A/N: My favorite chapter thus far. Summary of this chapter all in all, Robin's opinion of Chrom is a constant jump rope of fun! And to Chrom she's still an enigma.

General Timescale: 2 weeks passed since South Town

With less tension, no time traveling zombies, we have more room between major plot events. There's much less time pressure but there are other forces at play now that Validar is gone. Our game board is one that is always full.

Apologies for the slow update, I only have one excuse….

Pokémon (ruiner of lives)


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-~ [o] ~-

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Robin sat awkwardly on a Queen sized bed. Her right hand, still gloved, was held out. Soothing magic melded cracked bones. A single candle lamp brought light to the regal room.

The Plegian goes over the events of this hectic day.

Today she found out Chrom and Lissa were Ylissean Royalty.

She agreed to travel and fight for the scions of Naga; Naga who scorched Plegians and Grimleals to death; the same Naga who bestowed her holy fang to Chrom.

Prince Chrom carries the Grima slaying national artifact and swings said blade like a toy. And Robin is fighting in his militia. She's fighting in the militia for Ylissean royalty. And Robin repeats, she is fighting for Naga while trapped in Ylisstol surrounded by guards and war priests.

Its official, she is a terrible tactician. This is the worst decision in her entire life.

Did she mention Chrom and Lissa were royalty?

Is this a difference in culture because for what she is told, the Exalt is supposedly wise beyond her years? Yet should something happen to the woman, Chrom will rule over the halidom.

Someone like Chrom will rule over a country. Chrom, who could not recognize basic political manipulation, would rule this country.

She's still trying to get over this. And she is failing, it boggles her mind.

Is it not the duty of royalty to be educated? And Robin would admit she is being judgmental if not for the toad ooze still coating her robe. Even worse than Exalt Chrom is the image of Exalt Lissa, the later shall protect the land with pranks, fake spiders and snail slime.

Ylisse is doomed. Robin prays Exalt Emmeryn will produce an heir as soon as possible.

Thinking of Exalt Emmeryn, what are the chances of stumbling upon her parade this afternoon? The tactician runs numbers in her head. Her highness crossed paths with the Shepherd's return.

It was impossible the woman planned to greet her sibling in such a manner. The group arrived off schedule, if there was a schedule to follow. Does the Exalt take daily walks? Is it specifically in the afternoon or on the same path? It couldn't be so predictable or it wouldn't be very safe; unless Ylisstol was the epitome of peace that allowed the ruler to walk about freely.

Robin's nose scrunches, not being able to calculate the percentage of encounter was irritating.

The Exalt's pass time should be a safe topic. Robin asked her healer.

"The exalt line and Naga possess a covenant. There is a special connection in which divine Naga bless her grace with guidance"

So then…Naga talks to the Exalt? This sounds unlikely or the Prince and Princess would be reprimanded daily for such poor representation of a holy lineage.

"Thank you…sir Libra?"

Libra is a War Monk of the highest skill within Ylisstol. The blonde looked pleased. The man before her looked very feminine. Should she not possess her sixth sense, she would have assumed he was a she.

"There is no need for thanks. I am merely doing as I am told."

He is lying.

The Naga war monk did a splendid job beyond the threshold of duty. The man had not only healed her hand but rid them of blue blackish blobs until there was no outward sign of injury, all while her glove is kept on. She can see her health piling higher like little green bars stacking upon the each other horizontally.

"I mean it with my full gratitude. There are not many who are willing to assist a Plegian during these times"

Especially not many who toke such care. Perhaps Libra only did so because it was the Prince who personally requested. Robin can feel her face redden as she recalls recent memory.

After notifying the prince her hand was ready to crumble like day old pastries, Chrom frantically sought out the best healer he could find, literally, and she means literally, the moment they entered the castle. So loud in his concern she could probably hear him in the Valmese continent.

Robin had not expected to be healed so eagerly. If fact it was amazing how she was not thrown into the dungeons. Never would she imagine, she would willingly waltz into the Ylissean stronghold and chat up with a Naga Priest. Perhaps Chrom drains people of their sanity.

Whatever his power, it worked in her favor. The Prince defended his tactician in court. Robin had not heard his discussion with the Exalt, she was sent to her room with Libra. Chrom insist she must be healed immediately.

