0-3 Trust


With a sigh, Chrom returned to the bench. He looked out, trying to find either of the twin's platinum hair, but all he could see was blondes and brunettes.

"Milord?" The cobalt turned, to look at Frederick. He nodded, giving the knight approval to continue. "Did you notice, the brigands spoke with a Plegian accent?"

Chrom nodded. "I did. It seems this incident was another of their schemes."

"Aptly put, milord."

"How many times has it been this month? Is this the third incident?"

"Sixth, I believe, milord. There was a disturbance last night that Sully and Stahl went to investigate, and I believe there was a report early this morning to the east, which some of the Pegasus Knights went to deal with. I'm sorry I didn't inform you earlier. Lady Emmeryn thought it best not to worry you and Lady Lissa."

"I see. Thank you for telling me, Frederick." The knight bowed. "It seems the Plegians are becoming more bold with their attempts against Ylisse."

"It does seem that way, milord."

"Once we return, we'll probably be leaving, within the day, for another mission."

"Is that not what you wanted, milord? To be of use to Lady Emmeryn and Ylisse? That is why the Shepherds were started, was it not?"

Chrom sat up straight, shaking his head. "That's not what I meant. It's just…well, I just wish that we could remain in Ylisse just a bit longer, to help Robin and Reflet settle a bit. They might be the Shepherd's new recruits, but having amnesia, a new home, and new jobs, it's a big life change, is it not?" Chrom smiled sadly at the knight, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

"I suppose it is, milord." Frederick nodded, causing Chrom to relax a little. "However, that brings up another point I wish to mention, about the twins." His lord looked at the brunet, giving him his total attention. "Do you not find it…odd, that we just would happen to find two amnesiacs in the middle of a field. One twin maybe, but both of them?"

"You already mentioned this before, Frederick. You have warned them, and I don't think they have done anything ill. Did they not prove themselves in battle, defending the Ylissean people?"

"True, they have milord, and I take back my previous statement,"

Chrom smiled, "That's a rel-"

"...Both are very fine actors."

"Frederick!"

"It's true though, milord. Both are too smart to not be…questionable. The way Reflet plans and how Robin fights, they are not amateurs. Do not tell me that you believe they have no memory, but they're battle instincts are perfectly intact."

"…It is odd, yes, but they have proven that they're trustworthy, haven't they?"

"I hate to talk negatively about either you, or Lady Lissa, but both of you are overly trusting."

"And you Frederick, are overly cautious; although, that is why you are Frederick the Wary." The two stared at each other, until Chrom finally sighed, looking away. Frederick may always listen to him, but he was extremely stubborn. Better to let him say everything and be done with it, rather than for him to bottle it up, which the knight was known to do. "Is there anything else you wish to say on this subject?" Which you obviously do.

"…There is, milord." Although, the brunet knew he was pushing. While Chrom was patient and took his advice, the lord was reaching his limits, but the fact he was going to mention, couldn't be ignored. "Did you notice their clothes, milord? Robin and Reflet's? The design and color scheme are very Plegian. Do you not think it odd?"

"The style is Plegian, yes." Now that Frederick mentioned it, it was very Plegian. Especially the eyes on the sleeves, and the purple and dark colored fabric, although what class it was for, he could not say. "I'm sure it's only a coincidence, Frederick."

"Really, milord? You think that two 'amnesiacs' just happen to be wearing Plegian outfits in Ylisse? And these two would just happen to be here in time to help save Southtown? I do not believe in coincidences, milord. Everything about them is suspicious. Their clothes, their looks, their hair, their smarts; it is all questionable."

"Then what do you propose we do, Frederick? Cast them out because they happen to be wearing Plegian clothes? What will you tell them? Where will they go?"

"Tis not my concern, milord. My concern is your, and the royal families, safety."

"Is it not your duty, being part of the Shepherds, to help those in need? No, even as a knight, is that not one of your responsibilities? They might not be Ylissean citizens, Frederick, but they are in need. What if they really have no memory? Do you have the conscious to throw people in need, back out into the world without no stability, especially when you can help them?" Chrom stared at the knight. Although he kept eye contact with Frederick and the man remained standing firm, there were the small traces of doubt and disappointment in his brow and eyes, something that lesser men would miss. "I'm not lecturing you Frederick," although maybe, like in the very few cases in the past, when their positions were switched, he was, "But, I know you well enough. Knowing everything that you do, if Robin and Reflet really have no memory, can you, in good consciousness, throw them into the world?"

"No, milord, I cannot. Still, everything about them is suspect."

He couldn't deny that much about the twins were questionable, but at the same time, he felt that they were truthful and openly honest with him, Frederick, and Lissa. There was also something about them, like he was drawn to the siblings; that something shouted deep in his soul that he needed them, that they "completed" him. It sounded so stupid, but already, with less than a day passed, many of their assets seemed to counteract his own flaws. Chrom sighed. "They're staying, Frederick."

"Very well, milord." The knight bowed, although it was obvious that he still seem bothered by the situation.

"If it puts your mind at ease, keep an eye on them. If they do anything peculiar, like they start to send unknown messages or disappearing randomly, please inform me, and we'll continue from there. However, do not just start listing their schedules, like what they eat and every person they come in contact with, especially if it has no pertinence. Only talk to me if you feel their behavior is questionable, not mundane."

"Very well, milord, as you see fit." The knight bowed again, the man's tone indicating that he was satisfied with the arrangement.

"Chrom!" The two men turned to see Lissa running up the steps, dragging Robin and Reflet, one in each hand.

Chrom looked at his knight, and the brunet nodded. This discussion was over.