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　南進六日目――ニコルは執務室のイスに座り、背もたれに寄り掛かった。
　笑みが零れるが、今の地位が盤石とは程遠いことは分かっている。
　ちょろっと狼煙を上げて手に入れた地位だ。
　あとは石切場で働かされている連中を解放したくらいか。
　皇女の権威と皇軍の力を借りて解放したのだから成果とは呼べない。
　これを成果などと言ったら不興を買うだけだ。
　それだけは避けなければならない。
　今の地位はティリア皇女の不興を買えば容易く失ってしまうものなのだから。
　だが――。

「俺が貴族……男爵か」

　笑みが深まる。
　恐らく、今の貴族――特に旧貴族はニコルのことを貴族だと認めないだろう。
　クロノの父親――クロード・クロフォード達が新貴族と揶揄されるように。
　それでも込み上げてくる愉悦を堪えられない。

「……この俺が男爵」

　ニコルはスラム出身だ。
　父親は知らない。
　母親のことは思い出したくもない。
　境遇を呪ったこともあったが、自分だけが不幸な訳ではなかった。
　スラムには恵まれない境遇のヤツなんて掃いて捨てるほどいた。
　ニコルはその中の一人だったというだけの話だ。
　それを受け容れるまでに他人より時間が掛かったように思う。
　なまじ腕っ節が強かったのもマズかったのだろう。
　弱ければ半殺しの目に遭うことなく、自分の程度を理解できたに違いない。
　犯罪組織に入ったのは成り行きだ。
　いや、今になって考えてみれば成り行きの域を出ないと言うべきか。
　組織に入ってから色々あったが、トップにまで登り詰めることができた。
　自分よりも強い者、頭の良い者、強かな者は大勢いた。
　そんな中で自分がトップにまで登り詰めることができたのは運が良かったからだろう。
　運だけに頼っていた訳ではないが、結局はそこに辿り着く。
　運が悪ければ殺されていたと思えるようなことが何度もあった。

「……この俺が貴族か」

　ニコルは立ち上がり、窓に向かう。
　やりたいことは沢山ある。
　何しろ、貴族になったのだ。
　犯罪組織のトップではできなかったことが簡単にできるはずだ。
　ニコルは窓から街を見下ろし――。

「……何か塩（しょ）っぺぇな」

　そんな感想が漏れた。
　街を歩いている時は何も感じなかったが、ここから見ると貧しさがよく分かる。
　There are more wooden buildings than stone buildings.
　The buildings close to the city walls are especially bad.

'How can you do what you want to do with this stuff?

　Even now, it's like this.
　If we impose a heavy tax, there might be a lot of people starving to death.
　If that happens, the territorial residents will resent you.
　It's no good to be resented.

What should we do?
...just like when I was the head of a criminal organization.
"Whoa!

　A voice sounded from behind me and I turned around.
　Then there was Neige standing there.

'You should at least knock. I'm still a lord, you know.
I'll do it again.
Really?

　Nicole spat out a small amount.
　The man called Neige is the one who repeats the same thing, even though he says he's careful.
　The tempo is in no way in sync with the tempo.
　Well, even if he is such a guy, it's a lord to use him.

''What happened to the cleanup of the body?
Are these the bodies of Isabella and her friends?
You've already buried them. I'm talking about the quarry.
That's all taken care of. I put down the headstone as instructed. Well, it's a large rock from the quarry.
That's enough. What's important is that we built the grave. But how could you let all those people die?
Baron Bowties has sold out the minotaurs who worked for his ancestors.
You're a f*cking idiot.
Yes.

　Neige chuckled.

I've been thinking about it, I'm going to have to clean up my own mess. The worst part is that there is a treasure trove right in front of us and we can't touch it.
'As long as you say it sucks, there's still a bottom in it.
I don't work amateurs, so that's the bottom line.

　'Oh,' said Neige, her eyes widening with an acting gesture.

