*

Finally.

　Crono stared out across the meadow and let out a small sigh.
　The Imperial Army had finally begun to build their position.
　Three days had passed since the Imperial Army had built the field position.
　It was a form that his second-in-command's predictions had come true, but it was a delicate feeling.
　It feels like multiple emotions have been mixed up.
　When I was looking at the imperial army in such a mood, my second-in-command, who was next to me, called out to me.

''General, what's the matter with your Buddha's face?'' (Bum?)
I just thought that Mr. Mino's prediction was right.
"That's not exactly accurate, though.

　The second-in-command scratched his head in embarrassment.

'When do you think the imperial army will attack?'
"The scouts have reported that it's taking some time to build the position, so I don't think it's likely to be today or tomorrow.
What's going on?
"I've heard that they're re-covering their tents and moving supplies from place to place. But we don't know what their intentions are," said Bumo.

　The deputy shook his head from side to side.

'Do you think they're on the lookout for an attack?'
"Maybe.
After all this time, it's kind of hard to know your side of the story.
"I think that's why we've been able to get them to focus on countermeasures." (Bumo)
Mr. Mino is a positive guy.
"The chief is making up for the negativity." (Bumo)

　The second-in-command cowered lightly.
　It's true that it's not good for morale if the commander and the second in command are all dark together.
　I'd like to be more cheerful, but it's all I can do to keep things the way they are.

''Well then.''
And yet? (Bum?)

　The second in command parrots.

'The Empire is too laid back,'
"We'd appreciate it.
Well, yeah.
"With the Imperial Guard lingering, I'm happy to give my men a break." (Bumobu)
Yes.

　Crono nodded.
　His second-in-command was right, though.
　He could tweak the field positions and give his men a break.
　It was especially important that Theon was able to move.
　It would be out of line to complain while benefiting so much.
　But, knowing this, I want to ask you to return my resolve.

It's not a good idea to attack us. It's time to take a firm stance." (Bumo)
Mr. Mino is awesome.
"It's the seniority of age.

　The deputy shook his shoulder in amusement.

'I appreciate it.'
"Is something bothering you? (Bum?)
'It makes me nervous when the imperial army is slow, doesn't it?

　Oh," the deputy nodded.
　Crono was in the mood to raise his voice, too.
　Anxiety - he couldn't read the imperial army's intentions, and he was anxious.

''I thought the imperial army would be in a hurry to attack us.
"It may not have much of an impact.
What do you mean?
"If we were in battle, I think I could have gotten him to break his balls.
If I could fight properly, that would be one thing.

　Crono let out a small sigh.
　The main force of the Imperial Army is the volunteer soldiers.
　They have been trained, but their abilities are only a hair's breadth away from being amateurs.
　If you're not good at it, a thug who is used to fighting might be stronger than you.

"I used to think that it was just a way to make money if I could get them to stand on their feet, but the general is more concerned with surprising his opponents, isn't he?" (Bumobumo)
It's not that I'm obsessive, but I want to build on what I can.

　We've been really blessed this time compared to the previous battles.
　I had time to prepare.
　Of course, we prepared as much as we could, but I can't help but think about how much more we want to build up.
　If the imperial army had moved quickly, if we had rushed into the battle, we might not have had to worry about it.
　But--''

''Well, if the imperial army moved faster, I'd probably complain about it.
　I can easily imagine myself complaining about it, which is even more annoying.
''Well let's just scrape by, as usual.
"Hey." (Bumo)

　Crono muttered as he looked at the Imperial Army and his second in command nodded vigorously.

*

　What is this guy doing, Roy let out a sigh while carrying his beloved spear.
　Out of the corner of my eye, the preparations for building the position are underway--''

That's not going to work. That's not going to work according to your orders. Start over.
Ha... ha!

