*

The first floor of the "Sinner Trade Association" - Elaine leaned against the counter and stared at the central table.
　There were six men and women there - Nicola of the Pix Trading Association, Thomas of the Peddlers' Guild, Edward of the Bailey Trading Association, Nemea of the Asad Trading Association, Mater of the Ceres Trading Association, and Roger of the Io Trading Association.
　They stopped moving like statues and remained silent.
　Their every move conveys their true intentions.
　It's as if they have such thoughts.
　Perhaps this is the flip side of his pride in being able to read his opponent's true intentions from the slightest movement.
　That's why I only move my eyes slowly.
　It's like a rat, said Elaine, leaning against the counter and looking at the six men.
　They are business adversaries and friends who sometimes take joint steps.
　Should I add that we can't be too careful?
　Even if they are in common pace, they may not be friends until the end.
　There is the possibility of betrayal.
　Fortunately, I should say.
　Until now, we have worked together to develop Sylvania.
　But now we can't.
　The situation has changed dramatically.
　You surprise me as usual, Elaine chuckled.
　I was surprised that you were accused of embezzlement, but I didn't expect you to revolt against the Empire.
　Besides, that speech--.
　Princess Tilia's speech stimulated Elaine's ambition.
　There was a twenty-year grace period, but commoners would be able to get involved in politics.
　She had been nothing more than a prostitute, but now she might be able to run the country.
　What could be more pleasurable than this?
　So when Crono approached me for financial support, I wanted to nod without a second thought.
　But unfortunately, Elaine is the head of the 'Sinner Trade Union'.
　She had to explain to her subordinates and unify their opinions.
　I know it's a hassle, but the procedure is necessary.
　It's the same for Sylvania.
　We have to go through the process and state what we are going to do as Sylvania.
　The more we can identify the traitors in the process, the better.
　After all, we are now going to have to take a gamble.
　We don't want to be dragged down by those who are in our face and disobedient.
　It would be nice if we could get rid of them quietly," Elaine breathed out softly.
　Just then, a clear sound could be heard.
　It was the sound of a bell attached to the door.
　The one who came in was the guild master of the mercenary guild - Sif.

''I'm sorry, I'm late.''

　Sif apologized briefly and walked over to the center table.
　Normally, he would have rested his back against the pillar--'

'Let's be brief. We support Princess Tyria and the Marquis of Erakis.
Mister Sif, your late arrival is undignified, is it not?
I said I'm sorry.

　Edward said in an accusatory tone, but Sif didn't seem to be offended.
　'I hope you're a little apologetic.

''That's your view as a mercenary guild?　Or as head of the Confederacy of Tribes?
Is it necessary?
Yes, very much.

　Elaine nodded her head when Sif asked her back.

'As a federation of tribes.
For their own sake, you say?
'Exactly. Princess Tyria said that as long as we are loyal to our nation, she will treat us like Imperials.
Do you expect me to believe your word?
Yes.

　Sif nodded vigorously at Edward's somewhat provocative question.

'In any case, if the Marquis of Erakis is gone, our migration will fail. Then I'm betting on the possibility of winning. Those who have reached a certain age in the pioneer villages have been sent to Hachel.''
What about the merchant escort?
Of course, I will continue. 'I have arranged for reliable mercenaries in the form of ex post facto consent. As soon as they arrive, we'll join the Marquis of Erakis.
That's good to hear.

　Elaine inwardly patted her chest.
　Her association with the Sacred Argo Kingdom should be a tailwind for Crono.

''What about you?''
I would have liked to be in charge, sir?
It doesn't make a difference one way or the other.
That's going to change.

　Elaine let out a small sigh.

'What are you going to do about it?'
The 'Sinner Trade Union' supports Princess Tyria and Lady Crono.

　The six of us, except for Sif, are groaning.
　That's rude. 'I wouldn't betray you,' he said, poisoning his mind.

How about the Peddlers' Guild next?
The Peddlers' Guild endorses Master Chron.

　Thomas replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
　It's as expected.
　The Peddlers Union is an organization created at Crono's behest.
　I have no choice but to support Crono.

I'm sure you'll find that the peddlers' union is not an organization that can afford to provide funding. So we would like to undertake a supply of supplies.
Not bad.

