The Flare Blade: Thank you! I sent you a private message addressing DR2. Anyone who wishes to ask about that feel free to PM me. As for this fic, I will say that I have no idea whether it will end up being tragedy by the end. I do not know how it will end. I am fond of bittersweet endings but I'll have to see which one fits the plot best. You are correct about the side characters. I would like them as cameos but I'll have to see how I can fit them in. I do want to use some characters who are not especially relevant to the main story but I'll choose not to if they feel filler-y.

XDarkRider: Thank you! I hope to make good on the potential interest you see in those characters. I intend Arete to be a major character eventually and I hope to do the same with different portrayals of several underused characters in the canon story.

Author's Note: So here's the sort-of-but-not-really OC I mentioned. You can probably figure out their real name if you seen them before. Their behavior and personality will be quite different in this and their reason for being here will be expanded upon eventually, though that will take quite a while. Their characterization is different enough that you can sort of consider them (practically) an OC or an AU version of a canon character. Also apologies if I botched how magic actually works in the Fire Emblem universe. I presume you don't actually have to read the whole thing and that you need to make physical contact with the tome.

Enjoy!

Chapter 2

Corrin

As I understand it, father used to be… involved with a lot of women. There was always an official queen but he also had a number of concubines. I remember being very indignant when I first learnt of this from Leo. Did father not consider the women's feeling? Could he not imagine himself being forced to share his partner with many others? How could he marry any of them if he obviously did not love them? I remember Leo making a complicated expression. Even back then, he was clever and mature, and understood more than any of us, perhaps even Xander. He told me the situation is more complicated than that, but he assured me that father loved every single one of them… and perhaps that was the problem.

Xander's mother, Caterina, was the former queen. She passed away a long time ago, possibly before my birth, but as I understand it there was much mourning after her death. I understood father even less after that. If he loved this woman so much, could he really stand to have another take her place so soon after? Xander never spoke of his mother, perhaps it was a traumatic memory to him, or perhaps he was too young to understood what he lost. But Xander's mother was the queen. Now that position belongs to lady Arete.

Perhaps I was projecting when I felt she was distant toward me. Perhaps I have always been the one keeping her at arm's length. After all, Xander's mother was always by father's side and the people loved her with all their heart. This Arete woman took all that away. A part of me refused to grow up. A part of me always hated her in Xander's place.

As if sensing my animosity, Leo places a hand on my shoulder. "Did you hear? Corrin defeated Xander in single combat. If father has any sense he would be filled with pride right about now." Leo says with all the enthusiasm he could muster…

… or perhaps it was genuine? Am I the only one who felt this way toward the current queen?

"My my… I didn't think that was possible." Lady Arete responds with what I suspect is feigned surprise. "Is your blade getting dull Xander?"

Xander laughs, and once more I wonder whether there's any feigned courtesy in there somewhere. "Corrin is a Nohrian prince and a grown man, and he has been training every day for years. This victory was a long time coming."

"Too long." Leo says with a grin, which quickly drops before he hastily adds. "Though Xander has been training every day on the battlefield for many more years, I'd say his blade is indeed getting dull."

The three of them laugh at this, even Camilla joins in the light banter. I feel ashamed of my animosity toward this woman I barely knew and avert my gaze. Perhaps sensing my discomfort, the queen cuts the conversation short and allows us into the throne room.

The room gives off an oppressive atmosphere, sparsely decorated yet massive in size. On the ceiling is a statue of a dragon, the dusk dragon. As I understand it the dragon has given us all we have today and for that we worship him for all generation to come. The dusk dragon is a fearsome sight and as a child I've always been scared of it. In the middle of the room sits father on his throne, looking as large and intimidating as ever. Iago stands on his right while lady Arete silently takes his left. The queen gives me an encouraging smile while Iago glares at me with undisguised disdain.

I ignore them both and approach father with my brothers and sister by my side. I get on one knee and bow my head. "I've come as requested, father."

"And not a second too soon." Iago snorts. "The baby prince felt the need to converse with the queen while the king awaits his presence… Any Nohrian king less merciful than ours would have you flogged for your insolence."

Iago licks so much boot the Nohrian royals must have the cleanest footwear of all kingdoms… but for some reason he always had a clear, unmistakable animosity toward me. I bit my lower lip and shallow my pride. "My apology f…"

"I started the conversation." Queen Arete interrupts me. "If you find it objectionable that I should desire to converse with the children of my husband, Iago, you can say it to my face."