　The general soldier replied after a slight pause as Algena ordered with a bundle of parchment in hand.
　He didn't show it on his face, but there was no doubt that he was frustrated.
　Or should I say frustrated?
　They are ordered to move their supplies in accordance with Arjena's orders, and shortly after that they are ordered to move again.
　It's crazy not to be irritated, and it's crazy not to know that you're irritated.
　If they were on equal footing, the ordinary soldiers would be foul-mouthed at Arjena.
　Fortunately, or should I say unfortunately, in the army, orders are absolute.
　The ordinary soldiers lifted the crates in a leisurely manner.
　Since everything is going like this, there is no progress in building the position.
　There is only a tent to be used for a strategy meeting.

''No!　It's not....
f*ck, no way.

　Roy scratched his head and walked up to Arjena.
　At this rate, the position would not be completed until the following year.
　No, it would be better for the Imperial Army to collapse first.
　The idiot emperor and his cronies are the reason why logistics are stalled.
　So they have to fight the rebels in the steppes.
　If they had enough supplies, they could hunker down and continue their standoff with the rebels.
　Not even that, Roy muttered in his mind.
　Even if it was possible, it was unlikely that the military director would choose a reluctant strategy.
　The old man was warped.
　Personally, I don't dislike distorted people, but I have a different view as the Commander of the Kingsguard.
　I don't want my subordinates to go along with my personal distortions.
　If a subordinate dies, I don't know how to make an offer to the bereaved family.

''You guys do it properly as ordered!　The future of the Empire hangs on this battle!

　Oh dear, Roy scratched his head as he listened to Argena's words.
　If we're going to be destroyed by one place to put our supplies, I think we should be destroyed sooner rather than later.
　In any case, even if we survive this battle, chaos is just waiting for us.
　It's the difference between being slow and being fast.
　A victory for the Imperial Army does not mean a victory for the Empire.

'Hey, hey, what are you yelling at me for?'
What do you--
I just need a minute.

　Roy took the bundle of parchment - the order form - from Algena and squinted at it.
　He's trying to limit the damage caused by a night attack by dispersing the supplies.
　Although it's reasonable, it's not practical to disperse them as stated in the order book.

''Give it back!''
Hey, there!

　Roy calls out to the ordinary soldier - who is probably in the commander's class, given his outfit - and says.

''Ha!''
"Follow the orders as best you can and build your position.
'Ha!　Yes, sir!
Just as well as you can. In moderation, in moderation.
Ha!

　The general soldier straightened up as Roy pulled out the part about the camp and handed it to him.
　It's not just my imagination that they look relieved.
　The ordinary soldier quickly instructed his men away from Roy and his men.
　So finally, the work of building the position began.

You!
Don't be so angry.
What do you think your orders are?
I know I have to comply, though. It's just not gonna happen.
That's what soldiers do, even when they can't.
I can't do it.

　Distributing the supplies as ordered by the Director of Military Affairs would reduce the damage of the night raids.
　But we would have to devote a large number of men to managing it.
　They should be dispersed to a manageable degree and their security should be tight.

'Let's leave the position building to them, and we'll have a strategy meeting.
I'm going to report this to you.
Do what you want.
Huh!

　Arjena turned on her heel and took a wild step toward the tent.

'If only you could be a little more flexible.

　Well, you can't, I add in my mind.
　It's been that way since military school.
　Anyway, he's inflexible and fierce.

''Well I'm far from the ideal aristocrat.

　Roy muttered quietly.
　When was the last time Argena said that I must be an ideal nobleman?
　Was it at the military school, or over drinks, or when they were both appointed as the head of the Kingsguard?
　He forgot, but there was no doubt that Argena was bound by the term idealistic nobility.
　Just like Roy was bound by the heat he felt when he avenged his mother's death.

''It's ... messy.''

　I think I'm chasing water that's running away.
　I can't get there, no matter how much I chase it.

'What are you doing!　Come on!
I know!

　Algena shouted in frustration, and Roy shouted back.
　He's chasing after the escape water.
　You can't catch the runaway water by chasing it or chasing it.
　But there is some hope that Algena will be able to make him feel that heat.

''Well I'm a kid.