'That's not the kind of line you'd expect from the head of a crime syndicate.
"I take care of my boys. If you take care of them, even if they're useless boners, they'll be a shield for your meat.
'Does that mean you cherish it?'
I feed them and I care about them.
Oh, you sure do cherish it.

　After all, Neige said with a hefty smile.

''So what am I going to do now?
What do you mean?
'So I told you to do the same thing you did when you were the head of a crime syndicate.　What the hell am I supposed to do?
We just need to make them think we're reliable lords.

　Neige said matter-of-factly.
　Do you practice this?　I almost rushed into it, but in Neige's case, he would have done his job just by being strong.

''.........A dependable lord?''

　The only thing I can think of is not to overreact.

'And then there's the business ... with the quarry in a mess like that.
'Why don't we just hire someone with experience and put him in charge of the field?'
It wasn't just a matter of time. d*mn, it was easier when I took over the organization.
Let's take it easy. Take it easy.
You'll be an old man if you keep playing it safe.

　There's no point in being able to do whatever you want after it dies.

'd*mn, I'm going to have to bow all over the place.

　Nicole muttered in disgust.

*

　The advance party had passed through the Baron Bowties territory and was advancing through the Baron Zeginus territory.
　To be exact, it was a gentle ascent in the Baron Zeginus territory.
　The advance party consisted of thirty cavalrymen and twenty-eight archers, a total of fifty-eight men.
　This was divided into three squads, and was led by Leila, Alideed and Fay.
　Kane's role as the leader was to command the three squads.
　Incidentally, Deneb is a member of Aridedd's squad.
　Layla stared at Kane's back,.
　Although he's been out of the field for a long time, Kane doesn't feel like a blank.
　Maybe he had been working and continuing to train while working.
　Did Kane expect this to happen?
　Or was he just preparing for the moment of need?
　It seems to be the latter, but it would only make him flinch if he heard it.
　If you think about it, Crono hadn't neglected his training either.
　This is despite his position as a lord.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect when you leave the scene.
　It might be impossible, Leila thinks.
　She is willing to try not to neglect her training.
　But she thinks that her will will will be frustrated in the midst of the daily grind.
　It must start out as a bit of a challenge.
　They make all sorts of excuses, and then it becomes the norm.
　Crono might laugh if he hears it, but Leila can't trust herself that much.
　I feel like Faye, as well as Alideed and Deneb, will be able to balance work and training.
　They're two people who are kind of to the point.
　Suddenly, the smell of something burnt pierces your nose - the smell of something burnt.

"Burning smell, stop!

　A voice rang out from Kagome's communication magic item, and Leila pulled the reins and stopped her horse.
　My whole body stands on end at the prospect of battle.
　If the enemy is there, it should be at the top of the hill.
　No matter how good your eyesight is, you can't see what you can't see from a geographical point of view.
　It was a matter of course, but it made me feel irritated.
　Maybe the flying vehicles in Crono's book would relieve me of this kind of frustration, but it's just not what I want.
　So Leila looked around on her horse, trying to find any trace of the enemy.
　But there was nothing.

'Leila, Aridid, Deneb, can you hear me?'
No, he doesn't.
Ditto.
"Likewise.

　Leila let out a small breath.
　She couldn't hear her voice despite the smell of burning in the air.
　It was--.

''Faye, I need you to do some reconnaissance.''
Yes, sir!

　A few moments later, a fey on horseback rode past next to him.
　He rode up the hill without incident and circled his horse's neck.
　He opened his mouth to shout something and looked down at Kagome.

''There is a burnt-out village, sir.''
Is there anything else?
"The corpse is in trouble, sir.

　Leila tilted her head.
　Because if there was an awesome corpse, I could understand, but I didn't know what it meant to be awesome.

''Oh, I have a bad feeling about it.''
Me too.

　Apparently, Aridid and Deneb have an idea.