"Y-Your grace…" Iago stutters, giving light, humorless chuckle. "I d-didn't mean to imply… Of course if your grace feels the need… feels she should do something, then your grace has all the right in the world to do so. I simply…"

"Iago, shut up." Father interrupts him. I smile to myself, a smile I hope I share with my siblings. "Corrin, arrive earlier next time. You do not need others making excuses for you." He raises a hand before I could answer, signaling that I do not yet have the permission to speak, and that further input on the matter would simply anger him. "Ever since you were born, I've always kept you in your fortress to ensure your safety. But you are a grown man now, and no Nohrian prince cowers behind walls rather than fight on the field. I wished to observe your abilities before I allow you to leave the fortress, and you did well."

"I agree, father." Xander interjects. "Corrin has been steadily improving every day, his victory was well-deserved."

"So it seems. I trust you have talked to Gunter about your choice of retainer?"

"Yes, father." I answer hastily, not daring to believe that he is actually allowing me to choose for myself. "There is this knight called…"

"Just the one?" Father interrupts.

"Y-Yes… just one."

"Tell Gunter he has the authority to conscript this knight into your service."

Just like that? When I heard from Gunter… I didn't dare believe… but here he is allowing me my choice of retainer without requiring his personal approval? Is it a display of trust for my judgement or Gunter's? Either way, I could barely hide my joy. "Thank you father!"

"Each of your siblings have been assigned one retainer chosen by me and one retainer of their own choosing. You should be no different."

One retainer chosen by father? "D-Do you have a retainer chosen for me already father?"

"I've been led to believe that this would be a suitable and capable candidate… but now that they are here… I am starting to have doubts."

"How do you mean father?"

"This potential retainer of yours, they achieved results. They have shown a substantial amount of drive in pursuing this position and they have impressed enough people that I have been led to believe that they would be a suitable choice for my son. Can you take up your sword today Corrin?"

"Yes father." As hectic as the fight with Xander was, it wasn't the kind of fight that would leave me exhausted for the rest of the day nor did it leave me with any sort of injury.

"Did you bring your sword with you?"

"Yes father."

"Iago, go fetch the girl. Corrin, come, you are going to either confirm or dispel my doubts."

I often hear from Leo and Camilla that father rarely consults with others before making crucial decisions in their place. I now gain a deep sympathy for anyone on the receiving end of that.

"I don't suppose any of you know who I'm about to face?" I ask the others while awaiting my would-be retainer's arrival.

"This is the first I heard of this." Xander answers. "There's little to worry about, though. One of my current retainers was chosen by father as well and I requested a duel to assess his strength."

"Really? How did you find him?"

"Extremely satisfactory. The lad has certain issues but strength is certainly not one of them. Nice guy too. Father wouldn't just let anyone serve his children Corrin, you're in good hand."

That wasn't exactly my concern, but hearing that fills me with some comfort. As one of his children, I should trust father's judgement. "How did you two find your retainers? The one father picked out that is."

"A quirky fellow and isn't the most talented mage." Leo answers. "But he works hard and loyal to a fault. I wouldn't trade him for anyone."

"Headstrong, capable and diligent." Camilla follows suit with a bright smile. "And one of the cutest girl Nohr has the pleasure of having."

Hearing these reassuring words calm me down somewhat. They all sound like good, honest people and there should be no reason why mine should be any different. With that thought I readjust my weapon as Iago beckons me into the arena.

"Good luck Corrin."

"Stay safe sweet brother."

"Remember, your priorities. You don't have to win."

I leave my siblings behind as I enter the arena more confident than before. King Garon can be seen observing the scene on one of the audience's seat. I search the arena for my opponent, and sure enough she enters from the opposite side.

The girl wears a light, flowing robe, suitable for a spellcaster such as Leo. Even from this distance however, I could tell her attire is not without protection like that of most mages.

