*

　Why would I be escorted back to the Imperial City?　And Crono walks down the hallway.
　If I'm honest, I wanted to run, but I have the eyes of my subordinates here.
　Just the fact that Leonhardt and Rio have come is an unusual situation, but I can't expose the abomination and make my subordinates uneasy.
　Even though I know that in my head, I naturally walk quickly.
''Master!
　Just as Crono reached out to open the door to the parlor, Alyssa shouted.
'What?'
'I'm sorry, sir. Sir, your sword.
　Alyssa said in a squeezing tone.
　That made me calm down a bit.
　A convoy means that some kind of suspicion is being placed on them.
　If you go out with a sword in your belt in such a situation, it could be determined that you are willing to resist.
　It's not about whether you believe Leonhardt and Rio.
　It's about whether it's effective as an excuse.
　Crono took a deep breath and handed his sword belt - a long sword and a dagger - to Alyssa.
'Take care of yourself, sir.
Okay.
　Crono stroked Alyssa's cheek and turned to the door.
　She quietly opened the door to the reception room.
　Leonhardt and Rio were sitting on the couch, looking very relaxed.
'Here you are,'
I didn't expect it. I don't mind.
Hey, good to see you.
　Leonhardt and Rio responded in the same tone as usual, and Crono let out a breath of relief.
　They could kidnap Crono with all their strength if the two of them wanted to, but if they didn't, it would mean that they were going to explain the situation.
'Do you mind if I sit down?'
I don't mind.
　Crono sat down on the sofa facing him.
'I'm about to warm up to an old friendship, but what do you mean you're taking me to the Imperial City?　I don't mean to tell you, but I didn't do anything wrong, okay?
Well that's why I'm here.
　Leonhardt cleared his throat, as if he was having trouble saying it.
'Currently, Alfiruk Castle will not use parchment, but paper imported from the Free City State group.
That was a waste of time.
　If it was paper, it was being put to practical use in Crono's territory.
　It seemed like a waste of money to import paper from a group of free city-states all the way to use it.
''So what about it?''
'It turns out that the paper was made in the Marquis of Erakis. Probably the officials replaced it to embezzle the difference.
　Leonhardt cut off his words there.
　Crono was confused.
　The paper was made in Crono's territory for the officials to embezzle the difference - washi paper.
　What did it have to do with Crono?
'His Majesty Alfort has determined that Lord Crono is the ringleader and is plotting a rebellion.
What?
　He asked back.
'His Majesty Alfort has determined that Lord Crono is plotting a rebellion. That the plight of the Empire is due to Lord Crono's conspiracy.''
'What?　No, wait a minute. What's that super theory?
　I can understand if you're saying that Crono was involved in embezzlement.
　It's still within the realm of understanding.
　What does it mean that the plight of the empire is a conspiracy of Crono's, that he is plotting treason?
　I don't understand it at all.
　Does the fact that they are following such orders mean that Leonhard and Rio understand Alfort's super theory?
　Could it be that I have gone out of my mind without realizing it?
'Don't worry, I know you're sane,'
Do you think Master Leonhardt is crazy too?
'The problem is that His Majesty Alfort has determined that.
　Leonhard folded his hands and leaned forward.
'Do you have proof?'
The paper evidence.
No, because that doesn't prove that I was involved.
'Lord Crono His Majesty Alfort decided to hit you and raised his fist in the air.
No.....
　Crono felt weak and leaned back on the couch.
　It's a false accusation with a conclusion.
　It's not that I have sworn allegiance to the Empire.
　But even so, he was proud of the contributions he had made to the Empire.
　That pride has been trampled on, and even the future we had in mind is now being closed off.
　Should I resist, Crono asks himself, and he quickly changes his mind.
　The Empire is powerful.
　Even if its head is rotten, its body is still robust.
　Crono has one thousand five hundred troops, including the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes, while the Empire has one hundred thousand troops.
　The difference in troop strength is more than sixty-six times greater.
　I can't afford to let one thousand five hundred men die in vain for my own sake.
　There is no option to fight from the start.
''I've been working so hard.
Yeah, I know that. You've done well. The soldiers you saved are grateful to you, and my men are grateful to you.
　But,' continues Leonhardt, 'you've made more enemies than allies.
'You've made more enemies than allies. The corrupt official you have expelled is a crony of His Majesty Alfort. I don't need to say any more, do I?
Yes.
　Crono sat up and hung his head disappointedly.
'What happens to my territory?'
'At the risk of confiscation, I promise I'll postpone it as long as I can.
What about me?
'Yes. I'm sure the conversation will go in the direction of the death penalty, but I'll do my best to make sure that doesn't happen. The place to be dropped off is the Imperial City, where I'll be watched for the rest of my life, I guess.
　It was Rio who answered.
　It would be difficult to spend the rest of his life under surveillance, but he doesn't say it.
　I have a strangely certain feeling that I will be killed.
'You're happy, aren't you?'
No way. I'm very sad that Crono is being falsely accused of something he didn't do.
　Rio cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.
''Well I guess that's it for me too.''
Don't look so negative, all right? I'll run for warden, and I'll make sure you get your money's worth.
Nice to meet you.
We'll take care of it.
　After all, Rio said happily.
　Crono let out a deep sigh.
　There is a sense of futility in the fact that what you have done comes to nothing.
　However, it was even more painful to see their ideals end with their subordinates.
　The thoughts they had entrusted to him and his subordinates were spoiled.
　I couldn't protect them.
　I feel like a discarded bowl, that I should just let it go away.
　No, Crono shook his head a little.
　You are still a lord.
　I have a responsibility that must be fulfilled.
''Leonhardt-dono, when is my convoy?''
"His Majesty Alfort has ordered me to return to the country as soon as he is in custody.
I don't know. I just want it until tomorrow.
"Are you spending your last moments with your mistress?
You're taking over.
　Rio said in a mischievous tone, and Crono laughed weakly.
'Crono, I am. I don't like the women who flock to you, but I still think it's okay to at least give them time to confirm their love for you.
Thank you, but I'm sure they'll understand. But I'm sure they'll understand.
　Crono stood up.

