*

　The third day of the southward march - a few hours after leaving the encampment, the speed of the covered wagon changed to a slower one.

''.........General'' (.......Bumo)
I know.

　Crono looked at his second in command and gave a small nod.
　If there was trouble, Gosha would be the first to call out to him.
　If there wasn't, it meant that the territorial boundary - the barrier set up by Baron Bowties - was close at hand.

''........Crono-sama.
I'll be fine.

　Crono smiled to reassure the nervous Sion.
　His adopted father had taught him that if he was in trouble, he could handle it by smiling.
　Although I tried to smile, I didn't feel like it was okay.
　I want to believe that he won't do something like that to suddenly attack me, but...

''General, it's all right.'' (Bumo)
Mr. Minot.

　Realizing he was nervous, the deputy looked at Crono and gave him a thumbs up.
　What a manly thing to do.
　If Crono were a minotaur female, he would be in love with her.
　Soon, the covered wagon stopped moving completely.

'Are you ready?' (Bum?)
Can you wait until I tell you not to?
"I can wait a minute or so.
Please tell me you can't wait.

　You can't make a cup of noodles in a minute and be ready for it.

Maybe it's not good for the type of person I am, if you have the time.
"The boss is always in a hurry to get back to life, if there's no time to waste.
I believe in leading by example.
"Don't be in a hurry to live or die.

　The deputy said dismissively, and Crono stood up.
　Maybe it was because of the lighthearted banter, but it made me feel a little better.
　If I survive this battle, I think I'll make some kind of joke collection that I can use on the battlefield.
　Crono jumps down from the wagon, and his second in command follows.
　The ground shakes with a thud.
　After repeating a deep breath, I get out of the shade of the wagon.

''Well that's the horse-proof fence Kane was talking about.

　Crono muttered softly.
　A horse-proof fence had been set up about a hundred meters away from the wagon.
　The fences set up on both sides of the street were high, while those set up on the street were extremely low.
　Presumably, the one installed on the street was mobile.
　However, they seem to be quite heavy, so it should take a lot of people to move them.

"It doesn't look like you're fully motivated." (Bumo)
Yes.

　The number of soldiers in the guardhouse would be about a hundred.
　There are infantry, heavy infantry and archers, but no cavalry.
　It's not uncomfortable to say that it's not uncomfortable because it can't be helped if there are cavalry in a defensive battle.

''General, can you see them?'' (Bum?)
It's that boxcarriage in the back.

　There was a box carriage parked behind the horse fence.
　If you are a decent merchant, you have at least a box carriage, but there is no reason to ride to a place like this.
　That means that a nobleman or someone in a comparable position must have come.
　At the very least, it looks like they don't intend to have a fight here.
　Well, the possibility of letting your guard down and then just going for it is undeniable.

''What do you want to do?'' (Bum?)
I'm right on schedule.

　Crono looked up at the heavens and let out a sigh.
　He slapped both cheeks to get his spirits up and started walking towards the barrier.
　Slightly later, his second-in-command followed him.

''I'm impressed with your d*mn courage in times of emergency.'' (Bumo)
I don't have the balls to do it, though.

　If we can get past the first attack, we can use the 'Marking Technique' to escape, and if they're attacking us from the other side, we'll have a good excuse to kill them all.

''Anyway, as long as we can get past the first attack, we can manage.
"I'll be able to use you as a shield. Don't worry about it.
I'll just take it in stride.
''Please accept it all. After all, if the general dies, it's a defeat for the Thirteenth Konoe Order, if not for the Imperial Army.
You don't trust Tilia, do you?

　Even if Crono were to die, Tilia would still be able to fulfill his ideals.
　In fact, I think she would do it better than me.

''I have faith in Princess Tilia. But it's not because I trust Princess Tilia, it's because she's the general's......fiancée.
...your fiancé.

　It wasn't so much when I was being called a wife or a regular wife, but when the deputy told me I was his fiancée, it hit me hard.

It's better to give it up now." (Bumo)
I'm not trying to resist, you know.

　I guess it's called marriage blue.