From this distance I could see why father had his reservation. The girl doesn't have a fighter's build and her attire doesn't suggest a particularly strong or agile soldier. I do not know whether she utilizes magic, but if she does it would not be the only string to her bow. She carries a fairly standard, if a bit smaller than most I've seen. I do not see any tome on her however, and begins to doubt if I have to worry about magic at all. The girl doesn't look particularly feminine and if I didn't hear otherwise from father I could have mistook her for a boy. My would-be retainer is perhaps in her sixteen, maybe seventeen, but she is unlikely to be older than I am.

The girl does a somewhat dramatic curtsy, brandishing her weapon in a flashy fashion, before introducing herself.

"Wren Ulys, at your service."

I return her gesture with a formal bow. "And I'm Corrin."

"Of course, my would-be liege… As I understand it, you have been commanded to assess my battle prowess through a duel?"

There's something in the girl's eyes that puts me on guard. I answer her cautiously. "That was my father's order, yes."

Sensing my reservation, the girl grins. "I see I see… This was unexpected to me as well, and I must admit I am rather ill-equipped to defeat my lord here and now. And see, lack of preparation is fatal for those of my trade."

If she is in anyway lacking in confidence, she certainly isn't showing it with her tone or attitude. "Yet it is the king's command and we are both obligated to do as he orders."

"Certainly!" Wren answers brightly. "However, there is something you don't know here, lord Corrin."

"Enlighten me." I answer, somewhat curious but still mostly cautious.

Wren gives me a sly grin, as if I just bit the bait too willingly. "I hear up until today you have been confined to your father's fortress. Did you find this… objectionable?"

I tense up immediately, something the girl did not fail to perceive. "It was my father's will."

"That's a yes if I ever heard one! Now, why do you think you were given permission to leave today of all day?"

"I defeated my brother in a sparring session, proving my strength and independence to father. I have shown that I am a Nohrian prince like my siblings and can survive in the world."

The girl opens her mouth wide in genuine surprise. "My goodness what coincidence!"

"What do you mean?"

"That your father would come and observe the one sparring session where you achieve your first victory!"

"I am happy that father did not have to witness me disgracing the Nohrian royal bloodline with my defeat." I reply, ignoring the implication of her statement.

"Indeed indeed! But let me ask you a question, do you think your father granted you independence because you won the fight, or do you think you won the fight on the same day your father granted you independence?"

"I do not understand what you are implying."

"Let me put it this way… Do you think your father expected you to win when he came to observe your fight for the first time, when you have failed to defeat your brother for years before this?"

As much as I hate to, I must conceit to her point. "No…"

"And do you think your father would have a retainer ready if he didn't expect to grant you permission to leave the fortress?"

I almost answer yes before I realize that father didn't handpick Wren. He saw Wren for the first time today. I shake my head, trying to understand where she is going with this.

The girl grins with great satisfaction, as if her opponent has fallen for every trap she laid. "Lord Corrin, here's the truth of the matter. No one believes for a second anyone but the greatest warriors in the world has a chance against prince Xander, expecting that of you would just be unreasonable. Regardless of the result of your sparring session today, king Garon was going to allow you to leave the fortress." Wren gestures toward herself dramatically. "And. You. Have. Me. To. Thank."

My mind fails to completely perceive the situation. "What?"

"Ever since my arrival to Nohr, I've been hard at work, achieving a spot as a royal retainer. But what use have your father for yet another retainer for a prince within a fortress? But if the right people were to convince him that having a grown man cower behind walls would looks shameful for the Nohrian royal bloodline, he may consider having this prince leave the fortress… with a capable retainer, able to defend him from all harm. And see… if you impress the right people with the right spots on the king's council, your reputation may reach his ears and he may draw the obvious conclusion."

"Do you mean to say I have been allowed to go free because father has been led to believe there is a retainer capable enough to defend me outside the fortress?" I ask, incredulous.

"Yup! Exactly!" Wren answers brightly. "So… what I'm saying is…" she continues before I can fully get my bearing. "… if your father thinks I may not be as capable as he was led to believe… well... how can he allow his dear son out into the world with no one to defend him?"

"I'm not helpless!" I protest. "I defeated my brother today. I am a grown man and a Nohrian prince. I do not require my father's protection any longer."

"Of that I am certain my lord. But do you think your father agrees?"

"I… don't know…"

"Ah… uncertainty… an enemy most dreadful..." Wren says as if narrating a story, clearly having fun. "But we need not such an obstacle, yes? Your father is already certain of your strength, after all, you defeated your brother. Hence, any enemy stronger than you must surely be capable indeed! Capable enough to defend a Nohrian royalty in fact!"