*

'Master Crono!　What do you mean by suspicion of treason?
　As soon as Leila walked into the conference room, she packed up in a furtive manner.
　Crono chuckles, "I guess emotions are bare at times like this.
　I like her micro-expression, but I also like her to bare her emotions.
'And that's what I'm going to explain to you now,'
I don't get it!
Sit down, half-elf.
　It was Tilia who controlled Leila, who was about to argue further.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.
　The arrangement of the desks is school style, so it looks somewhat delinquent.
''But!''
"We don't have time for this.
Yes.
　Leila took her seat with a sense of reluctance, perhaps because she was pressured.
　Crono stood at the podium and looked at the faces in the conference room.
　His second-in-command, Alideed, Deneb, Goldie, Shiro, Hiilo, Taiga, the landlady, Elena, Alyssa, Theon, Sitter, Dr. Wiseman, and Kane and Faye via the magic item for ultra-long-distance communication also joined them.
　Snow, Sue, and Eryl are not there.
　For some reason--''
''I didn't call the Priestess, though?
Well, well, well, that's good.
　The priest took a seat at the back of the room and began to drink from his hand.
　He was a man who did not read the air.
　Crono cleared his throat as a way of resetting the scene.
'I think you can tell that I am suspected of treason. The paper used in Alfilk Castle is said to have come from the Marquis of Erakis, and I'm supposed to be the mastermind behind it. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　All of them, except Tyria, are popping their mouths open.
'Crono, that doesn't make sense, does it?
That's weird. I don't get it either.
　Huh, Tilia let out a sigh.
''The bottom line is that someone used paper from the Marquis of Erakis' territory rather than paper imported from the Free City State group, and made the difference for themselves.
That's not possible.
　It was Goldie who denied it.
'I agree with the dwarf. I don't see anything unnatural in your books.
I agree, based on the situation with the visitors, yes.
　Elena crosses her arms in a pompous manner and the sitter says while wiping sweat off her face.
''Crono-sama, suspicious behavior, I know.'' (Gaugao)
We'll figure it out.
　White and Hiilo snorted.
　'You mean my actions have been passed on to my subordinates,' Crono almost gushed despite the situation.
'What do you mean by the general's fault for the empire's devastation? (Bumo?)
'From what I've heard, Alfort's governance is not going well. Poor security, widespread corruption, high wheat prices...
Tilia, how do you know so much?
'If you go around the stalls this much, you'll hear about it naturally.
He wanted you to use your hell-ears to see what was going on.
Like a punk in a pinch when it counts.
"They were too fast!
　Arididid and Deneb complained, and Tyria looked miffed as she said it back.
　'If you had come more slowly,' he continues, 'I could have detected your movements.
'What does this have to do with the general?' (Bum?)
'The security situation has deteriorated because they built a mausoleum without thinking.
What? (Bum?)
"The lack of oversight of the flow of funds has led to a massive influx of cutthroats, with the soaring price of marble taking its toll, and a massive influx of vagrants into the imperial capital once it is completed.
　Tilia crossed her arms and crossed her legs further.
'Soaring marble?' (Bum?)
Your family is gone.
"Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...
No, it's not your fault.
　Tyria assured him, and his second-in-command patted his chest.
　'You made yourself uneasy, but it's a good thing you're a match pump.
''That was the result of a discussion with Baron Bowties, you know.
'Baron Bowties, merchant no, Alfort's mistake. Well, the worst person to say that would be Alcor.