　Roy scratched his head as he entered the tent, his eyes widening lightly.
　For it wasn't just Algena, but the Director of Finance Bowties was there as well.
　They stood around the table.
　To be honest, Roy didn't like the Director of Finance Bowties.
　He was too greedy to curry favor with him.
　He'd only expected to be scared out of his mind at the last minute, but it was an imposing attitude.
　I couldn't get rid of the bad impression, but I was willing to help as much as I could.

'Too late,'
I'm sorry.

　Roy walked over to the table and looked down at the map on it.
　The parchment marked what appeared to be the layout of the rebel army.



　It seemed that Argena was doing more than just setting up the camp.
　He stared at the map and suddenly felt uncomfortable.
　I don't know what it is, but-- I don't know what it is.

'What is this line in front of the rebels?
It's an obstacle made of wire.
Wire.

　With an obstacle of that magnitude, Roy looked at his spear.
　It's a spear made by Kanuchi.
　This spear can easily cut wire.

Don't be alarmed. The cavalry of the Eighth Kinsman Guard was hit by this obstacle.
Don't compare it to the Eighth Kinsmen.

　Roy muttered in a disgusted mood.
　It's the same Konoe Order, but their abilities are as different as heaven and earth.
　But that doesn't mean it's dangerous to underestimate them.

''What are these zigzag lines?''
'An obstacle made of wire and a ditch dug into the ground. The rebels will hide in the ditch and fight.

　Argena frowned uncomfortably.
　Maybe she thinks it's a cowardly method of warfare worthy of the rebels.

''Does that mean the rebels' weapon of choice is a bow?
No, it's a crossbow.
Crossbow?

　Roy couldn't help but ask back.
　'I've never heard that name before,' he said.

'A crossbow is a mechanical bow that was used a long time ago.
Why did they stop using it?
'Crossbows are easy to handle, but they have the disadvantage of short range. If only it were before the establishment of a standing army--
It's a weapon of the past, isn't it?
Yes.

　Arjena looked miffed.

'By the way, what are the squares on either side?'
Infantry.
Why is there an obstacle in front of the infantry?
You need to think for yourself.
'Even I know the rebels are trying to fight a defensive war, you know. You say this for the sake of sharing information, for the sake of sharing information.
....

　Argena just twisted her face in displeasure and didn't answer.

''With this arrangement, you could bypass the obstacles, right?
Look closely. You're in the woods.
What does it matter?
'The Marquis of Erakis doesn't just use night raids, he uses traps.
Well, I think he'll do it.

　The Marquis of Erakis - I was convinced that Crono would do that much.

''But it's worth a try, isn't it?
It would be a waste of time to wear out your men.
Oh, yeah?

　The suspicion arises that he just wants to fight in a straightforward manner.
　But Arjena has a point.
　We don't have the skills to detect and disarm the traps ourselves.
　I'd rather challenge them in a straightforward manner than let soldiers die in order to disarm the trap, I think.

"So, what do we do?
"There are only a few obstacles in some areas.

　Arjena pointed to the map.
　'There are indeed three places with fewer obstacles.

'A death squad will neutralize the central obstacle and then charge the soldiers afterwards.
"Death squad" is easier said than done. Who would call it--
It's me.

　Roy's words were interrupted by Director of Finance Bowties.

'Do you know what a death squad is?'
I must avenge my wife and children.

　Treasurer Bowties stared at Roy and said in a low, stifled voice.

'As you can see, Lord Treasurer Bowties has volunteered for the death squad. He is willing to risk his life to avenge us... a true nobleman.
I'm just doing what I deserve.

　Algena's tone was theatrical, and the Treasurer Bowties didn't seem full of it.
　That dampened my mood.
　He said he had volunteered for the death squad, but there was no way that Treasurer Bowties was going to be the first to go.
　He would probably just order an assault from the safety of the rear.
　As soon as I thought about it, I felt the urge to help as much as I could.

