sorry, but you'll have to put up with the covered carriage today.
No, that's not what I'm saying...
　Maybe he wanted to ride in a boxcar.　Crono nodded his head. Elsa glanced at him and opened her mouth as if she'd made up her mind.
''Ki, aren't nobles supposed to ride in fine carriages?
I'm very attached to this carriage, you know.
　When Crono tapped the top, Elsa looked like a pigeon had eaten a pea gun.
'Let's go then,'
　Good," he said, riding the covered wagon and sitting down in the empty space. The next person to get in was Sion.
　Sion sat next to Crono without hesitation.
''.........um?''
Hey, how can I help you?
　When I called out to him, he replied in a supercilious voice. The fact that his eyes are glazed over is very disturbing, but he doesn't pry.
　I don't want you to ask me if I believe in fate, as I have always done.

*

　The wagon slowly slowed down and stopped in front of the deputy government office.
''I knew it, my body hurts!''
　Crono dismounted from the covered wagon and stretched out. He glanced at the wheels with a glancing glance. Although the suspension has been strengthened, the ride is not as comfortable as an automobile.
''Well it would be nice if I could make a tire, but I need a rubber tree.''
　Goldie is developing rubber, but development has been slow. He's been mixing vegetable oil with soil, mixing other plants, mixing ore, heating the mixture, and all that kind of stuff.
　There are no potatoes, and I let out a small breath, wondering if I'll have to find a new continent. My heart breaks just thinking about what it would take to sail the open sea.
　I'm amazed at how our ancestors - of the original world - were able to develop all sorts of technology by hand.
　As I was thinking about this, Sif approached with two men in tow. One was a bearded man and the other was a red-haired young man.
''I've been waiting for you.''
Oh, there you are.
You've been given a weapon. We'll have to wait.
　With a bitter smile, he took out a box of crossbows from the covered wagon.
''........This is the crossbow developed by the dwarven wonder technology.
　I was about to kneel to open the lid when Sif propped the box up from underneath me.
'It's not a good way to get Master Crono to kneel,'
Thank you.
　Sif's eyes widened lightly as he slid the lid off and took out the crossbow.
'When you put your foot on the tip ring and pull the string, it automatically locks in place. Now all you have to do is aim and pull the trigger.
...Is this the arrow?
　The bundle of paper fell to the ground just as Sif pulled a bowgun arrow from the box. The bearded man picked up the bundle of paper faster than Crono could bend over.
''Well here you go.''
Thank you.
　Crono took a stack of papers from the bearded man and flipped through them.
'It's an instruction manual, isn't it?'
　A bunch of paper ... put the instruction manual back in the box. Well, the manual is just a brief description of how to use and maintain it.
'May we keep these?'
I've got ten of them. What do you think?
　Crono asked back, and Sif fell silent as he thought about it.
'I don't think ten units would be a problem, but anything more than that would have a negative impact on resident sentiment. We don't want that.'
Can I leave the 11th car in the custody of the magistrate's office?
Yeah, that's all right.
　'Hey,' Sif called out, and the bearded man and one other person began to unload a box of crossbows from the covered wagon.
''How are........Karis-dono and Luca-dono doing?''
'They're both doing well. Karis has started growing flowers in her flowerbed, and Luca...
　Crono pulled his wallet out of his pocket.
'Is this from Lord Luca?'
Yeah, he's into embroidery, or sewing. He made me a wallet. I'm working on some curtains now.
　I add a small, smaller one, but it could have been something smaller. Then Sif's mouth twitched slightly.
　It's not the dark smile that comes to mind when your plan goes as you wish. It's that kind of smile that leaked out unintentionally with relief.
　Aside from Karis, Luca was a bit of a thorn in his side, so maybe he was worried.
　Well, I don't think you should order such a person to be a concubine.
Couldn't we market it as a traditional craft?
　Sif crossed his arms thoughtfully as he handed the box to the bearded man.
'It's not impossible, but there are a few problems. We don't have weavers. Of course, we have no sales channels.
　Now it was Crono's turn to think. He had a dressmaker under him, but no weaver. We will have to buy cloth, but that will make it more expensive. As for sales channels, I think we can use the Sinner Trade Association and the Peddlers' Guild.
We could collaborate with the Schinner Traders' Union.
Korobo?
　Sif raised his eyebrows quizzically.
''Well I'm not sure what the word means, but if it means joining forces, then it's possible. But in that case, wouldn't it be in Crono-sama's interest?
I won't bore you with the details, but the more money the 'Sinner Trade Association' makes, the better off my pocketbook is going to be.
　If there was a problem, it was that he had to negotiate with Elaine to secure the interests of the Confederation of Tribes.
''Well ... I see.''
Well, you think about it.
　Oh, and just as Sif nodded, the door to the deputy's office opened. It was Kane who came out.
'Well, you're here early,'
I'm right on schedule.
Really?
　Kane scratched his head as if he was topsy-turvy.
'What are you going to do after this?'
We're going to the frontier village. How can I help you?
　Crono asked, and Kane looked bummed out.
'Elaine wants to see you,'
I've been wanting to talk to you, too.
　When Crono looked at the covered wagon, Sion leaned forward.
'I'm sorry, but I'm going to go ahead and... ah, it might drag on.
I understand. Leave the inspection to me.
　Theon tapped himself lightly on the chest.
'Shaura, I'm sorry.'
Oh, don't mind me!
　Shaura straightened her back and said in a supercilious voice.
'Mr. Sion, the rest... and before that...'
　Crono took the box out of the covered wagon. He didn't make the sticky mistake of mistaking it for a crossbow in terms of weight.
'What's that?'
The future?
　Theon made a scowl.
'Please go to the pioneer village!
　As Crono raised his voice, the covered wagon began to move slowly.

