*

　Tilia propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support and listened to Johnny's report.
　Although he gets to the point, the report is trite.
　It's not surprising, since he's not trained as a military man.
　If he wins this battle, it wouldn't be a bad idea to raise him as a military man.
　Of course, that is if he wants to--''

''So big brother, I mean the imperial army is building a field position hidden in the thick fog. The priest of the mother goddess of fertility and fertility...
Theon.
Yes, Sion-san. Zion-san made the trenches with his divine power, so the rest is just to reinforce the trenches and make traps and obstacles.
You're doing well.

　Tilia muttered quietly.
　Now it was just a matter of whether Baroness Nam Corne's power would be maintained until they finished building the field position.
　However, he was optimistic about this.
　She's the best divine master magician in the Empire.
　She shouldn't be able to create a thick fog for just two days.

''You little vixen.
What's up?
No, it's nothing. I'm talking about this one.

　I'm glad that Baroness Nam Corneh is cooperating with us, but it's not out of good intentions.
　She has their interests at heart.
　She's with the surrounding lords.
　On top of that, she is trying to find out to the very last minute who will win - the Imperial Army or the Imperial Army.
　That's why they are only cooperating for two days.
　If the Imperial Army is outnumbered, they are sure to return the favor immediately.
　There is no denying the possibility that they will come at us from behind.
　Rather, it is more likely.
　Not only with the Imperial Army, but also with the surrounding lords and princes, we have to think about what they will think.
　Utterly and utterly disgusting.
　Tilia's frustration must have been palpable.
　I'm not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.

'Oh, Miss?'
Yeah, I'm sorry. That's all for now.
Yeah. Oh, I forgot. A gift from my brother.

　Johnny finished his report and placed the crate on the desk.
　Tilia sat in her chair and looked at the crate.
　She must have noticed her gaze.
　Myra, who was standing beside him, stepped out quietly.

''Let me revise the contents just in case.
Don't worry about it, I'm not going to steal from you.
'I'm not worried about stealing it, but I'm afraid it might have been dropped and broken.
No, no. Well, that's not really what we do, is it?

　When Myra turned her gaze to look at him, Johnny turned away.
　He's sweating even though it's a chilly room temperature.
　It's not the sweat of body temperature regulation.
　It's the sticky sweat of mental sweating.

'Why are you sweating?'
Why is that?　Wow, I don't know.
...I see.

　Myra said as she let out a sigh and opened the wooden box.
　She took out a transparent sphere - a magic item for communication - from inside and stared at it.

''It looks like you didn't break it.
Yeah, sure.
So why are you sweating?
I don't know why. I don't know why.

　Johnny replied to Myra's words, his eyes moving busily.

'Stop now,'
Yes, ma'am.

　Myra nodded quietly as Tilia called out to her.

''Can I go now, too?''
Get some rest.
Yes, sir.

　Johnny gave a crumbling salute and turned on his heel.
　He went straight to the door--.

'....Johnny.
What is it, what is it?

　Tilia called out to him, and Johnny turned with a jerky motion.
　'It's like a rusty hinge.

'Good work, again, please.'
Of course. I'm my brother's prefect, and I'm going to be the best dagger wielder in the Empire.

　Johnny grinned.
　It's a smile that I can't believe he was sweating fat just now.
　But--

'My, don't forget that you are my, my apprentice.
Of course, of course. I'm Master's apprentice.

　As Myra said to include, Johnny began to sweat fat again.

'You know how hard it was for me to raise you,'
I mean, thanks a lot.

　Johnny is rattling and shaking.
　It must be mental, too.
　Between the two of them - or what kind of education was given to them?
　I'm curious, but I shouldn't be stepping in here.
　I feel that way.
　Instead, I look around to tell them to stop any further.
　Then Myra lets out a small breath and closes her eyes.
　After a moment, she opens her eyes again.

'Get some rest.'
So I'll just be right here.

　Johnny smiled affectionately and walked out of the hut.
　Huffing, Tilia let out a breath and leaned back.
　And looked up at the heavens.
　The only thing that could be seen, though, were the beams and the ceiling--.