What's the chief complaining about? (Bum?)
How much did Tilia give you?
"I'm not like Arised and Deneb.
Yeah, right.

　The deputy said miffed, and Crono was ashamed of his shallowness.
　Come to think of it, he's known his second-in-command for a long time.
　To doubt his loyalty is beyond shameless.

''I'm just asking for a little help from my sister when she opens up her shop.'' (Bumo)
You're on the take.
It's only a verbal agreement. Well, I have your permission to spread the news that Princess Tilia was tickled by my sister's cooking.
You're running a mouthful, aren't you?
"No, we're here at the magistrate's office to write our memorandum.
You are a good man, sir.
"Of course. The system is there for the purpose of using it." (Bumo)

　It's not a line I would expect from a second-in-command.
　If it's so solid, it would have been more of a real mission to get permission to spread the story of his sister - Aria's culinary delights.

'Maybe it will be a Sylvania specialty in the future.
"This is gonna be fun.

　Crono's mind was filled with images of Aria's cooking being introduced on TV hundreds of years later.
　Maybe this is how history is spun.

''Wait!　Stop right there!

　When they were less than twenty meters from the gate, the soldiers shouted out and Crono and the others stopped.

''We are under the direction of Princess Tyria - the Imperial Army!　We are on our way to the Imperial City to defeat the false emperor Alfort!　I'm asking for permission to pass through your territory!　If you stand in our way, you will be considered a traitor! Buh-boom-buh-boom!

　The soldiers at the guards' office groaned as the second in command spoke loudly.
　The authority of the imperial family was immense here as well.
　It didn't seem to make much sense in the current situation where the imperial army and the imperial army were fighting each other, but it must be a shock to them to be considered a rebel by the royal family.
　The soldiers in the guards groaned again.

''What is it?''
"I think a big shot's come to visit, don't you? (BUMO)

　As if to prove my second-in-command's words, the soldiers split up on either side and two figures approached us.
　One is a woman.
　Her hair is tied up and she looks like an aristocrat in her black dress.
　Her eyes tend to be slanted and her body line is beyond smart and skinny.
　The other one is a man.
　He has his hair cut short and wears a military uniform.
　He's not just a soldier in name only, you can tell from his tightly built body that he's not a soldier in name only.
　He has a wild look, but he has an air of aloofness about him.
　Does he look a bit like Kane?

''I am Isabella, who serves as the acting lord. The other one is my brother-in-law, Ark.
My name is Crono Crawford and I have been appointed by Princess Tyria to command the Imperial Army. Behind me is my right hand man, Mino.

　Oh, and the woman - Isabella's eyes widened in surprise.
　Was she surprised that the nobleman had described the sub-human as her right hand man?
　I'd be grateful if you'd let your guard down.
　If you estimate Crono's abilities low, he might give me a rag.

''I recall that you were the lord of the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo, correct?
In my mind, Crawford has more value.

　I explain, disappointed that he didn't let his guard down.
　In a light tone, to sound like a joke.

'More than a marquee?'
I hope it's understood. Of course, I try to be flexible enough to use it flexibly.

　When Crono cowered lightly, Isabella hid her mouth with her fan and giggled.

'By the way, where is Isabella-sama?'
It's the lord's wife, sir.
Oh, I see. And the children?
He'll be fine in the house.
...I see.

　Crono nodded after a short pause.
　'I'm empowered, so I can negotiate as is, but if I'm honest, I'd rather throw the whole thing to Tilia.

''Lord Crono wants to pass through my territory?''
'We are not alone in this. We want to demand the same consideration from subsequent units.
Did you say consideration?
Yes, it's a consideration.
Isn't that the same as saying "surrender"?
Now, I'm not a scholar, so...

　In fact, you can get away with surrender if you don't admit it.
　That's exactly the consideration for Baroness Bowties that I didn't cut him off to surrender.

'As someone who is in charge of your absence, I can't make a decision that would cause harm to the people of the realm.
"The Imperial Guard is a group of men who espouse the ideals of the Princess of Tyria. We have no intention of harming innocent people. Of course, no matter the damage they do to the Baron Bowties.

