*

　Baron Treis Greenwich - I guess the timing was good, but Crono looked at Baron Treis, who was sitting in the seat facing him.
　For the first time in a long time, Baron Treis was exhausted.
　His eyes were downcast, his cheeks were thin, and he looked as if he had aged ten years.
　In addition, his eyes were busy like a small animal looking for a place to hide.
　It's not surprising, I think.
　He had declared himself indefensible and prepared food and military provisions for the imperial army to clear himself of any suspicion of treason.
　But in spite of this, the imperial army had ransacked their territory.
　The soldiers were understandably upset.
　But I can't let them realize that I know what's going on.
　At the very least, we need to pretend that we don't know for now.

''Marquis Erakis, how can I help you today?''
I have a message from the Princess of Tyria.

　Crono took the letter from his pocket and placed it on the table.
　It's not parchment, but Japanese paper made in the workshop.
　The reason I used paper is to emphasize that it is not a formal correspondence.
　What to do with the letter was at the discretion of Baron Treis.
　At least that's the way it's supposed to be.
　Baron Trace takes the letter and checks the contents.
　His hands tremble and fat sweat runs down his face.
　It's not unreasonable, he thinks.
　Tilia's letter says that the imperial army should be allowed to act in the Baron Treis territory.
　By the way, the actions here are military actions.
　Naturally, it includes combat actions as well.
　In short, I'm saying that I want you to allow me to make the Baron Treis territory a battlefield.
　This is also natural, but there is no lord who wants to turn his territory into a battlefield.
　That's why they are dismayed.

''Well........this is a quandary.
Well, I guess I'll have to do it, then.

　Baron Trace grunted and Crono let out a light breath.
　Baron Treis looks up with a huff.
　Until we take military action without permission if we don't get permission.
　He must have decided that this one was thinking that way.

''Marquis Erakis, you--''
"We, the Imperial Army, aim to return to orthodoxy we aim to abolish the false emperor and restore the reign of the rightful successor.
Well that's it.

　Baron Trace interrupted.

''I would like you to consider this ... the warmth of Princess Tyria.
'Warmth?　Trampling on my lands with your feet?

　Baron Trace crushed the letter and shouted as if in a rage.
　Right, Crono feigned equanimity while inwardly agreeing with Baron Treis.
　Nevertheless, if we're going to use the logic of friend and foe, he's more of an enemy.
　At least he's not an ally.
　So why is he trying to get permission to do so?
　The answer is simple: because they want to bring him into their ranks.
　There is also a desire to persuade the other lords to let the party speak of the outrageousness of the Imperial Army from their mouths.
　Crono opened his mouth just as Baron Treis had regained his composure.

''Princess Tyria is trying to give you a chance to relieve and honor your territory. Here, please reread the letter.
....

　Baron Treis looked down at the wrinkled letter.

'If you maintain your neutrality, you will be relieved of your territory, and if you become an ally, you will become a member of the House of Lords and be given the honor of being involved in the affairs of state.'
What happens when we get hostile?
....

　Baron Trace asked fearlessly, but Crono did not answer.
　Imagination can be an ally or an enemy.
　In this case - or rather, to Baron Trace, it's an enemy.
　Gulping, he swallowed raw.
　Probably the worst imaginings would have passed through his brain.

''What do you think?''
But... but...

　Baron Trace wiped his greasy sweat with his handkerchief.

'What's bothering you?'
"I declare myself indefensible and yet I am repelled.
The Imperial Guard.

　Crono interrupted his words and corrected him.

'I'd be a lousy lord if I gave in to the imperial army while declaring myself indefensible. Who am I to trust a man who changes his camp depending on the situation?

　Baron Trace said in a voice that sounded like he was spitting blood.
　I'm sure there are quite a few people who believe it - Crono thought, but he didn't say it.

''I am not asking you to give in,''
It's all the same to you if you shut up.

　'Maybe I should cut this out here,' Crono let out a small breath.

'You mentioned credit, sir.
Yes. Trust is important.
Don't you realize that you've lost that trust?　Or are you pretending not to notice?
"-Oh!

　Baron Trace gasped.
　He gave him a look that said, 'What do you know?