''Thank you for your help.''
It's not worth the effort, you know.

　After all, I just sat in a chair and listened to the report.
　Besides, I'm feeling better.
　That's just the way it is--.
　I turn my gaze to Myra.

'What is it?'
I was just wondering what you did to Johnny.
I'm just giving you an education.
That's all it takes to do that?

　Tilia asked, remembering Johnny's condition.
　'Mental sweating, body shaking - he was scared like a small animal.

'He must have been weak of mind. Indeed, young men these days...'
It doesn't feel right when you say it.

　Despite her real age, she is a beautiful woman in appearance.

I'm extremely flattered by the compliment.
'Yeah, well, yeah ...'

　Tilia shushed.
　It would have been nice if I could have come up with something witty to say, but I couldn't think of anything.
　Even if it did come to mind, I don't think the sarcastic kind would get through.
　Is this the age-old wisdom?
　No, I just have a thick skin.

"I'm sure Johnny....

　It was still going on, Tilia thought as she straightened her residence.
　Somehow, she felt that she should.

'He must have seen the darkness within himself.
'I think he was obviously frightened of you?
You're kidding.
I'm serious.
....

　Myra shushed her when Tilia retorted.

'It's not unreasonable. Your wife is young.'
It's an age thing.
Yes, it's a matter of age.
Okay.

　I can't help but be assured of that.
　Tyria let out a small sigh and propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.
　She turned her gaze to the crate.
　Then Myra held out a magic item for communication.

''Here you go.''
I'm sorry.

　Tyria received the magic item for communication and squinted at it.
　No scratches, no cracks.
　After all, it seemed that Myra was the reason why Johnny was scratching a greasy sweat.

''Now we'll be able to work together, won't we?

　The separate forces are hiding in a thousand people - divided into twenty groups.
　If it weren't for the magic item for communication, they wouldn't be able to work together properly.

''It's a great magic item.
I thought you guys had all this on hand?
It's hard to keep up with the numbers.
...for sure.

　Tilia rolled the communication magic item in her hand.
　Magic items are basically expensive.
　Even more so if the use of the magic item for communication is special, like the magic item for communication.
　In that sense, Crono must have had the foresight to embrace Eril.
　Of course, I don't think he envisioned the current situation - but.

''At any rate, we can build a communications network with this.
....

　He muttered with a sigh, but Myra didn't say anything.
　I wondered if there was something wrong.
　I was suspicious and looked at her face.
　Then I saw a look on her face as if she wanted to say something.
　What did he want to say?
　I was curious, but I hesitated to ask why.
　I'm sure he's going to say something unstipulated.
　I had a hunch that he would.
　He must have noticed the gaze.
　Myra looks at me.
　Tilia hurriedly turned her face away.
　I suddenly felt a breeze.
　It was not a draft.
　Myra must be moving to the right and left behind her.
　Does she want me to ask her why so much?
　I let out a deep sigh and turn my gaze to Myra.

''.........What.......what?''
Boy - I hope you don't have to communicate with Master Crono.
I thought about that, but I don't have the numbers.

　Tilia responded with a sigh.
　It was about half a day's distance from here to the imperial army's field position.
　There aren't enough communication magic items to extend the communication network that far.

''And we need to protect our secrets.
He didn't want you to know that your wife was here.
That's what I'm talking about.

　There are only a few people who know that Tilia is here.
　Crono, Mino, Leila and the other officers - and the old knights in the entourage.

So, let's continue with Johnny as our scout and messenger.
I'm sorry.
No, I'm not the one who has to do the hard work.
Have you no compassion?
I'm sorry, but this is not a good time for Johnny.

　Myra said quickly.

'We had some terrible masters,'
I'm a burglar apprentice. Besides....
And?
If you are soft to them, they will take advantage of you.

　Myra let out a sigh as Tilia parroted and muttered.

'Hmm, you're disciplining yourself as a master.
No, not at all.
You really don't have any compassion for him, do you?

