*

　Tyria woke up to the sound of a kacha.
　She opened her eyes thinly and closed them, thinking she shouldn't, but couldn't help herself.
　What was the sound?
　A few moments later, there was a click sound again.
　Then you realize what the sound was.
　It's the sound of a door being opened and closed.
　I shouldn't do this. Maybe it's because I woke up in bed, or maybe it's because I'm not feeling well, or maybe it's because my thinking is slow.
　I can't notice things I would normally notice.
　Today I have to talk to the new nobles.
　In such a state, I might inadvertently be forced to swallow the unfavorable conditions.
　No, I remind myself.
　I didn't come to the southern frontier to get permission to pass the territory or to have them maintain their neutrality.
　We came to have them fight with us.
　Claude had said that they wouldn't be fighting the Imperial Army.
　But that was only on the southern frontier.
　It would be a tough battle for the separate forces.
　They would have to attack the castle and defeat Alfort.
　Sacrifices are inevitable.
　Considering that, all demands are justified.
　It would be in good faith to accede to the demands as much as possible.
　When I was thinking about this-- "Ma'am, it's morning.

"Ma'am, it's morning.
Yeah.

　Myra's gentle voice hit her ear folds and Tyria sat up.
　Her body was lazy, even though she should have gotten more than enough sleep.
　She still didn't feel well.
　Shameful, she bit her lip.

'May I open the curtains?'
Oh, and get me a window if you can.
The cold wind can be a little rough on you.
I'm in the mood for some fresh air.
Yes, sir.

　Myra bowed reverently and opened the curtains.
　A cold breeze blew in as she gently opened the window.
　Tilia shuddered and took a deep breath.
　Her nose ached, but she felt a little more refreshed in her consciousness.

'Ma'am, may I have your permission?'
Yeah, close the door.
Yes, sir.

　Myra quietly closed the window and set the table on the bed.
　It was a small table, though.
　It would be for eating or working on the bed.
　It is modest, but carefully constructed.
　The table must have been made with great care by the craftsmen.

'This is the table used by Master Elua.
You'll be a mother to the Crono.
Yes, they will.

　Myra nodded with a kind expression on her face.
　When Crono came to this world, El'a Frond was already deceased.

''As soon as the pioneering was over, his health began to fail.
Okay.

　Tilia could only nod.
　What on earth could she say?

'Ma'am, I don't care that much about El'a-sama's case.
Is that so?
Yes, I have some thoughts about Empress Astraea, but...

　Myra punctuated her words and placed her plate on the table.
　Tilia's eyes widened lightly.
　There was something that looked like bread on the plate.
　Only it was square.
　And it was thin.

'What is this?'
Bread.
I understand that, but...
Little master... the Chronosphere sent me this bread.
Mm, he's still hiding something.

　Tilia was miffed and frowned.
　There were too many things to hide for a long-time friend.

''I've heard that there are square breads in other worlds.
Okay. How'd you make it, by the way?
The bread dough was baked in a metal mold.
'Oh, I see. It took you a while to realize that, didn't it?

　If you ask me, I think it's true, but if you don't tell me, I won't notice it.
　That's what knowledge of other worlds is like - it seems to be a collection of realizations.

''No, it hasn't taken that long. It's just........
"Just?
It took me a long time to do it as a hobby in between jobs.

　Myra smiled shyly when I asked her to parrot the question.

'Hmm, a hobby,'
Yes, it's a hobby.
Well, I'll take it.

　Tilia shredded a small piece of bread and brought it to her mouth.
　Her eyes widened lightly.

'How do you like it?'
It's good.
Thank you for that.

　Myra smiled with satisfaction.
　The white part was fine and moist.
　On top of that, it was soft.
　The outside has changed color, but it doesn't smell burnt.
　It even feels aromatic.
　And this faint sweetness - a wonderful bread.

I couldn't eat last night's barley porridge, but I could eat this.
Thank you.

　Tilia shredded a piece of bread and brought it to her mouth a little at a time.
　When she finished the first piece, the cup was offered to her.
　She took the cup and sipped it fearfully.
　Then a refreshing taste spread in his mouth.

''........Lemon?''
Yes, I dripped some lemon juice into the cold water.
Yeah, this is easy to drink.

　Perhaps it's because the juice is dripped into cold water, but it's remarkably refreshing.

Please adjust as you drink.
Uh-huh, okay.