'Baron Trace, my eyes are not knotty, you know. Besides, I can hear as well as a man with my ears.
....

　Baron Treis opened and closed his mouth like a fish washed ashore when he insinuated that the imperial army had destroyed the village.

It was the False Emperor Alfort who betrayed us first.
"False emperor and insolence!
Isn't it irreverent for an unorthodox person to take the throne?
'His Majesty did not instruct me to do this. I have received a letter of apology from Lord Lucas.

　How can you trust Alfort that much? No, I'm not sure if I'm retracting it because I've stuck a lot of money into it. No, no, no, could it be possible that the content of the apology was great, Crono imagined.

''I understand how Baron Treis feels, but would the Lords trust his words?　They think you've sold out your people for the love of your life.
You talk too much!
'It's true. If you doubt it, you can send an errand into town now.
I'm sure you'll understand.

　Baron Treis grunted.

'I don't think the lords will listen to your words, though.
What?
The Imperial Guard. You've got 20,000 men to feed.
Yeah, I've got the wherewithal to do that.
Well, it will hold for a while, for a while.
....

　When Crono said provocatively, Baron Treis shushed him.
　That silence said it all.

'You think we are such weak soldiers that we will be defeated in a day or two?
That's not...
''The longer the battle goes on, the greater the burden on the Barony of Treis. Their reserves will be exhausted and they will be forced to wield their power. It's impossible to ask the territorial residents to understand under such circumstances.''

　Crono trailed off at that point.

'Well, the sustenance fodder we've prepared so far may not always reach the Imperial Army.
Does that mean I have no choice?
''No, no, we........Princess Tyria would like to respect the will of Baron Treis as well.

　Crono cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.

'You can choose to be honoured or ruined, if you like.
...ruin.

　Baron Treis gulped and cleared his throat.
　''Unless the imperial army is defeated by a touch of armor sleeve, destruction is inevitable.

''This is the dividing line. Past this point, there is only destruction. It's simple. All you have to do is tacitly accept our actions.''
What excuse will I give to Lord Lucas?
'Why don't you tell them that they couldn't prepare their military provisions due to our interference?
But...
I don't have a choice, sir.

　Crono let out a sigh and stood up.
　The initiative is only here.
　You must make them understand that.

''Let's pretend this conversation never happened.
Wait, wait!
'I'm afraid I can't wait. I'm going to have to fight now...
Okay, okay!

　Baron Trace exclaimed.

'What do you understand?'
"I authorize the Imperial Army to operate in my territory. Well, in return...

　Baron Treis looked up at Crono with clinging eyes.
　He said that he would be the worst lord, that trust was important, but there was a lowly light in his eyes.
　Crono smiled at him.

'Of course. Let's tell Princess Tilia that Baron Treis has willingly agreed to take military action in the territory. Now the territory will be relieved.''


　Baron Trace said with a drawn-out smile.

'I'm sorry, but that's if you're on our side. Isn't it written that if you are neutral, you will be relieved of your domain, and if you are an ally, you will be honored?'
Yes, that's true, but it's not possible right now.
So when did you make your decision?
"If the Imperial Guard is in retreat, I will fall back to you. I promise.
I'd ask you to put it in writing, but I believe you.

　Hearing Crono's words, Baron Trace let out a breath of relief.

''Well then, I'll leave you with this...''
Thank you for your cooperation.

　Baron Trace hung his head deeply, and Crono left the parlor.
　Then the old butler walked up to him.

''I will walk you to the door.''
Nice to meet you.

　The old butler led him out of the mansion.
　Crono went to the box carriage that stayed close by.
　The door of the box carriage opens without a sound.
　He gets into the box carriage and takes a seat.
　The box carriage starts to move slowly - and before he knows it, Klinge Hertz is sitting in the seat facing him.
　He chose the people he thought would cause problems if he brought the soldiers with him.
　Well, they are stronger than an ordinary soldier with their manual fists.

''Good work,''
It's heartbreaking the way you appeared, isn't it?
The Marquis of Erakis, sir?

　Klinge said in a tone that sounded like he was holding back his anger.

'What was the result of the negotiations?'
I've been given permission to operate in the territory.
Okay.