*

　When Crono was led by Kane into the reception room of the agency, Elaine was sitting on the sofa. She was dressed like a clerk, and the way she stretched her back was full of neat charm.
　However, one should not be caught off guard. Even though she looks neat and clean, she is firmly laden with venom.
''It's been a while.''
Well, I've been to the Imperial City.
　Crono put the box on the table and sat down on the couch.
'Can I go back to work?'
Stay here!
Oh, yeah.
　When Crono raised his voice, Kane closed the door and leaned against a nearby wall.
'So, what do you want?'
'I'll be blunt. I need to use a magic item for ultra-long distance communication.
　I didn't think it was an unexpected offer. In fact, it seemed more strange that he hadn't cut it out before.
'Why?'
Of course it's because it looks convenient. Unlike the big companies, we don't have the same kind of personnel, so when something goes wrong, I'm called upon to give instructions. And every time I do, I have to make the horses run like crazy. I don't like it.
　Elaine said in disgust. Whether he meant it or not, it's probably true that the training of personnel hasn't kept up with the speed of the organization's growth.
''It's fine to use magic items for ultra-long-distance communication, but do me a favor... why do you look so disgusted?''
Because I don't want to.
　Elaine frowned in deep disgust.
''I don't think I'm asking you to do something so outrageous, though?
'Sure, we're letting you make money, but the rest of the Chamber of Commerce will soon follow. I'd like to see you suck a little more of that sweet juice.
　With that, Elaine ruffled her hair.
'So, what's your request?'
You want your fee paid, don't you? A month's worth of gold.
You won't get a hundred gold pieces. I'll give you ten gold pieces at the most.
　I was bargained down before I could say no. Even so, it is not too much to bargain down to one-tenth of the price suddenly.
　However, there is something I would like to ask you to do as well. In order to continue our friendly relationship in the future, concessions will be necessary.
''........Okay.
I'm glad you responded so openly.
Hey, hey, is everything okay?
　Elaine smiled happily, and Kane interrupted her.
'What do you mean it's okay?'
'You can't use the magic item for ultra long distance communication unless you're in front of a terminal, right?　What do you do when one of you isn't there?
　Oh, and Crono understood what Kane was saying. What do you do when the receiver is not in front of the terminal?
　He could send a soldier or servant to call for them, but as Crono, he didn't want to add any extra work.
''We can always be on standby.
In the Oval Office?
Why don't you build a room for the device?
　Kane asked, and Elaine said in a tone of voice that said what a simple thing to say.
'But wouldn't that mean the others would hear?'
Are you going to lease it to another chamber of commerce?
You can't give Elaine the benefit of the doubt, can you?
　'Guh,' grunted Elaine.
'A room dedicated to terminals is a good idea.
But who's going to hear it?
Why don't we set up a waiting room? When you give me the name of the Chamber of Commerce, you can go and call for a soldier or a servant waiting in the wings.
　I see, Crono nodded. That way we can communicate in a timely manner. Well, we'll have to have a standby attendant instead.
'I wonder if there will be an impersonator or something?
You'll be fine as long as it's in code.
