*

　It was mid-December, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - perhaps because of the rain that had fallen until dawn, the Areos Mountains were covered in fog.
　Claude looked up at the mountains and squinted, but no matter how much he squinted, he couldn't see through the fog.

''Well it's not going to be freezing, is it?

　Claude shook himself with a buzz and chuckled.
　He used to be wary of the barbarians - the Roux tribe's raids, but now he was worried about them.
　It's called leaking a bitter smile.
　With a wry smile, he walks on the muddy ground and stops in front of a log.
　It's a log as thick as my body.
　Its surface is etched with countless scratches.
　I look next to it and see another log there.
　Next to that, and even next to that - countless logs have been driven into the ground at equal intervals.
　Claude is in the training ground.
　Here 10,000 soldiers - 5,000 of the Southern Frontier Garrison Army and 5,000 veterans, including those from the Southern Frontier - are training.
　Among them is Gaur, the son of Count Taur Ernat, head of the Second Order of the Kingsguard.
　Rebels, or rather, the imperial army, to defeat the false emperor Alfort.

''This is going to be a big story, isn't it?

　Claude stroked his chin.
　As of October, he had no intention of fighting the Empire.
　He was going to show his dissatisfaction with the idiots who asked him to give them the wheat, and if the other party showed a willingness to concede, he was going to comply.
　However, the situation changed when he received word from Ort in the imperial capital that his son - Crono - was suspected of treason.
　The other party is a person who makes up crimes and plundering other people's wealth as a good thing.
　The more concessions they make, the more they will step in.
　Then you have no choice but to fight.
　That decision was driven by Baron Zirant's son, Dragon, and other soldiers and their men from the southern frontier, including Baron Zirant's son, Dragon.
　Furthermore, the situation changed dramatically when Crono rebelled by retaining Princess Tilia.

''Ninety-nine out of ten, it's probably that boobie that sent you........''

　I don't think Crono has the guts to antagonize the Empire.
　It's more natural to think that that boob--Princess Tyria incited it.

''It was a crossover for us, wasn't it?

　Thanks to the letter sent by Princess Tilia, I was able to capture the garrison army.
　Even though they were cut off from the military budget and were hungry, there was still a sense of pride.
　It took a good cause to accept the food that was offered to me.
　And then there's the post-war profits.

"...Sir....
What?

　I turned around when I was called out to her and saw Myra standing there in her maid's uniform.
　She was holding a carefully folded cloak.
　It's a black cloak.
　When I was on active duty - when I was a mercenary - I preferred this color.
　Why is it black?
　I used to spit out cool lines when I was asked that question.
　Well, actually, it was because it was a good way to hide in the shadows of night.
　I used to wear a cloak in the dark and duck many times when the enemy chased me.

"The cloak.
I don't want it.
...Your Highness.

　Myra let out a deep sigh as she pushed back her cloak.

'Have you ever heard of the term "old cold water"?'
I know, but...

　Claude looked at Myra.
　She was wearing a maid's outfit - a pretend, pretty, maid's outfit.
　And it's being worn by a woman not much older than herself.
　You can't help but wonder what she's talking about when she puts herself on the shelf.

''Then what about that armor and the big sword?''
I know. I pulled it out of the warehouse.

　Claude looked down at his figure.
　He was worried that he wouldn't be able to wear it anymore, but it was a bit tight in his stomach.

'But it does look a little uncomfortable,'
...Your Highness.

　Myra let out another sigh.

'What?'
Our time to fight is long over.

　His tone was admonishing.

'I don't think it's over for me,'
...Your Highness.

　When Claude countered, Myra raised her eyebrows.

'With all due respect, sir, the time for us to fight is long past. If we stand on the battlefield, we will only scatter our lives in vain.'
...maybe.

　Claude paused for a moment before answering.
　'Myra's words are true.
　I couldn't imagine myself being killed when I was on active duty, but now I can imagine myself being killed.

'Was it in January when you met Neige?'
I didn't feel alive.
That bastard said I'm no match for him now.
It's true.
Yeah. I think so, too.
What?

　When Claude agreed, Myra looked as if a pigeon had been hit by a peashooter.

''Oh come on, there's no way we can win against those bastards. He said he could have won in his prime, but of course he couldn't.
Ha, ha.

