*

　I heard a sound.
　A sound reminiscent of the sound of rain and tidal waves.
　What was that sound?　I tilted my head inward and suddenly realized.
　This is the voice of a person, I thought.
　Not one or two people.
　Even a hundred is not enough.
　It's the voice of many more.
　It's a strange thing, I think.
　Each one should have meaning, but when they overlap, they can only be perceived as a sound.
　It's not only the voices, but also the people who emit them.
　Each of us has a name, a family and a life.
　And yet, when there are so many of us, we fail to see that.
　It's an irredeemable arrogance, I think.
　On the other hand, it's also a desire for arrogance.
　Manchausen, Alonso - the old knights who gathered around me in adoration of me.
　I used them as bait.
　I'm not going to be the only one who has been in a position to do this.
　Of course, I told them all about it.
　It's a very good idea to have a good time with your friends.
　No, no.
　I wanted to make it easier for them to confide in me.
　It's hard to say that I didn't have that feeling.
　I could have acted as arrogantly as I once did, as much as I wanted to.
　I bet I could have used up other people's lives without worrying about it.
　I'm sure I could have used the lives of others without worrying about it, without even knowing it was arrogance.
　But that's impossible now.
　I'm afraid of using up other people's lives.
　I can't get rid of the fear that I'll make a critical mistake because of my fear.
　My military school days were good.
　Occasionally, I miss those days inexplicably.
　I don't say much.
　It's because Crono gives me a reluctant look.
　It's not a bad idea to go with the old days, but it's not.
　As I was thinking about this, a shock shook my body.
　A cold wind blew in--.

'Robert!　Slow down!
Master Canaan, please be quiet.

　I woke up to the sound of Canaan and Myra's voices.
　Then I saw Kanan turning his butt towards us.

'Ti.........the Emperor.......!
I...

　He opened the small window and was talking to Gosha Robert about something.

"...Canaan.
"-Oh!

　When Tilia called out to her, Canaan quickly closed the small window and turned to face us.

'I'm sorry,'
You don't have to worry about that much.

　Canaan apologizes in a low moaning voice, but I'm sorry to the contrary when he goes that far.

'No, it's only natural to care.
Is that so?
'Yes. It's a natural part of being a human being.
...as a person.

　Now it was Tilia's turn to moan.
　I guess that's as far as it goes, but this battle is a destiny for the new nobles as well.
　If they win, they gain everything, and if they lose, they lose everything.
　It's that kind of battle.
　Rather, it could be said that Tilia's perception of the situation was negligent.
　You must be very sorry for that.

"I understand how you, and I understand how you feel.
Does that make sense to you?

　Kanan smiled happily.
　What a smile, this kind of smile that gives the illusion that the surroundings have brightened up.

'My life is not mine alone.
Yes,

　Mmmm, Canaan nodded in satisfaction.
　I looked next to him and saw Myra nodding as well.

'I have a role to play other than fulfilling your hopes.
Is that right?

　Kanan nodded after a slight pause.
　Unlike before, he raised his eyebrows.
　I looked next to him to see if I had said something bad.
　Then his eyes met with Myra's.
　She had a subtle expression on her face.
　If she had just graduated from military school, she must not have understood anything.
　But Tilia had experience of facing the expressionless Leila.
　If you use that to your advantage, reading Myra's expression is a no-brainer.
　Myra - for some reason, she was looking at me with eyes that seemed to see something incomprehensible.

''I have the task of avenging Alfort and minimizing casualties.
Yes.
...phew.

　I thought I had spoken of my tragic resolve, but Kanan nodded in a somewhat throwaway tone, and Myra let out a sigh of dismay.
　If there's something I can't do without such an attitude, I want you to tell me.
　As I was wondering if I should ask in shame, the box carriage shook slightly.
　The boxcarriage must have slowed down because it was so close to its destination.
　After a while, the boxcarriage stopped.
　The first one to move was Myra.
　Myra stood up and quietly opened the door.
　A cold wind blew in and Tilia shuddered with a buzz.

'Come in, come in.'
Yeah, I'm sorry.

　Tilia stood up and headed for the door.

'Come in, ma'am.'
Thank you.

