*

　As Crono returned to the street with Leila, his second-in-command rushed up to him.

''General, are you hurt?'' (Bum?)
You'll see.
"That's the best part.

　The deputy patted his chest.
　There's a hole in his pants, but that's all.
　Not only was the arrow that had pierced his thigh gone, but the wound had healed.
　The wound from yesterday - the pain that covered my toes to below my knees - is also gone.

"When the pillar of light appeared, I thought it was all over." (Bumobumo)

　The deputy exhaled in relief.

'I could see it from here,'
"Hey, I can clearly see the pillar of heaven. What in the world was that all about? Bummo?
It's a divine summons.
"....summoning the divine power...

　The First Officer parroted.

'In other words, where is Count Chiron?' (Bum?)
No..... it didn't work.

　I lightly lift Rio's jacket.
　Maybe I should have been more selfish.
　I've loved Rio, and I've considered my position.
　So I couldn't tell him to drop everything and come under my wing.
　But that was the one word that Rio was looking for.
　He should have asked them to stay by his side, without regard to their position.
　If he had done so, he might have been able to postpone the collapse.
　In that time, we could have avoided the collapse itself.

''Well it's too late now.''
Did you say something? (Bum?)
It's nothing.

　Yes, it's too late now.
　It's too late to regret it now.
　It was all over before I could say that word.

"What's the situation?
Ten men died in the service of Princess Tyria. The number of those seriously injured is over 20.

　The deputy said in a low voice.
　It's not unreasonable.
　Tyria's attendants - the old knights were dismounted from their horses against the incoming cavalry.
　As a commander, you should be glad that you only had to sacrifice so much.

"If it was left to us...
Mr. Minot.
"Understood.

　The adjutant grunted.

'Where are the enemy cavalry?'
"There are only 30 prisoners of war, and the other 70 have escaped. The remaining seventy escaped.
Yeah.

　Crono nodded quietly.

'What about the prisoners?'
"Over here.

　Crono walks off, led by his deputy.
　The covered wagons are lined up in a line along the street.
　After a while, the corpse of an old knight comes into view.
　It's a corpse smeared with blood and dirt.
　Some of the corpses appeared to be unscathed, while others were heavily damaged.
　They were laid out on white sheets and flowers were placed on their chests.
　A number of small white flowers were in bloom.
　They looked a lot like flaxseed.
　Perhaps Tyria had used the Divine Majesty Technique.

''Oh, the Marquis of Erakis?''

　Manchausen walked up to him, hanging his arms.

'You've come back, haven't you?
Yeah.
It didn't work?

　Manchausen gave a small, downcast look.

'Well, it happens.'
....

　Crono couldn't say anything.

'Things don't always go well,'

　Manchausen whispered to no one.

'We've had a lot of things go wrong too, but look at us.

　Manchausen turned his gaze to the corpse.
　The blood and mud smeared corpse seemed to be smiling.

'Good face, isn't it?'

　Manchausen smiled happily.

He smiled happily, "I've been able to die in a useful capacity, protecting the Princess Tilia. Not only did they provide me with a place to die, they even gave me flowers, which is the greatest honor.
....

　Crono couldn't say anything.

'I know what the Marquis of Erakis means. You're suggesting that you'd be better off alive, right?'
Yeah.

　He finally squeezes out that one word.
　The commander - the one who dragged them out to the battlefield, I think, what a contradiction.
　But it's also true that I want them to live.

"We have suffered enough shame in life.
I don't think so.
Shame on you for living. It's not bad to talk about the civil war with your old friends and see your grandchildren.
I see you have grandchildren.
I'm not a rock.

　'Kaka,' laughed Manchausen, 'I'm a knight in shining armor.

'I wish to die a knight. I was taught that this was the best way to live, and that is what I wanted to do. I was taught that this was the best way to live, and that's what I thought.

　That's the old way of being a knight, lost to the reform of the military system.
　Today's knights - the majority of them are graduates of military schools.
　With a few exceptions, a knight is now only a qualified person.

'You don't hold a grudge?'
I've forgotten. I'm a little old for that.

　Manchausen laughed helplessly, and Crono cursed himself for his stupidity.
　He had been deprived of the way of life he wanted to live.
　He had been treated as if the days he had fought for had been declared worthless.
　How could I not hold a grudge?

I used to think that dying at the care of my family was not so bad, but when I heard that Princess Tyria was going to raise an army, I couldn't sit still for long.

　Manchausen's eyes narrowed.
　Maybe he could get back what was taken from him.
　That's why I visited Hashel, despite my resentment.

'Fortunately, I should say, the Imperial Army needs us. It was hard on my bones to lead a bunch of kids, but...
You didn't show your age in that move.
I always do my best to die at all times.
You can't be serious.

　We can't have him die in training.