　Myra raised her eyebrows in annoyance.

Mostly because I know better than anyone that it's past time to fight.

　Claude gently touched the hilt of the great sword.
　When had he noticed it?
　When his son - when Crono had nearly died in the Trial of Death?
　When his wife - Elua died?
　When the settlement of the southern frontier was over?

'Maybe it was when I had second thoughts about starting a rebellion. I wasn't a warrior anymore.

　If he had revolted then, he might have been able to revive himself as a warrior.
　But more important than that was the people who adored him.
　Now that I think about it, I think there was an omen even before that.
　Perhaps it was--.

''My strength was probably because I didn't have any, right?

　The strength of the have-nots.
　So it was lost when something important was created.

Then why?
That's because now is the time to fight. Fighting isn't something you do when you have the strength, right?

　When you first took up your weapon, were you sure that you could defeat the enemy?
　No, there was no way.
　I was terrified.
　Scared to the core.
　Still, I took up arms because I'd learned that if I didn't fight, they would take them from me.

'You used to say that you would beat them up because they pissed you off--'
You haven't changed. They want me to obey them even though I don't want to. I can't do this anymore but talk about it with my fists.
'I suspect the bottom is too shallow to be hostile to the Empire.
The fool--
I'm a woman, sir?
Aren't they gonna have different meanings if you're a b*tc* or a slut?

　It sounds more like an abuse than an a**h*le.

'So, by dumbass,'
Stupid. Hi.
Didn't you find your tone weaker than before?
It's not going anywhere.

　Claude let out a deep sigh.

'Heck, it used to be a lot easier to handle.
I used to be a slave.
Ortt's still the same guy.
You may continue.

　'I'm getting old and troublesome,' Claude let out a sigh again.

'Well, it ain't just that I'm pissed off and I'm going to beat the shit out of you.
Was it the Commoners and the Lords?
Yeah, it's for our benefit.
I wish I had more power.
Even if you had the power, there's no time for that.

　In the first place, Claude and the others can't get their hands on the empire.
　There's not enough time to take a little bit of territory.

''No, because I can still live.
I can't hold it. Besides, this mess has to end with us, Crono.
Okay.

　I don't know how far he meant it, but Myra let out a disappointed sigh.

'The rest is personal reasons, I suppose.
Is this about Master Elua?
No, it's a personal matter.

　Elua suffered from the fact that she was a body that could not hope to have children, and she died apologizing for that.
　The days I spent with Elua were happy.
　But when I remember her last days, I feel a pang of regret.
　Why didn't I care for Ellea more?
　How could I have been so insensitive?
　Why was that woman--.

''Master?''
It's nothing.

　Myra's voice pulled me back to reality and I shook my head lightly.

'After all, it's about Erua-sama?
I said it was for personal reasons.

　Surely, Erua does not want revenge.
　So this is a personal reason.

'I understand. Sir, you said you were fighting for personal reasons.
It's just a high priority.

　I don't want to fight the Empire just for personal reasons, as the quintessential example.
　But I wouldn't want to fight them just for a good cause either.

''But, well, that's just the way it is. We're all riding on the ideals of Princess Tyria for our own interests and ambitions.''
Johnny doesn't seem to be the same, does he?
He is.

　I'll do my best for my brother.　Gung-ho!　Gung ho!　And I'm ready to do it.
　What is gung-ho?
　I couldn't translate it with the magic item, so it must be a shouting match.

'Why does he adore Crono so much?
I thought it was the result of your training.
You just left him in the Areos mountains.
Didn't you appoint him to serve you there?
Really?
I can't think of anything else.

　Myra stated emphatically.
　It doesn't sound like she had such a religious experience, but she'd be in denial if she spoke of it, so she kept quiet.

'Aside from Johnny, even the Gaul guy is fighting for personal reasons.
'He said it was his duty as a nobleman to join the Imperial Army?　And I promised Master Crono that I would do the rest.
You don't trust me, do you?
You could at least pretend to believe me.

　When Claude asked back, Myra easily agreed.
　The connection between Crono and Gaul is thin.
　They don't have frequent exchanges of messages.
　He sent me a baby gift, but on the contrary, that's the extent of their connection.

