Mid-January, the year of the empire's forty-three years - a wind is blowing in.
　It's a fierce, cold wind.
　It's as if it's about to blow everything away.
　In fact, if you're not careful - and even if you're not careful, if you're not in the power of the wind, you will be blown away.
　And if that happens, it will blow up tens of meters into the sea below.
　I've heard that the tide is fierce around this area--the southern frontier.
　If you fall, there's a high probability you'll die.

Huh!

　Tyria grunted softly and huddled against the rock wall.
　It's to minimize the effect of the wind, but I doubt it's really minimal.
　Her body almost pulls away from the rock wall, and her fingers are sore from hooking into the hollow.
　They must be sore.
　My nails are cracked and dried blood is stuck to my fingertips.
　Despite this, the sensation coming from it is dull.
　It's not like it's my own fingers.
　If I put a couple of gloves on top of each other, it could be like this.
　Could this be what is called frostbite?
　A chill crawls up my spine, and my heart beats faster.
　I imagined what would happen to my fingers.
　Should I use the Divine Majesty Technique?
　Tilia's Divine Majesty Technique can't regenerate the missing part.
　But it should be in time now.

''Ka........''

　He keeps his mouth shut, trying to use the divine art.
　I narrow my eyes and look at my hands.
　A light as thin as a thread rises up.
　I had to use the Divine Majesty Technique to climb to this point.
　The effects are limited, but if I use it any longer, the side effects might eat me up by the gods.
　If he eats my finger, I'm done.
　Losing a finger to spare a finger would be the end of the world, and if the Imperial Army lost, they couldn't face Crono and the others.
　Well, I'll be dead myself by then--.
　The wind stopped and Tilia started to climb the rock wall again.
　She hangs her fingers in the depressions, hooks her toes, and climbs up little by little.
　I don't think of anything else.
　I climb. I just keep climbing.
　When the wind blows, I huddle up against the wall.
　That's all you need to do.
　Actually, it's not, but the simpler the thought, the better.
　Thinking about frostbite and your fingers falling off will only make you feel worse.

"...climb, climb, climb.

　Muttering and muttering, he put his finger over the dimple.
　The next moment, the dimple collapsed.
　A floating sensation enveloped her body, and a shock pierced her body.
　Someone grabbed Tilia's hand.
　When I looked up, I saw Crono's father - Claude - looking down at Tilia.
　Of course, he was the one holding her hand.
　Apparently, he had climbed to the point where he was one step closer.

''Yo, Princess. It's been a while.''
It's been a while.

　When Tilia responded by looking up at him, Claude bared his teeth and smiled.
　It's a smile that is strangely charming.

'Since the ball?'
That's about it.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm sorry I didn't get to say hello to you then.
I was drunk too, so don't worry about it. So, how's it going with my son?
Mm, I'm proud to say I'm doing reasonably well.
That's superimposed. I want to see my grandchildren before I die.
Can you pull out now?

　Tilia interrupted Claude's words.
　'I am sorry, of course, but this one is in a state of suspension.
　Having climbed the quay, I miss the ground so much.
　I feel like donating it to the Yellow Earth Temple.

'Oh, I'm sorry about that one,'
"-Oh!

　Claude scratched his head and pulled Tilia up with one arm.
　He lowered her to the ground and fell on her ass as it was.

'You didn't pee, did you?'
I didn't pee my pants!

　Ah, Tilia held her mouth.
　I just reacted with a bare response.

''With that much energy, you'll be fine.

　Hahaha, Claude laughed.
　Tilia stood up, aware that her cheeks were getting hot.
　She still wobbled on her feet, but she would be fine.
　As she looked around, a covered wagon and five horsemen caught her eye.

I'm going to ask you to take that carriage and drive it to my house. But first.........
What?
I'd love to hear your answer.
....

　Gulping, Tyria swallowed raw.
　He would be pushed off the cliff if he didn't utter the answer he wanted.

'When all is said and done, this is about getting you a meeting with your mother, isn't it?
Yes.
I thought they already agreed to that.

　The southern frontier--I have had several correspondence with Claude by letter.
　I promised him several things, including the matter of getting him to see his mother.
　I feel like it's a little late for that.

"I want to hear it from the princess's mouth.
Do you still have the same answer?
But still.

　Claude gives me a glaring look.
　He's somewhat aggressive, but he's relaxed from his body.
　The sword he carries from his waist catches my eye.
　He could be slashed to death before he's pushed off the cliff.
　But that's how you negotiate in wartime, isn't it?