Finally, I've even entrusted you with the important task of running the household of Princess Tyria.
It's...
Don't look at me like that. We know all about it. We're a volunteer army. Well, you see, the Marquis of Erakis isn't cut out to be a commander.

　Kaka, Manchausen laughed.

"....that's a hell of a lot better than someone who doesn't mind the sacrifice...
Hi. Hi.

　Crono scratched his head, unsure of what to say.

''And ... Princess Tilia.
Not good enough for the princess?
I don't believe it!

　Manchausen spat at him.

'Princess Tilia is a wonderful person. She is a wonderful person, she is attentive and understanding. How could such a wonderful person have lost her throne and the world is filled with injustice?
'It's like he came to the Marquess of Erakis and reflected on what he's been up to.
...I see. I'm sure that harsh experiences have honed their humanity.
Yes.

　The only time I've had a bad experience was when I was deprived of the succession to the throne, and I feel like I've had a full life since I came to the Marquis of Erakis, but illusions are important.

''.........General.......Bumo.
I know.

　The deputy overheard me and moved on, and I saw the Taiga and the others.
　Apparently, they were surrounding the captives.
　Among them was Rio's second-in-command.
　They had been disarmed and their wrists were bound.
　They hung their heads powerlessly, probably because they were imagining a bleak future.

''Good work, that is.'' (Gau)
Good night.

　Rio's second-in-command looked up with a huff.

''Li, Rio-sama is!
I will be quiet, that I will! (GASP!)

　Taiga shouted and two of his men crossed their spears to block the path of Rio's second-in-command.

''What happened to Lord Rio, Lord Rio?''
....
"-Oh!

　Rio's second-in-command's eyes widened as Crono silently held out his jacket.
　A pillar of light, a jacket that had lost its master - it was clear what these meant.

''Ki, nobility....''

　He gives me a hateful look, but it's only for a moment.
　I think he understands.
　That he is also one of those who could not save Rio.

'Master Crono!'

　When I looked at the direction the voice came from, I saw Faye waving her hand.
　A tent was strung up behind her.

''Princess Tyria wants to see you!
Okay!

　Crono shouted and looked at his deputy.

''........What's wrong?'' ...bumo?
I don't think I have to worry about it, but you better take care of your prisoners.
"Understood, no.

　The deputy nodded quietly.

'Master Crono, what about me?'
Layla rest.
Okay ... okay.

　Leila nodded and Crono went to the tent.

'Good work, sir.'
Good job to you too.

　He exchanged greetings with Faye and entered the tent.
　Tilia was sitting in a chair with her arms crossed grimly.

''Well I guess I shouldn't have...''
It's not working.
Okay.

　Tilia said as she let out a sigh.
　It's the same Divine Majesty Technique user.
　He must have understood Rio's death when he saw the Divine Authority Summoning--the pillar of light.

''After all, that was the light of the Divine Majesty Summoning, wasn't it?
That's what Rio said.
Okay.

　After all, he says as he lets out a sigh.

'I'm surprised you made it back in one piece.
Yes.

　It's a divine summons to kill Crono.
　It will only disappear if Rio loses his mind.

''Your negotiations have been in vain.

　Tilia muttered to herself.

'I know this is a soliloquy, but I didn't hate the Earl of Chiron.
....

　Crono does not answer.
　This is a soliloquy, so he must not answer.

'I've had my head stomped on, and we've had many deadly fights in our relationship, but I never once wished from the bottom of my heart that Count Chiron was dead. It was such a selfish thought that I hoped this relationship would continue.

　After all this time, Tilia added.
　'Yes,' Crono responded in his mind.

'What about the prisoners?'
I'm going to turn you over to Harris.
Didn't he say that punishing him would be a betrayal?
That's if you punish him. But not under the guise of protection.
Do you think he'll be on board?
He'll be on board.

　Tilia leaned back in her chair.

'Why do you think that is?'
''It's because it has merit. It would be a foil if he had negotiated and protected the members of the Ninth Kinsman Guard who were captured by the Imperial Army.
Doesn't that raise the eyebrows of the people?

　He came in contact with the Ninth Konoe Guards to do something about the rampaging Ninth Konoe Guards in the territory.
　And yet, how would they protect them?
　Before that, it is unlikely that the people of the territory would be satisfied.

''You don't have to say that you've protected them to the territorial residents.
Does that make sense?
Come on, baby.

　Tilia lightly cowered her shoulders.

'Whatever it is, if you use it well, you'll be able to show that you're worthy of being a lord.
Where are my men?
Manchausen and his friends are convinced.

　Then Tilia let out a long sigh.

'Why?'
They say it's not an act of a knight to execute a surrenderer.
"...Tilia was convinced.
It's not my problem.

　Tilia said, sounding miffed.