I know what a death squad is. What exactly are you going to do?　Even if you're prepared to die for it, the world isn't that easy to get by on that alone.
'Lord Lucas has left valuable information on that. I'll have several wagons loaded with blankets to assault them.
You're charging in again.

　Roy muttered in disgust.
　Why do I like assaulting him like this?

'I hear the rebels are going to be projecting magic items...'
I'm pretty sure I overheard that one.
Not every cart will be blown up.
So when a guy dies pulling a cart, someone else takes over.
That's what I'm talking about.

　It was meant to be sarcastic, but Arjena laughed at me.

'Any opinions?'
If I say no, will you change your mind?
"This plan was sent to me by Lord Ralph, Director of War Department...
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

　Roy interrupted Algena's words.
　If you think you're going to come up with a smooth strategy, you're in for a surprise.
　At this rate, there may be a specified time to haul out the shit.
　Maybe I won't get what I want, Roy let out a small sigh.



　At night--a fragrant smell drifts on the wind.
　The source of the smell is the Imperial Army's camp.
　They seemed to be fumbling to build the camp, but now the tents have been erected and the smoke from the cooking process is rising countless times.
　Bonfires are also burning, perhaps as a precaution against a night attack.
　Aridid twitched his nose as he lay on the ground.

'Just in case you've eaten, it's like why the smell of good food gives you an appetite.
Maybe it's because I kept my dinner down to a s*xton in case I got hurt.

　Alideed blurted out, and Deneb, who was next to him, followed suit.
　Deneb is covered with a cloth for camouflage.
　A hundred or so other soldiers lay on the ground, covered in cloths.
　There are about twenty elves and the rest are beastmen.
　It's quite a large group, but the imperial army hasn't noticed them.
　It's quite a performance, and Aridid plucked at the cloth.
　At that moment, his stomach grumbled.

'And I'd like to eat some hard bread.
Like they want you to stay away from them because the sound will give them away.
It's a shame.

　Alideed hung his head disappointedly.

''Well then,''
And yet?

　Deneb parrots.

'I didn't think I'd have to crawl on the ground again when I was on horseback during the march, and...'
There's no point in blurting it out.
"-Oh!
Like it's no use blurting it out.

　Deneb reiterated as Alideed glared at him.

I'm getting a little slack-jawed lately.
I don't mean to, like.

　Tsk, Aridid clicked his tongue.
　Recently - not so recently, but Deneb had become more assertive.
　If that's all he's doing, he's still trying to slip away.
　It's a hard world, even though we vowed to live together with our strength.
　I'm not sure how I feel about it.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.
　You're going to be able to find out more about the best way to get the most out of your own personal computer.

''What will you do?'' (GASP?)

　Taiga approached us with a creeping motion.
　As expected, its movements are smooth, if I should say beastman.
　Too smooth and scary.

''It's like he doesn't want to push himself on the first day. It's mealtime and there's a lookout.''
"You are rightly warned, that I am.
Like it's kind of hard to be caught in the act.
"I should think that I could get them to devote their energies to vigilance, that I did.
That's one way to put it.

　'I knew it,' he added in his mind, 'like I'd be out of shape without Crono-sama.

'I'll report back to you for now.

　Alideed pulled the cage's communication magic item to his mouth.

'Hello, this is the scouting party. Do you sound like you can hear me?'
I can hear you.

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

''Who are you?''
I'm like me.
'What?　Who would that be?
You see, we see each other all the time.
"Always" being the operative word.
He's already guilty of forgetting the voice of his mistress.
"I have many lovers...
You can't even joke about that, like, ever!

　Alideed raised his voice.
　But it was in a whisper so as not to be noticed.

'Alideed, what's wrong?'
It's like the Imperial Guard is eating and their stomachs are growling.
I'll get you some hardtack.
'I wanted you to prepare a hot meal if possible, but that's kind of unavoidable.
I heard it took some time to build the position, but...
They've already built up their position, so they may attack tomorrow. Incidentally, they've set up a sentry unit and are currently having a precautionary dinner.
'You don't have to do it. The fight is just beginning.
Of course I will.