　Myra held out her hand and Tyria thanked her and squeezed it back.
　Carefully, she made her way down the carriage.
　Huh~ I heard a sigh, so I turned around and saw Kanan patting his chest.
　I'm not slow enough to fall on this level of step--.
　No, let's think of it as being that much of a concern for me.
　That's what I told myself and looked around.
　It was in front of a wall made of logs.
　There is a sturdy-looking gate and a watchtower.
　There was little sign of human presence.
　They must have gone out for training.

''Where are we?''
It's a former outpost.

　Canaan replied to Tilia's question.
　She had a nostalgic look on her face, as if she was reminiscing about the past.

'Because in those days we were hostile to the barbarians of the Areos Mountains, no, we were hostile to the Roux.
I see.

　The new nobles were sealed off on the southern frontier to prevent the Roux from re-entering the country.
　There must have been a bloody battle after that.
　Is it natural to have special feelings for them?
　I should have asked Crono for more details, I thought, turning my gaze to Myra.
　She had a languid expression on her face.

''For that amount of time, it sounds like you had a lot going on.
'Yes, I miss the days when we struggled to keep our livestock from being stolen.
Don't let anyone steal your livestock?
Yes, but what is it?

　When I asked him back, Myra looked at me with a scowl.

''What about the bloody battle?''
When we drove them into the Areos Mountains, the Lu didn't have the strength left to fight.

　Gugu, Tilia grunted.
　Crono shouldn't have said anything.

'Was it pretty easy?'
'There are certain things even a wife should not eat, sir. How valuable a cow or a pig was in the pioneer days. My gut is churning just remembering the time our livestock was stolen.
I'm sorry.

　Myra clenched her fists and Tilia hurriedly apologized.
　It's only livestock, but it's still livestock.
　It must have been a matter of life and death for the new aristocracy of the pioneer period.
　From now on, let's speak more carefully.
　As I was reflecting on this, Canaan opened his mouth.

''As for the stolen livestock, the state has compensated me for it, so there's no need to apologize--''
What did you say?

　Myra turned her head away as Tilia turned her gaze to look at him.

'You haven't declared the damage watered down, have you?
Ma'am.

　Myra looked at Tilia.

'Of course, we're not padding,'
Really?
Even if he did, there's no evidence of any padding.

　'Besides,' continued Myra.

'Don't you need us - the Southern Frontier Army - to help you?
Nuh-uh, now you're telling me.
'If your wife is willing to dismiss the matter, I have nothing to say to her.

　What will you do?　And Myra looks at you.
　It's as good as saying it's padded, but--'

''I understand. The matter is not open to question.
Thank you, Your Highness. I want you to be my wife's empress.
This is a special case.

　Tilia was miffed and retorted.
　Injustice should not be overlooked.
　But it's a principle.
　If the disadvantage is greater, we can bend it.

'Oh, I remember. The first time I met Crono-sama here...''
Oh, really?

　I wondered if I could change the subject a little more naturally, but I decided to get on with the conversation.
　I didn't want to continue talking about the watering down of the stones.

'Yes, I was working as a vigilante leader at the time...'
"He was cursing Master Gaul, who was the commander of the garrison force at the time.
"-Oh!

　Kanan looked at Myra with a huff.
　Betrayed.
　He could feel that feeling.

'You've been doing that?'
'No, no, I was trying to allay the grievances of the people of the realm...'

　Kanan turned over and muttered gurgling.

'No, well, I don't know how I feel. The garrison commander isn't a new nobleman, you know.'
Yes, that's right.
I appreciate the effort.

　Tilia muttered sincerely.
　In the first place, it was reckless to station a battalion that couldn't exercise command authority in his territory.
　The Empire had passed recklessness by appointing a relative of the lord as commander, but this method did not apply on the southern frontier.
　Discontent must have been growing.

''No, what a hardship...''
We're having a hard time finding a man to marry.
"-Oh!

　Myra said quietly, and Kanan gave her a look that said she had been betrayed.

'Is that so?'
Yes, I'm afraid it's gotten some bad press.

　Canaan moaned.
　He's embarrassed, and even his ears are red.

'We tried our best to arrange an arranged marriage, but the results were not good.