'The Manchausens have suggested it. Of course, they would have folded if I insisted on the execution, but that's not what my lord would have done.
That language....
It's the duty of the higher-ups to show their subordinates what they want to see.
Tilia's grown up, hasn't she?
'Don't mumble in your heart,'

　Tilia frowned uncomfortably.

''.........Don't endure it.''
Yes.

　Tilia said with a sigh and Crono nodded.

*

Leila, you sound like you've had a good night.
Like, I brought you a meal and you're going to eat it with me.

　As Leila was staring at the fire alone, Alideed and Deneb called out to her.
　The tension was lower than usual.
　They placed a tray of bread and soup on Layla's thighs and sat down face to face.

'Is it okay to eat at a time like this?'
I'm gonna eat it.
I'm always hungry when I'm sad and I'm tired.

　Leila scooped up the soup and brought it to her mouth.
　She couldn't quite taste it.
　No, that would be fine.
　It's more unusual to be able to eat a normal meal while killing someone you know.
　At least it seems shocking enough to not taste.

'Like I'm sorry about Count Chiron.
It's unfortunate that the style of stepping into the naïve part of the world is what makes it so unfortunate.

　Haha, they both laughed, but the last part was like a sigh.

'Like how was Crono-sama?'
I worry that you're in shock.
Master Crono I'm not sure.
It was a bit of a stretch.
It's not so bad, I guess.
'No, I don't think so. Master Crono has risen to his feet.

　When people are confronted with an uncontrollable situation, they put their trust in God - a being beyond human knowledge.
　That's what people are like.
　At least that's what Leila thought.
　But Crono was not overwhelmed by grief, nor did he cling to God.
　He bit his lip, held back his tears, and stood up.
　The young man who said he was sorry and shed tears was not there.
　The past three or so years had changed Crono.
　I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm a little sad.

''I see...''
Sis?

　Alideed chews on the remaining bread and Deneb calls out to him with concern.
　He swallows the bread and--'

''I wasn't prepared for this. Now you were just pretending to be worried about Crono-sama and being weak.
Sis, this is the most serious thing I've seen in a long time.

　Alideed changed his tone rattling and spitting.
　Deneb's tone has changed, too.
　No, he's back to the bare minimum.

''You forced Crono-sama to be that prepared, I shouldn't be whining about it.
You don't want to do any more acting?
No, that's not the same thing.

　Alideed changed his tone again.

'It's about time we each pursued our own happiness and didn't get a bee in the bonnet.
"Stop trying to bullshit me!　It's like I can see that he wants to deal with Master Crono all by himself!
If you're so smart, make me stop acting.
Don't make me stop!
Like you want me to stop.
That's fine. Sisters are supposed to listen to their sisters.

　Deneb moaned, and Alideed nodded in satisfaction.

'What are the three of you talking about?'
"-Oh!

　Suddenly, I turned around when I was approached and saw Crono standing there.
　His attitude was the same as usual, but he was pale.
　Layla turned over in a small way.
　Maybe Crono was desperately trying to discipline himself.
　Thinking about that, she couldn't meet his eyes.
　I have regrets about killing Count Chiron.
　But even if I could rewind time, I would still do the same thing again and again.
　Perhaps the fact that I'm thinking like that has an effect on me.

'It's like you were talking about Count Chiron.
Arideed!
Hey, sis!

　Leila and Deneb shouted at the same time.

'Right, I've been talking to Tilia and the others too.
We'd like to hear how you feel about the Chronosphere.
You know what I'm talking about.
But I want you to be able to talk about it.
'Yes. I knew I'd have to talk about it, right?

　Crono smiled as if to mock himself.

''My answer is set. I will march on and defeat the false emperor Alfort at this point. And I will fulfill our ideals.''
Wouldn't it be nice to fight someone you know?
I'm ready, no, to be honest with you, I've been ready to fight Master Leonhardt for a long time.

　Leila was aware of that as well.
　She also knew that Crono was planning a plan to win against Leonhardt.
　Crono patted Leila's head--.

''We'll be early again tomorrow. Get some rest today.''

　He said in the same tone as usual and left.

*

　The eighth day of the southward march - Crono was in the tent, waiting for Harris' arrival.
　Naturally, I should say, Tilia is with him.
　Tilia is sitting in a chair, arms and legs crossed.

'Lord Harris is here!

　Faye's voice echoed and Harris came in.

'Well I thought the reunion would be a little later.
I'm sorry I had to shake things up for you.
No, no, not at all.

　Harris took a seat across from her and Tilia straightened her residence.

'Thank you for nominating me, sir.
I don't know the acting lord's name.
That too, I suppose.

　Haha, Harris laughs.
　Normally, he should have contacted the acting lord, but Crono and the others don't know his name.
　However, even if they did know the name, they would have contacted Harris.
　It's better to have someone who knows at least a little bit of his or her personality.

''I'm sorry for the acting lord, but thanks to you, my reputation has been revised.
Of course you do.

