*

　The second day of the southward march - the new covered wagon was more comfortable than the old one.
　It was so comfortable that it made him feel sleepy.
　No, no, Crono shook his head.
　He could see that he was holding back the sleepiness.
　The second-in-command, who was sitting opposite him, tucked the communication magic item into his pouch.

''General, if you're sleepy, I don't mind if you sleep.'' (Bumo)
I can't sleep.

　Crono glanced next to him.
　There, Theon and the priestess were rowing a boat.
　I'm annoyed at the sight of the priestess sleeping with a bottle of alcohol in her arms.

''We've only just entered the Baron Treis territory, you know. If there is a cue for Ashira, it will be tomorrow................................in the Baron Bowties' territory.
I wouldn't want to fight if I could.
"He's just like me.
...Yeah, I see.

　Crono's eyes widened lightly.
　The family of his deputy has worked in the quarry of the Barony of Bowties.
　It's a grueling job that is close to death.
　In fact, the deputy's brother has lost his life.
　He decided to emigrate because he thought there was no future for him if he continued to work in the quarry, and he helped build the port.
　Because of that history, I thought he was thinking of killing them if he had the chance - but.

"General, I'm not thinking of revenge." (Bumo)
You're cool. That's encouraging.
"I'm not cool with it.
Hmm?
"I don't know about my father and mother, but I'm done with this Baron Bowties thing for me.

　The first officer said with a sigh.

''Maybe it's true that you don't want to get involved.'' (Bumo)
Okay.

　Crono nodded--

'What do you think?'
"I don't think it's possible to follow him honestly.
Yeah.
"Of course, you have your place in life." (Bumo)

　The deputy let out a deep sigh.
　Baron Bawties has assumed the position of head of the finance department.
　Considering what happened after the war, we can't surrender in vain.
　We need to pose as having resisted.
　Even better if you have something to be proud of.

''Well maybe I would buy myself some time.
"How will you buy me time? (Bum?)
Prolong the negotiations.
"Well, that's all that's necessary for a normal army.

　Bummo, the second-in-command nodded.
　It was obvious, but the commander's discretion was not unlimited.
　They have to move within the authority given to them.

''But since we have Princess Tilia,''
You've kept me from getting stranded.

　The imperial army is accompanied by Tilia, the supreme commander.
　You can leave the decisions that are beyond your control to him.

So, are we going to fight a battle? (Bum?)
I wish I could give you a break.

　Crono let out a sigh.
　It's not hard to understand the feelings, but I'd rather have you surrender than sacrifice your soldiers for the sake of your face.

You have your own set of circumstances, you know. They don't do as they wish," he said.
I'm aware of that.

　Crono thrust his cheekbones in support of his thighs and let out another sigh.

''If you surrender, that's a problem, you know.'' (Bumo)
I don't trust you, do I?
"That's right.

　The deputy nodded as if to say my intentions.

'The city where Baron Bowties' mansion is located...'
"Surrounded by Walls.
'Then let's go in further.

　If we can even siege the castle, we can make a bold move.
　Well, as long as it doesn't matter what happens to the lords.

''It hurts to have to fight a clean battle.
"It could happen after the war, you know.
It's not even time to fight.
"There are ways to win even if you're holed up in a castle.

　The deputy turned his gaze to Theon.
　It was true that her Divine Majesty Technique could destroy the walls of the city--''

''If she could do that, it wouldn't be a hardship, would it?
"You have to save it, you know.

　If there's nothing we can do about it, we'll have to ask for help, but we must avoid using our trump card at this time.

''Well, there's no point in discussing it here, is there?''
"It's easy to make assumptions.
Yes.

　Crono nodded and remembered that his second in command had a magic item for communication.

'Speaking of which, do you have a tentative report?'
It's all done. It's all good.
Good.

　Crono patted his chest.

''Although the story has changed, the magic item for communication is very useful.'' (Bumo)
I won't have to run a message.

　Right now, I can contact all the territories - the Marquis of Erakis, Count of Caddo, Viscount Hamal, Viscount Sheratan, Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bosain.

''I'd like to expand our communication network throughout the empire eventually~''
"That's the perfect symbol of the new era." (Bumo)
Yeah, that's true.

　Crono turned his gaze away from his second-in-command.
　He couldn't say he was thinking about how lucrative it would be if he had a monopoly on the communications concessions~.
　How dirty it was compared to his purity.