　Oh," he exclaims in admiration. It's the quintessential Kane. If you decide on a code word, the probability of it being misused is greatly reduced.
''........As for the magic item for ultra-long-distance communication, let's say we operate like that.
It's a beautiful wallet.
　Elaine muttered quietly as Crono pulled a purse out of his pocket.
''This was made by our maid Luca.
Ah, the son of the Confederacy.
Where do you get your information from?
A lot of things. A lot of things.
　Kane plunged in, but Elaine brushed off.
'So what's the deal with this?'
'I was wondering if you could sell it to the 'Sinner Trade Union'. Of course, in a way that returns the profits to the Confederation of Tribes, so that their share would be at least fifty percent!
"You needn't be so sure, I'm not going to be a fool.
　Elaine said, sounding miffed, but Crono wasn't good-natured enough to believe her words.
'Kane, please be present when we sign the contract.
That's what Sif knows all about.
　Kane cowered lightly.
'Just two requests?'
There's one more thing.
Tsk.
　Elaine clicked her tongue abominably. I don't know how far it's an act, but it's sober and hurtful when a beautiful woman does that to me.
''........I wish I could sell this too.
　Crono pulled the box to the center of the table and opened the lid.
''Well what's this?''
The future.
　Elaine looked at Crono with eyes like she was looking at a bug. Apparently even a talented woman like her can't understand the contents of the box.
　It's a shame. It's a shame. It's not the fact that they look at you like you're a bug. It's a shame you can't understand the future.
"The future?
　Curious, Kane moved away from the wall and peered at the box. Then, he let out a sigh that couldn't have been deeper than this.
''.........The future is your underwear?''
Oh, my God, does this look like underwear to you?
　Elaine said in a provocative tone and fished through the box.
'The strings, the lace you can't hide anything. I'm going to ask you one more time, do you really think these look like underwear?
Don't mess with me.
　'Yes,' said Elaine, leaning against the back of the sofa.
'You want me to sell this, to me?　Or do you want me to use it?
I was wondering if it would sell.
　Elaine let out a sigh that couldn't have been more profound.
'How, how are you going to sell it?'
It's just to give some excitement to a couple who are in a bit of a rut and you're the only one who can afford to look like a jerk!
Don't make me shrivel up, it's disgusting!
Kane would understand if he was a man, too!
Don't dump it on me!
　Crono leaned forward and shouted, and Kane let out a scream.
'No, you know what I mean!　If I took off my clothes and put on naughty underwear and had my face turned red with shame, it would make you feel copious!
So don't dump it on me!
　Kane let out another screaming sound.
'Not copious?'
I know how you feel, but please don't say it.
　Kane turned away awkwardly.
''Well you don't know how you feel, do you?''
Oh, when did you two...
　Sensing the sweet and sour atmosphere, I looked forward and saw Elaine looking at her underwear with a divine face. The face she was putting on was that of a cold-hearted merchant.
　Apparently, the sensor that detects Crono's sweet and sour disposition is broken.
'You can have the underwear, right?
Come in, come in.
　Crono closed the lid and held the box out to Elaine.
'Your place is a high-class whorehouse, isn't it?'
'Yes, but I'm open to new ideas. Mister Crono, do you have any other interesting ideas?
　With that, Elaine leaned forward.