　We won't know after this fight is over, though, Crono adds in his mind.
　However, both Isabella and Baron Bowties would have expected that much.

''If you agree to our terms, I don't mind advising Princess Tilia, right?
Oh, do you think you've already won?

　Isabella raised her eyebrows slightly and asked back.
　It was meant to be a bargaining chip, but I guess I made her unhappy.
　But that doesn't mean I can't apologize for it.

''Of course.''
"-Oh!

　Isabella gasped when Crono laughed.
　Half of it is a bluff.
　If our plan works, we should win, but there's no guarantee that it will work.

''I wonder if we'll get a certificate?''
Yes, of course.

　You can write a deed if you want to rebut it, but it's important to keep the evidence.
　An impartial third party is even better.

''I understand. If you promise not to touch the assets of the Baron Bowties family, including the people of the estate, I will allow you to pass through the estate.''
Do you want to pick up firewood or refill your water supply?
If I ask you to be patient, will you be patient, sir?
I don't think so.
'I will not enter the village. If you do, you can promise to negotiate with the villagers.
Yes, that would be acceptable.
Is that acceptable?
We haven't negotiated a deal yet.
'All right. Now, let's talk in the boxcarriage.
Can't we do it here?
In here?

　Isabella raises her eyebrows quizzically.

'I still think it's better to have a witness.
These are my men.
He's a soldier of the Empire.

　Crono corrected.
　'Their salaries come from the Empire, so they are soldiers of the Empire.

'Or do you think the Barons Bowties pay them?'
'I beg your pardon. They are indeed soldiers of the Empire, aren't they?
I'm glad you're okay with it.

　Crono gave a small smile.



　Ark followed Isabella to her office in the Baron's mansion.
　Isabella entered the office and sat down on a chair as if she were collapsing.
　The negotiations were over in a short period of time, so it was probably due to mental exhaustion.
　Or should I say exhaustion?
　If you are forced to make a decision with the lives of your subordinates at stake, you will be exhausted.
　It's even more so when the fate of your home and territory is at stake.

''I'm tired.

　Isabella leaned back in her chair and said with a sigh.

'I think we've negotiated well, don't you?'
Well....

　Isabella nodded after a short pause.
　It was only Ark's findings, but she had done well.
　Even though she allowed passage through the territory in a manner that was close to surrender, she made the Baroness Bowties agree to terms and conditions to the extent that she could keep her face after the war.
　Considering the difference in military strength between the two sides, even worse conditions weren't strange, so it's a good thing.
　No, that may be why.
　The other party - Crono conceded to the extent that it was hard to believe that he was backed by overwhelming military force.
　Isabella saw that as weakness.
　After being led by such an opponent, she was cut off from negotiations in a short time.
　It's not surprising that you feel defeated.

So, what do you want to do?
It's all planned. We'll hit them with our cavalry and settle for a siege.
I understand.

　The answer was as expected.
　Crono said he could win, but Ark thought the odds were slim.
　Then there was no reason to betray Alfort.

''It would have been better if we could have ambushed him.
That's a bad idea.

　Well, I don't think it's best to strike a blow with just a hundred cavalrymen--''

''There's no problem with a siege, is there?
''Yes, of course. I've noticed from watching your negotiations with your sister-in-law that Lord Crono is afraid of losing his troops. It is unlikely that they will attack us.
Well, that's good.

　As Ark explained, Isabella let out a breath of relief.

'Then I'll take a hit.
Yeah, take a swing at it and come right back.
Yes, sister-in-law.

　Ark nodded and turned on his heel.

'....Ark.

　As I reached for the doorknob to leave the room, Isabella called out to me.

'What is it?'
You're really going to take a hit, aren't you?
'Of course. I am not so foolish as to think that a mere hundred cavalrymen can defeat seven thousand soldiers.

　With that, Ark left the office.
　He walked through his familiar home to the stables.
　The servants clear the way and hang their heads reverently.
　The familiar sight feels empty.
　Just when I was about to let out a sigh--.

''Uncle!''