　Haha, and a chuckle echoes.

''However, it's no art to return home like this, like making a map of the enemy position.
Isn't that dangerous?
'Like it's okay because I'll keep my distance so they can't find me. And that makes it less accurate, so we'll make up for it in numbers.
"All right. You're in good hands.
Like you understand.

　Alideed gave Deneb and Tyga a look.
　Then the two of them came close to each other.

I'm going to draw up a map of the enemy's position. Like you two have writing materials with you?
I've got it, but how do you do it?
It's easy.

　Aridid took the paper out of the pouch, folded it three times horizontally, opened it up and folded it three times vertically.

'And now we have a square. Now all that's left is....'

　Turning my gaze to the enemy's main camp, I saw a magnificent tent standing in the center.

''With that splendid tent in the center ... well, the rest is just a feeler.
I don't think they're going to be very accurate.
"It's better than attacking the enemy's position with nothing, that it is.
Yes, Master Crono has been quite reckless.

　He recalls the events of the past and mutters sullenly.

'And we're going to split into three squads and check them out from different angles. Like we're both going to scatter.
Sister.
I know. I know, but it's like you want me to take advantage of my position as captain to make things easier for you.
Sis!
Guru.
I know!　Like we should just go, right?!

　Blamed by Deneb and dismayed by Tyga, Aridid began to creep forward.

*

　It stinks, Roy rubbed his nose.
　The source of the outbreak was a group of mercenaries gathered by the head of the Bowties Treasury.
　The mercenaries are positioned in front of the Third Kingsguard led by Arjena, the Fourth Kingsguard led by Roy, and the ordinary soldiers.
　Despite the considerable distance between them, the smell of sudoku wafted up here.
　Mercenaries, he mumbles in his mouth and laughs.
　Not them. The convenience of language, that is.
　The people that Treasurer Bawties has assembled look like vagrants.
　Even such people are mercenaries if they call themselves mercenaries.
　It's a far cry from the mercenaries of the Free City States who have to belong to a guild.
　Seeing it like this, I am convinced that Lamar V's plan was the right thing to do.
　Even though he had invested an enormous amount of money, he had rendered the system of the mercenary army obsolete.
　Treasurer Bawties mounted his horse and moved in front of them.

'Gentlemen!　The time has come!

　Treasurer Bawties raised his voice.

'Gentlemen, as soldiers of the Imperial Army, you will defeat the bandits and make your majesty known to the Emperor!　This is an act of justice!　Defeat the bandits and your names will be etched in the history of the Empire forever!

　They inspire, but the mercenaries are slow to respond.
　Some of them are even sitting down.
　It's not surprising.
　Treasurer Bawties' words would have some resonance with the nobility.
　But they are vagrants who call themselves mercenaries, or have been sold as mercenaries.
　How could such people be interested in honor?
　Realizing this, Director of Finance Bowties cleared his throat.

'Your aim, gentlemen, is to neutralize the obstacles in the centre!　I promise you all a reward when we successfully neutralize the obstacle!

　The mercenaries throb, and those who had been sitting down stand up.

'A gold jewel, no, a hundred!　Whoever incapacitates the obstacle will receive a hundred gold pieces!　That's a lot of money that could change your life!
That's a lot of money!
That's enough to get me home!
We're going to have such good food!
Oh, woman!

　The mercenaries were jaded, but Roy had to chuckle.
　A life-changing sum of money - a soldier's monthly salary is two gold coins, so it's an amount that can be earned in four years and two months.
　People who can't do such calculations can't change their lives even if they get a hundred gold coins.
　They will run out of money and that will be the end of it.
　At any rate, Director General Bowties succeeded in motivating the mercenaries.

Gentlemen!　Let's make history and get enough money to change our lives!
Ooh!

　The mercenaries let out a yell.

*

When are you going to start?