''Say it's great, this covered carriage is great too!'' (Bumo)

　Then the deputy patted the seat.

'It's not just the suspension, I've improved the wheels as well.
"Yes, that's right. Goldie's done a lot of things...
That's what it's all about,

　Hmmm, Crono laughed.
　Goldie had succeeded in creating rubber from vegetable oil and sulfur.
　The technical problems made it look like a four-wheel drive tire, but the ride was much more comfortable.

I wish we had more time to try things out.
"It's enough not to wear out your soldiers.
I worked hard on that one.

　The other party can just wait and see, but this one has to attack the imperial capital through a number of territories.
　A healthy soldier or a tired soldier - there's no need to argue which one is stronger.

''It feels like we're getting the most out of our experience for what it's worth.
''Hey, the general has grown up to be a fine man. Well, when I was appointed as a caretaker, I didn't expect it to turn out like this.
So do I.

　Haha, Crono laughed.

*

　Crono got out of the wagon and stretched to relieve the stiffness.
　Apparently the ride on the wagon may be better, but the body is still stiff.
　But that would be the same no matter what kind of vehicle it was.

"General, let's get off!" (Bumo)
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

　As I step aside, my second-in-command jumps down.
　The ground shakes with a thump.
　The deputy also stretches out, perhaps to relieve the stiffness.
　A rumbling sound can be heard.

"Your shoulders are stiff even though you're just sitting down." (Bumo)
Yes.

　A joke, joke, joke sounded as he turned his shoulders.
　Crono looked up at the sky.
　The sun is tilting, but there is still some time before evening.

'The sun is still high,'
"The sun will be shining by the time you're ready to eat.
Mr. Mino.
"I beg your pardon.

　When the deputy moved in, there stood Theon, looking unoccupied.
　Crono held out his hand.

'Come in.'
Thank you.

　Theon took Crono's hand and got out of the carriage.
　Hmm, she arched her back.
　Her breasts push up her robe.
　She's usually unaware of it, but she has quite large breasts.
　Suddenly, her vision fades.
　When I looked up, the priestess was looking at me.

''I'm next!''
Tsk.
Why do you have to click your tongue?
Drinking, sleeping, eating. It's a good life.
I was asked to do this and now you're throwing me under the bus!　Even Ignis wouldn't say that much!
"He's so serious at heart.

　No matter how well they seemed to be getting along, a line would have been drawn.
　Otherwise, he would have been tainted by the priestess and turned into a useless person.

'No, he called me an old lady or something!
It was a little over the limit, wasn't it?
What's the tolerance?
"Angry...
You're actually angry at him?
'If you ask me about that. Yeah, but we've been corresponding, but the subject of priests doesn't come up.
He's so angry!
'You think they'll come back if you talk about it poorly, don't you?　Speaking of which, I haven't heard from your disciple either, have I?
No, my apprentice is a good one.
That's why I haven't heard from you.

　Maybe they realized that it was easier to do without the priest.
　Maybe they thought they'd do their job better if they were left alone.
　At first, the life counseling sessions were deserted, but recently the number of clients - believers - has been increasing.

"I guess you don't want me after all, do you?
I hope you work hard.
Yes.

　The priestess was powerless to paragraph.

'There's no time to rest!　After all, I've got to cook meals for seven thousand people!

　A commanding voice sounded, and I turned around.
　Then the landlady was giving instructions.
　A meal for seven thousand people, but not all at once in a large pot.
　It's difficult to make a pot that big, and it's not suitable for transport.
　Therefore, the cooking is divided into several teams.
　By the way, the landlady is the leader of all the teams.

'You're very reliable,'
"I have experience with conquests, you know.
But you need a man to help you.

　The women in charge of cooking and laundry are trying to unload the wagon, but they are sluggish and dangerous.

'Do you need help?'

　Just as Crono turned his shoulder, the dwarves walked up to him.
　They are dwarven engineers.

''Leave it to them and you'll be fine.'' (Bumo)
Will it cause any complaints?
"I'd like to suggest that we can keep you on duty." (Bumo)
Can you do it?
"I get along well with the second-in-command class in each unit, so I'm sure they'll listen to me.
When did you become so close to...
It's just a matter of time before you get to know each other. And since my authority is much greater than theirs, I don't want anyone trying to get between us.
Mr. Mino is doing well.

