*

　A night after the battle with the imperial army, the frontier village was crowded with people.
　The residents of the settlement village were not the only ones gathered in the southern part of the village.
　Residents of Sylvania, mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes, and soldiers of the Imperial Army - among them were Elaine and other heavyweights of Sylvania.
　Perhaps reading the air, Elaine was wearing a dress that looked like a mourning dress.
　It's a modest dress, but it looks well-tailored.
　Sif and Bear were standing at a distance from Elaine, perhaps to show that they were here as people of the Confederation of Tribes.
　Furthermore, there is also Dr. Wiseman, who is the commander of the Imperial Army, but it is Tilia that the gathered people are focusing on.
　They were chatting away as they looked at Tilia and Elaine.

''Heh, that's Princess Tilia?''
What about that man in the corner with the tattered cloak?
"Put a semblance!　They'll take you out for disrespect!
Fool, it's true. I fought for Lady Tyria.
Thank you.
The black dress?
They say he tried to run a government that emphasized the commoners and lost the throne.
I'll be proud of this one for the rest of my life.
The black dress is Lady Elaine.
'The Imperial Guard?　Sure, it was scary, but it wasn't a big deal.
That's Master Crono in that rag.

　The noise resembles the sound of tides and rain.

''It's ... not a rag.''

　Crono blurted out and turned his gaze to Tilia.
　Tilia was dressed in a white military uniform.
　Although the white military uniform is of a good quality, it is of a lower rank than Elaine's dress.
　Nevertheless, it is probably because of its interesting appearance that it does not look inferior.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a beautiful woman's dress that looks like a brand name, even if it's an ordinary dress if she wears it.
　It is likely to be regarded as such a fashion, even if it is ragged.
　When Crono was thinking about such futile things, Tilia slowly walked out.

''........I have something to tell everyone.

　When Tilia opened her mouth, the area fell silent.

''We, the Imperial Army, have succeeded in repelling the army consisting of 20,000 generals sent by the False Emperor Alfort!
Oh!

　A thud spread as Tilia declared victory.
　The information about the Imperial Army's victory over the Imperial Army should have been known, but hearing it from Tilia's mouth seemed to mean something else.
　For Crono, it's not a situation that he can be optimistic about.
　We've only won the first battle, and the elements that are disadvantageous to the imperial army in this battle - the fact that the legion was all infantry, the lack of officers and rations, the presence of field positions, Baron Treis's insider information, the participation of cavalry led by Blood, etc. -- were all in place.
　Although it appears to be a dramatic victory, if the Imperial Army had been able to overcome just one disadvantage, the Imperial Army might have been defeated.
　Nevertheless, it's important to tout the victory.

"This victory would not have been possible without the efforts and dedication of the Imperial Army.

　Saying this, Tyria pointed to the coffins behind her with her hand.
　The ten coffins belonged to the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes.
　Yesterday's losses were ten dead and over three hundred and fifty seriously injured.
　More than sixty percent of the wounded were Union of Tribes mercenaries.
　This means that most of the Confederated Tribesmen were wounded.

''Like the Roux in the Areos Mountains, there was a grudge between the Empire and the Yu, Mu, Fu, and Nu tribes of the Bethel Mountains.
....

　The audience listens to Tyria's words in silence.
　'The five tribes are natives who were driven off their lands by the Empire.

'But they have swallowed their anger!　They risked their lives to protect the lives and property of the people living in the Marquess of Erakis and Count Caddo in order to realize our ideals!
Oh!

　The audience groaned at Tyria's words, and cracking applause erupted.
　The people of the various tribal confederations laughed in embarrassment, but Sif was expressionless.

''........Quiet.

　There was silence again as Tyria controlled it with her hand.

'The other day I said that as long as you swear allegiance to the state, before the emperor, nobles, commoners, humans, sub-humans, sub-humans, prostitutes, slaves, and even different races are of equal value!　They've shown their loyalty!　Therefore, I accept them as people of the Empire!　They, too, are beloved subjects!　Those who disagree, step forward!
...no one has any objection to that.

　It was Elaine who answered.
　She said that not only Tyria, but even Elaine would accept the people of the Confederation of Tribes.
　Only a person with guts or someone who can't read the air can object here.
　Fortunately, neither of them seem to be present here.

''Good. From this day forward, they are subjects of the Empire. But this is only the price of their loyalty. I must reward ten heroes. Knight Arthur, take that.
Ha!

　Dr. Weissman, aka Knight Arthur, stepped out and held out a small box.
　Tilia opened the box and pulled out a lion motif medal.