'Faye, stay where you are. Don't try to fight the enemy if they appear. Come running this way.
Yes, sir.

　Faye nodded honestly to Kane's instructions.

'Alright, let's move on.'

　Leila gave a small nod and let her horse move forward.

''--!''

　I climbed up the hill and gasped.
　The village of about fifty houses there had been destroyed.
　The houses had been burned to the ground, the livestock and the people had been killed.

''Let's divide the squad into two. Me and the fey squad will take care of the perimeter. Layla, Aridid and Deneb's squad will take care of the search for survivors.

　Kane led the fey squad south along the road, while Leila dismounted from her horse.
　Alideed and the others followed suit.

'Let's not get too far away from them. If you need anything, talk to the magic item for communication.'
I understand.
We were the ones who were closing the distance.

　As Leila gave instructions through the magic item for communication in the basket, she heard the voices of Arididid and Deneb coming from close by.

''........Arididid, Deneb.
You don't have to look at me like that.
It's just, we're pretty serious business people.

　While the two of them were talking about it, their men scattered at a reasonable distance and began to search for survivors.
　Leila took her bow and searched for survivors, keeping a vigilant eye on her surroundings.
　The roofs of the settlement were burned down and the mud walls were crumbling miserably.
　Bodies lie in the burned out houses, on the road, and near the well.
　Leila stares at the corpse lying on the road and frowns.
　A man's body.
　His clothes were off and his bare skin was inscribed with blasphemous words on the victim.
　Furthermore, the corpse was missing an eyeball.
　The eyeballs had been shoved into their mouths.
　This is insane.

"Like I'm wondering if I should get rid of the body.
Like we shouldn't wait until after we've joined up with the main team because we might get attacked.
...both of you.

　Leila lets out a sigh and turns to face Aridid and Deneb behind her.

'Do you mean to tell them to keep a reasonable distance and search for survivors?
A captain's job is to be in command of his men.
'No, sir. Do neither of you think anything of it when you see this?
I feel sorry for you.
'Trying to point out that Leila isn't cool with it,'
Me?

　Leila couldn't help but ask back.

'I sometimes think this body is a message, or an appeal.
Hmm, I think my intention was to scare him away.
Oh.

　Leila raised her voice.
　She was so distracted by the anomaly of the corpse that she didn't think about who had done this and for what purpose.
　The captain - a stupidity that was typical of a commander.

'Why do you think that way, sir?'
It's kind of obvious if you look around the body.
Like, there's no blood splatter and no signs of holding him down, so it's possible to guess that he wounded the body after he killed it.

　Leila looked at the corpse and its surroundings once again.
　Surely the two of them were right, there were no signs of blood splattering or rampaging around the corpse.
　It seemed insane, but the enemy was sane.

''Well that's true.''
There's no need to feel down.
If we hadn't done it before, we'd be more interested in the damage.

　They said in a light tone, as if they were concerned.

'Who or what do you think did this to you?'
I have a theory that it's going to be Count Rio Chiron.
Maybe it's an appeal to Lord Crono.
'I can't believe the Earl of Chiron would do this...'

　He asks back.
　The Rio Leila knows is an aloof person, though he has a possessive streak.
　He's also very caring, for what it's worth.
　He even taught me how to prepare myself as a commander when I was guarding the streets.
　I didn't think he was capable of such barbarism.

''It's all right for Leila to feel that way, but we've fought together before. In the first place, this was a tactic used by Crono-sama during the parent conquest.
'By doing this, it's like you're making yourself known to Master Crono.
Well, yes.

　It's hard to believe that the imperial army humiliated the corpse in order to frustrate the imperial army's will to fight.
　Baron Zeginus is neutral - he's in a position of not antagonizing Princess Tilia while ruling the Empire.
　There's no advantage in making more enemies for the sake of it.