　Crono muttered sincerely.
　We naturally get along well.
　It's a phrase I want to use at least once before I die.

''Even the general........'' (Bumo.......)
My longtime friend (Leonhardt) just became an enemy.

　The second-in-command looked up to the heavens as if to say, 'Achcha.

'No, well, I suppose I can't blame you. I would have done the same thing if I were in the same position.'
"General, are you calling it a friend? (Bum?)
'This is what aristocratic friendship looks like~'

　You can be both friend and foe because of your interests.

'Even General Ignis is an ally now. As to whether he's a friend or not...''
"We killed each other.

　Now it was the second in command's turn to smear.
　Crono had taken Ignis' right arm and killed his men.
　Ignis also killed one of Crono's men.

'It would have been nice if he was a jerk, though.
"I'm sure General Ignis is thinking the same thing.
'No way, she definitely doesn't like me. I'm sure he's shaking his fist in the air, thinking he could kill me if our interests weren't aligned.
"Keep up the good work and maintain our friendship.
I try to do my best there. I write to you often, and I give you all sorts of things that might be useful.
"How's the saltiness? (Bum?)
'He replies properly, and I think it's rather good.

　If I write about the priest, though, he ignores that part of the reply.

'Well, until we can eat--'
Crono!

　When my name was called, I looked towards the sound of the voice and saw Tilia approaching us on a white horse.
　She is accompanied by Manchausen and Alonso as her followers.
　By the way, these two men are also riding horses.
　The white horse stops near Crono and Tilia descends to the ground.

'What's wrong?'
Yeah, I'll see you on my way to the tour.
Why didn't you just walk?
'How many kilometres do you think the line of carriages goes on?

　Crono stared at the line of carriages.
　The line of carriages stretched far into the distance.

''If the distance between the carriage and the carriage is ten meters, that's about seven kilometers?''
Can you walk?
I can walk, but it's not a great way to see the sights.
I know, right?

　Tilia crossed her arms and nodded in satisfaction.
　It's fourteen kilometers round trip.
　Even if it wasn't a physical problem, it would be a problem in terms of time.

'So, how did it go?'
Yes, our troops are maintaining order.
Well, I guess so.

　After all, it's only the second day.
　If order can't be maintained at this stage, then we should return to our territory.
　You shouldn't go to war before that.

"How about you?
I'd be an encumbrance.
You couldn't ride a horse, could you?
I can ride my horse.

　Tilia gives me a pitying look, and I say it back in honor.

'Huh, it looked like you had the reins held at the funeral, didn't it?
I could ride alone, but I wasn't sure I could fit in with everyone else.
Hmm, okay.
"Sorry, but I don't take provocation. It would be bad luck for me if I lost my temper and fell off my horse here.

　A soldier is an experience.
　If Crono were to fall off the horse, morale would drop.
　As a commander, he couldn't do just that.

"Hey, no, I wasn't trying to provoke you.
'Hmmm, really?' I said.
Maybe you're just being paranoid.
I can't afford to be delusional.
You don't want to ride the horse that badly.
I don't want to be embarrassed.
I'm going to tell you the truth.
'I don't want to ride a horse because I don't want to embarrass myself.
Yeah, right. No pressure.

　When Crono adamantly refused to ride, Tilia nodded with a subtle expression on her face.

''For the Victory Parade, please provide a carriage.
You hate it that much?
No.
Yeah?

　Tilia's voice sank a little.

'Well, how about we share a meal?'
I don't mind that.
'That's good to hear. After all, it's the first time I've ever eaten outside.
Did you buy it?
That's a no-brainer.

　Tilia said quickly.
　It would be cute if he turned his face away in embarrassment.

'Same meal as your men while camping, eh? I'm looking forward to it.'

　Kufu, Tilia laughs.

'I wouldn't want to eat while camping out~'
"General, your mouth is a recipe for disaster.

　My deputy chides me, but I mean it.
　As a nobleman, Crono's opportunities to eat in the open air are limited.
　Unless they're having a barbecue, it's when they're in the war.

'I used to get a kick out of hearing anecdotes about emperors who ate with their soldiers.
Yeah?
Gugu, don't deny me my admiration.
But you know, so many episodes of emperors have been terrible.
Yeah, don't tell me!
You're crying for a starving soldier.
Don't tell me what to do!　Do you have any idea how much it hurt me to be told that the emperor is an idiot!