　If the peddlers' guild undertakes to supply them, Crono can focus on the battle.

'I know it's going to be a dangerous job, but do you have any volunteers?
'Cole the young guys have volunteered. Of course, I'm willing to let the veterans take over the unifying role.

　Cole," Elaine rolled the word around in her mouth.
　The name sounded familiar.
　Who was it?　He tilted his head and remembered that the young man he was intimately acquainted with, Tina Sheratan, had such a name.
　Perhaps he is in love.
　He volunteered to make his love come true.
　Elaine's eyes narrowed.

'It's nice to be young.'
Well it's not like he's trying to impress me.

　Thomas blurted out as he wiped the sweat off his face.
　This would be to the young man, not Elaine.

'But isn't that what being young is all about?'
Uh-huh.

　Thomas grunts softly.
　When you're young, you hope for a lot less than you deserve.
　That means you don't know your share, but it also means that you believe in your potential.
　Elaine was the same.

I don't want to end up like that. Didn't you have that feeling too?
....

　Thomas shushed him.
　Maybe he had been pushed aside by the same lines spouted at him.
　He probably spouted a similar line when he was younger and overcame the opposition of those around him.
　Is this also a kind of bondage?
　As we get older, we have to face our past through others.
　And most of the time, you lose.

What do you do?

　Elaine asked Nicola.

'I'm thinking of supporting Master Crono and providing financial support for him.
You were right.
I'm sure you do.

　Nicola chuckled.
　A man of no surprise - that was Elaine's assessment of Nicola.

'May I ask why, just in case?'
Our paper sales have been used for embezzlement, leaving the Pics Chamber of Commerce in a bind.
Yeah.

　Elaine nodded.
　The Pix Chamber of Commerce is a party to the embezzlement.
　Regardless of the facts, the Empire thinks so.
　As long as Crono's capture didn't come true, the brunt will definitely be directed at the Pix Chamber of Commerce.
　Perhaps, already--''

''What are you guys going to do?''

　Elaine turned her attention to Edward, Nemea, Mater and Roger.
　It was Edward who opened his mouth.

'I'm neutral,'

　'Me too,' the three of us followed.

'Oh, we've split the vote. So, we're neutral then, is that correct?
No, that's not right.

　Schiff counters to Edward.

'Support Four, Neutral Four ... then we should be neutral, shouldn't we?'
There's already something wrong there.

　Sif took out a parchment letter and released it on the table.
　The cracked sealing wax was stamped with the coat of arms of the Bailey Chamber of Commerce.

'I've been allowed to check the contents. Four in support, three neutral, one against.
Oh, so that's why you're late.
That's what I'm talking about.
I'll forgive you for that.
Thank you.

　I can't tell if he's being sarcastic or serious.
　Considering his character, though, he must be serious.

This is a conspiracy!

　Edward stood up and called out.

'Your men are also Bailey's Chamber of Commerce no, you said you'd be with the Empire?
He may have resorted to violence.
"We interviewed him as a gentleman.

　Sif and Edward glared at each other.

''You ... are ...

　Sif opens his mouth quietly.

'You seem to love scheming and plotting and plotting against others, but you don't have your feet under you.
Underfoot?　No way!

　Edward said with a huff, as if it had occurred to him.

'I should have taken better care of my men.
d*mn it, I can't believe it.
....

　Sif does not answer.
　He who lives by the sword, lives by the sword; he who lives by betrayal, dies by betrayal.
　That's it.

"f*ck, excuse me!

　Noticing the gaze directed at him, Edward heads for the door.
　He puts his hand on the door and turns around.

'You barbarians!　Remember!
....

　Edward walked out of the 'Sinner Trade Union' with such a discarded line.

'Is it correct to say that Sylvania supports Master Crono?

　Elaine asked, and the six nodded widely.

*

　The first floor of the empty 'Sinner Trade Association' - Elaine was sitting at the counter without a care in the world.
　The sound of a clear bell could be heard, but she didn't look back.
　She didn't have to look back to see who was coming.
　No, I was sure he was coming.

'Are you closing up shop for the day?'
It was a long time ago.
Okay.

　Kane sat down next to Elaine without looking overbearing.