'I promise you. When it's all over, I will arrange for Claude Crawford to have a meeting with his mother - Astraea.
Just the two of us.
I promise you that too.

　'Huh,' said Claude, letting out a small sigh.

'That's a relief. 'But are you sure?　I'll kill Astraea if I have to.
...from the Chronosphere.

　Tilia held her tongue.
　In this case, what would be the right thing to call him?
　Lord Claude - it feels like a stranger.
　Father-in-law-sama - this may be familiar.

''You can call me whatever you want.
So, Master Claude.
Or your stepfather, for that matter.
'I thought about that, but me and Crono aren't married yet.
If you haven't, are you going to marry her?
Of course.
Is it obvious?

　Claude grunted, but Crono was the first man for Tyria.
　I'll make sure he's held accountable.
　So, I want you to live until then.
　Of course, I won't talk about it--'

The first thing you can do is to get the best out of it. You see, it was my mother who planted the seeds. It wouldn't make sense if you didn't do the harvesting yourself.

　He used his ideals as a tool to gather soldiers and killed Count Rio Chiron - Count Rio.
　He sent the man he loved and the old knights who adored him to their deaths.
　He has made a series of sacrifices to win the Empire.
　And yet, it doesn't make sense that my own mother is the only exception.

"Makes sense.
Yeah, the plot.
It's a word I don't hate.
I don't like it much.

　It's disgusting because it feels like an expedient way to pile on the sacrifices.
　You took a sword to protect a man you love and you're sending him to his death.
　It's a terrible contradiction.
　God seems to like the irony of it all.

"So, what do you think?
I'm satisfied.
What about me?

　Tilia couldn't help but frown.
　On the outskirts of the imperial capital, the imperial army and the imperial army were staring at each other.
　And yet, do I have to convince the other seven?

''Don't look at me like that. They've all been talking about cooperating with Princess Tilia.''
Okay.

　Tyria let out a breath of relief.

'Because if we're going to rebel, we're going to need a good cause.
So why are you talking in such a misleading way?
I just wanted to tease you about it.
So he's the father of the Chronosphere.
Don't give me so much credit.
I didn't mean it as a compliment.

　Tilia headed for the covered wagon in frustration.
　It was then that her vision suddenly went dark.
　When her vision returned to normal, the ground was close at hand.
　Apparently, he had passed out.
　It must have been a split second, considering that he was still in the middle of a fall.
　It was dirt underneath, and he wouldn't be seriously injured.
　Just when I was ready, I was softly received.

''Are you okay?''
Yeah, I'll be fine.

　Tilia shook her head and stood on the ground on her own feet.
　The one who supported her was the elven maid - Myra.
　When was the last time he had seen her?

'Thanks for your help. I thank you.
No, it's for your wife.
Your wife.

　That doesn't sound bad.
　Myra gives me a licking look.

'Is there something on my face?'
You've been looking very pale.
I think I'm on top of my game.
I'm afraid that's an illusion.

　Myra frowned.
　She seemed to be really pale herself to have such an expression on her face.
　Thinking about it, he had been working hard since Crono had almost been escorted to the Imperial City.
　On top of that, they had traveled by carriage and boat and climbed up dozens of meters of rock walls.
　There was certainly no element of being in great shape.
　I have a feeling that I was dying to be in great shape.

'And my fingertips,'
Ggh!

　Tilia stared at her fingers and moaned.
　Even the second joint of her finger was discolored--.

''Ugh!''
It's okay, sir. Just stay calm.

　When I vomit unbearably, Myra gently pats me on the back.
　The strength slips from my legs and I feel like I'm about to slump into place.
　The only reason I didn't do that was because Myra ducked under my arm and supported me.

'Oh, hey, what's going on?'
"Sir, get a blanket!
Oh, yeah.

　Claude looked flustered and headed for the wagon.

'Apparently, you're not feeling well.
I've already mentioned it, sir.

　Tilia borrowed Myra's shoulder and headed for the wagon.

*

　When Tilia woke up, she was not in a covered wagon, but on a bed.
　Her head was heavy as if stuffed with lead, and her temples were aching.
　It's hard to tell if it's a side effect of the divine power technique or just a physical condition.

"....my fingers...

　I hold out my hand to see if he's okay.
　I let out a breath of relief.
　My fingers were safe.
　It's covered with bandages, but if it's not missing, it can be healed with my own divine power technique.

''Good--!

　Tilia almost muttered and jumped up.
　Her body creaked and ached.
　It's like when you have a bad quality cold.

''How long in the world have I been sleeping?