''Well, but it seems there's also a line of thinking that it's a maneuver to force the imperial army to account for their crimes.
'We did quite a bit of damage in the parent conquest. I'm sure there are many people who know of Crono-sama's character.
Which one is it?
Like there's a danger of making assumptions and denying them.
We could withhold judgment until we have all the right ingredients.

　They said in the same tone as usual.
　Leila once again regretted her emotional reaction, but at the same time reminded herself that the two of them were looking at things more calmly than she was.

'Like I should report back to you along the way, for now.
It's important to report.

　'Yes,' Leila nodded and brought the basket hand with the communication magic item close to her mouth.

'Captain Kane, this is Leila. There are currently no survivors to be identified. Also, the corpse has been deliberately wounded. Since there is no blood splattered around it, we believe it was wounded after it was killed.
"This is Kane, roger that. I'm sorry, but we need to cut the search for survivors.

　Kane's voice echoes from the magic item for communication.
　His voice is tense and hard.

'What's going on, sir?'
"The cavalry is here. I'm sorry. Come with me.
Yes, sir.
'Leila's troops, Arididid's troops are on horseback and on a fast track!
But no attacks until I give the order!

　Alideed and Deneb shouted shortly after Leila replied.
　Their men broke off their search for survivors and ran for their horses.

'Well, let's go!'
Go, go, go, go, like that!

　Alideed and Deneb started to run and Leila followed.
　They jumped on their horses, which were waiting for them on the street, and continued south along the city road.
　Then, Kane and the others were soon in sight.
　However, there was no sign of the cavalry of the Baron Zeginus territory.
　No, they were still quite far away.
　The arch cavalry assigned to the Fae - the elves must have told them that Baron Zeginus' cavalry was approaching.
　I've felt this since I was guarding the streets, but the real value of the arch cavalry was probably more in their ability to explore than in their combat skills.
　Leila stopped her horse next to Kane.

''Well it's killing me, but I guess we can talk about it.

　The cavalry of the Baron Zeginus territory stopped about twenty meters away and Kane muttered.
　I can feel the tense tension in the air, so if anything happens, they'll rush into battle.
　He knows that.
　My men seem to be nervous as well.

'How do you know that we can talk to each other?
A hunch.

　He responds to Faye's question in a low voice.

''Just for the record, I'm not a mountain hunch. I'm making a decision based on the situation the Imperial Army is in and the rules of thumb. I trust your wild animal-like instincts, but if you're going to do this, make sure you only do it in battle. Don't act on your instincts alone.
Of course I know that, sir.
Just to remind you one more time, don't do it, okay?
"This is a magnificent prelude to an epic prelude.
I have a bad feeling about this.

　As if to cover Kane, Aridid and Deneb's voices echoed from Kagome's magic item for communication.

''I know ... I know.''
Yeah, you should bear that in mind.

　Faye hung her head drearily and Kane dismounted from his horse.

'My name is Kane!　I'm leading the Imperial Guard advance team!　I need to talk to the man in charge!

　Kane called out loudly, and the cavalryman in the lead dismounted his horse.

'My name is Harris!　Baron Zeginus's nephew!　We got a report that the village was attacked and we're here to check it out!　I don't intend to antagonize the Imperial Army!

　The cavalry - Harris shouted, and the cavalrymen behind him removed one foot from the stirrups.
　This was one of their manners towards those of higher status than themselves, but at the same time it was to show that they were not hostile.
　Kane looked over his shoulder and Leila and the others removed one foot from the stirrups.
　The tension loosened and they exhaled in relief.
　It seems that it was the same for the other party as well, exhaling in relief and patting their chests.
　At least they don't seem to be rushing into battle all of a sudden.
　Kane and Harris slowly walked up to each other and exchanged an imperial-style salute.
　Kane's salute is broken, but Harris's is beautiful.
　A beat-up and a military school graduate - that's what one salute can tell you.
　After a while -.

"...Baron Zeginus has something to say to Master Crono.

　Kane's voice rang out from the communication magic item.