''I understand the situation, but........''
We're not gonna fight for our lives. I just want to talk.

　After that, though, I'll just let it happen, Claude laughed.

*

Less than 10,000 returned. That's more than we expected.

　Ralph placed the report he had finished reading on the desk and leaned back in his chair.
　It has been two weeks since Lucas was defeated - the military is being reorganized to counter the rebels.
　Naturally, the burden on Ralph, the Director of Military Affairs, is considerable.
　It's no exaggeration to say it's hard work, but he feels a pleasant sense of exhaustion that surges through him.

'Obstacles made of wire, horse-proof fences, new-style bows, crossbows, night raids, destruction of logistics, the entry of the Fifth Kingsguard................and poison.

　The contents of the report, which was based on the testimony of returning soldiers - I'm going to utter some of the most memorable words in the report.
　How dare you, I'm impressed with the tactics used by the rebels.
　However, none of them are new.
　Obstacles made of wire that incapacitated the cavalry and held back the infantry charge.
　This and other similar ones are described in old documents.
　There is a feeling that the insurgents had misjudged their strength.
　But--

'It was a battle that could have been won, Lucas, you fool.

　Ralph spat out a small amount.
　If you only look at the number of casualties, the Imperials lost a great deal, but it was the rebels who were at a disadvantage.
　The rebels thought so too, which is why they tried to deprive the imperial army of its ability to take over the fight.
　In other words, they could have won if they had fought without fear of sacrifice from the beginning.
　Even if they couldn't win, they could have delivered a painful blow.
　No, he gave a small shake of his head.
　Lucas had an incompetent group called the Eighth Konoe Guards.
　The army had to be monolithic.
　If incompetent or rebellious people are mixed in there, then a must-win strategy and correct leadership will lose its meaning.

''That's right. That wasn't my fault.

　三十余年前――内乱期の屈辱が鮮やかに甦る。
　リブラ家は皇帝に仕える騎士の家系だった。
　父も、祖父も、曾祖父も皇帝のために勇敢に戦ったと聞かされている。
　皇帝に下賜された品やリブラ家の名が文献に残されていないことから活躍はしていなかったと思われる。
　要するに何処にでもあるような騎士の家系だったのだ。
　鳶が鷹を生む。
　平凡な親から優れた子どもが生まれることのたとえだが、リブラ家は凡庸な歴史の果てにラルフを生みだした。
　両親、祖父母は一族が存在していたのはラルフを生むためだったと言い、ラルフ自身もそのように考えていた。
　幼い頃から周囲の人間が馬鹿にしか見えなかった。
　実際、六歳になる頃にはラルフにチェスで勝てる者はいなくなった。
　十歳になる頃には家にある本を読み尽くし、神童と呼ばれた。
　先々代皇帝がその噂を聞きつけ、ラルフを茶会に招くほどだった。
　十五歳で初陣を迎えた時にはすでに参謀として扱われていた。
　ラルフはその肩書きに恥じない働きをした。
　地方領主の反乱、神聖アルゴ王国との戦い――不利な戦いもあったが、その全てを勝利に導いた。
　先々代皇帝の下でラルフは我が世の春を謳歌していた。
　望めば家格の高い貴族の娘を娶ることもできたが、ラルフは独身を貫いた。
　女に興味がなかったこともあるが、余計な雑事に煩わされたくなかった。
　歴史に名を刻む。
　それだけがラルフの望みだった。
　順調にいけば歴史に名を残せていたはずだが、それはならなかった。
　あの内乱が全てを台無しにした。

「くっ、無能どもめ」

　今思い出しても腸が煮えくり返る。
　ラルフはラマル五世によって軍師――軍の最高責任者に抜擢されたが、指揮すべき軍は烏合の衆だった。
　当時は領主が軍を率いていたが、装備も、練度もまちまちだったのだ。
　そして――。

