*

　Morning--Roy was awakened by the noise around him.
　The officer's tent is made of cloth thicker than that of a soldier, but no matter how thick it is, cloth is cloth.
　It can't block out sound.

''........What's going on?''

　I sit up and shake my head lightly.
　I feel a little sleepy.
　Well, it was most likely an assumption.
　It was then that Richard's voice rang out.

'Lord Roy!'
Get in!
Ha!

　Roy shouted, and Richard came in.
　He must have come running.
　His cheeks are flushed.

'Early in the morning--'
No need to apologize.

　Roy interrupted Richard's words and got off the bed.

'What's going on?'

　I asked as I put on my jacket, and Richard opened his mouth in fear.

''It's ... murder,''
What?

　Roy couldn't help but ask back.
　There are more than twenty-two thousand soldiers in the camp right now.
　If there are this many soldiers, there will certainly be people who will be at odds with each other.
　There is a possibility that a fight could escalate into a knife fight.
　But when that happens, the signs are there.
　What's more, if it gets to a blade wound, the soldiers around you will be in an uproar.
　It was hard to believe that there would be a murder in the absence of those things.

"There's been a murder, sir.
Okay.

　Richard reiterated, and Roy grabbed his beloved spear.

'You left the scene intact, didn't you?'
Of course.
Show me around.
'Ha!　Over here!

　Richard turned on his heel and walked off, and Roy followed, carrying his spear.
　It was somewhat dim outside the tent.
　A glimpse of the sky.
　No clouds.
　Apparently, it was still early in the evening.
　A few moments later, I could see the crowd.

'In a place like this?'
Yes, I do.

　Roy looked around.
　It was close to the center of the encampment.
　Honestly, I don't believe it when people say that a murder has taken place in a place like this.
　Further on, a wall of people cracked open.
　Richard entered the tent, followed by Roy.
　There was the smell of blood in the tent.
　Two triple-decker beds were lined up.
　Roy looked at the man lying on the lower bunk.
　He looked like he was asleep on his back.

'Is that him?'
Yes,

　Roy quietly rolled up the covers and scowled.
　The inside of the comforter was stained with blood.
　There was a small wound in his armpit.
　Perhaps this is the fatal wound.

''Well that's a stab at the kryptonite.
Looks like it.

　I don't know that much about it, but this is an assassin's (professional) job.
　Ordinary soldiers can't do this.
　But...

"Does this man have any position in the field?
No, nothing...
That's funny.

　Roy stroked his chin.
　Even though he was this skilled, he still killed a civilian soldier.
　If you're going to kill him, you should aim for a soldier in his position.
　His skills are top-notch, but his judgment is lousy.
　But it's a tricky one.
　What will happen if people find out that the assassin is hiding in the background?
　If the soldiers are distrustful of him, but if they start looking for the culprit, they'll be blinded.

"What did you report seeing a suspicious person?
No.

　Richard gave a small shake of his head.

'It's going to be tricky.'
Yes.

　Roy muttered, and Richard grunted.

'Do you think it was Crono?'
I don't know, but I think it's very likely.
I see.

　Since they were fighting, it was most likely Crono's doing.

''Roy-dono is ... no, my apologies,''
I don't think I'm the Chronosphere.
Why?
A hunch.
"You have a hunch.

　Richard said with a look of confusion on his face.

''I can't believe that a guy who's been doing all kinds of crappy operations in the past can suddenly be assassinated.
It's definitely not the same.
Right?
Then who did what?
So that's the thing.

　Roy's instinct is to accuse Crono of not being a Crono, but it's also true that he can't think of anyone else who's not good at it.
　It's still more fitting to think that Crono has changed his policy.
　He scratches his head wildly.

'I can't help but think about it.
Does that mean you won't do anything?
No, it's not.

　When Roy denied it, Richard let out a breath of relief.

'You know what they say about resting on a fool's idea?
''Well isn't that a bad idea if you ask me?''
Was it?
Yes,

　When Roy asked back, Richard gave him a wry look.
　It wasn't the result he had intended, but it made him feel a little better.

'Anyway, what's the point of trying to figure out who the killer is?
It's certainly not...

　Richard gave a small nod.

'But what should I do?'
We're gonna need more patrols. I'd ask around if I could, but...
You're asking a lot of questions?

　Richard raised his eyebrows in difficulty.

'Can't you?'
If you're willing to let me choose the person in charge of the patrol, I can do it.
All right.
Are you sure?

　Richard's eyes widened in surprise.
　Roy had intended to let him pick the people from the beginning, but it had come as a surprise to him.

'That was the plan from the beginning, you know.
Thank you.

　Richard hung his head deeply.