　Tilia shouted like a spoiled child.

'Did you say something like that?' (Bum?)
When I was in military school.

　Crono scratched his head.

'The emperor is an idiot,' he said smugly, 'and he was pissed off like wildfire. Not at Tilia, but at my history teacher.'
"Sure, I'll be angry.

　The deputy exhaled through his nose in disgust.

'What would Mr. Mino say?'
"They say they admire the Emperor's charity.
I thought I was going to get a compliment.
"I'm starting to think it's not the grades that made the general rank last in military school." (Bumobu Bumomo)
Then why?
"That's because you don't read the atmosphere.
I thought I'd read it all out.

　If it were fiction, it would be a highly acclaimed trend, but in reality, it doesn't work.

'Anyway, I eat the same food as the soldiers!
I didn't start out with a special meal.
'I know that. 'I want to dine with the soldiers around the campfire. I want to write poetry and sing.
I have more things I want to do?

　Do they want to have a campfire?
　You could have told me when you were in the territory and I would have gone along for as long as I wanted.

'There are all sorts of episodic sorts,'
Let's just have dinner.
Why?
Maybe if I hoard poetry or sing it, I'll be known as the Drinking Empress.

　It would be even more disastrous if they lost.

No?
They're going to make stuff up anyway, so let's just be normal, like normal.
'No, I will make history proper. I will go down as the wise monarch who rebuilt the empire while suffering from an unfaithful husband.
Well, I'll be the one who gets to write the history books. My wife beat me to death.
Are you threatening me?
It's history. It's history.
Okay, okay. If we're writing history, we'll rub it in together.
Wouldn't you call that a fabrication?
"History is made by the victors.
I guess I'm losing already.

　Tilia grinned.



　The sun has gone down--

...and it's normal. The bread is round and salty.

　Tilia chewed her bread and looked disappointed.

'There's more of it than usual,'
I wanted to try the camp's specialties. You know, like a bird wrapped in mud.
Why bother with that when you have all the utensils?
I've always wanted to.

　Tilia answered Crono's question shortly.
　Perhaps the dish of wrapping a bird in mud must also be an anecdote from the Emperor.

''A situation without any cooking utensils at all is rather shameful, isn't it?
'I know that, but I'd like to do something typical of an encampment.
You know how hard I worked to keep the logistics up.

　The various merchant associations, the peddlers' associations, Dr. Wiseman, the sitters, the clerks - a lot of people helped to make the situation what it is now.
　It was Tilia who made the decision, so it should be understandable.

Human beings are creatures that seek inconvenience when they are in a favorable situation. Isn't there anything that seems to be an easy way to make an encampment?
"....eat grass.
Am I a cow?
It's easy to do.
Anything else?
Mr. Mino?

　Crono looked over at the deputy sitting next to him.

'How about licking a pebble?' (Bum?)
...pebbles.

　Tilia looked at the stone under her feet.

'Not the sharp ones,'
I know. I'm not that stupid.
'I know that, but curiosity can lead you astray,'
Anything else?
Cut the bark off the tree!
Suck it!

　Alideed and Deneb sat down on either side of Tilia.
　They were holding trays with soup and bread on them.

''Well it's you guys.''
What a way to let out a deep sigh, and what a way to treat us, who are treated like friends with Princess Tyria!
'Like if you're walking around in the dust on an off-duty day, they'll tell you that Princess Tyria isn't with you or something!

　Tilia said with a sigh, and Alydead and Deneb gawked.

'You guys are the advance party,'
It's a reconnaissance mission.
Like the cavalry can't get far on its own.
There's only so much food we can carry on our horses.
He likes hard bread, but he likes warm rice even more.

　Tyria held her temples as she tried to endure a headache.
　Alideed and Deneb are more hyped than usual.
　Maybe it's because they've been working diligently for two days and are starving for conversation.
　As I was thinking about this, the second in command moved away from Crono.

''Excuse me.''
Oh, Leila.

　Leila sat down between Crono and her second in command.

'Good work,'
No, it's a very important job.
.....

　Leila proudly puffed out her chest and Tilia frowned slightly.

'May I join you?'
Of course I'm with you, sir.

　Kane sat hunched over in his place, while Faye sat next to her second-in-command.

'Tilia's dream has come true,'
Quite different.

　Tilia looked around with a raised eyebrow.
　The old knights around her, including Manchausen, were all around her.