　Tilia gently placed her cup on the table and chewed on her bread.
　If the other party was the landlady, she would talk back, but the other party is Myra.
　I can't help but feel uncomfortable about it.
　I'm sure after all this time, I've been able to break the ice with the landlady.
　Suddenly I remembered the Earl of Chiron.
　For a time, I hated him and thought he was an irreconcilable enemy.
　Well, I wouldn't have challenged him to a fight many times otherwise - but.
　My nose tingled and my vision blurred.
　Myra held out her handkerchief.

''Go ahead.''
I'm sorry.
No. When I'm sick, I get brittle to tears.

　When Tilia wiped her tears with her handkerchief and said, Myra gave a small shake of her head.

''But this is new noble you will expose your abomination to the lords of the southern frontier. Could you prescribe some medicine for me?
I'm sorry, sir, but I can't do that.
Why?
Drugs and poison are two sides of the same coin.

　When I asked him back, Myra said quietly.

'I am merely separating those things that have a beneficial effect on the human body as medicine and those that have a harmful effect as poison. Therefore--'
All right. The point is that it's hard on your body, isn't it?
That's right.
You've made your point, but I can't fight this one.
'About that...'

　Myra cut him off timidly.

'What?'
Wouldn't it be better for you to recuperate in the southern frontier?
I can't do that.

　I'm sorry, but I refuse once and for all.
　The flying squad would be throwing themselves into a tough battle.
　There will be times when their hearts will be broken by the harshness of the battle.
　At times like that, Tilia might be able to cheer him up.
　Of course, there is no proof.
　But if Tilia's presence can reduce the probability of sacrifice, then it should be done.
　Besides, originally, this battle was a seed I sowed.
　In hindsight, I should have talked to Alcor more.
　If I had, I might have been able to find out about the betrayal.
　It's only a matter of possibility, but I didn't want to talk about it.
　How arrogant and lazy he was.
　And even more so, how bypassing.
　So I think I owe it to you to fight and see it through.

''I understand.''

　Myra said as she let out a sigh.

'Then I will attend to your wife.
Are you sure?
I'm the only one who has mastered the art of medicine and is ready for hard combat.

　'The medical arts are my style,' Myra added as she remembered.

'Are you okay?'
'I am past the time to fight as well as your husband, but I have an apprentice.
Was it a guy named Johnny?

　Tilia replied, holding her temples.

'Was it that strong?'
He calls himself the best dagger wielder in the Southland.
You can't.
''Don't worry. I am now one of the finest daggers in the Empire.
Oh, that's great.

　Tilia couldn't help but shout.
　The world seems to be small and wide that such a handful of people were smoldering on the southern frontier.

''How did you raise them?''
"We left him in the Areos Mountains with a single knife. With a binding agreement that if they caught their prey, the Roux would come and take it away.
I didn't raise you.
No, I've got the basics down pat.
I see.

　Perhaps he physically tapped into it.
　Tilia dropped her gaze to her hand, shredded the bread and brought it to her mouth.

'I think my apprentice and I will be able to protect your wife.
'Yeah, but that's not...'
Ma'am.

　Myra said as she let out a sigh.

'I can't help but understand how your wife feels.
Do you understand?
Yes, to the extent that I'm guessing you feel guilty about it.

　Myra said simply.

'If you are feeling guilty, even more so, your wife will have to survive. I hope that you will survive and rebuild the empire. That is the duty of your wife, who has caused this civil war.
Ugg.

　Tilia moaned.
　How dare she step shamelessly into a delicate area?
　But Myra wasn't wrong.
　Maybe she was a little desperate.
　I shred the bread into large pieces and pour it down with water.

''Well speaking of which...''
What is it?
'That's what you said earlier. Didn't you say you had a thing for my mother?
"No, I said, 'I have a few thoughts about Empress Astraea,'
It's fine.
He's a maid.

　I wondered if that was irrelevant, but if Myra said so, then it must be.

'What's the rest of the story?'
'Master Elua was happy, I think.
'Lord Claude doesn't see it that way, does he?　Didn't Lord Elua, you know, shed tears at the moment of the moment?
Did you know that much?
I'm still Crono's regular wife.

　Myra chuckled as Tilia puffed out her chest.

''Well what's funny.''
No, nothing.

　Myra said in a matter-of-fact tone.

'As far as I could tell, Lady Elua seemed happy.
But...
Ma'am.