From what she heard from the messengers, even Fredrick gave her support, surprising Exalt Emmeryn and just about everyone else within a five mile radius. Whoever did not hear him directly, word of mouth traveled faster than thunder magic.

Rumor has it the Great Knight Fredrick, he is apparently of high position, was bedding a Plegian damsel he rescued from a pack of bear attacks. This was especially ridiculous. Bears do not travel in packs; they travel in sloth.

"I once walked a different path, one that was dark and full of hatred. I am grateful for Naga's spirit who saved me."

Libra opted to lessen the silence with small talk. Robin nods half heartedly unsure how to respond.

"I do not expect worship from you so do not fear. It is wrong to force the unwilling. I am here to help you Lady Robin. If there is anything, speak your mind. It is not his highness that causes me to help those in need."

The young woman's eyes widen slightly.

That's it; Libra was her favorite person in this crazy excuse for a country. Well maybe that's an exaggeration, second favorite person, right after Allene. The priest's intentions were clear and he speaks with consideration. More importantly Libra had common sense, a rare condition within Ylissean soils.

"Thanks but just call me Robin."

She smiles as his hands retreat from hers. His eyes were ice like and cold contrasting the warm he gave from his heart. It seems his past has not left him completely. But when he looks to her, he is beaming. Robin hopes her gratitude and awe has reached him.

"Very well milady, Robin."

He picks up his mend staff. The session was over and now he will leave. This may be her only chance.

"In two month…"

She starts,

"The Shepherds will travel to Ferox to meet with the Khans. Will you join us?"

Libra raises his eyebrows in an elegant manner if one could move eyebrows elegantly. She has piques his interests or so she hopes.

"I understand a monk of with such skill must carry plenty of duty in the capital but the Shepherds would appreciate your expertise."

This was a partial truth. She more so desired his company. Even her first impression of Libra on a pure physical basis was positive. He was as strong as Fredrick in certain ways and healed twice as well as Lissa. It would be an absolute shame to keep him away from the field.

"This is not an order from his highness. This is merely a request from his new tactician."

Chrom had not delegated his tactician the power to recruit. Robin doubts Chrom will reject an able unit from the Ylissean priesthood. After all, the lord was willing to recruit a Plegian stranger out of mere whim. Note to self, background check all Shepherds.

Libra nods.

"It would be an honor to protect the prince and princess."

She smiled in giddy triumph. Robin hugs him in joy, her enthusiasm is contagious.

"I shall return in the morning. Good night Robin. Be safe."

With that the priest left her room picking up his ward staff as he walked out. Her eyes follows his golden locks until they are out of sight.

Libra unlike Lissa was well skilled in the usage of staffs. The blonde man had also hid a killer axe upon his person.

Inspired, Robin skipped to the wide mahogany table placed by the window of her room and begins preparations for the next day. She rakes out the complementary parchment and ink provided by Chrom. She splits her workspace into two.

On the left side she starts to jolt down a map of the castle. This is a monotonous act that takes little focus. The tactician draws grids on to paper proceeds to outline the walls and corridors.

From the unsuspecting safety of her room, she will scout the guard movements and finish her escape plans. In reality she has no idea how each corridor actually looks. Without a proxy, Robin is limited to printing areas that are accessible and inaccessible. Either way this is a boring task. The young woman allows her mind to wander to more interesting ideas.

Tomorrow Robin will survey the convoy and manage the war chest. If anything, Ylisse should supply the Shepherds for their trip to Ferox. This will be a diplomatic expedition and what impression would the halidom make if they arrive with bronze weaponry. If A Plegian fugitive can afford bronze weaponry then the Exalt can afford silver. The Great Knight can certainly wield such a lance with ease and the man can wield swords and axes as well. She drools at the image of Fredrick and a killer axe.

Robin shifts her pen to the right side of the table. This paper keeps record of her thoughts. She scribbles her lists of to equipment requests and then returned to making her map. The Plegian was multitasking two opposing goals but that was half the fun. Her candle clock platters as she switches back and forth.

Perhaps she should start a training regime until Lissa can use ward staffs as well. Ward staffs are worth much more in bullion than meager healing staffs. Ah but they are worth every gold piece. Most units are weak in resistance. Fredrick and Chrom would be much appreciative of a ward.