　A high-pitched voice echoed down the hallway.
　When I turned around, a boy was about to come running towards me.
　The boy's name is Thor - his brother's child, the next head of the Baron Bowties' family.
　Thor stopped in front of Ark and regulated his breathing.
　He waits for him to catch his breath and calls out to him.

'What's wrong?'
I heard that your uncle is going into battle.

　Who said that, Ark scowled.
　The servant's light-heartedness of speech disgusts me every time.
　'I don't think the enemy is leaking information to us, but we might as well hurry.

''Is it true?''
It's true.

　Ark hesitated often and then answered.

'How can you do that when we've talked about it?'
This is a difficult conversation.

　Does that mean a high degree of political judgment?

I don't know. You have to keep your word.
Well yes.

　Ark answered after a pause.
　I know I said it was difficult, but it's actually about keeping or not keeping a promise.
　Both Ark and Isabella chose to break their promises.
　I laughed at the ridiculous idea that it was an advanced political decision.
　This is not such a high level political decision.
　It's a matter of profit and loss.
　He broke his promise because he thought it would be more profitable for him to side with Alfort.
　It's nothing more or less than that.

'I suppose we look like fools to you,'
I never thought of it that way.
But I can't stop, you know?

　Ark patted Thor's head and turned on his heel.
　A hundred of his men - all cavalrymen - were waiting in the stables.

'Captain, we've been expecting you.
Sorry to keep you waiting.

　I apologize to the subordinate who approached me.

'What's going on, sir?'
Thor gave me a hard time about how I had to keep my word.

　My men laughed in unison as I lightly cowered my shoulders.

''What will you do?''
Right on schedule. Right on schedule I'm going to do some serious damage to the enemy.

　Ark wasn't going to take a hit from the start.

'Is that one ready?'
Yeah, he was pretty much trampled.

　Ark took the pouch that his subordinate offered him.
　When he looked inside, he saw that it contained a small gem--a magic item.
　It was said that if you threw it at him, it would release a flame comparable to the higher level magic of fire - the explosion flame dance.

''Can you trust it?''
As long as we're paying for it.

　I was anxious to see if the magic item I got from the merchant who betrayed me depending on the money would be useful.
　I had to get it in secret from Isabella, and in a short period of time, so I can't blame her if I don't have a choice.

''But are you sure?''
You've lost your nerve, now?
No, sir.

　The subordinate retorted, sounding miffed.

'I thought it would be a good idea to play it safe,'
That's a fair point, but you'd have to bet on it to get the real thing.

　Ark let out a small breath.
　When was the last time he had felt the emptiness of being shamed by a servant?
　Was it when he realized he was his brother's reserve?
　Or when he realized that the servant was not himself, but the authority of a nobleman.

'I want the real thing, I do.

　I want to win respect.
　This fight is a step in that direction.

What about you guys?
I'm with you.

　His men gave a small smile.

*

　The cavalry, led by Ark, rode through the streets as one.
　There were still no defectors.
　His brother and Isabella would have praised the horses, but Ark wanted to praise his men's skills.
　With these guys, you can get the real thing.
　Such a confident thought.
　He will cause damage to the enemy and become a kinsman knight with his men.
　Eventually, he would become a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard--.
　Of course, that's only if I can catch up with the enemy and inflict heavy damage.

"...You still can't catch up with me?

　Ark looked around.
　But he couldn't see far enough to see through the forest that stretched along the road.
　'They should be close by now,' he told himself.

'There they are!

　He caught sight of the covered wagon and yelled out.
　As if there was trouble, the wagon had stopped moving and soldiers were hovering around it.
　Ark gently touched the pouch.
　There was only one magic item that he could prepare.
　It can't be used easily.

''........If this is it....

　Maybe I can get close enough to Princess Tyria's boxcarriage to throw it.
　Then I could be the hero who ended this war.
　Just imagining the respectful looks and compliments directed at me makes me smile.

'Let's go!　D--!

　Suddenly, I felt a floating sensation.
　No, he was thrown from his horse.
　Ark was knocked to the ground--.

''Geez!
'Captain!　Captain oh!
Get down!　Get down--Geez!