I tense my jaw, seeing where the girl is getting at. "You want me to feign defeat for you."

"Mmhmm." Wren nods, before continuing in a sing-song voice. "Only I dispute that it wouldn't be a true victory. I achieved victory through information, improvisation and fair trade. I daresay it is a victory most noble, without bloodshed and worthy of recognition!"

Her words take me off-guard. I take a glance at father. Obviously he's far away enough that he can't possibly make out our conversation… Still I can't imagine he would approve of going along with Wren's plan… Xander definitely would not go along with this. Camilla… I'm not sure, but if she was here right now she would tell me to take the easier path. Leo… what would Leo do?

I think I'll do just that.

"I must admit…" I start, more composed than I was before. "Regardless of your prowess in combat, you are certainly clever, Wren. I think I'll be safe with a mind like yours working to defend my well-being."

"Haha… Thanks my lord!"

"But there's still one matter… There's a hole in your logic."

Wren tenses up immediately. It seems she's well-aware of what I'm getting at and was hoping I would not notice.

"See… Let's look at this from king Garon's perspective… If I lose, it proves that you are a capable retainer and I would be safe outside the fortress. But, if I win… well… What do I need yet another retainer for?"

There's a sharpness in Wren's eyes, searching for a way through my line of logic. "That may be so… if the retainer is a strong and capable fighter. If the would-be retainer… say… throw the match, looking like a weakling... Well, beating said weakling proves nothing no?"

I return Wren's grin, seeing through her bluff. "This would-be retainer isn't about to throw the match. She worked hard for this position and isn't about to toss away her chance to earn it. If the battle starts now, she would put up the best fight possible, hoping to convince the king that while his son may be stronger, she may yet be capable enough an asset to bolster his defense. And besides… judging by her posture, she thinks she can still win this fight through more traditional means. And even if it doesn't work out the way I'm thinking, father would be forced to recognize my prowess. Maybe he'll find a more capable retainer, maybe he thinks I won't need one, but sooner or later father will have to allow me to leave my fortress... after all... someone convinced him it would be shameful for a Nohrian prince to cower behind walls."

Wren maintains her gaze for a while longer, still trying to find a way through. Eventually, her shoulder drops and she lets out a resigned sigh, a smile on her face. "I've been told the young prince would be a naïve little thing, incapable of independent thoughts… Seems I still need to work on my information gathering skills."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"No matter! I'll still get the position one way or another! My lord, I have a feeling our coming relationship will be a fruitful one. Now, draw your weapon, lord Corrin!" Wren makes a flashy swirling motion with her sword before giving me a duel bow. "I am Wren Ulys, soon-to-be royal retainer. Let us have a duel worthy of our young Nohrian Prince!"

Swept along by her bravado, I, likewise return the gesture. "And I am Corrin, son of…"

"EYES UP MY LORD!" Wren shouts as her sword descends on me, missing by a hair's breadth as I rush away from her attack.

"You! You would attack your opponent before he even draws his weapon!?" I ask, indignant. I failed to see her attack coming as my eyes were not on her after I bowed and if she didn't call out like that, I think the "duel" would have been a very short one.

"Sorry, my lord!" Wren responds cheerfully, following up with more slashes before I draw my weapon and begin parrying her attacks. "Any tactician worth her salt knows that a well-prepared opponent means the battle is already lost!"

Leo used to tell me the same, but that doesn't mean I am any less offended! I had a whole speech ready to return and she just cut me off! Not literally… I hope.

"Heh… A rapier!" Wren comments. "Truly an oddity around here! You are an interesting person my lord."

I ignore her comment and begin pressing my attacks.

I could see why father had his reservation, Wren isn't strong and she isn't fast. Her attacks have great skill but no raw physicality to back them up, allowing me to easily dodge and parry her slash. And yet… she is giving me more trouble I was expecting. She manages to dodge my thrust even when she is slower and manages to block my attacks even when she is weaker. I find the whole situation baffling, until I realize that there's a method in her defense.

Simply put, Wren doesn't need speed if she knows where and when my thrust is going to come before I do. She doesn't need strength if she realizes in advance which of my attack would be serious and which would be me testing for her weak spots.