*

　Evening - Crono was walking through the forest, wary of his surroundings.
　No, I should say with the intention of being cautious.
　Since it was nearing sunset, the forest was dimly lit, and just walking in the forest sapped one's energy and strength.
　How are you two unconcerned, Crono looked at Fay and Tilia walking in front of him.
　Are they using the Divine Majesty Technique? Or do they have a talent for walking through the forest?
　They are going deeper and deeper into the forest.
　If I get lost in this, it will be a laughing matter, he thought about that - he let out a deep sigh.
　He must have heard the sigh.
　Tilia opened her mouth as she looked forward.

''Does it still bother you?''
Well, you know.

　Crono replied with a sigh.
　At that time, Leonhard was behind Rio.
　If Rio had shown any pretense of turning, Leonhard would have killed him.
　Leonhardt was the heir to a duke's family.
　He doesn't put his personal feelings ahead of his own.
　He would have made the right choice--''

''I can't bear to be hostile to Rio.

　Resentment at the killing of an innocent, sadness at the fork in the road, fear of hostility, and the faint thought that maybe, just maybe, they would be turned against us, all swirled in my chest.
　It was depressing, to put it bluntly.

''I know how you feel, but don't hesitate, okay?''
Is Tilia okay with this?
I'm fine.

　Tilia replied after a slight pause.

'I've had to suffer the agony of defeat so many times.
I thought you guys were close.
I thought we were having a fight to the death with him.

　Tilia grunted.

'Faye....'

　Are you okay?　He starts to say, "I'm not going to say anything.
　No one wants to fight someone they know.
　That's why people don't talk about it.

'Is there a tent waiting for Baron Zeginus yet?
We're almost there, sir.
Yeah.

　Crono let out another sigh.
　What did Baron Zeginus want to discuss?

I can see it, sir.
...Oh, that.

　Faye pointed to a tent buried in a tree.
　In front of it stood a knight - perhaps he was Harris - who was standing in front of it.

'Fay Murifine, I have brought Princess Tyria and Lady Crono with me, sir.
Thank you for your efforts.

　Faye saluted, and Harris returned the salute.
　Then he turned to Crono and the others.
　Well, it's Tyria who's looking at them.

'Princess Tilia, it is a pleasure to meet you. I suppose I should normally salute you, but...''
Yeah. Let's just get on with this meeting and get it over with.
Thank you for your concern.

　Harris opened the tent and Crono and the others went inside.
　Inside was a table and two chairs flanked by a table and two chairs.
　No one was sitting in one chair, but an old man was sitting in the other chair.
　He was an old man as thin as a dead tree.
　His hairline had receded significantly and a small amount of gray hair remained on the side of his head.
　He looks far older than his adopted father, but that must have something to do with the Rio situation.

'You've kept me waiting,'

　With that, Tilia sat down in a chair.
　Crono and Faye held back behind Tilia.

''Since ... I am on alert for my surroundings.

　Harris softly closed the tent.

'Princess Tyria, I apologize for the inconvenience to you. I am my lord, Izal Zeginus.
'I thank you for choosing neutrality in this war.
No, sir, not at all.

　Baron Zeginus said as if he was afraid, but even though he said he was neutral, he only allowed the imperial army to pass through his territory.
　If anything, he was bound to betray them, but it was important to show his gratitude, even if only in a form.

''So, what kind of business are you in?''
''As a matter of fact ... Count Rio Chiron of the Ninth Kingsguard is rampaging through the neighboring territories with a hundred or so cavalrymen.

　'I knew it,' said Crono, letting out a sigh for the umpteenth time.

'Is that an official operation?'
'Oh, no, the letter I received beforehand stated that the Earl of Chiron would be conducting a delay operation.

　Baron Zeginus grunted.
　Perhaps the letter was not a request for cooperation, but an order.