There is a saying in our country that a lion dies and keeps its skin on, and a man dies and leaves his name behind. And in honor of that, I have founded this medal the Order of the Wounded Lion.
Oh!

　The audience groaned.
　'You're a lion over here,' said Crono, looking at the medal.

'Sif, on behalf of the Confederation of Tribes, you take it.
Ha!

　Sif stood in front of Tyria and gave her an imperial salute.

'I look forward to your continued loyalty.
"Yes, we will be loyal to the Empire at all times!

　Tyria smiled gently and handily placed the medal on Sif's chest.
　Crackling applause erupted, and Sif proudly threw out his chest.
　The people of the various tribal confederations were also beating their chests, and some of them shed tears.
　They coughed and sobbed.
　It was no wonder.
　For a long time, the Confederation of Tribes had been treated coldly.
　It had finally been rewarded.

''And this is a personal gift...''

　With that, Tilia held out her hand.
　I can't see it clearly from here, but I know what she's holding.
　It's a plant seed.



　When you pray, the seed grows quickly.
　The power of the divine power art is used to promote the growth.
　I don't know what kind of logic is used to provide the nourishment necessary for growth, but I guess only the priest can answer that question.
　Soon, a number of white flowers bloomed.
　The flowers, which looked like faint grass, were brought by Karis from the Bethel Mountains.

''Oh, these...''
'I have heard that this flower grows in the Bethel Mountains. I would like you to make this your second home, but you will have a special place in your birthplace. I want to offer you this.
'Thank you. I'm sure they'd be happy to hear that.

　As Sif bowed deeply, Tyria placed a handful of flowers on the coffin.
　Just then, the sound of the horse's snorting echoed.

''Princess Tilia!''
We brought the horses in!

　Manchausen and Alonso came to the coffin with their two horses.

'Good work!'
Ha!

　Manchausen and Alonso stood tall and saluted, while Tilia jumped on her white horse.

'Now for the funeral!

　The mercenaries of the Confederated Tribes stepped up to the coffin and lifted it lightly.
　They will now parade through the streets of Sylvania and bury it in a grave dug in one of the frontier villages.

'Sif, you can ride your horse, can't you?
"I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this, but...
That's enough. I can't give you a stone, but you must ride this horse and attend the funeral.
Ha!

　Sif took the reins from Alonso and mounted his horse in a very familiar motion.
　If this was unfamiliar, Crono wondered what he was if he was unfamiliar with it.
　Two more old knights brought in two more horses.
　One horse was for Dr. Wiseman, and the other one--.

''Well Crono-kun, are you alright?''
'You don't have to look so worried.

　Crono replied to Dr. Weissman.

Mr. Bear is supposed to take the reins.
So, I told you to practice riding.

　Dr. Weissman said in a voice that sounded like he was spitting blood.
　I wish he had stopped when the idea of a funeral - a parade through the streets of Sylvania - came up, rather than sounding like that.

'I've been practicing,'
Then why?
I don't know, it's like I don't have any riding skills.
What are you talking about?

　Dr. Weissman covered his face.
　Crono looked up at the sky, "This is what it was like just before I graduated from military school," he said.

'Marquis Erakis, please come this way.
Yes, I'm coming.

　Crono took Bear's hand and mounted his horse.
　The visibility was higher and he felt better.

'Then let's go!'

　Following Tyria's orders, the funeral procession began to move forward.

*

Sigh. I'm tired.

　Crono let out a sigh and walked through the field position.
　On the other side of the horse fence, his men - not the volunteer soldiers, but the regular soldiers - were clearing away the corpses of the imperial army.
　It's the second-in-command who is in command of the camp.
　As we climbed over the trench and passed through a gap in the horse-proof fence, the second-in-command looked at us.

General, thank you for your hard work,'' he said. How was the other side? (BUMO)
Well, it worked.

　Crono unbuttoned the first button of his uniform and loosened his collar.
　The funeral was a great success, if you can call it that, and the funeral service was a great success.
　The inhabitants of Sylvania lined the streets - most of them, it seemed, were there for Tyria - and saw off ten heroes.

'Maybe that will make the Confederation of Tribes more acceptable, and they'll think it's an honor to pledge allegiance to the nation.
"You speak of the contrary.
It's true.

　The deputy said with a sigh and Crono cowered his shoulders.
　Both they and the Confederation of Tribes had used death to their advantage.

'How about that one?'
"There are so many of them, the work doesn't progress very well." (Bumo)
I'm sure you do.

　Crono nodded and stared at the field position.
　A great number of corpses were lying in front of the horse fence.