I lunge, only to find that she already backed off seconds ago. I slash, only to find that she's well aware that attack isn't a serious concern and apply minimal force. I thrust, only to find that what I thought was a hole in her defense was left there intentionally to allow her to return my attack with a riposte of her own.

Wren is a poor fighter with the mind of a true tactician. She easily keeps up with my attacks and returns with her own, all the while conserving her stamina and wearing me down whenever I thought I found some breathing room.

Multiple times, Wren attempts to trip me up with a leg sweep. She isn't averse to using her off-hand to deliver jabs at my blind spots. She feigns attacks and use the sand under her feet to distract me. A chivalrous knight could cry if he could see this battle right now. Wren utilizes every dirty trick in the book to gain an upper hand over me.

… Unfortunately for her, a clever mind can only take her so far. I fought Xander every day for years. I defeated him today. Every trick she is performing right now I've already used on Xander. There's no way she can defeat me with sheer trickery.

As expected, even if she conserves her stamina exceptionally well, her small frame is very ill-suited for long duels like this. I've already been hardened through my sparring sessions and could go on for much longer, but it seems that swordplay isn't Wren's strongest point.

She's now well aware that attempting to wear me down was a bad idea, as my endurance seems to be much greater than hers. I feel sorry for the girl, because while I could see that she's more than capable of holding her own, from father's perspective, it would be difficult to see Wren's cleverness at work.

Perhaps knowing this, Wren's attacks grow more frantic. Her retreats are longer each time and she dodges my attacks rather than block them. Seeing my chance, I go on the offense with greater intensity, not allowing her a moment's rest.

Panic creeps into her eyes as her heels feel the arena's wall behind her. Not allowing her time to catch her breath, I brandish my weapon and go in for the finishing blow.

Perhaps out of a sense of desperation, she goes for the oldest trick in the book. Wren removes her cloak and throws it at me, blocking my view.

This is a laughably old trick but I never thought I would see it in action. One in every three of Leo's story book, someone throws up their cloak to block the other person's view before stabbing them with their sword through the cloak. I grin at the fact that I forced her into such a desperate trick and step back, preparing my sword for a parry.

… perhaps I should have seen the panic in her eyes for what it truly was...

"ELFIRE!" Wren shouts as my mind does a 180, scrambling to dodge the attack.

Flame bursts through her cloak, burning it to crisp and crash into me. It knocks me off my feet and as I lie flat on my back, I feet a cold, hard steel pressed against my chin.

"Having trouble parrying fire, my lord?" Wren giggles. "Check. Mate."

I cover my face, ashamed of my previous misplaced confidence. "Did you wear a cloak just for that one maneuver?"

"Nah. I just really liked that cloak." She sighs, sheathing her weapon and offering me a hand. "So I'm really hoping being a royal retainer pays enough for a new one."

I take her hand, chuckling. "I'll go buy you a new cloak first thing then, Wren."

"My lord is too kind!"

"Still… I have to ask… for my pride, if nothing else… The panic, the desperation, the exhaustion… How much of that was genuine?"

Wren puffs her cheeks in an exaggerated manner. "The exhaustion was very real I can tell you that. But do you think any tactician who shows genuine panic or desperation has a chance of victory? There certainly was panic, mind, you just didn't see the genuine kind."

"And that magic? You could always use it? Why did it take you so long?

"I'm no good at it." Wren shrugs. "I do adequately, I guess, but not enough in a real fight. My fire dissipates to quickly and doesn't do enough damage. Barely did enough to knock you off your feet as you can see."

"You managed to use it without a tome though. Even Leo couldn't do that."

"Nah. See that?" Wren points at the ground.

I look. Papers? Pages... burned to a crisp. "Huh?"

"Pages I torn off a tome. One time use, I have to make physical contact with it and as you can see the Elfire I used burned it to crisp. Still, it's exceptionally useful for taking a single opponent off-guard. I attached them onto my cloak for emergency usage. I'm not good enough at magic to justify carrying a tome around when I'm going to engage in actual sword play anyway."

Clever bastard.

I pat her on the back. "I think you'll get on with Leo... as long as you don't tear pages off his tome... Dear god don't do that. Come now, let's introduce you to my siblings." She may be lacking in any semblance of valor or chivalry, but my retainer doesn't seem to be a bad person. We may have met less than half an hour ago but I'm happy with father's choice.