''What do you mean by that?''
...it's

　Baron Zeginus clammed up.
　Even Tilia would know that he wanted to get rid of Rio.
　But if we cut him off, he won't be able to ingratiate himself with us.
　Later, he might say that the imperial army did it on its own.
　We must leave evidence.

"On our way, we saw a village that we thought had been attacked by the Earl of Chiron. How many villages have been wiped out?
....

　Baron Zeginus turns over and is sweating fat.
　According to the information brought to us by Harris, there are five villages that have been destroyed.

''I don't know how many villagers have survived, but if we don't, we won't be able to stand.
....

　Baron Zeginus remains downcast.
　According to Harris, the death toll is small compared to the size of the village, but if this situation is left unchecked, people's hearts will be turned away.

''............Please take down Count Chiron and his men.

　After a long silence, Baron Zeginus said as he squeezed out.

''........................defeat?

　Tilia crossed her arms thoughtfully.

'Enemies, so. We'll have to stop fighting, but a stroke--'
Enemy attack!

　A shout interrupted Tilia's words and Harris jumped into the tent.

'Uncle!'
Harris, what's going on?
'Count Chiron is attacking!　We need to evacuate immediately!　In the unlikely event that the imperial capital gets word of your uncle's meeting with Princess Tyria, it would be a bad idea!

　Harris said as he wound up and made Baron Zeginus stand up.

'I'm sorry, Princess Tilia!　We're pulling up!　I wish you well!

　Harris's men entered the tent and carried Baron Zeginus up.

''Then!''

　Harris jumped out of the tent with his men.

''We're running away too!''

　Tyria shouted and Crono and the others jumped out of the tent.
　Not much time should have passed, but the surroundings were completely dark.
　Crono put his hand in the pouch--.

''We are leading!

　Faye ran off, followed by Tilia.
　Crono put on his glasses - a magic item for night vision - and then started running.

''You're both too fast!

　Crono complains and follows Tilia's back - the white uniform.
　He runs through the road, which is not much different from the beastly road, and comes to the street.
　Then, Tilia and Faye were waiting for him.

''You're late!''
It's almost there!

　Faye glanced to the side - to the covered wagon parked on the street.
　In the next moment, there was a roaring sound and a pillar of fire rose.
　The light was amplified by the magic item, and the area in front of my eyes turned white.

''Ouch!''

　A sharp pain shot through the back of his eyeballs and Crono threw the magic item away.
　Perhaps it was the intense light, but his vision flickered.
　But I can see it.

''Is it Count Chiron's attack?''
What are you going to do?
''No, but Rio is a divine mastermind of the 'Green and Flowing God'--!

　Crono activated his Mark and kicked the ground with all his might.
　Immediately after Tilia and Faye used their divine art to enhance their physical abilities, a green light pierced the ground, splitting Crono and the others apart.
　Tilia and Fay leapt to the other side of the Crono, and the light exploded just as they were about to land or not land.
　The blast rushed in and Crono was blown away.
　He rolled on the ground several times and stood up.

'Hey, it's been a while,'

　A cool voice sounds, and Rio swoops down near the hole created by the explosion.
　In his hand, he holds a bow - a divine weapon.

''........Rio.
What is it?
I'm...
You don't have to say anything.

　Rio interrupts Crono's words.

'I've been feeling it all along,'
What?
I knew this relationship wouldn't last, that one day it would end, that there would be a day when I wouldn't be chosen.
That's not true.
It's the same thing, it's the same thing.

　Crono denied it, but Rio gave a small shake of his head.

'So, from the beginning--'
"Count Chiron!

　Tilia shouted and Rio let out a small sigh.

''You're after me, aren't you?''
That's a little too self-aware. I want the Chronosphere.

　Rio gave a mocking smile.

'But, well, by the way, die....for goodness sake!

　Rio fired an arrow as if he was turning around.
　No, it was a rush of light.

"God!

　A shield of light appears to protect Tyria.
　But its light is too weak compared to that of the divine weapon.