　Tilia looked at Canaan sullenly.
　Her looks were not bad.
　Her breasts are small, but a woman's value is not determined by that.
　I feel like I could be fooled by at least one of them--''

''By the way, what kind of partner do you want?''
'I don't have any requirements, but...'

　Kanan turns over and squirms.
　After a while, he finally opens his mouth.

'I don't mind your looks in their own right. I'll put up with the age difference until I'm ten years old. I usually prefer someone who can stand up for me, the head of the family, and stand in the line of fire when the need arises.
Isn't that a bit harsh?
Why?

　Canaan looked up with a huff and said.

'You have no real authority to stand me up as the head of the family, do you?
Yes, I do.
So you want me to shield you in case of an emergency?
It's what men do.
Considering the notoriety, it's like asking me to come get my ass kicked.
No, I didn't mean...

　Kanan staggered back, perhaps in great shock.
　Why can't I look at myself objectively?
　No, I guess it's that difficult to look at myself objectively.

'Let me ask you one thing...'
What?
How did Princess Tyria get to be in such a relationship with Lady Crono, well, as she is now?
Why would you ask me that?

　Unsure of the intent of the question, Tilia tilted her head.

'It may be impolite,'
Good. I forgive you.
'Thank you. I think that I and Princess Tyria are very similar.
Do they look like each other?

　Tilia tilted her head again--

“--!

　It took my breath away.
　Crono stood up Tilia, now standing at the very brunt of the arrows.

'No, no, I didn't mean--'
It's easy to be objective about yourself, but it's hard to be objective about yourself.
"-Oh!

　Myra blurted out, and Tilia gasped again.
　After all this time, he and Kanan were similar to each other.
　Despite that, he thought it was difficult to be objective about himself or something.
　This is exactly what it means to spit in the sky.
　I'm really glad I didn't say that.

''Princess Tilia, how did you and Lady Crono come to be in the relationship you have now?
No, no, what's the word?
What do you say?

　Canaan parroted and Tilia turned away.
　How did they get into this relationship now?
　It can't be said that he attacked her with a stone.
　Not only is she unfit to be an imperial princess, she's unfit to be a human being.

''.........Crono has a lot of nostalgia.

　I see, said Kanan, nodding with a divine look on his face.
　It's an answer I managed to twist out, but I really feel like it.

''Well... uh...''
Come on, let's go comfort the troops.

　Canaan opened his mouth timidly and Tyria walked toward the gate.
　I had a bad feeling about this.
　Unfortunately, Crono was just the kind of man Canaan wanted.

'Open the gate!　Open the gate!
Why won't you listen to me?

　As Tilia raised her voice, so did Canaan.

'Because you're about to say you're going to be the third, or maybe even the fourth wife.
Three already.

　Gulping, Kanan clears his throat.

'Um, where's your sister?'
The landlady is the mistress of the house.
Okay.

　Canaan let out a breath of relief.
　He seems relieved, but he's too lax in his thinking.
　There's no such thing as a first wife, not even a comforting thought.
　The most important thing is pride.
　Maintaining that pride is the hardest thing to do.

''So, what do you think?''
'I can't believe I want to be Master Crono's wife...'

　Glaring at him, Canaan clammed up.
　Suddenly, his expression tightened and he mumbled something to himself.
　I still have a bad feeling about this.

'You thought that might be a possibility, didn't you?
No, no!　That's not true!

　Kanan said in an upturned voice, but deep down he must be thinking that's a possibility.
　Maybe he's thinking about trying one more time and if it doesn't work out, he'll go there.
　I'm sure he'll fail the next blind date, too.
　Why can't he realize that he can no longer give his all when he has a way out?
　No, let's stop.
　This thought might just cut me off.
　As I was thinking about this, the gates began to open.
　The door opens and three men come towards us.
　One of them was a dragon and the other two were new to me.
　The dragon poked one knee in front of Tyria, and they followed suit.
　It was nice of them to pay their courtesies, but for now, they were still cooperating - as equals.
　If someone saw it, it could be mistaken for a vassal's courtesy.
　But since I invited Tilia as a royal family member, I can't not pay the courtesy.

''Wasn't the Southern Frontier Army equal to the Imperial Army?''
'I thought it was only fair to pay courtesy to the person who responded to our request.
Okay. Now lift your head up.
Yes, sir.