　Klinge looks at the window.
　He looks at the window, caught, but there is no one there.

''Anyway, you can now move freely through Baron Treis' territory.

　Crono let out a small breath.

*

　Evening--Lucas rode his horse and rode north along the road.
　On both sides of the road there is a deep forest.
　In these woods, there are interstices that only the locals know about.
　In some cases, these roads are stretched out like a net.
　Making the most of the advantages of the land.
　I thought I understood it in my head, but it took me a while to understand what it meant.

''Commander of the Legion, isn't it time to get ready for the encampment?''
We'll buy ourselves some more distance.

　I suppressed the urge to cluck my tongue and answer the deputy's question.
　He was supposed to be in Count Caddo's territory on the schedule, but he hasn't been able to leave the Baron Treis territory.
　It's because they had to clean up the aftermath of the barbarism - the body had to be buried.
　I left the burial work to the Eighth Order of the Kingsguard as a punishment, but this was a bad idea.
　The work was slow, and it was past noon before they finished burying the body.

''Legion Commander!　Legionnaire!

　A cavalryman passes by his side and comes back with his horse's head around his neck.
　He is the man I sent as a messenger under Baron Trace.
　He's riding a different horse than when he left the village.
　Baron Treis may have been thoughtful, but I'm beginning to worry that he's done it again.

'Have you delivered your apology?'
Yes, I got a letter from Baron Trace.

　The man dismounts his horse and holds out a rolled up parchment in the shape of a tube.
　Lucas takes the parchment and checks the contents.

'....as I thought.
What did it say?
I cannot allow them to use the neighboring villages as bases. They would be able to ferry military provisions to the next village but after that they would have to ferry them themselves. It says that there is a strong possibility that they may not be able to secure their promised military provisions.
What?
...phew.

　The deputy said with a hint of anger, but Lucas could only sigh.
　Half of it was dismay at the deputy's attitude, the other half was relief.
　He hadn't declared hostility after all that brutality.
　I don't know what he really meant, but at least he's not an enemy now.

'What are you angry about?'
You didn't keep your word.
We broke our word first.
It's...
Shut up. You're giving me a headache talking to you.
....

　The deputy curved his lips in displeasure.
　That's how I finally understand why the burial process has been so slow.
　They had no sense that they were being punished.
　They had gone a little too far, but they had no reason to be punished.
　Perhaps they were thinking about that.
　That's why I deliberately delayed the work to express my dissatisfaction.

''...Totally.''

　Lucas muttered, feeling disgusted.
　I chose and let it rot.
　I know I deserved it, but I can't erase the thought that I don't have to be so screwed up.

'I'm going to make camp here,'
....

　Lucas says, but his second-in-command doesn't recite it.
　He looks away like he's sulking.

"Recite it!
"...encampment!　Get ready to make camp!

　Lucas yelled at him, and his second in command finally recited.
　He let out a deep sigh and gently touched his chest.
　At this rate, he would have to rework the plan all by himself.



　Crono hid himself in the bushes about a hundred meters away from the street and stared at the Imperial Army.
　He had received information that the Imperial Army was burying the bodies, but the honest feeling was that it was too late for that.
　If so, the suspicion that they were doing something else is sweltering.

"This is Aridid, like a visual identification of the enemy.
This is Deneb. The enemy is setting up camp.
Stand by for now.

　He orders Aridid and Deneb, who are hardened on either side.
　I narrow my eyes and look at the imperial army.
　The general soldiers are crisply preparing for the encampment, but the white uniforms - the Eighth Konoe Knights of the Kingsguard - are much less adept.
　The ordinary soldier doesn't try to help even after finishing their preparations for the camp.
　That's how badly they get along with each other.

''We're exposing our unprotected backs.
Like it's an opportunity.
Are you two on the same page?
Of course you heard me. They're setting fire to our military provisions and throwing magic items at us so we can't sleep.
That being said, it's like my instincts tingle when they show me their unprotected backside.
I'm glad you understand.

　Crono patted his chest as he listened to Aridid and Deneb's words.

'Looks like you have your knife ready to go.
Like a lot of keywords you don't like to use.