　Perhaps Myra had raised Johnny to be dead.

'In fact, how strong is Johnny?'
I think he's one of the best dagger-wielders in the world, if you include the surrounding nations.
Oh, that's great.

　Tilia exclaimed in admiration.

'Well, as long as you don't go with the figure...'
Is it really that bad?
Yes, just a little compliment can leave a gap.
You need some mental discipline.
Yes, that's right.

　Myra let out a small sigh.

'By the way, who is your compassion for?'
Master Crono?
....

　Myra said, as she should, and Tyria held her tongue.

'Who is your compassion for?'
Master Chronosphere.

　I asked again, but the answer was the same.

'Consider your age,'
I'm an elf, so I didn't think it would be a problem.

　Myra said quickly.

'What is it about Crono that you're in love with?'
At the very least, you'll be an imperial prince.
You're not in love with me!

　Tilia raised her voice, but Myra was nowhere to be seen.

'....My Lady.
What?
Don't you think status and worthiness are also attractive to men?
I don't think so.
....

　When Tilia answered immediately, Myra looked as if she'd bitten down on a bitter worm.

''Well, your wife is young. By the way, what was it about Crono-sama that attracted you to her, Mistress?'
Where....

　Tyria muttered and asked herself where she felt the attraction.
　Naturally, the status doesn't appeal to me.
　There is nothing wrong with being worthy, but it is different if you say you find it attractive.
　To begin with--.

It's like I was in love with you when I found out. What's that face?
No, no, it was nothing.

　Myra turned away, but Tyria didn't miss the look on her face as she bit down on a bitter worm.

'If you have something to say, say it.'
The sweet and sour lines made me bitter and gory.
That's it!
You said if I had something to say, I should say it.

　Kuh, Tilia grunted.
　She wanted to say it back, but the words wouldn't come out.
　Then--.

''This is Kane, does anyone hear me?''
"-Oh!

　Suddenly, a voice rang out from the communication magic item.
　It was so sudden that I almost dropped it.
　I took a deep breath and carried the communication magic item to my mouth.

'It's Tilia.'
'Oh, princess. It's good to know someone who knows you.
So, what's going on?
That's why...
Are you lost?
"I'm not sure where we'll be meeting.

　Embarrassed, Kane answered after a pause.
　It couldn't be helped.
　He wasn't familiar with the geography around the Imperial Capital.
　Rather, he should appreciate the fact that he was able to get here.

''Alright. I'll send someone to pick you up right away.''
Sorry.
Don't worry about it.

　Myra bowed reverently as Tyria gave her a look.

*

　As Kane finished the communication, his old subordinate - Sabbu - pulled his horse up to him.
　With an eye patch and stubble, his appearance looks like a bandit.
　He has no front teeth, so when he smiles, he looks like a nice pause.
　He understands this and smiles with his teeth bared when interacting with people with whom he is not familiar.
　With this, most of them let down their guard.
　It's Sabb's way of dealing with people.

'How was your head?'
Yeah, she said she'd be coming for me soon.
That's a good one.

　Sabb laughed, baring his teeth.

'Even you?'
That's it!

　Sabb nodded grandly.

'Master Crono's place is, well, blessed. It's going to take me a while to come to my senses. And how is your head?　Doesn't life as a deputy slow you down?
As you can see, I'm ready to fight at any time.
That's the head.