　The dragon stands up and so do the two men.

It's a messy ... well, a messy one.
Yes.

　The dragon chuckled at Tilia's words.
　The pretense and the reality do not mix well.

'My father would have acted like a natural, but it's a tricky one.
Yeah.

　Tilia gave a small nod.

'By the way, where are the soldiers?'
'We're training at the training camp down the street. I should have met you there, but...
'Don't worry about it. Direction is important.
I'd appreciate it if you could say that.

　The dragon chuckled again.

*

　Tilia and the others got into the boxcarriage and headed for the training grounds.
　There seemed to be no mistaking the word "ahead" and the boxcarriage stopped before sleepiness set in.
　Just like before, Myra opened the door and stepped outside.
　A sandy breeze blew in and Tilia covered her mouth with her scarf.
　As she stood up, a hand was extended to her.
　Not Myra's, but the hand of a dragon.
　A thick, knotted soldier's hand.

'Come in, Princess Tyria,'
"Mmm, thank you.

　Tyria grabbed the dragon's hand and dismounted from the boxcarriage.

'I have a tent ready for you, sir.

　The dragon turned on its heel and walked away, Tilia following.
　Myra was in front of Tyria and Canaan was behind her.
　Four more soldiers were guarding them on all sides.
　It's a situation where the commander, the dragon, is the most defenseless.
　This can't be called equal, Tilia smiles and looks around.
　It's a training ground with nothing but logs set up at equal intervals.
　A lot of soldiers were working hard on their training there.
　I'd like to say that, but perhaps because Tilia has come, it's somewhere above the sky.
　In such a situation, the group of less than fifty people, led by Gaul, was unique.
　They were working in pairs to take on the rampage, but even from a distance, you could feel their spirit.
　It's not an atmosphere of having no choice since Gaul is there.

''.........Princess Tilia, front.

　Myra blurted out, and Tyria looked ahead.
　Before she knew it, she was near the tent.
　It must have been a consideration to get a good view of the training grounds.
　The cloth was raised and two chairs were placed in the center.
　Both chairs were luxurious.
　The dragon stood by the chair and turned to face us.

''........your hands.''
Are you sure?
I think I can handle this.
Thank you.

　Tyria helped the dragon to sit down in a chair.

'Then we'll be in the back.'
Please feel free to call me if you need anything.

　Myra and Kanan stand behind them, and the dragon sits in a chair.
　After all, from here, you can see the state of the training grounds clearly.
　The sight of a large number of soldiers training is a spectacular sight.
　Although they are not my soldiers, I feel proud of them.

''Can I ask you one question?''
Be my guest.
'We're close to the Areos Mountains here, but will you be able to handle the Imperials when they move?
Rest assured, we're taking several steps to prevent them from attacking us.

　The dragon answered Tilia's question emphatically.

''I'm sure the Imperial Army has at least a surveillance on them...''
He's setting up a fire tower, just like us.
The Wolfsbane Table.

　Tilia let out a small breath.

'What is the matter with you?'
I wish we had a magic item to communicate with you.
Haha, you have some interesting ideas.
It was Crono's idea, though.
I'd like to sit down with him. I haven't had a chance to talk to you before.
He's quite an interesting man. By the way, aren't you going to destroy the Imperial chimney tower?
I intend to, but the timing must be right.

　Dragon said in a low voice.
　The Southern Frontier Army attracted the Imperial Army while a separate force headed to the Imperial City.
　Certainly the timing of this operation will have to be right if it is to succeed.
　Tilia's consolation is likely to be part of the plan.

Well then.
How are you doing?

　As Tyria stood up, so did the dragon.

'He's not just going to watch, he's going to talk to you.
That would be too much for you to...
You need to move around a bit.
Well, yes.

　Dragon said with a grunt.

'I need an escort,'
Yes, sir.

　Then the dragon chuckled.



　When Tilia left the tent, she was the first to head down to Gaul and the others.
　Of course, she wasn't alone.
　There were dragons next to them, Myra and Canaan in front and behind them, and four soldiers around them.

''........Who is that woman?''
Fool, it's Princess Tyria.
I heard you're not feeling well.
He pushed me there.
What are you laughing at?
Hehe, just feel like you're doing something big.
I don't want you to die on your own.
You are.