Speaking of father… Is he disappointed that I lost? I know I was meant to assess my opponent's capability but would it not humiliate the king if his son is defeated by someone so seemingly lacking in strength?

Perhaps sensing my anxiety, Wren pats me on the back as we make our way out of the arena. "Hey. Cheer up. You defeated prince Xander in single-combat. That's the hope and pride of the Nohrian people, beaten to the ground by my liege. No one with a clear head on their shoulder would mistake my lord for a weakling."

"Thanks Wren…"

As I leave the arena, I am greeted by my brothers and sister… and Iago, who sneers at my defeat in the corner. Camilla rushes up to check whether I'm safe and healthy, and once she confirms that I am indeed unharmed her hostility toward Wren does a 180.

"Aren't you the cutest thing!" Camilla beams, nearly jumping the girl. "What's your name, love?"

"Wren Ulys, at your service." My retainer answers, not missing a beat. "But milady may call me Wren."

"You're a crafty one aren't you." Leo comments, clearly impressed. "Played our little brother like a harp. Granted, considering Corrin, it wouldn't have been particularly difficult."

"My lord gives Corrin too little credits… Is what a loyal retainer is supposed to say, no?"

"Even if Corrin had won that battle, you would have still been a capable retainer." Xander says. "I must say, I concurred with father's doubts at first, but despite your stature, you clearly have an affinity for battles, backed up by more experience than someone your age can be expected to have."

"My lord is too kind. Likewise, I swear that no harm would come to your brother under my care."

Watching it from the sideline, I could see Wren's sharp-mind extends beyond tactics. She endears herself to my brothers and sister by carefully weighting her response against their expectation. If there was ever any reservation toward Wren, it's gone now. At this moment she is treated as a new member of the family, warmly welcomed by all my siblings.

Iago coughs, trying to get our attention. "King Garon has informed you that he would be waiting in the throne room. The girl is to come as well."

"Thank you, Iago." Xander replies with more politeness than any of us would be able to muster up. "Come, Corrin. Let's get you out of that keep as soon as possible"

We head toward the throne room without delay. The queen is more to-the-point this time around, perhaps regretting getting us into slight trouble last time, and leads us to father quickly.

"Wren Ulys." Father calls out, prompting my new retainer to get on one knee, head bowed respectfully. "I'm not sure what to make of you. You are as weak as you look, and any competent mage would have left many lasting scars on Corrin with an Elfire. But against all odds, you've won. And you seem to have the approval of all my children."

"Your grace has the final call. It was never said that my victory would guarantee the position, only that the duel was to assess my strength. Your grace has seen it with his own eyes, I will accept whatever judgement you may have." Wren answers without a trace of hesitation or concern. But then again if those were there, I wouldn't have been able to tell.

Garon sighs, relenting. Even with what little interaction I've had with him, I knew this would rather uncharacteristic of father. "I suppose that's why Corrin has two… Very well, from this day onward, by my decree, you are now a royal retainer, serving under prince Corrin."

"I swear upon my honor that prince Corrin will henceforth always remain safe and unharmed. My sword is his from this day onward and all his foes shall be mine. Your grace will not regret his generosity."

Father nods, more or less satisfied. "You are dismissed. Head to the North Fortress and ask for Gunter. Tell him of your new position. He will inform you of your duties."

"As your grace commands." Wren stands up, bows and promptly leaves the room. I think I may have caught a glimpse of Wren giving me a concerned look as she leaves.

I soon understood what that look meant as father turns his gaze toward me. "You lost."

I feel my face pales immediately. "I-I'm sorry… f-father…"

"Iago, you saw the fight, give me your assessment."

Iago snorts. "Our boy prince here seems to have gotten overconfident after that fluke with Xander. The girl's little trick would never have worked on anyone else. Clearly this display is unworthy of a Nohrian prince."

Father's distaste for Iago shows, but this time it seems that he mostly concurs. "I had thought you a grown man after you defeated Xander. Was I wrong?"

"Father…" Xander starts.

"Be quiet. If Corrin is no longer the little boy Iago claims he is, he can speak for himself."

Leo and Camilla looks at me apologetically. Their hands are tied, even if they are on my side.