　How far is he serious?
　Alideed pulls out a knife and Deneb flips through a homemade notepad.
　I explained that I would be very selective about the subject this time, but I wasn't sure if he was really listening.
　I shake my head, "No," he says.
　Both of them are fierce fighters of all time.
　When it comes to a battle, they'll brace themselves.

''But even so, it seems like this strategy is too low-key.
Not putting them to sleep is just harassment.
No, it's fine.

　Combine multiple tactics to take away the enemy's ability to take over.
　That's the crux of this operation.

'And it's like being an archer again.
I hear it's not easy being in charge of a mixed team.
Yeah, well, that's the thing.

　Crono slurred his words.
　There are a hundred mixed units of archers and infantry here, and a hundred soldiers lurking in the face as well.

''Speaking of which, do you have something you want to ask Crono-sama?
What's going on?
Why are you here like this?

　Alideed tilted his head curiously.

''The flagman is Tilia, the commander is Dr. Weissman, the logistics and other things are in the hands of Sitter-san, the volunteers are in the hands of Mino-san, and the detached troops are in the hands of Kane, you know. The mercenaries are under Sif's jurisdiction my jurisdiction is here.
Mm, I'm thinking that the Crono-sama should have taken charge of the volunteer army.
I'm too scared to lead an amateur. On the other hand, you'll have an experienced centurion to back you up here.
You said you have a lot of experience.
It's not like he's as experienced as Master Crono.

　Aridid and Deneb said, moping.
　That's not what I meant.

''And the rest ... the content of the operation is the content of the operation.
Well, sure.
I need to see the whole picture or I won't get into it.

　In the original world, it would be like setting off firecrackers in the middle of the night.
　Even if you tell them that this is a strategy, the soldiers won't understand.
　The reason Crono is there is to make the soldiers understand that this is an important operation.

'Besides, we don't want them to say we're good with our mouths and say we made them do the dirty work for us.
Master Crono seems to care a lot.
But you forgot to keep your eyes open at night, didn't you?
That's what I've been thinking about.

　Crono pulled a pair of glasses from the pouch.

'What's that like?'
"It's supposed to be a contextual item that keeps you sharp at night.
'That's right, with these glasses you will be able to see through the darkness. It's an item that amplifies light, so if you look at strong light, it will damage your eyes, and it's only useful for humans.

　This is the item I had Eryl make.
　I don't want to break it, so I put it in the pouch.

Master Crono, I'm done making camp.
Like an attack, finally?
Not yet.

　Crono hid in the bushes and observed the Kingsguard.
　They were gathered around a campfire.

'It looks like they didn't cook themselves.
I'm afraid it's not hard bread.
It doesn't look like it will last forever.

　Hmmm, Crono snorted.

'Master Crono, like you should be happy here.
You know, like the father of hardtackle bread and then go on to be known as the father of hardtackle bread after the war.
No, no, no.

　Crono waved his hands from side to side with a pat on the back.

'Taiga, how are the civilian soldiers doing?'
"Ordinary soldiers eat bread, that they do.

　A muffled voice came from the magic item for communication.
　It seems that the general soldiers are eating bread, but I didn't see Crono coming to get it.
　It seems that the sustenance provisions of the Kingsguard and the general soldiers are being carried separately.
　Perhaps the commander understands that the two sides are not on good terms with each other.

"That's not what we've heard.
Rumors are just that, rumors.
It's a dangerous thing to be preoccupied.
That too, I suppose.

　I heard that Count Lucas Lesato was constantly rumored to be black and that his men were all weak soldiers, but it was dangerous to assume that he was incompetent based on that alone.

''It's about time, like, OK?''
It's like I'm in timing mode.

　Arididid and Deneb readied their machine gun bows and guarded their arrows.
　Instead of an arrowhead, it has a small sphere attached to it.
　It is a magic item that scatters flamboyant flames and sounds like a flame dance.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. Aim at the horse first.
"Yes, that I do.

　Crono quietly raised his hand and swung it down.
　Aridid and Deneb released arrows, and countless arrows flew from behind him.
　The moment the arrows touched the ground, flames and sounds were released.
　The papa-pam sound was similar to a firecracker, but the flames increased its power many times over.
　It was especially effective on the horses.
　Some horses stood on their poles and others went wild.