　Haha, Sabb laughed.
　The old subordinates laughed, the archers, the newcomers - Bruno and the others laughed.
　It still looks okay, Kane inwardly patted his chest.
　The surrounding lords had many people they could talk to.
　However, that doesn't mean you can't be on your guard.
　If you believe in them and they betray you, the fate of Kane and his team will be cut short.
　They needed to be constantly vigilant of their surroundings.
　The least we could do was to know that we could rest if we joined up.
　The situation, which could end at any moment, would wear out the body and mind by itself.
　But if there is an end, we can somehow stop.
　Of course, there is a limit to that--but there is a limit to that.
　We're still going to be okay, Kane tells himself.
　It was still funny.
　That's enough to make us believe we can afford it.
　As long as we can believe we can afford it, we can keep our heads above water.
　I suddenly remembered Elaine.
　What would she say?
　Would she snicker, or give me a dumbfounded look?
　Or would she agree with a straight face?
　It could be any of those things, and she could react in a way I didn't expect.
　In short, I don't know her well.
　It would be the same for her.
　People who didn't know each other well were drawn to each other without understanding each other well.
　She laughs at the thought that if she could get back alive.
　It's disgusting.
　You've dressed up to get out of here, but you're leaving something to be desired.
　No, it's also possible that you're the only one who thinks so.
　I'll be laughed at when I come back alive.
　But, well, that's just the way it is.
　I'm an ordinary person.
　I can't protect my sister and I'm trapped in her death.
　Even if I survive this battle, I will still be trapped in her death.
　What can I do?
　Nothing much can be done.
　But....

I'm going to do my best to scrape by.

　Kane looked up at the sky and muttered softly.
　It made me feel a little better.

'Is something wrong?'
No, I didn't think it was a big deal, you know?
That's a bit too humble. If you don't have a brain, then why are we here?
It's a bunch of guys.

　Kane chuckled back.
　Then there was a rustling sound.
　It was the sound of bushes on the side of the street shaking.
　Sabb and the others turned their gaze towards the direction of the sound.
　That should have been the right decision.
　Nevertheless, Kane was looking at the other side.
　I'm not sure why--I don't understand it myself.
　If I had to put it that way, it's intuition.
　Then his eyes met with a young man who looked like he'd seen somewhere before.

"--!

　The young man gasped and reached for his waist.
　But faster than that, Kane was on his horse, sword drawn and released.
　The young man raised his hands in surrender as he pointed the cutting edge.
　That's when Sabb's group noticed something strange.

'Head?'
Don't let your guard down.

　Kane announced shortly, and Sabb and the others moved their horses to surround the young man.

'Surrender,'
I know what I'm talking about. You'll know.
"Johnnysss. Missus sent me to get you.
"Johnny?

　Kane tilted his head.
　Come to think of it, I think I was with Myra when she arrived.
　He looked familiar, but he couldn't let his guard down.
　After all, it was three years ago.
　I can't trust my own memories.

"Do you have any proof?
You'll know it when you talk to your communication magic item.
"...sabbatical.
I understand.

　He muttered, keeping his eyes on the young man, and Sabb moved his horse forward.
　Kane brought his basket hand close to his mouth.

'Princess, can you hear me?'
"'Yeah, I hear you.

　A muffled Tilia's voice echoed after a slight pause.
　It was also overlapping.
　It was from Kane's cage and the young man.

'A man claiming to be Johnny is here, and I'm pretty sure this is the one to pick him up?
'Yeah, definitely.'
You know...

　Kane looked at Johnny and mentioned his facial features and clothing.

''....Yeah, it fits. But why are you asking me that?''
Because he was sneaking up on me from behind.

　Kane replied in a disgusted mood.
　If he had come out of the front, or at least out of the bushes, he wouldn't have been alarmed--.
　Huh, a sigh echoed from the communication magic item.
　He must have been dumbfounded.

''Anyway, I'm waiting for you.''

　'Oh,' Kane replied shortly and dropped his arms.

'We've got the back. This one's coming for you.
That's a good one.
Good.

　Sabb pats his chest and Johnny continues to pat his chest down.

'What, did you do something that could be misinterpreted?
I wanted to stay in a good position.

　Kane asked, and Johnny said apologetically.

'I think it's about time you sheathed your sword.
Okay.....

　Kane sheathed his sword after a moment of hesitation.
　Can he trust the man who is creeping up behind him?
　Such thoughts dominated his chest.
　Johnny was just as wary, and he lowered his hand loosely.

'I didn't feel alive.
I'm sorry about that one.

　I tried to say an apology, but if the same thing happened, I would stab him in the throat again.

'Come on, this way.'