「お前達が命令通りに動けば内乱などすぐに終わったというのに」

　領主はラルフの命令に従わなかった。
　彼らを動かすためには根回しが欠かせず、根回ししたとしても命令に逆らうことがままあったのだ。
　さらに彼らは犠牲を嫌った。
　少々の犠牲を覚悟すれば多大な戦果を得られる戦況で自分の命を、部下の命を惜しむのである。
　これでは勝利など覚束ない。
　いや、軍を維持することさえ難しかった。
　糧秣の手配など先々代皇帝の時代ならば容易にできていたことが、できなくなっていたからだ。
　ラルフは段々と軽んじられるようになり、その代わりにクロードとアルコルが重用されるようになった。
　内乱が終わり、第七近衛騎士団団長となったが、これは事実上の左遷だ。
　少なくともラルフはそう考えていた。
　自分は何処の馬の骨とも分からぬ傭兵や木っ端役人よりも役に立たないと言われたも同然だった。
　軍を去ることも考えたが、しがみつくことを選んだ。
　チャンスが欲しかったのだ。
　I wanted to start over - I wanted a chance to show my excellence.
　I didn't care what happened to the Empire.
　I didn't want to die without having my name engraved in history.
　Thirty-odd years passed, and I finally got my chance.

'No, let's put things into perspective.

　Losing the first game was painful, but it cut down on our incompetence.
　It should be dismissed as a necessary sacrifice.
　Lucas may have lost, but he still has a chance.
　Rather, it is only when you win in a cornered situation that your reputation is enhanced.

"...we will meet the rebels on the western plains.

　It will be worthy of being called a decisive battle.
　But there is one thing that worries me.
　I am calling to the lords in the name of the emperor, but the soldiers are not gathering well.
　Supplies--supplies of provisions--are also delayed.

But this is not the way it was meant to be.

　Ralph stood up slowly.
　He didn't want to resort to petty tricks, but sometimes you had to bend your beliefs.
　It wasn't my favorite word, but now was the time to be resourceful.

'Count Chiron I will make you useful for the last time.

　I could have killed that man's son, but still, I would have won, for a change.



I knew we were going to be cramped.

　Tilia muttered as she looked at the soldiers training at the training grounds.
　There are approximately five thousand of them.
　The quality of their equipment is mixed, but it would be harsh to blame them.
　They were soldiers who were defending the Baron Hamal, Baron Sheratan, Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bosain.
　Naturally, the quality of their equipment varied depending on how much the lords were involved in troop management.
　Currently, they are in the middle of learning how to fight using communication magic items, crossbows, and field positions protected by iron thorns.
　They seem to be confused because it's different from the traditional way of fighting, but if they don't learn this way of fighting, they won't be able to win against the Empire.

''Crono?''

　Tilia approached me with concern.

'Deja vu,'
'It's not deja vu. Again, you weren't listening to me.

　Tilia let out a small sigh.

'What did you say?'
I said, "After all, we're too small for this place.
It's a bit of an extension.
Why is he stammering?
Isn't that a little exciting?
'I'm curious to know who or what they expanded on. I'm very curious.

　Tilia snapped her fingers with a snap.

Well, good. We'll talk about this later.
I have a bad feeling about this.
That's sharp.

　Tyria's tone was kind, but it added to her fear.

''We'll talk about this later...''
I said it twice.
I told you twice because it's important.

　Tilia crossed her arms and grinned.
　Maybe if a predator laughed, it would look like this.

'Anyway, now we can fight.'
I'll have to work out a few more details on the plan, though.

　The original plan was to march southward from Count Caddo, capture the port under the direct control of Emperor Kai, and then build a field position in the steppe area near the imperial capital to intercept the imperial army.
　However, with the participation of Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain and Blood, the plan was modified.
　There were two changes.
　The first is that when advancing southward, regular soldiers will be the main force, and the second is rear disturbance by cavalry.
　Basically, it is a form of passing through the territory after issuing advance notice and having them declare no defense, but if it becomes a battle, the volunteer soldiers will be an encumbrance.
　If that is the case, it was decided that it would be better to occupy the ports under Emperor Kai's direct control and then move the volunteer soldiers by sea.
　The purpose of the rear disturbance was to cut off the circulation.

''All that's left is a covered wagon and a magic item for ultra-long distance communication.
The craftsmen are happy to see you.

　Covered wagons are a means of transporting soldiers, and magic items for ultra-long-distance communications are an efficient way of handling limited forces.
　Since the installation of magic items for ultra-long-distance communications requires manpower, the number of non-craftsmen employed is increasing.
　Crono scratched his head, "I wonder if it's called a war special demand.