''How many?''
It's over 5,000. If you include the dead before the decisive battle, it's almost 8,000.
Eight thousand.

　There were ten casualties here, so if you only look at the numbers, it's an overwhelming victory.

It wouldn't have been a good idea for you to climb over the fence.
"I was just wondering, why don't we make it a vertical position? (Bum?)
Vertical layer?
I'm going to build another position in the back and connect it to the one in front. If the first one is breached, the second one will still be there.
That's a great idea.

　I'll ask Dr. Weissman for help, Crono wrote down his second-in-command's ideas in his mind's notepad.

'How about something else?'
"The people who come to steal our equipment have been yelling at us.
You were right about the doctor and Mr. Mino.

　Even Crono knows that corpse scavenging can take place on the battlefield, but when his subordinates tell him about it, he feels bleak.

'What about fallen warrior hunting?'
"You could be there, too.
You too, huh?

　Crono let out a deep sigh.
　After all, this too, when heard from his subordinate, he felt gloomy.

''Just in case, I paid you, though.
I guess it's one of those things where if you're prepared, you don't have to worry.

　I gave him the money just in case, but I didn't expect that someone would really try to cash in on the corpse--''

''You're not one of our fiefdoms, are you?''
"You said you were from the Barony of Treis, but...

　The deputy lifted the corners of his mouth sarcastically.
　'There is a way to find out for sure, but it's very laborious.

'Where are the bodies?'
"It's all here in one place.

　Crono is led by his second-in-command to the place where the body is placed.
　It's the border between the battlefield and the street.
　Looking at the corpses laid out in a heap, one's mood sinks.

In the foreground is Count Lucas LeSat.

　Crono looked down at Lucas's body.
　He looked in anguish, but other than that, the body was surprisingly clean.
　The only wound is on the back of his hand.

'He must have been sick,'

　Perhaps to inspire the soldiers, Lucas started to run and collapsed in the process.
　Perhaps he was obese and had a heart condition.

'If I may say so, I'm glad you're sick,'
Bumo.

　The repeated nightly harassment seemed to have had an unexpected effect.

'What about the bodies you bought?'
"Over here.

　There was a corpse at the place where he was led by his deputy.
　However--.

What a mess.

　Crono covered his face and grunted.
　The bodies there were badly damaged.
　With the exception of Lucas, the corpses lying there were severely damaged.
　But the corpse in front of him was even more damaged than that.
　Some of them have their heads swollen to twice their size, their bodies are covered in bruises, their skin is burned out, and some are even missing fingers.

'I knew it was a private execution (lynching)?'
"General, I don't need to hear the obvious.
I wanted to hear the denial.

　Crono let out a sigh.

''This is what will happen if you do something like that to destroy a village.'' (Bumo)
Tough guy.

　The peasants are not only oppressed, they turn to the oppressor when they have the opportunity.

'Will tomorrow be mine?'
"Don't talk nonsense.
Isn't it important?
"It's a commander's job to make sure that doesn't happen." (Bumo)
I know. You've got to build a reputation as a good-looking military man, at best.

　It's easy to attack the haters, but it's hard to attack the popular ones.
　In other words, that's what I mean.
　Nevertheless, Crono took a glance at the kinsman knight who had been killed in a private execution.

''How should I punish him?
"We'll just have to leave it to Baron Trace.
Yeah.

　Since this happened in the Baron Trace's territory, it should be left to the lord to deal with.

''For now, shall we continue with the burial?''
"I understand...

　The second-in-command jerked his ears and stared at the field position.
　I moved my gaze as I caught it and saw Elena approaching us.
　She must have fallen into the trenches, she was covered in mud.
　But still, I wondered why Elena was in this place.
　While I was thinking about this, Elena was standing in front of Crono.

'What's wrong?'
I just came to see the body.

　Crono couldn't help but look at his second in command.
　He'd thought there was something a bit odd about him, but he hadn't expected him to have a taste for looking at dead bodies.

'Don't get me wrong. I'm not curious.''
So why?
You haven't forgotten about Philip, have you?
Philip?
My ex-fiancee!　The one who killed my parents and made it possible for me to become a slave!

　Elena exclaimed irritably when Crono asked to parrot the question.

'Oh, there you are,'
How could you forget?
Because they only met once at a ball.

　Elena looks unhappy, but for Crono, he's only met her once.

'Didn't you pick a fight with him then?
Yeah, well, you sold it.
So how could you forget?
It's not very impressive.

　Philip hadn't been a part of Crono's life since they met at the ball.
　Whatever the case, the memories fade.

'Well, fine.'

　With that, Elena began to search for Philip's body.
　However, she only leaned forward and moved parallel to the corpse.