Excuse me!

　Faye jumps out and poises herself in a sitting position.

'Summoning the divine weapon!　Drawing swords!

　Darkness erupted from his hand as Faye took a motion to pull the sword out of its sheath and release it.
　The darkness turned into a bewitchingly beautiful sword, slashing up and down in a torrent of light.
　Slashed in two, the light fluttered around like a giant snake, destroying everything along the street.
　It cleaves plants, gouges the ground, and then disappears.

'Fey, you're getting stronger.
"I am extremely grateful for your praise!　This is where we will settle the matter at that time!
So what?

　Rio cowered his shoulders and stared at the divine weapon in Fei's grip.
　The sword cracked, disappearing and appearing repeatedly.

''It is gutsy!

　Faye shouted, darkness erupted and the divine weapon stabilized.

'How is it?'
That's great.

　Faye said triumphantly, and Rio said admiringly.
　No, he might be dumbfounded.

''........Count Chiron.
What is it?

　Rio looked at Tyria with a disgusted expression on his face.

''I can welcome you to the Imperial Army if you wish.
Do you feel sorry for me?

　Rio said in a low, stifled voice.

'Crono didn't abandon you,'
I don't want to talk about that anymore.
I'm not well. "The days of fighting with you...
I said that's enough!

　Rio shouted as if he couldn't take it anymore.

'It's all right. I've had a feeling all along. I've always had a feeling it would end one day, a feeling that I wouldn't be chosen.
If you had a hunch, why would you try to kill Crono?
I was just trying to figure out what to do.
What are you talking about?

　Tilia raised her eyebrows quizzically.

'That's how you make Crono mine.

　Rio let out a small breath--'

'I should have killed him!　Hahahahaha!　Why didn't I realize how simple this was?　If I had killed him, he wouldn't have suffered so much, but I should have chopped him up the day after the ball!　I should have cut his head off the day they first tied the knot!　You should have killed her while she was sleeping next to me!　I dreamed that I might be loved when I knew I wouldn't be chosen anyway!　Hilarious!　I've been betrayed so many times, so many times!　You never once loved me!

　Rio was laughing.
　He was crying with laughter.

'So just die........Cronk!

　Rio released a torrent of light as he turned around.
　Crono kicked the ground.
　The purpose is to join Tilia and her men.
　I'm going to use Tilia and the others as a shield to join my men.
　It's a shameless thing to do.
　But if we don't take the shame out of it, we'll be killed and that's it.
　That's what we need to avoid.

I noticed.

　A thumping sound is heard.
　It's the sound of an arrow of light piercing underfoot.

'Come on, blow it up!'
"-Oh!

　Crono kicked the ground with all his strength.
　A burst of light and the feeling in his right leg disappeared.
　I don't know if I was wounded or blown away.
　Regardless, he hid behind Tilia and the others and let out a breath of relief.
　My right leg wasn't gone.

It's a shame. I just wanted to have the right leg to be mine.
"Rio, I'm....

　What can I say to unwind Rio's heart?
　How many words would it take for them to get back to their relationship?
　There was no answer, and an arrow pierced Rio's feet.
　It was an arrow surrounded by red and green light.

''--Tch!

　Rio clicked his tongue and flew backwards.
　Not a leap, but a literal flight.
　Slightly delayed, a burst of red and green light burst forth.
　Perhaps it was Aridid and Deneb's imprinting technique.

''Hahaha!　Crono, your man sounds like he's up for it, doesn't he?

　Rio laughed happily as he floated in the air.

'Crono, I'm not going to stop until I die. Hmmm, I won't stop. Now Crono has a reason to kill me too, right?
Rio, listen to me.
No. How can you talk to me with a weapon pointed at you?　It sounds like you're putting yourself on the shelf, but that's not an attitude we should talk about, that's just not the attitude.

　Rio said mockingly and disappeared into the forest.