''Well Eryll has turned into a zombie, but...''
Make him human again before the southward march.
I know. But still....
What's going on?
'I didn't think you'd give me two cents and approve the installation of a magic item for ultra-long distance communications.

　When I explained to them that installing the magic item for ultra-long distance communication would allow them to handle their limited strength more efficiently, the five lords readily agreed to install it.

''I didn't think they would agree to split the installation costs.
Maybe it's because of what happened with Baron Trace.

　Tilia crouched in place and drew a diagram with a fallen tree branch.

'Did it look like this?'
Well, sort of.

　Crono peered behind him at the projected completion of the communications network.



'It's going to go through our territory, isn't it?
'Yeah, well, yes.'

　Tilia put down the tree branch and stood up.

'Do you have something to say to me?'
I'm in a marriage blue.
What's wrong with me?

　I thought she was going to yell at me, but Tilia said with a straight face.

''It's--''
'Sure, I have a bit of a violent streak in me.
I was aware of it.
He can be a bit selfish and possessive.

　But!　Tilia's eyes widened.

'I didn't ask you to leave your mistress!
I think that's a start.
What would happen if I told you to leave your mistress?
....
I know. I wouldn't say that.

　Apparently, he could see the intent from the smile.

'How could I have fallen in love with a man like you?

　Tyria let out a deep sigh.

'By the way, the surrounding lords and my father think I'm getting married.
They think you are. We're getting married.
Married.

　Crono looked up at the heavens.

'I was wondering if we had a long way to go, but before you know it, marriage will be the default, and you'll be squeamish.
'What's the point now, when you put your hands on me, it's by default.
....
I know. I'm the one who attacked you.

　When Crono stared at her silently, Tilia reversed her previous statement.
　'Good to be honest.

'Aside from the marriage, how is the sustenance plan going?
Have you read the report?
I need to hear it from you.

　When Crono asked back, Tilia said in a miffed tone.

''What kind of windstorm?''
I have a bad feeling about this.
Wait a minute.
I had a feeling that I would never see you again...
I told you to wait a minute!

　He interrupted Tilia's words.

'What's going on?'
Because that joke isn't funny.
The hunch may be a joke, but I really want to spend time with you.
It's getting less and less funny.

　I mean, that's assuming that Crono is going to die.
　How dare he start talking about marriage, or saying he has a bad feeling about it, or how he's going to flag it all up?
　This could really kill you if they say you're pregnant or something.

Mostly, you're not going to die, are you?
If Tilia dies, that's the end of the game. You're not going to have second thoughts, after all?
It was your idea, okay?
Yeah, but...
It's my decision to come with you.
I'm stubborn.

　Crono let out a sigh.

'I have Manchausen and Alonso the knights with me, so I'll be fine.
It's going to stand out.
That's part of the point. I have to impress them with my presence.
Yes.

　Crono had to nod.
　He suddenly remembered the letter he had received from his foster father.

'Speaking of which, about the letter, are you sure you're going to accept those terms?'
Drink.

　Tilia's answer was brief, but her complexion was not good.
　It's only better than a pale face.

''You said you would cooperate with me either way.
When I think about the postwar period.

　Although there is a grace period, the Empire will introduce a senatorial system.
　It's possible that we won't be able to get cooperation after the introduction of the senatorial system because we didn't agree to the terms.

''Well, and that's a seed I've sown.
It's dry.
Maybe so.

　Tilia crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows with difficulty.

'Are you hurt?'
No, that's not what I mean. Do you think mothers love their children, by the way?
Depends on who you ask.
I see.

　Tilia gave a small nod.
　People who become parents should love their children - or want them to love them.
　This is an aspiration.
　Not everyone will be able to love their children.

'I see. I suppose that's what it is, after all.'
Don't take it upon yourself. We're going to be a family.
Family?
'Family. It's going to be a big family...
I think I'm starting to get a headache.

　Tyria held her temples as if she were trying to endure a headache.

'Well, I guess we can wait until after the war is over before we suffer a headache, can't we?
'I think we're just postponing the issue...'

　Tyria straightened her back and stared at the parade ground.
　The wind blew and the blonde's hair swayed.