　What is Ramal V's responsibility for planting the seed?　I thought, but I wouldn't say it.
'After all, corruption has become widespread, hasn't it?
Yes.
　Crono nodded at Leila's muttering.
'Like what's the high price of wheat?'
We're already full of food.
...You are...
　Tyria held her temples as if she were fighting off a headache.
''The price of wheat is skyrocketing in the surrounding territories.
That's impossible. We've just found out that our harvest is 90% of what it was last year.
　Theon takes over Tyria's words.
'I believe the tax collector has embezzled, yes.
That's a lot of embezzlement.
　Perhaps remembering the former Marquis of Erakis, the landlady said in disgust.
That's what corruption is all about. A little bit can escalate and corrupt everything.
"The importance of an atmosphere where corruption is not tolerated.
　Kane spits, and Faye says in a tone that shows no sign of tension.
　Dr. Weissman opened his mouth, as if he was trying to get the timing right.
'So, Crono, what are you going to do about it?'
I'm going to...
　He was already prepared, but hesitated to say it.
''Well I'm going to obey.
Lady Crono!
General! (BUMO!)
　Leila and her second in command stood up and shouted, ''You're going to obey me when I'm falsely accused of a crime?
'You are going to obey an innocent charge? (MUFFLED?)
Let's fight, Mister Crono!
We'll do our best, too.
Like fighting Master Crono!
We fight! (GASP!)
"Fight and win! (GASP!)
"It's been a long time since we've had a fight, that we have.
　His men shouted from the mouth.
　The determination of his men is exciting.
　But--
It's no use. We have only one thousand five hundred men. It is not possible to win no matter how you think about it. Isn't that right?
It's suicide.
　Crono asked, and Dr. Weissman nodded quietly.
　There is a serene light in his eyes.
　It's like the eyes of a clergyman tending to a dying person.
''So you're going, right?''
Yes,
　The adjutants were silent when they heard the exchange between Crono and Dr. Weissman.
　They had been given a practical officer's education.
　That knowledge would spell absolute defeat.
'Can't we ask for help from the Economic Alliance?
I can't.
　Tilia dismisses Leila's proposal without hesitation.
''Why?''
'An economic alliance is not a military alliance. And the Cronos don't ask for help.
Yes.
　Crono nodded.
　'There's no point in asking for help, and we can't drag you into our doom.
'You don't plan to escape?　I had an appointment from my mercenary days--
"Master Crono will not run away.
　Faye interrupts Kane's words.
'Yeah, I'm not running away,'
"Seriously?
I'm serious.
　Crono chuckled.
　If he ran away himself, the territory would be confiscated.
　He couldn't escape in order to buy time.
''........Mino-san, Sitter-san, Alyssa. That's why I want you to make a list of people who want to retire today. Give them a retirement package on top of that so they don't have to live on top of it.
"I understand.
Okay, yes.
　The deputy and the sitter said in a squeezing tone of voice.
Alyssa?
Can't you just go away, sir?
No more "take me with you and run away" bullshit.
...Your Highness.
　As Crono played along, a single tear spilled out of Alyssa's eyes.
''Well what am I supposed to do?''
Elena is free.
　Crono walked over to Elena and made her turn her chin up.
　She bit her lip as she removed the collar.
'Well you were the worst kind of scum.
Thank you.
I didn't mean it as a compliment!
　Elena's willow eyebrows went upside down.
　The next moment, tears spilled out of her eyes.
'But I love you. I love you. I love you.'
Thank you.
　Crono patted Elena's head.
　I wanted to ask you to take Alyssa and Alyson to the Free City State group, but I'm not in the mood to say it.
　I'll write a letter later.
''I'll miss it, but the meeting is over.
　With that, Crono left the conference room.