'Make sure the reports come to me. Also, no roughing it out by asking around.
Yeah, I understand.
Speaking of which, how's the body?
It's already on the wagon.
This early?
We can't afford to burden the supply corps with that.

　Richard chuckled.

'Sure, if we're late getting home, we'll have problems resupplying.
That's right.
You take care of this one.
Yes, I'll take care of it.

　Richard nodded and silence descended.
　Roy gently pulled the covers over his victim.
　Suddenly, a thought rises up.
　I don't know when we'll be alone in the future.

'Hey, Richard........'
Excuse me?
Why don't you come work for me?
Well I was already supposed to be your man?

　After a long silence, Richard replied.

'No, that's not what I meant.

　Roy stood up, scratching his head, and turned to Richard.

'I meant, why don't you become a member of the Kingsguard?
Are you crazy?
You're not in your right mind, are you?
Oh, no, I'm sorry.

　Richard looked away awkwardly.

'So, what do you think?'
Why me?　There are many soldiers younger and more talented than I am.
I've never seen a better guy in my life.

　Roy chuckled.
　Actually, Richard is usable.
　He's good at using people and setting things up quickly.
　He might have been smoked in his former battalion.
　But if it were me, I could use it well.
　No, I may not be able to use it well, but I can appreciate it more than when I was in the original battalion.
　I think I'm that good.

"Well?
'I appreciate your kind words, but...'

　Richard's face contorted in pain.
　The look on his face convinced me that his decision to quit the military was wavering.
　Originally, he was going to quit the military because he had no prospects for advancement.
　If there was any chance of advancement, he would want to stay.
　But he couldn't break his promise to his fiancée.
　That's why he twisted his face in a painful manner.

'I understand your situation. When this fight is over, will you talk to your fiancé, please?
Oh, if you say so.

　Richard let out a breath of relief.

'But in order for that to happen we'll have to survive this battle.
Yeah, I know.

　Roy tapped Richard lightly on the shoulder and stepped out of the tent.
　'I'm going to report the murder to Arjena now and--'

'Yeah, I should've talked to her about the operation, too.

　He scratched his head raggedly.
　Later, Roy reported the murder to Algena and returned to his tent.

*

　When Roy woke up and took Richard into the conference tent, Arjena was standing by the desk, staring at the map.
　And she was fully armed.
　Despite being dressed for battle, her appearance is graceful.
　After all, Argena must be an aristocrat.
　It's different from someone like myself who inherited the title by coincidence.
　There is an unbridgeable difference between those who were born and raised as nobles and those who were not.
　I hadn't thought anything of it before, but now I feel a little sad.
　I don't understand what Argena is thinking or trying to do.
　With that in mind, I move to face Arjena.
　She glares at me with a glare.

''Didn't I tell you that I would leave it to you?
What's the point of having a commander who doesn't know the general plan of action?

　Roy muttered in a disgusted mood.
　The sentimental mood he was in earlier has gone away.
　Why did I feel like that?
　Not even a minute has passed, but I can't help but wonder.
　Nevertheless, work is work.
　The approval of the commander is necessary to maintain the chain of command.

"...Richard.
Ha!

　Richard stepped out and saluted Arjena.
　I feel like I'm falling apart compared to that to Roy.
　It's only a feeling, that's all.
　I don't reprimand him enough, and I don't blame Algena for that.
　Besides, Richard is a smart man.
　I didn't want to think he would blatantly disrespect Arjena like that.

'Explain your plan of action,'
Ha!

　Richard walked over to the desk and opened his eyes lightly.
　When he looked to see what was going on, he saw that the map had been redrawn.
　Of course, that didn't help.
　Arjena wasn't just a man who sat around rambling, and that was all that mattered.

'Explain.'
Ha!

　At Algena's prompting, Richard replied briefly.
　Gently, he stretched his finger on the map.

''........As you can see from the earlier battle, the center of the enemy field position is extremely thick.

　Richard traced a line marking the enemy field position with his finger.
　The center of the enemy field position is located in the back and is shaped like a crane wing.
　The center of the field position is hellish, although it looks easy to attack.
　If you attack without thinking, you will be attacked not only from the front, but also from the left and right.
　If only I had noticed it when I first saw it, Roy frowned.
　It was possible to feel uncomfortable.
　And yet he trusted the map, not his senses.
　And that too with a map that could have been made by anyone.
　It was an unbelievable blunder.
　I want to punch myself in the face for being so careless.
　The same - or at least similar - mood, Arjena is also frowning.

''Attacking the enemy's right wing, or left wing, right?''
Ha, that's right.

　Richard pointed to both ends of the enemy field position.

'Both wings of the enemy field position appear to be very well defended, with infantry in front and more archers behind them.
Isn't that right?　Actually....

　Arjena walked over to the desk and pointed to the right wing of the enemy field position.
　'I don't think it makes any difference if it's the right wing or the left, but it's probably a matter of mood.