　After all, the authority of the royal family is immense.
　If the royal family relies on him, his reputation is bound to rise.
　On the other hand, the reputation of the acting lord who was not taken seriously would be devastated.

''........I heard that you wanted to hand over the prisoners?
We're getting ahead of ourselves.
Oh, I see. I see. I see.

　Harris nodded with a theatrical gesture.
　When I first met him, I got the impression that he seemed honest, but he's quite a strong man, maintaining his position of neutrality and taking only the tasty parts with him.
　Well, maybe he just looks like he's taking the good parts with him, but in reality he may be having a hard time.

But you're protecting a man who's trashing his own territory? That's pretty hard to do.
Cook well.
Do you mind if it ages?
I don't mind, but don't be too hasty.
Don't worry, I'm very good at waiting.

　It's not too late to determine whether Tyria or Alfort will win before deciding on the treatment of the prisoners.
　If you keep them under house arrest, you will have a good excuse for your territory.

'I'd appreciate it if you were good at restraint as well.
Sure, I'm good at that too.

　Harris smiled as Tilia nailed it.

''Well there's one more thing.
What is it?
I want to bury my man.
"Use the village devastated by the Ninth Kinsman Guard.
I'm sorry.
'No, no, it's only right that we show respect to those who have fought bravely.

　Harris said with a theatrical gesture.
　Perhaps he thought he would have a reputation for being a reasonable person.

Is there anything else you need?
No.
Okay.

　Harris slowly got up.
　He was about to walk out as it was--

'Finally....'
What is it?

　Harris stopped in his tracks.

'Thank goodness we talked so quickly.
Me too, sir.

　Then, Harris left the tent.

'I've spoken to the Imperial Army!　The people of the Ninth Kinsman Guard will be protected in my name!

　Harris's voice echoed, followed by the sound of flapping footsteps.

'Phew, I'm tired.'
Good night.

　Crono worked on Tilia.

'What a great guy you were,'
For better or worse.

　Tilia said sarcastically.

'I won't side with the Imperial Army, but I will use it to its fullest extent... quite an interesting man.
You said you were good at waiting, but how long did you wait?
You've been waiting for this for a long time, haven't you?
Always?
'I wouldn't be surprised if it was Harris' fault that the acting lord was sickly.
I hope they don't stab me in the back.
We can keep it until this fight is over.

　Tilia poked her cheekbones and said disinterestedly.
　That was cold, right after I said he was quite an interesting man.
　Well, Crono is the same way.

'Well,'

　Tyria stood up and stretched out, looking like she was in a billion dollars.

Are you ready?
Well, you know.
That's good to hear.

　Tilia started to walk away and Crono followed.

*

　The ninth day of marching south -- successfully passing through Viscount Necal's territory.

*

　On the evening of the tenth day of his southward march--Crono was awakened by the vibration of the wagon.
　Apparently, he had fallen asleep.
　When he looked around, he saw that Theon and the Priestess were also rowing the boat.
　The only one who was awake was the second in command.

''General, by waking up.'' (Bumo)
You'll see.

　He stretches absently and frowns at the smell of the seaweed.

'I can't seem to get used to the smell of seaweed, can I?
I'm getting used to it.
I envy you.
"That makes me feel very fortunate.

　The First Officer shook his shoulder in amusement.

'Is it going to take us a little longer to get to the port?'
"I think we're on our way.
I hope there's no fighting.
"If it's as reported by the advance team, there should be no problem.
Yes.

　The advance party - Kane reports that the barrier is packed with dozens of generals.
　They seem to be friendly enough to have a conversation - but they seem to be friendly enough to have a conversation.
　The wagon stopped and Crono stood up.

''I'll go first.'' (Bumo)

　The second in command jumps down from the wagon and goes to check on him.

''General, it's okay.'' (Bumo)

　Crono dismounted from the covered wagon and stretched out.
　As he emerged from the shade of the wagon, dozens of generals were lining up along the road.
　A woman - Nam Kornu - approached through the middle of the street.
　Nam Corneu stopped and smiled lustily.

''It's been a long time, Marquis Erakis.
Hi, Nam Ko.
This is Nam.
Ms. Nam, what do you say?
'Do you need an answer when you're leading so many generals?
Yes, of course.
Then I'll have to respond.

　Nam Korunu chuckled.

''The Tenth Kinsman Order has surrendered and the Commercial Guild has pledged to cooperate with the Imperial Army.
You're very determined.
Yes, I've tied up the deputies of Emperor Kai's direct domain.

　Could it be true?　Crono tilted his head inwardly.
　She would have at least embraced the deputy, but there was no point in doubting that.

'Can we consider her an ally?
At least they're not enemies. For now...
Do you think they could shake each other's hands?
Yes, of course.

　Crono squeezed back the hand that Nam Korne offered him.