　When Tyria tried to argue, Myra raised her index finger and put it to her lips.

'Lady El'a shed a tear because it was the only thing she hadn't been able to do.
I wonder if he was happy to be left unattended...
"Not many people can go away content.

　Myra said in a whispered tone of voice.
　She seemed to be smiling somewhat.

'And those who are unhappy with it aren't necessarily unhappy.
Is that right?
It's hard to say goodbye.

　But," Myra continues, "that doesn't make it all the less meaningful.

Myra continues, "but that doesn't make all the difference. For example, if two people who love each other are separated...
It's a terrible metaphor.
Even if we are separated, the time we shared does not mean that it never happened. Even if the end is miserable, you will still have vivid memories of happiness, even if there was pain before.

　Myra said, ignoring Tilia's mutterings.

'So, I think El'a-sama's life is very full,'
....

　Tilia couldn't say anything.
　Even if she wanted to say something, she didn't know who Elua was.
　And yet, it seemed arrogant to assume that she was unhappy.
　Instead, he posed another question.

'Is that what you value as an elf?'
If anything, it's more of a mercenary value.
Okay.

　Tilia nodded and chewed on her bread.

'Lord Claude seems to be different, doesn't he?
Men and women think differently.
That too, I suppose.

　I pick up the cup and drink the water.
　Men and women think differently.
　If they are the same, my own suffering is much less - or maybe it's just extra deep.
　Whatever the case, men and women are difficult.



Ma'am, it's time for your meeting.
"-Oh!

　Tilia jumped up when she heard Myra's voice.
　She shook her head lightly.
　After eating, the sleepiness came over me and I couldn't help but doze off.
　No, it's not at the level of a doze.
　This time I didn't notice the sound of the door opening.
　I was in a sound sleep, or close to it.
　He knew he had an important discussion to have, but he was too slack.
　I'm not sure if I can do my job at this rate.

I'll be ready in a minute.
Please hold.

　I got out of bed and put my hand on the negligee and Myra stopped me.

'What?'
"We'd appreciate it if you could continue to meet with the lords.
A negligee?

　Tilia looked down at herself.
　It was a thick, modest negligee.
　It wasn't that which Crono preferred, but it was definitely a negligee.

'It would make me question my sanity if I met you dressed like this.
I have been informed that Princess Tyria is unwell.
Nah!

　Tilia exclaimed.
　'How dare you, when you don't want to expose your weaknesses,' she said angrily.

''It is said that in order to deceive an enemy, you must first start with an ally, but for once, please refrain from doing so. We must build a relationship of trust as friends.''
Well yes.

　Tilia answered after a short pause.
　We are going to be fighting together from now on.
　If you're hiding something, it will be bad for your feelings when it's revealed.
　It's a good thing that you're able to do this.
　In this situation, what would Crono do?
　I'm sure that he would show his weaknesses to strengthen the bond.
　I'm sure you'll find that there are many different types of people who are in charge.

''I get it. But won't this look offensive?
'Don't worry, sir, and other lords and ladies are of the older type.
What do you mean?
"I hope you're not making unprofessional demands on a woman who's not feeling well.
He's an ex-mercenary, isn't he?
It's been more than 30 years.

　When I asked her how she survived such a thing, Myra replied with a slight smile.

'We are all long past the time to fight,'
....

　I'm not sure if that's what it is, but if she's going to give me a hand because she's a woman who's not feeling well, there's no reason not to take advantage of it.
　I can't help but wonder what the building of trust is all about.

'Whose side are you on?'
I'm on my side.
So you're saying you have your best interests at heart?
'Of course. Although they may be thinking in the long term compared to humans.

　Hmm, Tilia nodded.
　Does this mean that even if we lose money in the short term, we will choose to gain in the end?
　No, it might be a foothold to make her think that way.
　But I felt like I could trust the fact that he put his own interests first.

''I understand. I'll meet with the lords as is. But--''
Uniform jacket?

　With that, Myra unfolded her military jacket.

'You're ready.'
He's a maid.
Well, okay. Give me a hand.
Of course.

　Tyria took Myra's help and put on her military jacket.
　It was somewhat uncomfortable, but she would soon get used to it.

'Well, over here, then.

　Myra shuffled off and Tyria followed her.

*

　Are they arguing about it?
　The voices can be heard all the way down the hallway.

''--!　--!
"--!　--!　--!
It's a busy place.
I think they're having a good time with the old stories.

