*

　Mid-January of the imperial calendar forty-three four years--Ralph signed the papers and put down his quill.
　He leans back and exhales.
　His consciousness remains clear, but the exhaustion that consumes his body is inexplicable.
　When I was younger, I would have been more overwhelmed.
　Now, even when he thinks he's had enough rest, he's still feeling weary.
　It seems like it's too late to think that youth is a treasure.
　Or perhaps I should say, time.
　Time is far more precious than money.
　Life is too short for someone like myself who is trying to leave his mark on history.
　It's too short.

"....Eternal life?

　A small murmur.
　I've heard of attempts to become a god in human form in the East.
　When I was young, I thought it was a trivial thing to do.
　I didn't complain that life was finite.
　Rather, I thought that it was the limited life that made greatness meaningful.
　But now I understand the desire for immortality.
　People die. Kings, heroes, and wise men age and die just like ordinary people.
　They die and return to the earth.
　There is no escape.
　That's why they wanted to become gods - they wanted eternity.

"....thirty-four years.

　Ralph thought of the days he spent as a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard.
　It was acceptable if he had been dispossessed as a result of putting that civil war behind him.
　If he had to retreat from the line during the civil war and before that, it was acceptable.
　He would have been able to live a peaceful life with the pride that he was the best military strategist in the Empire.
　He could have taken an apprentice and enjoyed his growth.
　He thinks that far and shakes his head.
　There's no point in making assumptions.
　The reality was that it didn't work out that way.
　I was branded incompetent and humiliated.
　Thirty-four years wasted.
　That's all it took.

''The ... stigma.''

　There must be snow.
　We need to write our names in history.
　But...
　Would the defeat of the rebels alone be enough to inscribe his name in history?
　Would they be forgotten in a short time?
　That's the question that arises in my mind.

「……残せるとも」

　ラルフは自分に言い聞かせたが、どうしても不安を振り払えなかった。

「この戦いが終わったら書をしたためるのも悪くないかも知れんな」

　軽口のつもりだったが、悪くない考えのように思えた。
　ラルフは遠い未来を思い描く。
　士官を志す若者が図書館で本を探している。
　どの本にしようかと視線をさまよわせ、ある本を見つける。
　若者は本を開き、ラルフを知るのだ。
　素晴らしい未来だ。

「……だが」

　ラルフは胸に手を当てる。
　持病を抱えている訳ではないが、老いは確実に体を蝕んでいる。
　あと、どれくらい生きられるだろう。
　十年は難しいかも知れない。
　生きていられたとしても頭脳が明晰さを失っては意味がない。
　自分が何者かも分からなくなり、赤子のように糞尿を撒き散らす。
　妄想とは言え、ぞっとする。

「……長くても五年」

　いや、もっと短いかも知れない。
　改めて三十四年の重みを実感する。
　生まれたばかりの赤子が大人になり、子を成し、早ければ孫を抱いている。
　それほどの時間を無駄にしてしまったのだ。

「……あと五年」

　ラルフは呻いた。
　歴史を刻むなどと分不相応な願いだったのかも知れない。
　分を弁えていればこれほど苦しまずに済んだ。
　だが、望みを捨てることもできないのだ。
　ラルフはそういう生き物だ。
　気が付けばそういう生き物に成り果てていた。
　世間的な幸せに価値を見出せなかった。
　番い、子を成し、その成長に一喜一憂する感性が理解できなかった。
　何故、漫然と生きることを良しとするのかが分からなかった。
　歴史に名を刻むことだけが望みだ。
　それ以外は何もいらない。
　何もいらないのだ。

「……早く」

　来てくれ、とラルフは反乱軍に祈った。
　反乱軍はカイ皇帝直轄領の港を占拠してから動いていない。
　陣地がなければまともに戦うことすらできないにもかかわらず、だ。
　こちらの疲弊を狙っているのか。
　それとも襲撃を警戒して陣地の構築に踏み出せないのか。
　You're not gonna go down fighting.

That's not good.

　Ralph gave a small shake of his head.
　You are too nervous to have the opportunity to clear your name.
　I have to be more calm.

''I suppose they're trying to fight together with the southern frontier.