'....Sylvania is...'
Yeah?
Sylvania has decided to support Master Crono.
Isn't this Master Crono's territory?
'We're allowed autonomy in spite of our bent, you know?　Even if it's a farce, the procedure is important.

　It's all about the process of consensus.
　That's what Crono's man - Kane, too, I guess.

'Well, the process is important,'
With consequences, of course.
It must be.

　Then Kane laughs.
　I glance at him.
　He has no stubble.
　You usually don't care about the way you dress, but at times like this, you do it properly.
　That's what I hate about it.

'Are you going?'
Yeah, I'll be there.

　His tone was casual, as if to say he was going to go out for a bit of fun.
　I think he had made up his mind a long time ago.

'Is it because of your parents?'
Did I tell you about my dad and my mom?
Well, what do you think?

　I've heard that Kane's parents sued for a tax cut during a bad harvest and were killed.
　I don't remember using my men to find out, so he must have told me.

'Well, I guess when we have a commoner's association, there won't be people dying like my dad and my mom.

　You say this as if it were someone else's business.
　If we can have a commoners' association, we can go through the formal process of proposing a tax cut in the event of a crop failure.

Your sister?
Well, yeah.

　Kane nodded vaguely.

'Does that mean Master Crono is your sister's replacement?
It's not.
So, why are you doing this?
All right, you're in trouble. You're a drunkard, aren't you?
I'm sorry, but I'm sober. You can't even smell the booze on me.
Well, you know.

　Kane answered without checking and fell silent.
　After a long, long silence he opened his mouth.

'My father and mother died and me and my sister were kicked out of the village.
....

　It would be rude to say that this is common, but it is not uncommon.
　One of the lords of the village is killed for prodding his lord, and his children are expelled from the village.
　Even if it's called expulsion, it's actually the equivalent of the death penalty.
　People who have been living in the small world of the village are thrown out into the wilderness, so how are they supposed to live?

I thought I had to get out of there, but I didn't know what to do. While I was pacing from place to place, my sister died.
You regret it, don't you?
Yeah, I do regret it. But not for letting my sister die. I was relieved when my sister died.
....

　Elaine let out a breath of relief.
　It was for not having to show her upset.

'That's when I knew I was feeling like a burden to my sister.
It's not your fault. You were a child.
Yeah, you're right.

　I didn't think it was comforting, but Kane affirmed it.

'I was a powerless brat,' I told myself I didn't have a choice, I told myself I didn't have a choice. That excuse eased the pain in my heart.

　Kane gave a self-mocking smile.

'I regret the relief and the excuses I made. I'm ashamed of myself.'
You want to ... like yourself, don't you?
I don't know.

　Kane twisted the corners of his mouth sarcastically.

'I know I don't want to hate myself any more than I already do.
Would it be useless to try to stop him?
Yeah, I've made up my mind a long time ago.

　I looked at his expression.
　He looked forward with a ready gaze.

''What about the work of the deputy's office?''
I've already taken over.
What are you doing today?
I'm going back to the House of Representatives, get some sleep, and then I'm leaving for Hachel tomorrow.
Yeah.

　Elaine clutched her chest.
　You have to stay the night.
　He couldn't for the life of him find the words he could say to his guest.

'Can I stay the night?
"-Oh!

　Kane said without a hint of concern, and Elaine gasped.
　Her chest heaved and her cheeks heated.

'Yeah, yeah, I'll let you hold me for economy,'
I'm not trying to be an economic booster or anything, I just want to hold you.
....

　Disgusting man, Elaine bit her lip.

*

　Elaine woke up when she felt a presence.
　It must still be early in the morning.
　The white light is shining through the window.
　Kane has his back to us and is rummaging around and doing something.
　Maybe he's putting on his shoes.
　Elaine stared at Kane's back.
　A strong back.
　He'd been a deputy for a while, and his body was well-trained.
　He must have never missed a day of training for this day.
　I exhale in awe.
　It was the best night of my life, a night that made me forget the days of being held by a man as a prostitute.
　But there was also uncertainty.
　It had been a great night for Elaine, but what kind of night had it been for Kane?
　Shouldn't he have been treated like a professional?
　Such anxiety bubbled up.
　Kane stood up and put his jacket on.