　Myra said with a chuckle, stopping in front of the massive door.

'May I?'
Yeah, please.

　Myra twisted the doorknob and there was a faint sound of a click.
　The next moment, the voices stopped with a snap.
　In that room, nine men and women - eight men and one woman - were gathered around a table.
　There must have been eight lords of the southern frontier, Tyria touched her temples and noticed that there was a large man in a white military uniform.
　Perhaps he was Gaur, the son of Count Ernat.
　As Tilia entered the room, she heard a clatter.
　Claude stood up.

'Sir, please be seated.
But...
I'm right here with you.
Okay.

　Claude sat down in his chair with a sense of reluctance at Myra's words.

'Where do you want me to sit?'
There you go.

　Myra led her to the empty seat, and Tilia sat down in the empty seat.
　She looked around and checked everyone's faces.

''First, I want to apologize for my impoliteness in participating in the discussion dressed like this. I'm sorry.''
....

　The lords didn't say anything when Tilia bowed her head.

''Before we begin our discussion, I would like to ask you to introduce yourself...''
That's all right.

　Claude raggedly scratched his head.

'That white military uniform over there is Taul's son, Gaul.
....

　Claude pointed at him, and Gaul bowed his head.

'The one in the black military uniform is the dragon.
I am here today as the commander of the Southern Frontier Army and my father's representative.

　The man in black military uniform - the dragon bowed his head, and Tilia opened her eyes lightly.
　It was because his language and the way he bowed his head were polite, despite the fact that he was the owner of a deadly phase.

'So, the woman over there is Canaan Ekron.
It's a pleasure to meet you.

　Kanan Ekron straightened up and hung his head.
　Huh, I think I've seen that somewhere -''

'Lady Canaan is Lady Shelah's sister.
Yeah, okay.

　Myra overheard me and I finally got the point.
　Canaan looked a lot like the landlady.
　Well, except for her breasts--.

'To your sister--'
Did my sister do something to you, sir?

　Suddenly, Canaan raised his voice.

'No, I just wanted to say that I'm taken care of,'
Okay.

　Canaan let out a breath of relief.
　Still, what kind of life did the landlady have on the southern frontier?

'Then there's Baron Lipaios, Baron Kagachi, Baron Beor, Baron Gennou, and Baron Levy.
...Claude.
It's...
Don't you think that's a little too much?
Oh, you're just as boring as ever, aren't you?
I know, I know.

　When Claude introduced them appropriately, the five of them - Baron Lipaios, Baron Kagachi, Baron Beor, Baron Gennou, and Baron Levy - frowned.

''........Rest assured that I will support you.
Please.

　Normally I can match a name to a face right away, but right now I'm not sure.

''Then I would like to proceed with the discussion. Are you sure that the southern frontier is going to cooperate with us--the Imperial Army?
...Princess Tyria.

　The dragon opened its mouth quietly.

'What?'
"We are unanimous in our support for Princess Tyria and, by extension, for the Imperial Guard. However, we can't do it for free.

　Tyria looked around.
　No one is surprised, including Gaul.
　In other words, you're saying that this is the action that you have indicated in advance?
　I wanted them to contact me anyway.

''Hm, it's reasonable.
'What kind of treatment will you promise us - when we - the Southern Frontier Army - cooperate and defeat the false emperor Alfort?

　Southern Frontier Army, Tilia rolls the word around in her mouth.
　The reason he went out of his way to use the term Southern Frontier Army was probably to show that they were cooperating with each other.

''I promise to treat you with honor.
Is it an honor?

　The dragon chuckled.
　Tyria wanted to laugh too, but she gulped.

'My father cooperated with your father and your father's father to enclose us in the southern frontier. And we were to settle this frontier.
What's your point?
'We're talking about a discrepancy in perception between us and the royal family.

　Claude and the others are a bit reluctant.
　Is the sarcasm now ad-libbed by the dragons?
　Or is he remembering what happened back then?
　In any case, they haven't stopped, so in the grand scheme of things, they must be going on as planned.

'So you want me to be specific,'
I'm glad you understand.
Our goal is to defeat the false emperor Alfort and create a society unbounded by its origins.
....

　Gaul quietly raises his hand and Claude and the others look at each other in unison.

'About that, what exactly is a society that is not bound by its origins?
'We'll elect representatives from among the commoners to set up a commoners' council and get them involved in national politics. But that's not what you want to hear, is it?
Ha.