　A day or two would be fine.
　If I had been asleep for a week - I would have been asleep for a week.
　My blood ran cold and I felt dizzy.
　I just woke up, but I think I'm going to have a stroke.
　The success or failure of the operation will depend on whether we can defeat Alfort while Leonhardt is gone.
　The flying squad is the key to victory.
　But what's the point of being the leader of a detached force if you can't move?

"I can't do this,
Excuse me.

　Tilia was about to get out of bed when the door opened.
　It was Myra who opened the door.
　He has a silver tray in his hand.
　From the point of steam rising, it seems that he has brought the food to me.
　But now is not the time to eat at leisure.
　I got out of bed, and that's where I first realized I was wearing a negligee.
　Someone must have made him change it, since he had no memory of it.
　I was stripped naked in an unconscious state.
　Her cheeks burned with too much embarrassment.
　Tilia suppressed the shame that was welling up and crowded Myra.

'Myra!　How long have I been asleep?
It's been two days since your wife collapsed, sir.
...for two days.

　Tilia muttered dumbly.

'He was almost asleep during the carriage ride, sir.
I see.

　If you ask me, I remember waking up a few times on the way to the house.

'Ma'am, please go back to bed,'
But!
'Please return. While I am speaking to you.
What else do you want to say?
Of course, in my body.

　Myra held the silver tray in one hand and held it halfway up.
　Would he win?
　She wouldn't go unscathed, if not defeated.
　Besides, she knew it had been two days since she'd fallen.
　There was no reason to fight, and there was no advantage to her lying.
　I let out a breath of relief and the strength drained from my legs.
　I felt like I was going to fall over, but I managed to support myself.

'....Ma'am.
I know.

　Tilia went back to the bed and sat down with her legs stretched out on it.
　Her body creaked and ached even though she moved just a little.

'Excuse me,'

　Myra covered Tilia's legs with the comforter and placed the tray on her thighs.
　The only things on the tray were the barley porridge and a spoon.

'Is that all you have?'
'It's good enough for you, since you're not feeling well.
That too, I suppose.

　Tilia picked up her spoon and frowned at the pain.
　She wasn't optimistic, but the wound must still be bad.
　What kind of condition is my finger in?
　Since he didn't say anything, it shouldn't be in such a state that it could be amputated.
　I'd like to believe so, but--''

"...well...
Rest assured that I'm the one who changed Princess Tyria.
Not so!

　Tilia exclaimed.
　Apparently, it was Myra who had dressed herself.
　Why can't I feel safe even though I'm of the same s*x?
　I feel such a mixture of relief and anxiety.

'What about my fingers?'
He was close to developing frostbite, but don't worry, he's been treated.
Okay.

　Tilia let out a breath of relief.
　She was anxious, but--.

'....Speaking of which...'
Excuse me?
Do you have any medical training?
I'm self-taught.
You'll be safe.

　Tilia brought the barley porridge to her mouth and frowned.
　It seems that the barley porridge is not just cooked barley.
　Perhaps the barley was cooked in a broth made by boiling and dissolving various ingredients.
　But it feels strangely greasy.
　He must have noticed something strange here.
　Myra raised her eyebrows quizzically.

'What's wrong?'
Mm, it's because you're under the weather. Thanks.
I thought I took great pains to absorb the nutrients without straining, but maybe that wasn't the case.

　Myra looked as if she was confused.
　Maybe she hadn't had many experiences like this before.

I'm sorry.
No, I'm the one who's sorry. I feel like I've learned my inadequacies.

　Myra gave a small smile.

''Then I will go and make the food again. For your information, could you tell me what you think of the dish?
Mmm, it felt greasy.
Oily?

　Myra raised her eyebrows in difficulty.

'What's wrong?'
'I thought I was going to make it light and simple. That's right. A lighter taste would be better. I can prepare some fruit for your palate.
Fruit. I think I'll manage to eat that one.
Now, wait a minute.

　With that, Myra walked out of the room, tray in hand.
　Tilia lay down and let out a sigh.



　As I was dozing off after finishing my meal, I heard a clatter.
　When Tilia reflexively jumped up--''Don't do it.

"Don't push yourself. Stay in bed.

　Claude turned his palm toward us.
　Myra is waiting behind him.

''Thanks to you, it's much better now, isn't it?
I hear you eat a diet of fruit?
Gugu.....

　Tilia grunted.
　She wanted to argue that she had eaten the barley porridge as well, but she had left more than half of it on the table.
　I couldn't help but feel sorry and couldn't argue with her.