'There are obstacles before we reach the place where the enemy soldiers are positioned. There is a distance between them and we can avoid them, but that won't allow us to fully utilize our troops.
Yes, yes, that's right.

　Richard affirmed Arjena's words in an overwrought voice.
　Perhaps he thought Arjena was an idiot.
　She may be inflexible, but she's not stupid.
　'Show me the right place from the start, I don't know,' he said.

'Both wings of the enemy field position are robust.
That's true, but it's also a weakness.
'I suppose that means the rebels can't make use of their forces here.
Ha, that's right.

　Richard said with a somewhat excited look on his face.

'So what do we do now?'
We'll destroy this obstacle first.

　Richard said, pointing to a point on the map.
　It was an obstacle on the right wing of the enemy field position.

'Only on the right wing?'
No!

　Richard answered Arjena's question in a louder voice.
　Not loud, but louder than he usually sounded.
　Thinking he had failed, Richard covered his mouth with his hand.

'No matter. Go on.'
We're going to destroy the obstacles on both wings.

　'Hmm,' said Algena, stroking her chin.



'You mean to confuse the rebels as to which way to attack from?
Yes, that's right.

　Richard nodded vigorously.

'How do we destroy it?　Our current army has no way to destroy the obstacles.

　Argena said with a sigh.
　I should have saved at least one magic item.
　She could feel that kind of feeling.
　But there's no way to start saying that now.
　If you can't fight because you don't have this or that, then you shouldn't fight from the beginning.
　Well, they don't have the authority to decide whether or not to fight.
　But still.
　A knight - a fighter is not always ready to fight.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be a good fit, but I'm not.
　If you don't have it, you'll have to devise it in your own way.

If there is a way to destroy it, there is.
So how do we destroy it?
We build a wall around the obstacle and then we destroy it.
The Wall.

　Arjena's mouth was full with her hand and she turned her gaze away from the map.

'Wasn't the surrounding forest occupied by rebels?　Plus, there's the matter of materials.
No, a wall is anything that can prevent an attack.
Such as?
Barrels, for example. If you fill a barrel with dirt, it makes an impromptu wall.
I see.

　Arjena gave a small nod and stared at the map.
　A silence descended.
　A not-so-comfortable silence, as if the air had gained weight.
　How long did such a time last?
　Suddenly, Arjena opened her mouth.

'Not a bad idea.'
Thank you.

　Richard hung his head deeply.

'By the way, how are you going to survive the attack until you build the wall?'
'We will set up our shields. Of course, if anyone is injured, we will help them at once.

　Richard looked at Algena and said.

'All right. I'll allow it.'
Thank you.
But....

　Algena muttered and Richard, who was about to lower his head, stopped moving.

'Yes, sir?'
What about the obstacles in front of the infantry?

　Arjena pointed to a point on the map.
　It would not be impossible to destroy the two points Richard had indicated.
　They were far enough away from the enemy field positions that the attack shouldn't be too heavy.
　But the obstacle in front of the infantry was different.
　To neutralize it would require a great deal of sacrifice.
　'I'll take it from here,' Roy opened his mouth.

'Oh come on, what do you think we're going to destroy the obstacle for?
But we can't use our forces if we leave this obstacle behind. This place is....

　Arjena pointed to a corner of the map.
　'It's not on the map,' she said, 'but it's not on the map.

'This is a forest. There's a good chance the rebels are hiding here.
We're going to crash a squadron of elite troops into the place and create a diversion. We'll throw a blanket over it.
It's a suicide mission. You're gonna get hit from two directions. First of all, who--
Me and my guys, of course.

　When Roy interrupted him, Argena glared at him.

'You're going to die?'
We're better off than these mercenaries.

　Roy lightly cowered his shoulders.
　The mercenaries - the vagrants were under siege, but they only had to watch out for an attack from two directions themselves.
　It doesn't seem like such a bad bet.

'No. Not allowed.
So what do we do now?

　If we don't have to do it, that's a good thing.
　But if you don't do it, you won't win the rebels.
　Even if the odds of death are high.

What if we but a nobleman doesn't take the lead?

　Roy looked at Algena.
　Ten thousand vagrants died for nothing.
　There was no way he could ask a common soldier to risk his life in this situation.
　Maybe they will follow me today without telling me.
　Maybe they will follow us tomorrow.
　But what about the day after tomorrow?
　What about the day after tomorrow?
　It is at times like this that the common people will not follow unless the nobles risk their lives.
　It is at times like this that the commoners will not follow unless the nobles risk their lives.

Life has a priority.
Oh, come on, man. Give me a break.

　Roy said, feeling disgusted.
　The conversation had been going so well up to this point--'

'Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to disapprove of your methods.'
What are you going to do?
I'll go.
What?