''Something's not right.''

　Tilia muttered with a divine look on her face.

'What do you mean by what?'
If I knew that, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

　Tilia bit into the bread with a Buddha's face.

Ha~ it's delicious. Hard bread is not bad, but white bread is the best.
Hard bread. It's not bad for preserving food, but it's too chewy.

　Faye muttered euphemistically as she ate the bread, and Kane looked disgusted as he remembered the time he ate the hard bread.

'Huh, hard bread?'
If you want to eat, I won't stop you, but if you get pissed off and chew, you'll chip your teeth.
That's it?

　Tilia's eyes lit up with happiness.

'Kane, how did it go?'
We went as far as Baron Bowtie's, but they built a fence around our horses.

　Kane said as he stroked his chin.
　He hadn't received permission from Baroness Bawties to pass through the territory, so he must have gathered information just in time to avoid a struggle.

''Hmm, you're going to engage in a fight?''
No, there weren't many of us, and it wasn't that kind of atmosphere.
Is that so?
How do you feel about it?
I think I was nervous, sir.

　When Kane asked him back, Faye replied while chewing her bread.
　Even if it is true that you are a nobleman, you should behave yourself a little better.

The large army is here, so I'll at least be nervous.
It wasn't that kind of tension. If I had to describe it...

　'Mmm,' said Faye, sticking out her lower lip.

It's a mock battle with Crono-sama, if I may say so. Even though you said you were motivated~, he's attacking you with tremendous force.
"Mm, I can see that.
Princess Tyria waited hand in hand with Master Crono, didn't she?
Uh-huh, a lot of things.
Princesses are like hand-to-hand in bed!
'Normally an imperial princess, like a slave in bed!
"Who is a slave?

　Alideed and Deneb cheered, and Tyria turned red and yelled at him.
　Why would she say something so unnecessary when she knew they would tease her?

'What do you think Leila?'
'Why did they put up a horse-proof fence if they weren't going to fight?
'Yeah. At least it doesn't look like he's going to surrender honestly.
'Hmm, what would you do if Crono was in Baroness Bowties' position?
Me, me I'd pretend to surrender and come at you from behind.
...Crono.

　Tilia frowned, even though you asked him yourself.

''Isn't that guy a bad move?'' (Bum?)
But you can't just surrender after the war, can you?
After the war, wouldn't it be best for us to surrender?
'If you think you're going to lose to us, it's best to surrender, but I don't think you think you'll lose before then~'
What's the evidence?
That's because I haven't said I'm going to cooperate with the Imperial Guard.

　The lords who have joined the economic alliance have promised to cooperate, and the lords who govern the territories on the march route have declared themselves neutral - or at least out of the way.

''And by the way, if we win, Baron Bowties will be in terrible trouble.
Well, at the very least, don't make them throw away the recovery funds.
She's the princess and she's notorious for her outbursts.
But I'm numb to it, like I long for it!
That's about normal.
Wow, like a real donkey.
It's like the losers are being picked off by the hair on their asses.

　Tyria said as a matter of course, and Aridid and Deneb shivered, buzzing even though they weren't cold.
　Perhaps it was an act.

'Then what do we do?'
We'll barricade ourselves in. We have the walls and we're going to have to move fast.

　'Hmmm,' growled Tilia, raising her eyebrows in difficulty.

'That makes sense, but there's no shame in it, no outward appearance.
'Don't think we should deal with it either way,'
That's right--

　A zuzu sound interrupted Tilia's words.
　Faye put a mouthful of soup on her plate and gulped it down.
　She chewed on more bread and squeaked her mouth.
　Gokun and throat--.

'Who are you?!'

　Faye suddenly stood up and threw her plate into the darkness.
　The plate bounces up as it hits something.
　You can't see it, but someone is there.

'What is it!　The enemy!
I'll take care of it. Just go!
'What!　I am the Lord!

　Manchausen and Alonso stand in for Tilia.

'Master Crono!'
Behind you! (BUMO!)
I was late!
Not for Lady Crono, but for Princess Tyria's shield!

　Leila and her second in command stood to protect Crono, and the panicked voices of Aridid and Deneb could be heard behind them.

'Who are you, sir!'
We're just passing through.

　When Faye asked again, a voice sounded out of place and light.
　The owner of the voice appears as if it were seeping out of the darkness.
　The person is--.