　But, he laughs.
　He has already sent ten thousand generals to the southern frontier.
　It's a clash of evenly matched forces.
　If it had been thirty-four years ago, the new aristocrats of today would not be able to break through easily.
　They are heroes. I must admit that they are heroes.
　But just as Ralph is old, they are also old.
　They can no longer fight, considering that it's been thirty-four years since they laid down their weapons.
　Old age is really a cruel thing.

For this reason, I might as well train these mercenaries that Director of Finance Bowtie's gathered.

　Treasurer Bawties has gathered ten thousand mercenaries.
　In reality, ten thousand is ten thousand, even if they are just slaves and paupers who are not really mercenaries.
　Right now they're just a scarecrow, but they'll be of some use when they can move.
　Nevertheless," said Ralph, folding his hands over his belly.
　I didn't think the treasurer of the Bowties could get ten thousand people together in a week.
　I thought he was going to whine about not being able to gather half of them, but he seems to want revenge so badly.

''Well I thought he died for nothing.

　Surprisingly useful, he continues in his mind.
　Once the rebels are defeated, I must erect a monument to the wife and son.
　At the very least, he had helped to raise the level of the treasurer's abilities.
　Now," said Ralph, picking up the papers, "there's no movement in the rebel army.
　There was no movement in the rebel army, but the job was not lost.
　At that time--.

'Mr. War Bureau Chief!　I have an urgent message for the Chief of the War Department.

　A voice came from the hallway.
　They're here, Ralph corrected his residence.
　Perhaps the rebels were on the move.
　The deputy opened the door and a man entered the office.
　The man - a member of the Seventh Order of the Kingsguard - stood in the center of the room at a fast pace and saluted Ralph.
　It was raining, and his uniform was sopping wet.

''........The rebels have moved in, haven't they?''
'Ha, ha!　Yes, that's right!

　The man affirmed, but he was anything but crisp.
　From his demeanor, it seems he didn't just move.
　What the hell happened?
　No, the unexpected is to be hoped for.
　The tougher the rebels were, the higher Ralph would be held in high regard.

"What happened?
Ha, it just happened so fast...
Keep it short and sweet!
'Ha!　I'm sorry!

　The second in command raised his voice and the man straightened up.

''It's Chi.........''
Can't you say it louder?
Position.

　The man said in a squeezing voice.

'The camp?'
There was a thick fog on the prairie the day before...
'You mean the rebels were building up their positions in the fog?
'No, as soon as the fog cleared, a rebel field position appeared.
What?

　Ralph stood up and shouted.



'Dig a trench at the bottom of the trench!　Make sure you dig it out!　Or else your people will die!　I'll check it out later!
Shinobiography!

　When Silva raised his voice, the engineers raised their voices in defeat.
　I'm curious why it's a pushover, but it seems to be coherent.
　Crono looked at the field position.
　It's the same trenches and iron thorn obstacles as when they fought the 8th Konoe knights.
　It was more than double in size though, and it had several improvements.
　It had emerged in one night.
　The Imperial Army must have been surprised.
　It was a rip-off of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but there was no one anywhere to complain about it.
　Speaking of imitations, this field position was also a rip-off of Oda Nobunaga.
　By the way, the first battlefield was also taken by Oda Nobunaga.
　Well, my life is on the line.
　Even if you complain about it, I have no choice but to retract the complaint.

"Hmmm, this is my one-night stand.
"General, what are you doing here? (Bum?)

　I turn around and see my deputy standing there.
　I scratched my head, feeling somewhat bummed out.

No, it's nothing.
"Didn't you say this was my overnight home? (Bum?)
Yes, I do.

　Crono had to admit.

'I took pleasure in imagining the Imperial Guard being surprised because no one was giving me any praise.
"I'm sorry. I heard about it beforehand.

　The first officer coughed lightly and said...

The first officer coughed lightly and said, "You built a position in just one night. The general is amazing.'' (Bumobu)

　He said in a flat tone.
　It was a splendid barb.

'Thank you for your concern,'
"I'll do whatever it takes to make this work.

　The deputy scratched his head in embarrassment.
　I'll stop asking for compliments, Crono vowed firmly.
　It would break his heart if he had to listen to the barbed compliments over and over again.