Robin's first order of business is to acquire numerous rescue staff for Lissa to train on. Rescue staffs are useful babies but useless if the user has little magic proficiency. An even better idea enters Robin's mind. The tactician smiles mischievously. The princess could undergo the spectacular Pegasus Knight experience. Robin is eager to join her. Upon a dark Pegasus, the Plegian could still use her spell books. She imagines an army of veteran Dark Pegasus Knights, her army may as well have doubled.

Sadly Chrom will not be able to gain galeforce. Pegasus responds strictly to the fairer gender. But this will not harm Chrom much. One day the prince will be a great lord. There is little to worry. Chrom is strong and he supports others well. Perhaps some time as a Great Knight or a Paladin will do him a world of good.

Regardless for now, Chrom needs to gain more finesse with swords. For the present, the lord will have to use rapiers. He can train on bronze until he can wield the lovely replica of Erika's Blade they scavenged in South Town. If she pairs with Chrom, he will be just fast enough to attack four times. Chrom is very competent at dual strikes. If she had a Gale Tome, they would be unstoppable before their enemy even could move.

This left a lot to be desired as a copy of Cecilia's tome is not on the market. Much like the replica blade, tomes like Cecilia's Gale often turn up in towns and forts randomly. This was a strange phenomenon around the world.

There are myths of fairytale characters that jumped out of their stories to walk the earth like physical ethereal projections. Sometimes they left behind a remnant, an absolutely gorgeous remnant that was the valuable equipment Robin currently lusts over.

The population of paper on the right greatly overpowers the left side of the tactician's table. The stack containing training regimes threaten to topple over and conquer the entire wooden plane.

According to rumor, these phantoms were sealed in an island somewhere south of Ylisstol. It sounds like a wonderful trip to train the Shepherds. She will ask Chrom for a brief excursion to investigate the outer realms of Ylisse. Robin will have time to adjust tactics and get to know the other units. She can also organize camp life earlier than blindly charging to the warrior realm.

Robin spends five marks of her candle clock routing paths southward. Two weeks to travel near South Town. Two weeks of exploration. Two weeks to return. Finally two weeks to rest before Ferox. That equates to more than a month of training.

Satisfied, Robin returns to the abandoned corner of the left side. Two more marks of her candle clock melted before Robin finished a basic map of Ylisstol castle. The Plegian charted down the corridors and general locations of barracks and training grounds. She has yet to scribble down specific rooms or private quarters. Specifics can be completed at a later time.

Instead the young woman made little chess pieces out of crumbled paper. Robin placed the priest piece on her map. Closing her eyes, she focused on Libra who was about to arrive at what she believe the monk's quarters. Libra paused in route to heal a soldier who was not too damaged. From this brief encounter, Robin can see the man's surroundings.

This is her only way to view details of the stronghold. Chrom and Lissa have already returned to their rooms and served her no purpose in reconnaissance. She apologizes to Libra internally but for all she knows, the Ylissean court may turn on her sooner than later.

Politics are tricky fiends that play painful pranks behind innocent masks. Robin has no doubt even the Exalt is oblivious of how they deal with Grimleal fugitives. At least in her room she is safe. At first the Plegian worried whether her food were poisoned. That would be a foolish attempt at assassination especially when her highness openly declared the Plegian an ally.

No, they would be much slyer. And if they strike, Robin is prepared.

The young woman sets the pawns to match the guards, the knights to where Fredrick resides, and the other bishop to Lissa's room. Finally she places the king on to her game board; his room was only a hallway away. He stayed still, unmoving. Chrom stood strongly above the rest.

Chrom will be sad if she left.

The thought made her uncomfortable. She could not avoid glancing towards the lord. She dispersed her sixth eye.

It'd be best to focus on happier thoughts. Robin drifts towards her routes to the Outer Realms and attempt to calculate possible progress. Wax laid on her tray, her candle gave in to gravity. Half of the tactician's clock now swam at the base. Her head is on fire. The tactician can feel her brain jumbling and tangling her threads of thought leading her to the same destination.

She can't stay with them forever, can she? Why not? Does she want to be here?