　Gaul nodded with a divine look on his face.

'Those who swear allegiance to the empire and do their duty shall be of equal value before the emperor.
'For example, what if the slave was one who swore allegiance to the empire?'
To explain that, I'll have to explain the definition of slavery in my empire.

　'Kokon,' said Tyria, clearing her throat.

'In my empire, slavery is defined as a state in which your rights are limited by debt or other reasons.

　Claude and the others groaned.

'So, when I ascend the throne, I will reform slavery. I will keep a record of who owes me money and how much they are enslaved. Of course, if there are no records, the slave contracts will be null and void.
So what about the different races?
Those who are different peoples, but who are loyal to the empire and do their duty are equal before the emperor. However, equality is meaningless if it is not accompanied by reality. Therefore, a system was set up to allow them to work in the military, the court and the emperor's direct domain. If they worked exceptionally well, they would be knighted. Is this correct?
Thank you.

　Gaul nodded quietly and the dragon opened his mouth.

'Princess Tyria, if I may?'
'Hmm, it was about treatment. There was talk of setting up a commoner's association by electing representatives from among the commoners, but due to the nature of the commoner's association, we believe that a lord is appropriate for a noble association.
"With all due respect...
"You are excused.
'There is no advantage to us if a nobleman with a fiefdom can have a seat at the House of Lords. We can't accept the same treatment as the old nobility.
'Reasonable. What exactly do you want to be treated like?
...Yes.

　The dragon made a pretense of thinking.

'Isn't that the territory?'
'The estate. It is my decision to purge the nobles who have given Alfort their due.
What's the matter?
"I don't know how much it will cost to rebuild a battered empire.
Yeah, that's a problem.

　'I understand,' the dragon nodded.

'Then how about this?　The property of the noblemen who have been solemnized goes to the treasury, and we take the land.
What about the house lining?
Right. I'd like to have that one too, if I could.
All right. I'll accept the terms. You'll agree to share the land with me, won't you?
Yes, sir.

　Tilia looked around and Claude stood up.

'Alright, I guess that's the end of the discussion. Dismissed, dismissed. The princess isn't feeling well, you know.'
'Yes. Let's disband.
Yes, Princess Tyria needs to get some rest.

　Dragon and Kanan followed Claude, and the others nodded their heads in agreement.

'You switch so fast. This--
We need the fact that we negotiated.
'Well, I can see that, but...'

　Tilia poked her cheekbones and looked up with a huff.

'Gawl!　You stay!
Ha!

　As Gaul straightened up, Claude tapped him on the shoulder and walked out of the room.
　Within a minute there was only Tilia, Myra and Gaul in the room.

'Come closer,'
Ha!

　Gaul approached Tilia and poked her on one knee.

'What can I do for you?'
Yes, I have a question for you.
"If I can answer that question,
Why did you take part in this rebellion? Your family is a distinguished one. And Count Ernat is not a member of either camp.
'I am a friend of Crono's. It's only natural that I would come to my friend's aid in his time of need.
Is that it?
"...when I told him we were having a child, he blessed me.

　Tilia asked back, and Gaul answered after a short pause.

'Well, congratulations on that.'
My wife is a Roux woman. Her name is Lara.
That's ... hard.

　Tilia mouthed and finally squeezed that one word out of her mouth.
　All children should be born blessed, she thought.
　But the reality is that this is not the case.
　Some children are born blessed and some are not.
　Though they have shown reverence to the Empire, the Roux are still considered barbarians.
　And moreover, Gaul is from a prominent family.
　He knows the personality of his father, Taul.
　He would celebrate the birth of his grandson.
　But I don't know the character of his wife.
　I don't know, but I don't think Gaul would have blessed her, given that he was here.
　The joy of having a child, the despair of not being blessed.
　Just thinking about it made my heart feel crushed.
　I heard a plop.
　I hurriedly touched my eyes and felt a wetness on my fingertips.
　I'm sorry.

''I'm sorry,''
No, no!

　As Tilia wiped her eyes, Gaul shook his head.

'I will bless you boys,'
Thank you. Thank you.

　Gaul hung his head deeply.
　His shoulders were shaking a little.
　Is he crying?
　But I suppose I shouldn't ask.

'I'm going back to my room. Myra.....
Yes, sir. I'll keep them out of this room for a while.
Please.

　Tilia stood up quietly.