　Arrows rained down from the forest and my men were pierced one by one.
　These are the men I've been training with great care.
　They promised to get the real thing together and worked hard to get it.
　I was so close to getting it--.

Run!　Retreat!

　At least, I want to save my surviving subordinates.
　With that single-mindedness, Ark shouted.
　His subordinates turned their horses' necks around and began to retreat.

''Good, get away!

　One by one, one by one, they were killed, but a few seemed to be able to survive.

''Who ... who are they?''

　Ark noticed a man standing in the direction of his men's escape.
　It was a man with gray hair.
　His men tried to get past the man's side, but none of them were able to get through.
　Just as they were about to walk through or not, his head fell off.
　I didn't know what had happened, only that my men had been wiped out.

'It would have been nice if they had kept their word,'

　A melancholy voice sounded from behind me.
　When I turned around, Crono and Mino were standing there.

''.........d*mn it, how dare you subordinate?''
I'm the one who's gonna complain.

　Crono let out a deep sigh.
　Of course, even Ark knows he's wrong.
　He tried to kill him, so it's no wonder he was killed.
　And yet, he spoke out in resentment.

''Why, the attack.......no way, a servant!
It's not,

　Crono waved his hands from side to side as if in denial.

'Then why?'
It's just that I didn't believe in it from the beginning.

　Crono looked behind Ark.

'We, the volunteer army, have been watching you. It's just a simple job of wolfing down.'
Well, that's the thing.
Yeah, that's why.

　Ark hung his head helplessly.
　He should have been more vigilant about his surroundings.
　He had lost a subordinate he had been handpicking and nurturing because he had spared the slightest effort.
　No, Ark shook his head slightly.
　My man is killed.
　I will be killed as well.
　But there's still a chance to be a hero.
　Ark reached for the pouch--.

''It's a magic item, isn't it?''

　A swallowing voice rang out from behind me and I felt a shock as if my heart had been grabbed.
　When I turned around fearfully, I saw a man holding a magic item up to the sun.
　The moment the man put his strength into his fingertips, the magic item shattered.
　I should have followed Thor's advice if this was going to happen, Ark cried out.



　Isabella was in her office at the Baron's mansion, waiting for Ark's return.
　She didn't know much about the military, but if she was just going to take a swing at it, she should have been back by now.

''It's ... late.''

　The next moment I muttered to myself, an explosion rang out.

''Hey, what happened?''

　Isabella got up from her chair and rushed to the window.
　Then, a group of soldiers nearly came crashing in through the main gate.
　They weren't soldiers from Baron Bowties' territory, but soldiers from the Imperial Army.
　He immediately realized that Ark had failed.
　But--''

''Why aren't our soldiers returning fire!

　I ask such questions, but of course no one answers them.

''At least we must let her go!

　What passed through my mind was the image of my lovely only son - Thor.
　He wanted to beg for mercy, but they had broken their own promises.
　They would not be able to beg for their lives.
　Because if they forgave themselves, the imperial army would clamor that they would forgive them even if they turned on their blades.

''Thor!　Thor!

　Isabella ran out into the hallway and slumped in place, screaming the name of her beloved child.
　Crono was standing in front of her.
　Behind her was the Minotaur, who was called Mino, waiting behind her.
　It was impossible to push these two away.
　Besides, the sound of wild footsteps could be heard from downstairs.
　Isabella knelt at Crono's feet.
　She couldn't help but beg for mercy, even though she knew it was futile.

'Master Crono, please, only my son, only his life.
I'm sorry.

　After a long, long silence, Crono opened his mouth.

'I really thought I could put in a good word for Tilia. So--'
"General, stop it.

　Mino touched Crono's shoulder and shook her head emphatically.

''No matter what you say, it's just an excuse.'' (Bumo)
Yes.

　Crono let out a deep sigh.
　He didn't want to kill them, the look on his face told him.
　But he has to kill them themselves.

''We will now discuss what to do with you.
"...in a way that my son will not suffer, please.
I can promise you that much.

　Crono nodded with a divine look on his face.