Robin shakes her head. Of course a Plegian can't stay in the Ylissean Army, lest she wish to be eaten alive by its court. But if Ylisse runs an arms war against Plegia, it is the best option to avoid outright fighting. The halidom is one of peace under Emmeryn and will not initiate combat.

So long as the theocracy cannot assure victory, they will not be so rash to launch an official attack. True the Ylissean borders experienced bandits of many forms but the same outlaws attack Plegian towns. Too many turned to lesser lives once their families were scorched by the Naga crusade. The irony of South Town was not lost to Robin. It was an act of revenge in its purest form against the atrocities of the previous Exalt.

There is no reason to fight for Ylisse aside from preventing a repeat of history. And even this is questionable. She can see the spark in Chrom's eyes against the brigands. Had he been a low noble, it would not matter much. But Chrom was the scion of the Exalt. He has already bounded a small army for himself. The prince may lust for war even if he himself believes he seeks justice.

What's more, even if the lord does not desire blood, it does not mean his court share the same sentiment. It was the same old men who allowed and supported the last great war. There is no doubt tension will only worsen until the tactician becomes a target. It is only safe now. Robin repeats, only safe now.

Then why is she so bothered?

If she were to leave… no, when she leaves…

Robin pulled on her silver hair. Her face banged onto the paper covered table. Her room shook with a miniature thud. She can't rest until she sorts this issue logically. But how can she be logical when her brain refuse to cooperate. Perhaps sleep will clear her mind except she cannot allow herself to rest.

Robin deflated into her chair. Consumed by her frustrations, the young woman did not notice her door creak open.

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-~ [o] ~-

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Silk sheets are unfamiliar to the young man. His body is tangled in the bedding. Chrom stares towards his window, the dull curtains pulled aside to let the moonlight in. It has been only a few months since the lord used this room and yet it felt as though a decade passed.

He has lived here since he was raised. To see his realm first hand was an unforgettable experience Chrom is not willing to give up. One day he will take Em to see the land as well, when it is safe and their council accepts it.

Em would like to see the farm fields of a quiet village and maybe the wild lands; somewhere far from Ylisstol.

Their mother read to them fairytales. She would weave stories of princesses who lived in places like the woods or the plains. Those princesses were raised innocent and happy away from royal duties. But their father would always remind them, it was the Prince who saved her life. It was the dragon that was slain. He reminded them the Prince brings his bride back where she belonged. And happily ever after ends at that.

There was a battle to be won, a dragon to be slain, and a princess to save.

Chrom shifts his covers off and marches towards the windowsill. There was no battle that ends in glory, nor was there a dragon to be slain. And he prays neither Em nor Lissa needs saving from whatever impending doom. Because Chrom was no fairytale prince and so he will surely fail.

From the balcony, the lord basked in the night glory. The gleam of shimmering stars offer some reprieve of nature. It was calmer on the road. The young man yearns for the fireside glow. His prayers answered when he caught a glimpse of red hue from the corner of his eye.

Someone is still awake. Someone like his tactician, who wears the darkness as her cloak and burns inferno in place of her eyes.

Beyond his control, Chrom finds himself in the halls. There are no windows nor no candles lit, the corridor was black aside from a slimmer of glow escaping the cracks Robin's door. Invisible threads latch on to his limbs, moving them automatically towards its master. The Prince wavered in front of the last barrier.

He should not disturb her out of whim. His feet refused to move away. It would not be wise to visit a lady late in the night. But Chrom's hand drifted to the handle regardless.

Robin may have left her candle lit. The young woman could have fallen asleep away from her bed. She will be uncomfortable when morning comes and tomorrow promised to be a long day. He convinced himself his tactician was not awake and he will not disturb her. Just a visit to see she is well. This is acceptable Chrom breathed. The hinges squeak as the door opens.

He will enter and retreat.

At least that was the blue haired man's plan until his eyes take in a very much awake Robin tinkering with paper-mache. It was only then the prince realized he is entirely unprepared. This led to the tragic destruction of what could be his mother's favorite bookcase, sending a beautiful crash of books pouring on to the carpet covered floor as the furniture tips over on its side with a lovely thud.

In his defense the bookcase was poorly placed behind the wooden door. The royal designers should have known their prince better. Luckily Robin stayed in an uninhabited hallway for security issues. Unluckily, and needless to say, his tactician was now very aware of his presence.