　Roy couldn't help but ask back.
　Arjena is the commander.
　The commander takes the lead and rushes into the enemy field position.
　It was insane.

'I said I'd go.
Hey, hey, wait a minute. You're the commander.
Yes.
Are you going to die?
"You'll take over command after I'm gone.
Are you serious?
Of course.

　Arjena replied shortly.
　Apparently, she was determined.
　At a time like this, a nobleman would have laughed and sent off his friend.
　But unfortunately, Roy is not that much of a nobleman.

''Well Richard, could you excuse yourself for a moment?
Ha!

　Richard saluted and walked out of the conference tent.

''Well what do you have in mind?''
"Of course, the Empire must win.
What I'm saying is, what's a commander supposed to do when he rushes in?

　Huh, Argena laughed.

Why are you smiling?
I am no longer the commander of this army.
That's impossible.
'Are you serious?　That I'm recognized as a commander...

　Arjena turned her gaze to us.
　It was a quiet, determined look.
　I couldn't tell a lie to my friend who was staring at me with such eyes.
　But I couldn't tell him that he wasn't recognized as a commander.
　He knows that he is the one who knows it.
　So how could he say the truth?
　So Roy gently averted his gaze.

''Well........''

　Argena said as she let out a sigh.

'I'm relieved. With you, I can move the army.'
....

　Roy couldn't say anything.
　There was no reversing Arjena's resolve.

'How can you go that far?'
Because that's what a nobleman does.

　Roy asked, and Algena said it as if it was self-evident.

''Are you sure about that?''
What did you say?
Are you sure about that?

　Roy asked again.
　I think it's a stupid thing to do.
　Arjena is trying to be a martyr to his beliefs.
　Let him do so.
　Let her die comfortably.
　In spite of that thought, Roy was still spinning his words.

As far as I'm concerned, the aristocrats I've seen are not good as far as I'm concerned. Compared to them, the vagabonds the Director of Finance Bowties brought in are still better.

　Roy was wound up.
　As far as his mother, who flew around social gatherings and replaced men, and the man who claimed to be his father, who took Roy in as a bastard for whatever reason, were no better.
　My peers at the military school were similar.
　You talk about pride and what it is, but you don't want to make any sacrifices.
　Isn't pride a disadvantage that you impose on yourself?
　Isn't a nobleman the one who is willing to take on the burden of his own suffering?
　At least that's what Roy thinks.

'Oh, shit that's why you're a nobleman.
'I don't know what you're talking about, but I hope you're convinced.
I'm coming with you.
What are you talking about?

　Arjena's eyes widened in surprise, as if she was really surprised.

''You are the one who is going to be able to manage with only a thousand people?''
I have an elite group of men.
But the more men we have to distract the rebels, the better.
Tsk.

　Arjena clicked her tongue in displeasure.
　'You've just hit a sore spot,' he said.

''If you die, who will unite the army?
It's gonna work out. It's gonna work out.
It's not going to happen.

　Argena frowned and suddenly softened her expression.

''Well it can't be helped. They're going to follow us anyway, even if we stop them, right?
Yeah, I'm worried about you.
....

　Algena shushed him.
　An awkward silence descended.
　I was about to ask her for a response when Arjena spoke up.

'Okay,'
That's the way it should be.
But on one condition.
What's the deal?
You come after me.
Later?
That's right.

　Arjena pointed to the map.

'It's hard to say if we can destroy the obstacles and still have enough room for them.
I guess you'll be the first to go after them.
I cannot give you this honor.
What honor. You rushed to your death.

　Roy spat.

'I'm not going to rush to death. I'm taking the lead because I see it as my role.
Oh, yeah?

　Roy turned away.
　Argena had a sunny look on her face.
　Suddenly it occurred to him that this guy was looking for a place to die.
　That was ridiculous.
　Arjena is a straightforward nobleman.
　She's not like me, who only inherited the title by a series of coincidences.

'What's your answer?'
Okay.

　Roy cowered lightly.
　If Argena is concerned about her role, it can't be helped.
　It would be a friend to admit it.

'Yeah, but I'm in trouble.'
What?
I told Richard I wanted him to come work for me.
You're a man.

　Argena let out a deep sigh.

'Well, I'll do my best to survive.
'Don't be irresponsible. Write a letter to Lord Leonhardt or to Count Ernat.
We'll have to do it.
You do that. Now, you're up.
You got it. I'll see you through to the end.
Not that way.

　Arjena chuckled and shook her head.

'Yeah, the whole obstacle destruction thing. I'm going to throw the whole thing to Richard...'
Yeah. I'll be fine.
I'm on it.

　Roy returned it briefly and stepped out of the conference tent.