'Mino-san, can I leave you to supervise your men?'
"I don't care about you.

　Crono stands behind Elena.

'Speaking of which, do you have a job?'
He's got a leave of absence. I'm not a slave anymore, and it's my right.
Even when I was a slave, I didn't tell you not to rest.

　I don't know if I should take a leave of absence to look for a corpse, but it's not worth mentioning.
　A few moments later, Elena stopped in front of a corpse.
　A corpse with a cruelly deformed head.
　The white military uniform is stained with dried blood and one finger is missing.
　Miraculously, I should say, half the face remains intact.
　I feel vaguely familiar.

''........Is that Philip?''
Yes, I do.

　Elena gazed at Phillip's corpse.
　How long had she been looking at it?
　'Surprising,' muttered Elena.

'What?'
I thought you had something more to offer.
Not everyone is going to die dramatically.

　Most of the time, they die quickly and easily.

I thought I was supposed to be happier. I thought it would be a lot of emotions and tears.
So, what do you think?
It's a little blurry, but that's about it.

　Elena sat up and let out a small sigh.

'He plotted a plot without my knowledge and died without my knowledge. As far as I'm concerned, he was a complete pain in the ass to the very end.
Want to throw a rock?
Are you sure?
Basically, no, because I don't want my guys to copy me.

　They want to be seen as a well-behaved army.
　That's why they use regular soldiers to bury the bodies.

So don't ask me about it.
Doesn't it have to be that way?
I don't need that kind of closure. But maybe that's important.

　Huh, Elena laughed.

'Hey, hey?'

　Elena looked up at Crono, her face bright red.
　She grabbed her skirt.

'Hey?'
There's a bush.
"Bushes?

　Elena's eyes widened in surprise.

'No one's looking at me, they said it's okay.'
Yeah, sure.

　Elena turned over and headed into the forest.
　But then she turned back on the way.

'Why didn't you come?'
I don't need to go to the bathroom.
No way!

　Elena barked red in the face.
　It's so loud that it echoes across the battlefield.
　It was so loud that the second in command looked at me.

''What's wrong?'' (Bum?)
There's nothing to it!
I understand. (BUMO!)

　The deputy replied loudly and returned to his camp.

'Nobody's talking about the bathroom!
So what are you talking about?
Well, that's...

　Elena looked down in embarrassment and muttered something about goggle-eyedness.

'What are you talking about?'
It's about closure!　I thought I'd let you do it as a reward for Philip's death!
The sight of a dead body...
No!

　Elena raised her voice.

'I understand that, but how do I know what to expect from this situation?'
It's just, you know, we haven't known each other that long.
No, no, no, I can't.

　I've known her for a long time, but I don't think Elena is that blown up in thought.

'So what do you think?'
A break.

　Crono muttered sincerely.
　Maybe it's time to move on to the next stage--''

'You don't seem too keen on it, do you?
To say I'm not into it is an understatement.
Why?　I'm a free man and I'm in love with you, so it's only natural, right?

　Elena said, turning her head away in embarrassment.

'Yes, but,'
You're not done.
You say that, but it takes courage to switch from a specialized type to a general-purpose type. In reality, it's a no-save, one-try scenario.
"?　---uh!

　Elena tilted her head curiously, but after a while she seemed to realize the meaning of the words and turned bright red.

''This, you pervert!''
It's just, you know, it's been a long time coming.
I know, but!　I know you're that kind of guy, but... oh my God!

　Elena sat there with her head in her hands.



　The next day, Viscount Tina Sheratan, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bossain were gathered in the conference room of the Marquis' mansion.
　They didn't come together voluntarily, but rather responded to Tilia's call.
　There was no doubt that if Alfort found out, he would be treated as a rebel, but the three of them were here knowing that.
　The door opened and Tilia entered the conference room with Baron Treis and Brad in tow.
　She doesn't seem surprised.
　He hadn't explained about Brad when he called the meeting, so all three of them must have obtained the information through their own channels.

'You've kept me waiting. Now let's get this meeting started.

　Tilia takes a seat, but Baron Trace and Brad remain in the background.

'And before you do that, Baron Treis has something to tell you.
Yes, sir.

　Baron Trace walked out, wiping his forehead with his handkerchief.
　The handkerchief was drenched in sweat and sopping wet.
　He moved his eyes busily, but after a while, he squeezed his eyes shut.

''Jeez, actually I declared myself indefensible when the imperial army arrived.

　It's a squeezing sound.