Awkward silence ensues.

"I'll clean that up" Chrom stammered out

He bent over quickly to pick up one measly novel from the ever growing pile of text. Robin did not assist him as he blunder through more mess. He stole a quick glance at his tactician. The woman caught him in the act.

"Don't mind me. It's your castle."

Her table looked significantly cleaner than when he walked in moments ago. Her silent stare struck him like a barrage of arrows. Chrom dug his conscience for an explanation.

"I apologize…I had trouble sleeping and…"

"And you sought my company?"

His head bobbed like a woodpecker.

"…and nothing more?"

The lord did not come with ulterior motives. He did not seek physical comfort if that is what she has insinuated.

"Of course not"

Her shoulders relaxed and he gave out a breath of relief. Her arm no longer cautious over the paper filled table but she did not make any noticeable movements. Perhaps the night has affected her as well and he is not the only one walking in trance.

Robin did not say more. She made that face of hers when her mind tinkered. It's silent as he brought the bookcase upright. His tactician still made no effort to start a conversation.

"Is your sleeping arrangements uncomfortable?"

Chrom had already known Robin would have trouble tonight. His tactician was constantly prepared and staying in Ylisstol castle must have shattered her precautions. During their brief weeks of travel, the prince learned Robin would work her distress off. It was the woman's way of distracting her emotional troubles.

He assumed it was habit from the years she spent swimming through the shades, hiding from sun. Maybe this is the reason her skin is unnaturally pale for a Plegian, pale and delicately soft. He is reminded of the night he saw her mark. The night he held her body, smooth and unblemished like a polished pearl. How odd it is for one who fought amongst the flames.

"No, the bed is lovely. And this room is…"

Robin surveyed the room as though she had not done so when she entered.

"Is it wise to place a foreigner so close to the royal chambers?"

Do you treat every stranger like this and should I be worried about your safety? Do you trust me that much? This room is too much isn't it?

By now Chrom spoke Robin fairly well. He is no expert but the prince is sure he understood better than Lissa. The woman detested withheld information but guarded her own secrets like a dragon. The night has casted a haze within his head. It seemed like good fun to reply with his own vague answer.

"And here I thought you stayed too far away."

No doubt she has made many interpretations. Certainly more than half of her ideas are delusional. But for the moment Chrom is amused by her pout.

"It must be lonely in a hallway all by yourself."

Seeing his entertained expression, his façade is seen through. She hushed with mirth.

"Is that why you came by? To make me less lonely?"

Chrom dismissed her by waving his hands.

"Ah don't think so highly of me. It was more so for my own need for a companion"

"Would you like me to pretend this candle is a campfire?"

They laugh. Chrom placed the last book onto the shelf. The prince pats himself on the back. The ice is broken.

"Still, I think I am not worthy of a room of this value."

"This was my mother's room."

"I thought as much. The amenities are more extravagant than those expected of a high noble's bedroom."

His body tired, Chrom lays himself on her bed. This room was a familiar one. The first months past their mother's death, he used to sleep here with Lissa. The covers provided comfort and safety. Now washed and cleaned, they no longer smelled like his mother. Still the prince would rather stay here than his own room; his own room that was once his father's.

Em refused to take their mother's chamber. What realm his elder sister resides in was hers alone. Lissa too did not want to claim ownership. And so this corridor became cold and empty as time moved on.

"Is it alright for me to stay here then?"

"I picked your room"

She blinked.

"…Oh"

Chrom hoped she would take comfort here as well. He hoped this lonely hallway will be filled with the warmth of her flame. And when the world is unkind, Robin will be there welcome him and not a ghost of a memory.

"I don't know what to say Chrom but I suppose I have to start somewhere. First of all, I want to question your decision to give me the Queen's chamber."

That was not the response he was looking for. A scowl paints her face as she reprimanded him. The prince sat up as Robin strolled closer.

"Does it not bother you what your court thinks of this?"

"I don't think it matters"

She sighs and flops next to him. Her hair spreads out among the sheets. How long will it take for the bedding to take her scent?

"What am I going to do with you?"

"Nothing that will get us in trouble"

She elbows him and chuckles fill the air.