　You can hear the soldiers' voices.
　The atmosphere is somewhat buoyant, but even in the midst of that, Gaul and the others are seriously engaged in turbulence.
　It's not as if they noticed Tilia and the others, but Gaul turned his gaze towards them and said

''Stop the rancor!　Line up!
Ha!

　As Gaul raised his voice, the soldiers stopped their disorganization and lined up in a row beside him.

''Salute to Princess Tyria!

　Following Gaul's command, the soldiers salute.
　It was a slightly crumbling salute, but that didn't matter if you looked at their expressions.
　They all had good looks on their faces.
　Tilia stopped and returned the salute.
　The soldiers around her groaned.
　I can't help but wonder if it's such a surprise.
　When Tilia lowered her arms--.

''Fix it!

　Gaul raised his voice again and the soldiers lowered their arms.

''........Princess Tyria.
What?

　Dragon whispered in his ear and Tyria moved her head slightly.

''These are the separate forces ... those who volunteered to attack the Imperial City.
Okay.
Those of us here are hoping to take the lead in the fight.
"-Oh!
We are all related to the Lu. Please say a kind word to them.

　When Tyria's eyes widened, the dragon said pleadingly.
　She let out a long breath and walked over to Gaul.

'.........Gaul.'
Ha!

　Gaul straightened up when Tyria called out to him.

'Your man is brilliant. I can feel their spirit.''
Thank God for happiness.

　Tyria tapped Gaul on the shoulder and walked up to the soldier on the far left of the line.
　He shook with a nervous shudder.

'What's your name?'
'Ha, ha!　My name is Thor!

　The soldier - Thor gave him a look of failure, but Tyria dared to smile.

'Never mind. Thor, how long have you been in the military?
Ha, that's five years ago!
Have you always been on the southern frontier?
'No!　I used to guard the Imperial City!
Okay. Where's your family?
"Ha, no, my family is in the Areos Mountains!
I see.

　Tilia nodded quietly and touched Thor's shoulder.

'You're a fine father,' I promise. I will treat your family as subjects of the Empire. I will make it a country where your children can live as children of heroes.
Oh, thank you!

　Thor said, looking as if he was about to burst into tears.

'I expect you to struggle, but don't act like you're in a hurry to die. This is a request.'
'Ha!　I will fight for my family and our empire!
Yeah, please.

　Tyria moves in front of the soldier standing next to Thor.

'I need to know your name,'
Yes, hi, my name is Wright.
It's a good name.

　Tyria asked for the names of each of them and why they were fighting.

*

　Evening - Tilia was looking out the window of the boxcarriage at the view outside.
　It was a beautiful sunset, probably because the air was clear.

''Phew....
Thanks for your help.

　Tilia let out a sigh, and Myra called out to her.
　Her voice sounded heartily soft.

''Would that have been right?''
Yes, it's definitely a morale booster.
'I hope so...'

　After calling out to Gaul and his men, before I knew it, the soldiers were lined up.
　I couldn't ignore them, as expected, so I shook their hands and called out to them, but I have a feeling that consolation is something that should be done in a more somber atmosphere.

'Why don't you take some time off?'
Well.....

　He tried to nod at Canaan's words and remembered the Earl of Chiron.
　Even though the relationship was only arranged, she had a right to know.
　Tilia straightened her residence.

'What is the matter with you, my lord?'
'You said you were set up with the Earl of Chiron?
Yes, so what?

　Canaan tilted his head curiously and Tilia touched the scarf.

'Actually ... Count Chiron is dead. No, we killed him.''
....

　Canaan was puzzled when Tilia confessed.

'I see,'
Is that it?
That's all you can say, but it was just an arranged relationship once.
Okay.

　Canaan said as if he was confused, and Tilia let out a small breath.
　I was also prepared to curse--''

''Was Princess Tilia close to Count Chiron?''
I'm not sure.

　Tyria remembered the Earl of Chiron.
　He had stomped on her head and fought her to death many times, but it seemed to be a fulfilling day.
　Tears spilled out of her eyes.
　I wiped them away as quickly as I could, but the tears came pouring out as I wiped them away.
　That's when I finally realized.
　We were rivals in love - we were friends.