'But it's not about my cuteness!　To protect my people!　There's no way a thousand soldiers can defeat 20,000 generals!　In the first place, those thousand soldiers could have pointed their swords at me if I had disobeyed His Majesty Alfort, or even the false emperor Alfort!　And yet the Imperial Guard has destroyed the village!　They killed a man, raped a woman, and set her on fire!　I was a fool for believing those demons with a human face and a beast heart!　I can't regret it!

　Baron Treis said as he wound up, and Baron Mesartim and Baron Bossain looked at him as if in sympathy.

''Does that mean you will support us?''
"Swear on your fathers!

　Baron Trace raised his voice.
　His expression was a clearer one than before.

''You'll be next, Brad.''
Ha!

　Brad saluted as he stepped out.

'I was suspected of treason, and I went straight off with my men.
Do you have any idea what that means?
No, sir. The only thing I can think of is joining an economic union.

　Brad laughed emphatically.

'I want to make sure you're willing.'
It may seem a bit late for that, but I would like to regain my honor and serve the Empire.

　'Mm,' said Tilia, nodding with satisfaction.

'I am delighted by your loyalty, both of you. I promise to treat you with honor when I ascend the throne.
Ha!
Thank God for happiness.

　Brad gave an excellent salute and Baron Treis hung his head deeply.



　Tilia looked around.
　It was Tina who opened her mouth first.

''My answer is set. I would like to support the ideals held by Princess Tilia.''
'I'm glad you feel that way, but have you taken control of the battalion?
Yes, my uncle...

　Tina gave a sly smile.

'How about Baron Mesartim and Baron Bossain?'
We want to support your ideals, but we are not yet in control of our forces.
Me too.

　The two men raised their eyebrows apologetically.

'Can you take control?'
I'd like a few days...
I need a few more days.

　Baron Bossain interrupted Baron Mesartim's words.

'I will give you two days to take control of it, I believe.
All right. You can count on it, both of you. When you do, I promise to treat you with honor.
Then I will return to my estate for now.
'Me too. I'm not so shameless as to join a military council without a battalion under my control.

　Baron Mesartim and Baron Bossain stood up and strode out of the conference room.

''Now, let's briefly discuss the plan we've set up.

　Tilia declared sternly.

*

...phew.

　Tilia sat back in her chair in the office and let out a small breath.

'War is a messy thing, isn't it?
You don't know what you're talking about.

　Tyria blurted out, and Crono replied with a sigh.
　'I feel like I've been sighing a lot lately, but even if you don't have to fight a war, you're going to be worn out if you're involved in a war.

'Anyway, I guess we have a chance to win this one.
You don't say you can win, do you?
'I'm not that arrogant. Besides I have Leonhardt in the Imperial Army.
Well, sure.

　Crono recalled the time when the parent conquest - Ignis had slashed into his own camp.
　In this world, an outstanding individual could determine the outcome of the battle.

''In terms of the imperial army, if they take Tilia's head off, it's a definite defeat.
'Don't say something so plainly scary!

　Tilia shouted and held her neck.

'Well, that goes for them too.
After all, it is a battle for the throne. Have you heard from your father-in-law, by the way?
Not yet.
What, in the meantime?
No, isn't it early to call him stepfather?
Too late for that.

　I tried to resist at least, but Tilia didn't take it up.

'No way, you're not going to take the blame?'
I'll take responsibility.
Okay.

　Tyria let out a breath of relief and her mouth fell open in happiness.
　It was strange, because looking at her, she felt like she was an incredibly evil person.

''Speaking of which, it's the Barony of Treis, what did they say about the poisoning?''
You were pleading your case.
What do you think of Tilia?
'If Baron Trace ordered the poisoning, wouldn't he be appealing?
Well, maybe.

　They were so concerned about their faces when they asked for permission to act militarily.
　It's rather more comfortable to think that the peasants and soldiers mixed the poison.

''What do you want to do about the poisoning and the killing of the Kingsguard Knight?
They won't do anything.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a piece of shit.
'Don't say that. Baron Trace is full to the brim.
I understand that.

　I get the impression that they are trying to get consistency and are unable to do anything about it.
　Well, that's what we're talking about here--'

'So, about the letter it hurts that we can't coordinate with the southern frontier.
It would take us two months just to exchange letters.
What do you think of the Chronosphere?
I'm sure you'll get in, but...
Do parents and children actually get along?
My father and Tilia's mother.
What do you mean?
Actually....

　As Crono explained the causation between his adopted father and Queen Astraea, Tilia's complexion grew worse and worse.

''Isn't that.......not going to cooperate?''
'I don't think I have any bad feelings for Tilia, so it's okay.

　Maybe, I add in my mind.