''So don't push it,''
Sorry.
It's okay. After all, I'm the man who's going to be your father-in-law.

　Hahaha, Claude laughed and sat down in a chair by the bedside.

'Well, what the hell, I'm not the most delirious guy, but...'
You were aware of it.
That's because I've known him longer than you have.

　When Myra, who was standing behind him, plunged in, Claude responded with a sigh.

'I've been doing me for over sixty years. I'm at least aware of what I'm doing wrong.'
I'm afraid I may have waited too long to realize that.
I'm sorry. I haven't had time to look at myself objectively.
No, no, it's a maid's job to support her imperfect master.
Okay.

　Claude said in a huff.

'Are you here to ramble?'
No.

　Claude said miffed and scratched his head awkwardly.

'You can talk to me like a normal person.
A woman in bad shape.
'Sir, wouldn't it be better for you not to do anything unfamiliar?
I just thought I should be more concerned about my mood.
Do you have a mood problem?

　Tilia grunted.
　She wished she had a better reason for it.

'Doesn't mood matter?'
Well, yeah.

　Many of them became volunteer soldiers because they wanted to do something big.
　Some may have joined because they were just in the mood or atmosphere.
　It was necessary to send such men into battle.
　It's very shameful.

So, what is your real purpose?
I thought I'd give you an update on my upcoming schedule.

　Gently, Claude cleared his throat and straightened up his residence.

"I'm sorry to trouble you with your health, but I want you to meet the lord of the southern frontier tomorrow.
Okay.
I'm sorry.
No, it's fine.

　Claude said apologetically, but it's only natural since we're joining forces.
　Meeting them would be a great way to feel close and boost morale.

'What else?'
'Yeah, right. Now we just need to meet with the commander.
What, aren't you supposed to be in charge, Master Claude?
I'm old enough to know better.
Is that right?

　Tilia tilted her head.
　She said she was old, but she could lift a woman with one arm.
　He's probably stronger than an average soldier.

'I ain't getting anything out of you if you're agitating.
'It's not like that, but...'

　Tilia scratched her cheek.

'In case you're wondering, I'm supposed to be the overall commander.
Really?
I said "just in case. I have a battalion stationed on the southern frontier and the veterans are the main force behind my place...
"But?

　Tilia muttered to herself as she parroted.
　I'm jealous that former regular soldiers are the main force.
　What in the world is the problem?

''It's too different from when I was on active duty.
Yeah, sure.

　When Claude was in service, each lord led an army.
　The army of then and the army of now are different.

'No, wait. 'No, wait, Arthur was adapted to modern times.'
Don't let him teach at the military academy, man. I'm the one who's been running the estate.
That too, I suppose.
Well, you're in the right place at the right time. Make sense?
I did. Then who's in charge?
The dragon guy.
Which mercenary are you?

　Tilia couldn't help but ask back.
　A dragon - a pseudonym-like name, but it makes sense if you're a mercenary.

''I'm Baron Zirant's son.
Why would a lord's son take a false name?
That's his real name.
What's your real name?

　Tilia made a barefaced sound.

''Why did you name me a dragon........''
She said she wanted him to be as strong as a dragon.
Unbelievable.

　I understand that we want our children to be strong.
　But if you're a parent, shouldn't you take it more seriously?

Anyway, the dragon will take command of the main unit. Well, I don't think we're going to have to fight with each other.
It's a diversion too. That means I'll be in charge of the detachment.
No, Gaul will lead the detachment.
Gaul?　You're Count Ernat's son?
Yeah, yeah.
Unbelievable.

　Tilia couldn't help but mutter.
　The Countess Ernat was a prominent family of the empire.
　I didn't expect that his heir apparent would join the rebellion--''

''What kind of reason?''
'You say it's your duty as a nobleman to join the imperial army and that you're indebted to Crono.
Did you believe it?
I'm not that much of an a**h*le.

　'But,' continued Claude, 'I don't know.

'I figured I could pretend to be an a**h*le, man.
So you're aware of the situation?
Sure. But I think you should hear it from him.
Will you tell me what to do?
That's up to you, isn't it?
That too, I suppose.

　Tilia nodded.

'Then we're done talking. I'll put Myra on you and you can handle her.
Yeah, thanks.
It's okay.

　Claude laughed shyly and got up from his chair.

'Well then, I'm counting on you.'
I'll take care of it.

　Myra nodded emphatically and Claude left the room.

''...Ma'am.''
Okay.

　Myra looked at her and Tyria lay back down on the bed.
　The sleepiness hit her shortly afterwards.