　Johnny turns on his heel and walks away.
　His hand is attached to the dagger at his waist.
　He suddenly remembered that his men were worn out.

'....Johnny.
What's up?

　Johnny turned and looked up at me.

'Can I give my men a break first?'
''........Yeah. I'll ask him.

　Johnny looked around and pulled a communication magic item from his pocket.

*

You're ... late.
They must be taking a long time to find their way around.

　Here you go, Myra said, setting the cup down on the table.
　Tilia took the cup and brought it to her mouth.
　She didn't put her mouth on it right away, but enjoyed the aroma.
　Kehot and lightly choked.
　It was a pretty pungent scent.

'Is it original?'
To keep your body cool, we use a ginger base.
'I've had ginger-based incense tea many times, but never to this extent.

　Tilia let go of the cup and stared intently at the liquid inside.
　It reminded her of the strange elven potion made by Arididid and Deneb.
　However, the smell was different--.

''Come on, gulp.''
Do you drink?
Of course.

　Apparently, you have to drink it.
　But motives aside, Myra is trustworthy.
　She wouldn't heap poison.
　At will, Tyria drank the incense tea.
　A pungent sensation passed through her esophagus and reached her stomach.
　Instantly, her stomach was burning.
　Soon after, the heat travels through her body.
　It was hot. It was so hot that my whole body was sweating.
　Myra gently holds out a handkerchief.

"Here you go.
Mm, sorry about that.

　He takes a handkerchief and wipes the sweat off his face.

'What do you think?'
It's not as bad as it sounds.

　Maybe it's the sweat I've been breaking, but I feel a little sunnier.

''Will it sell?''
Are you going to sell it?
Of course.

　When Tyria asked back, Myra answered with her heart.
　As usual, she's brazen.
　Hmmm, I look down at the empty cup.
　The smell is lightly chokingly pungent, but I can honestly say it's not bad.

'It's hard to sell normally, isn't it?'
I knew it.

　Myra nodded with a divine look on her face.
　An idea suddenly occurred to her.

'Why not add value?'
Added value?
'Yes. Best for when you have a cold, or maybe it's good for the cold.
Okay, great idea.
I know.

　Tilia felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

''Then may I use Princess Tilia's name?''
...my name.

　Tilia frowned.
　I don't want to sell my name - I don't want to sell it under the name of Tilia tea.
　I'm shocked when it doesn't sell, and even more shocked when it does.
　It's fine if it ends up being a boom, but if it continues to sell until the next generation of grandchildren.
　It's scary just to think about it.

Wouldn't that be bad?
....
No?

　When Tilia was silent, Myra looked into her face.
　Her eyes are serious.
　I can't seem to get away with it as a joke.

''Well that's good.''
Thank you.

　Myra smiled a small smile.
　Looking at that smile, I have a feeling that it was all calculated.
　At that time when I was thinking of saying one of the sarcastic things--.

''Miss, I'm back.''
Come in.

　A brainy voice sounded and Myra responded.
　The door opened and Kane came in, led by Johnny.
　Johnny stops near the door, but Kane continues to move closer.
　He stopped about two meters away and poked him on one knee.

'Kane, thank you for your help,'
Yeah, that was really tough.

　Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.
　He must be really tired, since he even bothered to mention it.

'Does that mean you can't move right away?
I'm tired, including myself.
Well if that's what it is, then I guess I have no choice.

　I thought about it when the Imperials moved, but it would only wear my men down for nothing.
　We should give them a good rest and let them attack the supply party.

'Give yourself a few days' rest. Myra, you have plenty of food to spare, don't you?
Of course.
Now, let's give Caine and the others the best of both worlds.

　He starts to say, and then he shuts up.

Can I help you?
Yes, I'm not sure I'd want a tired man to eat something worthwhile.
Don't worry, I'll take care of that.
All right, then.
Yes, sir.

　Myra nodded quietly.

'That's why. Get some rest. I'll tell you more about our plans for the future.'
Thank you. I'm at my wit's end.

　Kane stood up and turned on his heel.