''Are you going to ...?''
Jesus, you're up.

　Kane turned to Elaine.

'....last night.
Yeah, it was a great night.
That's impossible.

　Elaine slowly raised herself up.
　She hid her body with the sheets, as if the aftermath of last night was dragging on.

'I couldn't think of anything else to do but myself.
Then I'm with you.

　Suddenly, Kane's mouth dropped open.

I felt like a virgin again because I was so busy trying to look good.
You're lying.
It's true. It was really, really great.

　Kane said to include.

'Will you live and come back?'
Yeah, we'll make it out alive.

　Kane put his knees on the bed and kissed Elaine gently.
　A few hours later - Elaine learned that Edward had drowned at sea.
　Well, it didn't matter.



　The mining city of Kinza--Philippe looked around from the watchtower, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
　A luxurious barracks stood beneath his feet, and behind them, a long line of shabby buildings.
　There are countless buildings on the mountainside.

''This kind of work--geh-geh-geh-ho!

　Philip inhaled the smoke and choked violently.
　It was not a fire.
　It was smoke from the blast furnace.
　He covered his mouth with a cloth, "Why don't you leave this kind of work to the common soldiers?
　I've been poisoned more times than I can count since I've been posted here.
　Perhaps I will continue to poison myself countless times in the future.
　Because there are no ordinary soldiers in this city.
　The defense of the Eighth Konoe Order is perfect.
　It was on such logic that the leader, Lucas Lesato, refused to do so.
　Of course, it's a lie.
　Even Philip could see that the 8th Kinsman Order's strength is inferior to that of other Kinsmen.
　The 8th Kingsguard is so weakly armed that they could fall even if they were attacked by bandits on a small scale.
　This was because Lucas chose the members of the group based on how much bribe he could get.
　If they knew what they were, they wouldn't listen to Lucas's nonsense.
　But with the power of money, it's a different story.
　Lucas bribed people to let this nonsense pass.
　We have no idea how much money he spent.
　On the contrary, it's a lot of money well spent.

"If you have that kind of money, why don't you get an honest group of people?

　Philip spat on the floor.
　The blackened spittle spread dirty.
　He was looked down upon just because he was the Eighth Kinsman Guard.
　In hindsight, he should have made a more straightforward effort.
　This is the end of my career.
　I'm frustrated by that feeling of entrapment.
　It's not the only thing that frustrates me.

'd*mn, I helped him get to where he is now because I helped him.

　Philip poisoned himself as he thought of the current head of the Graffias family - the man who was going to be his father-in-law.
　He'd been grateful to Philip when he'd conspired to kill Elena's parents and promised to do whatever he could to help, but lately he'd been reluctant to pay.
　His fiancée is getting older and has gained extra wisdom, and he doesn't seem interested in teaching her about the life of the Order.
　I should have married Elena if this was the case, I think to myself now.
　I didn't like her attitude at that time.
　I thought she was a disgusting woman who was showing off her knowledge.
　But now that I think about it, that was like a dog pawing at me.
　I didn't think that far ahead and was charged with the conspiracy.
　If Elena died, the Graffiace family would have been Philip's, but it was a shame.

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

　Philip shook his head.
　I'm my fiancé now - I have no right to take over the family business.
　If you're going to plot, you'll have to wait until you're married.
　You can use poison, or you can use thieves.
　Of course, you'll pay the thief well.
　Elena survived because she was reluctant to pay.

"...I'm not going to make that stupid mistake.

　Philip laughed as he imagined himself as the head of the Graffias family.

'Hmm?　What was that?

　Philip's eyes narrowed.

'Is that fire?'

　I can see what looks like fire in the distance.
　An elf might have been able to see the details, but that's the limit for human Philip.

“--!

　Philip gasped.
　The fire that had started out as one was growing at an accelerated rate.
　Over a hundred, and the number continues to grow.
　Ooh, ooh, and what seemed like a battle cry could also be heard.

'Well, no way, mutiny!

　The new emperor is on the throne and says the imperial city is in a terrible state.
　No wonder there was a rebellion.

''Enemy attack!　Enemy attack!

　Philip grabbed the hammer and rang the bell.