"And what else have I done wrong?"

Chrom joked but he could feel her body stiffen. She did not mention his untimely visit. Nor did she complain regarding his forgetfulness to knock. A part of him believed she knew he would come.

"It's nothing of that sort."

The prince takes up her hand and squeezed. He will keep her secrets.

"I just wondered if it was customary of Ylissean kings…"

"Customary?"

"To keep a mistress"

What?

"Your room is the king's chamber correct? Is it not odd the Queen resides elsewhere, even more in a different corridor all together?"

He had not thought of such things and wondered if his sisters have. Chrom cannot remember his parents enough to know. Em would know; she always knew more than him.

"Is it like that in Plegia?"

"I can't say. Plegian royal and priesthood have intricate marriage arrangements. I suppose a suitable heir is more important than being faithful."

That sounded like a sad fate to follow. Most nobles arrange marriages to promote their status and family. His father needed a grandiose amount of support for his war.

"Don't look like that Chrom. Plegians value heritage a great deal. Plegia is a theocracy after all. Royalty is considered a decedent of Grima. To be ill bred could mean losing the crown."

Robin traced his brand with the tip of her fingers.

"Plegians worship their Royalty as though they are Gods. One would think it was the same in Ylisse."

"I suppose this is a warning not to take my title lightly?"

Snickers filled the room. Robin's hand reached for his shoulder and pushed him down. The Prince found himself lying flat on his back as his tactician leans over.

"I swear Chrom,"

Her nose touched his and Chrom cannot find air in his lungs.

"I am giving you remedial lessons in political etiquette."

Her eyes glistened with his reflection as a mischievous smile danced upon her face.

"Remedial lessons?"

He blinked twice. They breathed in unison. He allowed her words to sink in. Then a smile grew on his face.

"I suppose that means you won't be using your escape plans"

Robin's face transformed from the devil to a gaping fish and before she could retreat, Chrom flipped her over. He held her down by her arms but she did not struggle. His tactician simply looked shocked.

"It seemed like something you would make."

Perhaps she did not expect him to mention it so casually. Truth be told, he would not push this far if the night had not passed so long. But the delirium already seeped in and her expression was worth whatever consequence that came later.

"Don't look so surprised. Though I maybe incompetent at rhetoric, I am still a prince. Surely you do not think I allow my court to play me so."

And now the tables were turned. Looking from above, he could now see fatigue in her expression as well. His body felt heavy. Chrom rolls over with a chuckle as Robin elbowed him again.

"I will have you know I made more than escape plans."

"You'll work yourself to death"

"A fitting punishment for one who enjoys it"

After their chuckles pass, Robin began to mutter about training and drills. He can barely absorb her words without slipping into a daze. She accomplished more than he could imagine. His head nods without his acknowledgement. Between her yawns, Robin whispered something of an excursion and equipment. As she talked her voice drift further and further away.

Slowly they curled into each other. Robin tucked her head into his chest and he felt his hand reach for the covers to shield them from the cold. The candle grows dim and the room grew pleasantly quiet.

By the window, the birds sang in crescendo to deaf ears. The sun rose as the two fell asleep.

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-~ [o] ~-

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A/N: Just random FYI, out of the five typical senses Robin focuses on sight and sound. (There is always touch and pain of course). When you play fire emblem, the player can only see and hear. You can't exactly taste or smell the game. So when Robin describes her ability, she does her best to explain with sight.

Sound is something she experience but cannot control. (I.e. you can choose to view unit profiles and see their game models or choose to view the map you fight in but you can't control the background music nor can you control the things your units say during critical etc.) All in all sound is quite magical to her.

When its Chrom's point of view, he might delve into the other senses a bit more to describe things. Then again, Chrom being Chrom, anything less than completely obvious will pass over his head. He tends to be a man who focuses on what needs to be done and often turns blind of details in that process. He's also a tentative about trying new things or breaking his prior perceptions completely.-(But ah when his attention is taken then that thing is like the best thing ever like omg its amazing and wowzah/like a certain type of pie)—This contrast Robin who will always view the world as exciting and new. She'll always want to try new things and meet new people. But ah memory Robin is able to hide this trait more to protect her.

So there's always more dialogue with Chrom because Robin is always over interpreting things.