''Enemies!''
"Enemy attack!　Enemy attack!

　A kinsman knight shouted, and a new arrow landed there.
　Taiga and the others fired their arrows.
　The sound like firecrackers drowned out the voices of the kinsman knights and sent the horses into a panic.

''How?!''

　One of the Kingsguard knights rushed over to him in a hurry, but from the results, it was a mistake.
　He was kicked in the face with his hind legs and blown away.
　As one of the horses ran backwards down the street, the others followed.
　A soldier is blown up and a tent falls over.
　A scream erupts.
　A fat man leapt out of the tent.
　That would be Lucas Lesato.
　I'd like to kill him, but I can't turn twenty thousand soldiers into bandits.

'Where is the enemy!
There it is!
'What are you doing!　Chase and chase!

　No, no, no, you guys should go after them. Or rather, come after me, Crono pleads with the kinsman knight who won't move in his mind.

'It can't be helped. We'll attack with arms and legs.'
We've been waiting for you!
'Deploy to the front!　I wish I could release them so they don't kill me!

　The sound of the trees shaking echoes and the archers deploy in front of Crono.
　There are about thirty of them, but they are the oldest soldiers.

''Let go!''

　Crono shouted, and the archers fired arrows in unison.
　Gasp, the konoe knight screamed and fell to the ground.
　Despite the dense trees, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction at his skill in shooting through the target.

''d*mn it, I'm going to beat them to death!

　A dozen or so Kingsguard knights split into the forest.

''Let go!''

　Following Crono's command, the archer fired another arrow.
　The arrows pierced his arms and thighs, and the konoean knight went down on the spot.

'Ouch!　Duh, somebody help me!

　A kinsman knight shakes his body and calls for help, but no one tries to move.

''Ummm, it's not burning well.''

　It would be a problem if they all came at him at once, but it would also be a problem if he didn't do anything when his allies were asking for help.
　Crono let out a small sigh, wondering if it would be impossible to lure them deeper into the forest.

''Retreat temporarily!''

　Crono shouted at the communication magic item and put his glasses on.
　His vision brightens at once.

''Roger that.'' (Gau)

　Crono runs off towards the back of the forest.
　The archers retreat in unison as well.

'I thought we could do a little more damage!
It's a shame!
Me too. But here's the deal, here's the deal.
Black!
It's like the blackness is oozing out!

　Crono grinned, and Aridid and Deneb said in a musical manner.

*

　Morning--

"....ggh.

　Lucas woke up with a pain in his chest.
　His whole body was drenched in sweat and his head was fuzzy.

'....Rebels.

　He gets out of bed and spits out a small amount.
　In the evening, the Empire was attacked by the rebels, leaving a few dead and many wounded.
　Most of these were caused by horses that had run amok.
　The rebels then retreated, but they came again as the night wore on.
　They scattered fire and sound with magic items.
　And that too, all night long.
　If we chased them, they would flee, and if we didn't, they would do the same thing over and over again.
　I hated that they used magic and magic items that could kill as if they remembered.
　Furthermore, they set fire to their sustenance cages.
　And only the sustenance of the Kingsguard was set on fire.
　Perhaps the rebels realized that the Knights of the Kingsguard and the ordinary soldiers did not get along with each other.
　Dividing the military provisions and fodder will make the two sides even more unhappy.
　Food resentment is a terrible thing.
　Lucas put his jacket on, frowning at the pain in his chest.
　When he emerged from his tent, his men were limp.
　There were no more half of their horses left.

''Commander of the Legion, can't we delay our departure?''
What are you talking about?
We've been under attack all night and we're all exhausted.

　The deputy said, and his men nodded in agreement.

'No. We'll leave as planned.

　The subordinates were clearly disappointed by Lucas' words.
　How much do we need to dance with the rebels to make them feel better?
　Last night's raids had reduced their provisions, which were even less than they could afford.
　I didn't calculate it in detail but it was enough to last four days if they could cut down to the last minute.
　And they didn't know how much more provisions could be replenished.
　And if they delayed their march, they would have to fight with empty stomachs.

"Quickly clear the tent and send out the Transportation Corps, extracted from the general.
Yes.
Keep your voice down!
Yes!