'By the way, where's Mr. Theon?'
"He's not feeling well, so we're taking him to the field hospital to rest.
I put you through the wringer.

　Hey, the second in command nodded.
　The fact that they were able to build a field position in one night was largely due to Sion's power.
　Silva and the others - I don't mean to deny the power of the engineers, but they couldn't dig the trenches without Theon's divine technique.

''If only we could let them rest like this,''
"I agree with you.

　I want to give him a good rest.
　I meant it, but I also knew it would be difficult.

''Is Baroness Nam Korne good?'' (Bum?)
He's... hey?
"It's not easy to ask for your consent, but it's easy to understand.
I hope you're well.

　Crono let out a small sigh.
　Sion was feeling ill, but Baroness Nam Korne was kelpid.
　It's the same with the priestess, but when the gods eat you, your power will increase.
　I don't know where it will eat me, so it's a matter of life, but it could be a choice for those who want power in exchange for their lives.

"It doesn't look like much fun, though.
About what? (Bum?)
About the priest and Neige.
"It certainly doesn't look like fun.

　The deputy crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.

'We'll have to get the priest to work on it, too.
"I don't think you ever thought you'd end up paying the bill here.
I'd like to make a big effort to collect.
You're gonna mess with him? (Bum?)

　The second-in-command's eyes widened in surprise.

'I don't want to be the only one to be eaten by the gods, and I'm afraid I'm going to be taken down the road.
"I don't think so.

　The deputy shook his shoulders in a small way as if he was laughing.

''........And yet.......bumo.

　The deputy stared at the tent that had been erected.
　The tent had a red cross painted on it, indicating a field hospital.

'What's wrong?'
"I thought it would be a good idea to use a hospital symbol." (Bumo)
Soldiers can't read.

　Not all of Crono's men are able to read.
　Even more so if they are other soldiers.

It's also possible, but it's reassuring to know that even if you are injured, you will be treated. It's even better when you can see that at a glance.
I wasn't thinking that far ahead.

　Crono looked at the tents lined up at some distance.
　These were the collection points for military provisions and equipment.
　There were symbols of wheat on the collection of provisions and spears on the equipment collection point.
　If the enemy saw them, they would be the first to attack.
　Even Crono would have done so.
　But...." "You don't have to explain everything.

You don't have to explain every single thing, so it's easy.
"I think that's what we should do first, too.
Once you're this far in, you're as good as beaten.
"...just...

　The deputy stared at a certain tent.
　There was nothing drawn on that tent, but...

''Old men are overstretching themselves.'' (Bumo)

　The deputy said as he let out a sigh.
　That tent is guarded by the Manchausens - the old knights.
　It's like they are advertising that Tilia is here.

''I think it's fine to live the rest of your life in comfort.'' (Bumo)
I suppose it's not all life, you know.

　Crono tightened his grip on the necklace.
　Manchausen and the others chose to fight as knights.
　It's a very important thing.

"But as I said,
What?
What's wrong with your stomach? (Bum?)
I'm fine.
"The chief is getting a little brazen, isn't he?" (Bumo)

　The second in command muttered sincerely.

'Come to think of it, during the first battle--'
"You peed your pants.
I didn't pee my pants.

　Crono looked around, wondering what he would do if someone heard him.
　Fortunately, no one seemed to be listening.
　That's good, Crono said, patting his chest.

''The general has grown up to be a fine man.'' (Bumo)
I've been beaten to death more than once.

　I don't grow up because I'm dying, but it's hard not to grow up after all that death.

'But don't think it's not because I'm getting more brazen that my stomach doesn't hurt.
You will? (Bum?)
'It's not as desperate a force differential as it was in the first battle.

　The strength of the Imperial Army is more than twelve thousand, and the Imperial Army is thirty thousand.
　Of the thirty thousand, ten thousand were gathered within a week, so the actual number was twenty thousand.
　That's less than twice as many men.

And I've had time to prepare and prepare for it.
"It may be an unusual fight for a general.
'I agree. It's nice not to have to worry about arrows, especially when you don't have to worry about arrows.

　During the parent expedition, we had a hard time because of the lack of arrows.
　This time, Goldie and the other craftsmen are making arrows in the port city.
　Eril is also frantically making magic items.