*

　Crono returns to his office and organizes his papers.
　I'm sure Tilia would be able to run the territory well without having to take over the details, but should I do what needs to be done?
''It's........too late~''
　I don't think I'm trying to incite a rebellion.
　I stood up uneasily, and the door opened.
　Tilia entered the room with a wild gait.
''You didn't incite a rebellion, did you?
Don't worry about it, those people aren't going to revolt.
　Hmph, Tyria sniffs petulantly.
　So he had incited a rebellion, but it was unsuccessful.
　Crono was relieved at the thoughtfulness of his subordinate.
'You ungrateful bastards,'
　Tilia started kicking the wall with a gun.
　In no time, the wall was falling to pieces.
'Tilia, calm down. Let's take over.
You're a terrible person.
　Tilia glares at Crono with a snap.
'We may never see each other again, okay?
Yes.
　Crono poked him in the cheek.
　Tilia walked over and leaned against the desk.
''Do you want to ... run away?''
I'm not running away.
　I've already made up my mind.
"What if they kill you?
I know that.
　They are trying to take Crono into custody without any evidence.
　They will be forced to kill him for every crime.
　Leonhardt said he would do everything in his power, but I don't trust him one bit now, considering that he didn't act when Tyria was deprived of her right to the throne.
　Besides, there are things that make me uneasy when I talk to him.
　It's the anxiety of whether my feelings are reaching his heart.
　Isn't my feelings just a one-way street, slipping over his heart?
　I think so.
''Well this is the last time we're going to do this and there's no kissing.
I'm going to miss it.
　Crono touches Tilia's hair.
'You may cunca-cunca-cunca?'
You've ruined it.
　Crono chuckled.

*

　The next day, the gates of Hachel's castle were packed with soldiers and lords.
　Perhaps due to the tension, their subordinates have their faces tightened.
　Even though they were one of the top-ranked forces in the Imperial Army, they were still human.
　If we are attacked by this many people, death is inevitable.
　If you are in perfect physical condition, but fatigue has reached a level that cannot be ignored.
　I wish I could have stayed at the inn, but Crono is adored this much.
　If I had stayed at the lodge poorly, I might have been poisoned.
　Leonhardt confronts Crono in front of the convoy while thinking about such things in a corner of his mind.
　The convoy is a lot rattled, just like us.
"Crono-dono. I'm sure you understand, but don't do anything stupid.
I know.
　Crono entered the convoy and his men closed the door.
　The subordinate looked clearly relieved.
　Leonhard rode his own horse without daring to point it out.
　He walked past his men and moved to the front of the line.
''Forward!''
　When Leonhardt gave the order, his men advanced their horses to meet the convoy.
　When Hachel was as small as a mustard grain, Rio, who was next to him, opened his mouth.
''It looks like there was no resistance.''
'I'm sure Mister Crono has done a good job of convincing you.
　He was prepared to engage in a fight if he was honest.
　The bond between Crono and his men is deep.
　I thought that he could go off on an emotional tangent, but it seemed to be a groundless fear.
　Speaking of unfounded fears, it was also surprising that Rio was being quiet.
　I was going to get rid of him if he seemed to be interfering with me, but--.
　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get away with it.
''Is that the limit of the quicksilver?''
'I think I can slow down on the way back, so I think it'll last until the Imperial City. You'll hate your attention span, or rather your senses, and you'll hate it.
...I'm not so sure.
　In my heart I agree with Rio's opinion.
'Well, I don't think it would be a problem if I was dealing with Princess Tyria, though.
Why does Princess Tyria come into the picture?
You have no idea.
　Rio let out a small breath.
'That woman will definitely come back for Crono.
So we have a lot in common?
There's no resemblance at all.
　When Leonhardt asked, Rio lifted the corners of his mouth.
　It's a somewhat gruesome smile.
''Hmm, how does that connect?''
If it's a wild boar, we won't have to be so careful.
　Rio looked ahead and narrowed his eyes.
'You seem to have grown up a bit with ambushes.
Can two of us take him?
''Well yes. Let's do that.
　Rio increased the speed of his horse and Leonhardt matched it.