　Roy blurted out as he stared at the ten carts and the mercenaries standing around them.
　The sun was about to reach the mid-heaven.
　He let out a vigorous yell, but it was a dull moment from there.
　First, they tussled over who would go, and the Director of Finance Bowties chose fifty people.
　Next, they were divided into teams of five and tussled over the reward.
　Whether the hundred gold coins would be divided among the five men, or whether they would be paid one by one.
　Normally it would be the latter, but it seems that the Director of Finance Bowties intended to do the former.
　This was settled by paying a hundred gold coins to every team that achieved its objective.
　There was further wrangling over the arrangement.
　It was unacceptable that the wagon puller and the pushers would be paid the same.
　This was settled by paying additional compensation to the puller.
　They have been arguing ever since.

'Can we start today?'

　Just as Roy blurted out again, the mercenaries began to move.
　Ten carts moved at the same time.
　It seems that they decided to advance in a side by side line.
　They slowly advanced towards the enemy lines.
　There is a considerable distance to the enemy lines.
　If it's your own subordinate, or an ordinary soldier, you'll be exhausted by the time you reach the enemy line.
　Even more so if they are vagrants.
　Roy narrowed his eyes.
　There seemed to be movement in the enemy's main camp as well.
　There was no movement in the soldiers hiding in the ditch.
　It was behind them that we saw movement.
　The archers seem to be moving near the center.
　It was said that the crossbow has a short range, so that is probably why.
　The wagons are advancing with the line lined up side by side.
　They are halfway to the enemy camp, but there is no attack.
　Just then, one of the wagons moved forward slightly.
　It wouldn't be on purpose.
　But the others didn't seem to think so.
　The next cart overtook, and then the one next to it - not to mention the rest.
　The wagons overtook and overtook, and then headed toward the enemy's lines as they fought to stay ahead.
　It was insane.
　The mercenaries cheered.
　There was camaraderie, and Roy lightly opened his eyes--.

''Whoa!　Go!
Move along!　Move on!
I'm betting on you guys!
Punch it, punch it!　Go kick the shit out of them!
Have some camaraderie, man.

　I spit out in disgust.

'But I can't keep this up.

　Shortly after Roy muttered, one of the mercenaries pushing a cart on the side collapsed.
　A cart rides up to the fallen mercenary.
　It was a scene that could be heard as a squishy sound.
　The wheels bounced up and the cart rolled over, engulfing the mercenary on the other side.
　A similar scene was being played out around them, but the mercenaries cheered.
　They seemed to see it as nothing more than a gamble already.
　Such was the situation, but the five carts were close to the obstacle.
　Of course, that was not the intended obstacle.
　The five wagons rushed to the route leading to the intended obstacle.
　At that moment, one of the mercenaries struck the mercenary next to him.
　The mercenary, whose strength was exhausted, fell over unceremoniously and the wagons passed over him.
　Riding up on the mercenary changed the direction of travel and the cart rammed into the obstacle.
　The pushers were able to escape the difficulty, but the pullers were unable to escape.
　He was trapped between the obstacle and the cart.
　No, I should say that he was pushed against the obstacle by the cart.
　The puller laid his upper body on the back of the cart - his spine may have been broken - and was flailing about.
　Only three cars were able to proceed safely.
　Then arrows rained down on them. The enemy archers fired arrows at them.
　It's a good thing that I was able to duck the arrows due to my speed.
　Yes, fortunately. The luck wouldn't last long.
　The arrows pierced the mercenaries.
　The mercenaries fall over with great force, causing the carts to topple over or run into obstacles.
　There's only one car left.
　It was only a matter of time before they were killed, but the wagons picked up speed.
　It could fall over at any moment, but perhaps they have forgotten their fatigue in a critical situation.
　It's called the power of stupidity in a fireplace.
　We were almost at the desired obstacle when there was a roar of explosions and the cart leapt upwards.
　Perhaps there was a magic item in the arrow.
　The last cart turned over and the mercenaries fell silent.

''........Seriously, using something like that on us?

　I don't know who muttered this, but it seemed to represent the feelings of the mercenaries.