''Well, but I'm afraid of the things I'm afraid of,''
"Is this about Lord Leonhardt? (Bum?)
Well, you know.

　In the parent conquest, the one-armed Ignis overturned the war situation.
　Leonhardt would be able to do the same.

''I heard that you're under house arrest? (Bum?)
I'll come out in a pinch.

　Unless the Duke of Palatium is on our side, he didn't do anything when Tyria was deprived of the succession to the throne.
　I don't think he's going to be on our side now.

''I thought you'd be a bit warmer, but...'' (Bumo...)
I don't have a choice.

　Leonhardt carries the family name on his back.
　And Crono would have done the same thing if he were in Leonhardt's position.
　It's not right to complain about it.

It seems that Leonhard-dono is also divided, so let's be divided too.
"Of course, I'll try to kill you, but it's not fair to let one person dictate the outcome of the war." (Bumomobumo)
I would have been more comfortable with a fight like commoners vs. nobles.

　If Tyria, the flagship, gets hit, it's over.
　Of course, that's true for the Imperial Army as well.

Well, it's not like we're living in those days, you know?

　Crono cowered lightly.
　Everything that could be piled up was piled up.
　All that's left is to act.

''.........General.......Bumo.

　The first officer murmured.

''I'm really glad to have followed the general.'' (Bumo)
'I think you'd better save that line. I think the Empire is going to get better after this battle is over, and...

　It's like a death flag," he continues in his mind.

I understand what you want to say, but I want to say it here.

　The second in command said in an unusually serious voice.

I believe that this battle is a turning point in history and the history of the Empire will be greatly changed depending on who wins. I can participate in such a battle. Not only can I participate, but I'll be able to fight as a second-in-command, and moreover, I'll be able to understand everything that's going on.

　The adjutant said as he wound up.
　He has been trained by an officer's education - Dr. Weissman.
　I suppose it's true what they say about being able to understand everything and fight.

'I can't be happy like that. I'm sure I made the right choice.
'It's not over yet. Even if you put Tilia on the throne, the fight will continue. The discrimination and prejudice that has existed for so long will have to be destroyed.

　Crono looked up at the sky and let out a small sigh.
　How long would it take to eliminate discrimination and prejudice?
　Even with the support of the state, it should take a hundred years.
　The sheer magnitude of the task is so daunting that I am at a loss for words.

'Oh, I see. This is.........
What's up with you and your sudden loss of appetite? (Bum?)
I've come to a critical realization, or something like that.
What did you notice? (Bum?)
I'll tell you when this fight is over.
...I understand.

　The second in command nodded quietly.

'How long do you think it will take the Imperials to attack us?'
I'm sure you've been given information about the field positions, but isn't that two days at the earliest? (Bum?)
Two days early?

　Crono tilted his head.

*

　Two days after the report was received - Ralph was in the audience room.
　The rebels have finished building their field positions and are waiting for him in full readiness.
　In spite of this, Ralph is standing there, unable to give orders to the army.
　It was because Alfort wanted to hold a launching ceremony.
　I'm not going to deny the desire to hold a launching ceremony.
　I would even welcome it if that is how the generals are willing to fight without sparing their lives.
　But if it's a waste of time, it's a different story.
　The Empire wasted more precious time than money in coordinating the schedules of the court nobles.
　The rebels have finished building their field positions and are ready and waiting.
　Yes, 'finished building'.
　When we received the report, the field position was not completed.
　If we had moved our troops on the day we received the report, we could have fought before the field position was completed.
　It was not impossible to attack the incomplete parts of the field.
　You are a fool, said Ralph, looking at Alfort, who was hunched over on his throne.
　On the other side of the room stood Burkmeier's Director General of the Book Office.
　He was also surrounded by a group of court nobles.
　They are the source of your precious time wasted.
　I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to get the same air as them, but that alone makes me want to throw up.
　Ralph stared at Alfort, or rather the front of the throne, as he held back the nausea.
　There are three men there.
　Count Algena Dios, the head of the Third Order of the Kingsguard, Count Roy Akbens, the head of the Fourth Order of the Kingsguard, and the head of the Bowties Treasury.
　All three of them are on one knee and have their heads hanging down.
　Alfort slowly opened his mouth.