My mind scramble to formulate the best response, but what little patience the king has drains quickly. "Speak, boy. Was what little independence I gave you too much to handle?"

I decide to bite the bullet and, with some restraint, told him whatever I felt. "I'm sorry father… I lost and that is an undeniable fact. I would argue that I fought… well, and I think you can attest to that. My offense and defense were strong and it was only my miscalculation of the situation that costed me the battle… I still have much to learn, father… I don't even know what I'm missing, what I still need to fix… But I do know that whatever weakness I may have, I will not learn of them behind stone walls. Father, I need to be allowed to fall before I can learn to pick myself up."

His gaze hardens, but eventually, just as before, he relents. "Whatever deficiency you may have, at least you are beginning to act as a Nohrian royal should. Very well, from today onward, you have my blessing to leave your keep… as long as you are accompanied by at least two retainers, one of which must be combat-ready."

"Thank you father…" I answer, almost in a trance, not fully comprehending his words.

He looks like he was about to dismiss me, but is interrupted by the queen, whose presence was almost forgotten due to how passive she was up until now. She whispers something to him, more sternly than I have ever seen her act. Father seems a bit uncomfortable, but for the third time today, and also the third time since I have known him, he relents once more.

"So... how are you?"

The question takes me off-guard. I don't think I've ever heard those words uttered by father. My siblings look just as surprised. "I'm well… father…" I answer.

"Good… that's good… The fight with Xander didn't take a toll on you?"

"No father…"

"And the fight with that girl, did her spell leave any mark?"

"I don't think so father. I'll get it checked first thing father."

"That's good…" Father seems to be about ready to dismiss me once more before lady Arete urges him on. He scowls, but go on ahead. "That fight with Xander, you fought well. The fight with the girl too. Despite the end result, you had a clear head and fought efficiently. You fought better than most seasoned Nohrian fighters. That is to be expected of us, of course… But nevertheless, you did well… Your family is… proud of you."

I fail to formulate a response, so father continue without one.

"Get yourself checked for any possible wounds. You are dismissed."

"Yes… father…"

I was still in a daze when I reach my keep, which father apparently assigned to me as my very own castle for me to do with as I please. Was I wrong about my place in the family? Perhaps I was wrong in doubting father. Perhaps he just found it difficult to express these things.

"H-Hey… Corrin? Corrin! Over here!" A boy I did not recognize calls out as he came out of my castle. "By the gods Corrin you've grown!"

Considering how affable it is, I feel bad about not recognizing him. "I'm sorry… I don't think we've met."

The boy seems to be a bit surprised and maybe also even a little hurt, but he quickly recovers and answers with a sincere smile. "It's me, Silas. I am to be your retainer!"

Of course! I feel even more guilty for forgetting about him. "Silas? Is that the Silas back then? The boy who used to help me sneak out of my keep?"

Silas scratches the back of his head, embarrassed. "Yup. That Silas."

"Gods I'm so sorry for not recognizing you… I even asked for you specifically after Gunter mentioned you… He said you've been training into an exemplary knight in hope of being recruited as my retainer. You went through all that and I… Gods I'm really sorry… It's just that my mind is a bit scattered right now."

Silas pats me in the back affably. "Don't worry about it. It's been years since we last saw each other. If anything I should be even more surprised when I was called up by Gunter himself to serve under prince Corrin directly. I didn't think I was ready but how could I say no to the opportunity?"

"Don't be silly. Gunter mentioned the young knight Silas has been building a name to himself among the Nohrian knights. If anything I should be honored to have you in my service."

"Gods don't talk like that… I'm used to that from lords and ladies but you're my…" he stops himself, horrified. "We're still friends aren't we?"

I look at him, incredulous. "Of course we are."

"I just realized… I'm supposed to be your retainer and… gods I'm acting like an equal. I'm sorry milord it won't happen again! I…"

"Silas, stop! Stop right there." I interrupt him. "We ARE friend. We ARE equals. Ranks and titled be damned." I hug him tightly. "Don't ever imply otherwise."

His voice cracks a bit as he answers, "Yes. Sorry that was silly of me. Of course we are friends. Thanks, Corrin."

"Good." I look at him, pretending to sulk. "Didn't think I need to actually clear that up." As Silas looks like he's about to apologize, as slow a learner as I remember, I ease him up with a smile. "Come now. We have some catching up to do."