　When I finished talking with Elaine and went outside, the sun was leaning heavily.
''I'm ... tired.''
Well, that's a lot of talking.
　Crono blurted out, and Kane said in a tone of dismay.
'That was very helpful,'
　Elaine brushed past Crono and Kane, flipped around, and bowed gracefully. It was a brilliant move, as if they were dancing.
'Glad to be of service,'
　I've shown my maniacal knowledge as requested, but I hope that I can secure a certain number of customers.
　If he can't do that, Crono will be the only maniac in this world. At least that's what Kane and Elaine think of him.
'Next time you come into my shop, I'll give you a service.
Thanks for the thought.
　If I'm served poorly, I'm going to be vulnerable.
'Yeah?　Let me know if you change your mind.
　Elaine left with a flutter and a wave of her hand.
I see the boys from the tour are back in town.
　There was a rattle, and the wagon stopped in front of the deputies' office.
'I want to go to the beach now, do you think we can make it?'
You can't do that where you've been bathing.
So, the harbor.
　While Kane and I were talking about such things, Theon and the others got out of the wagon. I wondered what was wrong, but all three of them were not in good spirits.
''All three of you are back. What's up?''
Well it's not like there's anything wrong with me.
　Theon said in a voice that sounded like a mosquito buzzing. Perhaps Shaura had had an awkward reunion with Dino.
　There was no way it was going to be an emotional reunion. Still, Shaura wanted some kind of connection.
''Let's........go see the ocean.
What?
The ocean, the ocean. Wasn't that the plan all along?
Oh, um, but...
　Crono grabbed Theon and Shaura's hands and started walking away.

*

　The sun is slowly sinking into the horizon. The waves glisten and form a path that stretches all the way to the sun.
'....This is the sea.
Huh, that's great.
　Shaura was stunned, Elsa said, impressed. Crono let go of Shaura's hand and stroked her head with an eagle.
''Ah....''
It's not easy being disconnected from your hometown.
　Crono spun the words as he remembered his former world. However, there were no words that could save Shaura's heart or heal her wounds.
''I'll try to make my territory a home for Shaura ... for everyone.
...Lord Crono's estate is my home.
　Shaura muttered softly and Crono pushed her back lightly. He didn't put much effort into it, but he stepped on the tatara.
'Go look at the sea. But don't go too far.''
Yes!
　Shaura replied cheerfully and ran off with Elsa's hand in tow.
'Um, Crono-sama, well, you know, give me your hand.'
Oh, I'm sorry.
　When Crono let go of his hand, Sion stared at the setting sun.
''Well I'm no good. It's just like Crono-sama was worried about.''
I think I'm coming to terms with that.
　It didn't end the way Theon had hoped, but he knew that the frontier village couldn't be his home. That alone would be a harvest, wouldn't it?
''........Thanks to Crono-sama.
　Theon folded his hands in front of his chest.
'I am constantly being helped by Master Crono.
Well, I guess I can't say I'm all there.
　They are helped by the operation of the poorhouse and the teaching of agriculture. A relationship where one of us benefits one way or the other is not going to last.
'They always help us and I don't think we should have that kind of relationship...'
　Sion is moping.

....
　This is a confession, Crono said, as he strained his facial muscles. A lot of things would be ruined if he lost his chemistry in this situation.
''Ah, but not just because you're helping me, well...''
　Theon turned over in embarrassment and gripped his robe.
　Silence descended.
　All that could be heard was the tide and the cries of seagulls.
　How long had he been silent?
　Sion turned to Crono and opened his mouth as if he'd made up his mind.
'Shukidefu!　I love you!　Turn me into a chrono-chama's manny!
　Crono gushed at Kamikami's confession.

*

　That night - Crono made love to Theon. She was surprisingly obedient, even though she got carried away and was high-handed and accused him of being high-handed.
　It was impressive that she would ask him constantly if it wasn't strange or strange.