''As you already know, a rebel army is approaching to the west of the imperial capital. Their ringleader is Yu's sister-in-law.''

　When Alfort grunted, the court nobles buzzed.
　It's a white act.

''My sister-in-law was in poor health and renounced her right to the throne when she couldn't bear to perform her official duties. She was recuperating under the Marquis of Erakis, with whom she had been close friends, but...''

　Alfort punctuated his words and bit his lip.

'The Marquis of Erakis was a brave man. No, I believed that. No, I believed that he was a brave man, for he served as lord to save me from the vile traps in the sacred kingdom of Argo, and he showed mercy to the barbarians of the Areos Mountains.

　'But,' said Alfort, hanging his head helplessly.

It was a clever mimicry of the Marquis of Erakis. I didn't see the ambition of the Marquis of Erakis. That man had risen in rebellion with his sister-in-law to take the empire as his own.

　I spit out the words bitterly.
　If Princess Tyria is the head of the family, then I don't think the Marquis of Erakis would have retained her, but there's no one to rush into the quicksand.
　I understand that you want to say something like that, but I hope that there will be no contradictions.

It is heartbreaking to have a conflict with your blood sister-in-law, even if she is a single parent. But if you show mercy, you'll set a bad precedent. I was torn asunder.

　Alfort punctuated his words again.
　Silence enveloped the audience room.

'Those who disturb the order the rebels must be defeated,'
'I didn't know my sister and brother were going to fight each other...'
'I didn't expect the Marquis of Erakis to have such grandiose ambitions...'
An upstart new nobleman. You should be grateful.
Your Majesty, that's very sweet.

　When Alfort spoke his decision, the court nobles followed suit.

''..........Argena Dios.
Ha!

　Alfort called his name, and Alhena dropped to one knee and hung her head.

'I appoint thee as commander of the strike force.
'Ha!　Respectfully accepted!

　Arjena's voice echoed through the audience room.
　Ralph inwardly patted his chest.
　It had been decided that Arjena would be the commander of the defeating party when Lucas was defeated.
　Roy was better than her in terms of ability, but unfortunately, he came from a bastard.
　He also has a criminal record of causing trouble in the court.
　For these reasons, he chose Algena.
　That's what he told Alfort, a man who can't even be a palanquin.
　He was worried that he would say that he was going to make the head of the Finance Bureau Bawties his commander.
　The quirks weren't that stupid, it seems.

'Roy Akbens.'
Ha!

　Roy also hung his head down on one knee.

'Assist Algena.
'Ha!　We'll take care of it!

　Alfort looked satisfied with Roy's reply.
　A man who gets into some kind of trouble at court obeys him honestly.
　He was happy about that.
　What a little man.

'....Director of Finance Bowties.
Ha!

　Alfort gave a pained look.

'The misfortune that has befallen thee has been heard of. A half-blood sister-in-law has caused the death of the wife and children of one of her most trusted subjects. My heart is in turmoil a thousand times.
'Ha!　Thank you for your concern!

　Treasurer Bawties said with great emotion.
　If Alfort hadn't suspected the Marquis of Erakis of treason, there wouldn't have been a rebellion and his wife and children wouldn't have died, but he seems to have completely lost track of the circumstances.
　After all, emotions are a tricky thing.
　They can make you forget that your true enemy is right in front of you.

"If possible, I would have liked to leave you in charge, but I can't put my personal feelings first.
'No, no, Your Majesty. That's good enough for me, Your Majesty.

　Treasurer Bawties said with tears in his eyes.
　This is what you wanted to do, Ralph gave a small nod.
　An emperor who has to put his country first, despite the feelings of his subordinates.
　I see, it's a subject that Alfort seems to like.

''Lastly, I would like to apologize once again for this kind of launching ceremony. I would have liked to send out a big send off, but it wasn't possible due to the impending rebellion.''
That's good enough for me, sir.

　Argena responded in a serious voice.

''........Ralph.
Ha!

　Ralph straightened up.

Algena is only the commander of the defeating force, and you, the director of the military affairs department, are in total charge of the army. Use your wisdom to lead him to victory.
'Ha!　I'll do everything in my power!

　Hmmm, said Alfort, nodding hawkishly.