　Lucas yelled at him, and his second-in-command shouted in desperation.
　His subordinates begin to slacken off.
　There is a hint of frustration on their faces.
　Most of them are probably wondering why they are doing this to themselves.
　He holds his aching chest and lets out a sigh.
　It was Lucas himself who wanted them under his command, but it's selfish and frustrating.
　After taking twice as long to install, he finally finishes putting away the tent.

''Let's go!

　Lucas mounted his own horse and resumed his march.
　His subordinates, including his second in command, are silent.
　They must have endured last night's events very well.
　There was nothing in particular to say, so he advanced his horse and rubbed against a stone pillar.
　It was about a haul in thickness and up to my waist in height.
　After a while, there was another stone pillar.

'Wait!'
What is it?

　The deputy says disgustedly.

'There was a stone pillar stuck in the ground earlier...'
'Oh, there was. What about it?
There's another stone pillar.
'Oh, yes. What's wrong with that?

　The deputy turned around and said, still in a disgusted tone.

'Doesn't it bother you?'
There's all kinds of nonsense out there. It's not going to blow up. Let's just get on with it.
Well yes.

　The deputy has a point.
　If they're setting up for an attack, it's strange that they can get through safely.
　It's also possible that they're doing something meaningless to make us suspicious.

'But stay alert.
Yes, I understand.

　Lucas led his horse forward, wary of the stone pillars.
　He continued his march, ignoring his second in command who said he was hungry and childlike.
　When the sun was starting to dip significantly, his vision opened up.

''A field position........''

　Lucas stopped his horse and grunted.
　According to the map he had checked beforehand, there should still be a forest going on.
　Nevertheless, the forest was cut off and what looked like a field camp appeared in its place.

It's a strange position.
'What did you learn in military school? That's the trenches.
You've never heard of the trenches.

　Lucas let out a deep sigh.
　In the centre, a trench was dug in a zigzagging fashion on either wing, dividing the city road.

'Then what is that wire?'
I don't know.
Okay.

　The second-in-command nodded, perhaps in return for his intentions, as if he were making fun of them.
　In front of the trench was a horse-proof fence, and further in front of it was a row of wire-like objects.
　In addition, the horse-proof fence had no crossbeams, but instead was covered with wire.
　The rebel soldiers were peering at us from the trenches.
　Behind them were a large sub-human with a shield and an archer waiting for him.

'I was expecting a bit of a rebel, since you say "rebels". It's pathetic that we have no choice but to cling to those wires and holes.''
You mean it's no big deal?
Yeah, it's nothing to worry about.
Then you'll be first in line.
'Yes, that's good. We can get through that one with the remaining cavalry.

　The deputy responded immediately, but Lucas felt a thin layer of coldness.
　If I were to call it fear of the unknown, that might be the end of it.

''However, if you get through that one, please don't complain about my methods.''
Okay.

　'Heh,' said the deputy with a vulgar smile.

''I just wanted to see how the royal family was doing.
....

　Lucas ignored his second-in-command's mutterings.
　If he didn't die here, he would die on this next battlefield.

'Hey!　All those who wish to be honored with the highest spear, gather!

　Lucas dismounted from his horse with a sideways glance at his second-in-command and sat down on a nearby fallen tree.
　Now, I wonder how many people will be gathered.
　He watched in such a cold mood, but the second-in-command gathered a hundred cavalrymen in no time.
　An unexpected talent, I should say.
　If he hadn't been his own subordinate, he might have become a battalion commander on his own.
　The second-in-command stretched his chest against the cavalry lined up side by side.
　I know how proud I am.
　Even though he was a light cavalryman, it would feel good to lead a hundred cavalrymen.

''Legion Commander, please don't forget your promise.
I know.

　'Hehehe,' the second-in-command laughed and interrupted the cavalrymen.

'You guys!　Kill them all and your reward is what you want it to be!　Move on!

　As the second-in-command lets the horses advance, the cavalrymen begin to move.
　As far as I can tell, they are surprisingly well aligned, even though they haven't had any training.
　Gradually, their speed increases.

"Kill them all!　Urrah!
Ullahhhh!

　The cavalry howled in unison.