The path of revenge

by Kpgokj

Hurt and betrayed by his so-called friends. Robin vowed to take revenge on those who wronged him by joining arms with the fell dragon, Grima. See as the sarcastic tactician go on his adventures to plan revenge on his former friends but will he succeed or will Lucina stop him in time.

17. Chapter 17:We were adults right?

Hello everyone, it has been a while is it? Sorry about that since I was really busy for the last few months and I finally got some time to myself so I decided to write this chapter and hopefully the next chapter can be finish as well.

"I want to be better at being a maid not a soldier!" Felicia exclaims, her voice can be hear throughout the hall with the sound of clashing metal above her.

"But your powers to manipulate the cold is extraordinary and an asset for you to be a ninja." Saizo rebutted.

"Yes, I agree with my brother, your power is indeed useful in battle than household chores." Kaze says,

"there are plenty of soldiers, can't you just let me be a maid and clean up this mess?" The maid waves around the kitchen where piles of goo and plates scatter around them.

"We would if you actually can clean them." Kagero appear out of nowhere next the pink haired woman. "I would suggest a sparring section with me on deck is advice."

"Not you too Kagero!" Tears started to fall from her eyes, "Waaah, you all are bullies!" She runs out only to bump into someone else and falls back on her butt into the kitchen.

"Geez, look where you are going." The voice from the other side of the kitchen calls out and out step a red-haired young woman. "What is the commotion about?" Severa rubs her head as she walks back into the filthy kitchen, there is a red bum on her forehead and a very annoyed look stamped on her face.

She looks at the three ninjas, the crying maid and the god forsaken kitchen. "Here." She held out a hand for Felicia to pull on.

"Mind telling me what is happening here?" She asks. "You three should be upstairs training with the others."

"Robin asks us to ensure under no circumstance that Lady Felicia is allow to clean the kitchen." Kaze answers.

"We were to skip training and intervene if Lady Felicia were to engage in household chores." Saizo added.

"His exact words are : 'Unless all of us has a death wish, please keep the fury of calamity Felicia in check.'" Kagero mimic the way Robin speaks accompany with the hands gesture along with snarky attitude which too say is fairly accurate.

Hearing the three ninja explains, Severa can see Felicia is about to burst her eyes out crying again. "Fine, fine, you three should go train the soldiers now, I will keep watch of Felicia."

The three looks at each other before giving a nod and disappearing with in a puff of smoke.

"I wish I know how to do that." Severa coughs from the smoke as she waves her hands in the air to disperse it. "So, what is on the chores list?"

'sniff' 'sniff'. Felicia pulls out a crumbled paper from her apron and started to read out. "Clean the floors, wash the dishes and prepare lunch."

"Who give you the task?" Severa plucks the paper from the maid's finger and look at it. "Lady Corrin? Seriously?"

"Yeah, got a problem with that?" Felicia pouts.

"Well…a little, mostly regarding our leader's sanity but regardless, you won't give up that easily on this, would you?" Severa asks as if she really wants the maid to give up but only met with the maid nodding with determination in her eyes.

"Fine, let's get this over with the quicker the less chance we would die." Severa rubs her head while sighing, giving the chores list back to the maid.

"We are talking about cleaning, right?" Felicia tilt her head in confusion.

"Famous last words." Severa replies as she grabs a mop and handle it to the girl. "I do the dishes you mop the floor, no touché touché the ceramic, got it?"

"Got it, no touché ceramic." The girl seems cheerful enough which Several decided to leave her to her own devices while herself focus on the plates.

After an hour of hard work(mostly Severa) and several screws up(Mostly Felicia) The two manage to make the kitchen spotless with a few broken mops and brooms on the side.

"Yay, we manage to clean it!" The maid cheers as she hugs Severa tightly.

"Yeah, yeah, how did you break the mop and brooms in half while swiping it? Did you have a grudge with the ship?" She pushes the maid away. "Geez, how did Flora manage to make it seem so effortless babysitting you." She grumbles.

"Anyway, thank you Severa, usually people would have already told me off or forbid me to enter until they finish cleaning, but you help me finish cleaning the kitchen, that is a first." She says excitedly.

"Seriously, first time?" Severa asks, "How long have you been a maid, ten years?"

"Twelve actually," Felicia blushes. "But hey, this means I have improve."

"Optimistic isn't a good trait for everyone, you know." The red head rolls eyes.

"Speaking of which, you seem to be quite good at household choice, were you a maid before becoming a mercenary?" The maid asks.

"Really? A maid?" Severa raises an eyebrow.

"O-oh no, I mean…"

Severa sighs, "Actually you are almost right, I am not a maid, but I have maid attending to me before, four in fact."

"Oh my, were you perhaps rich?" The pink-haired girl's eyes sparkles.

"Nope, I am not rich nor poor just a normal household, as for the four maids…" Severa thinks back when she was young, her face turns to annoyed. "Those four idiots, now I think about it, can't really be count as maid either, they are more like…idiots, just idiots."

"That is kinda rude to say." Felicia looked confused.

"Well, those four wanted to learn under my mother to become Pegasus knights but they are too irresponsible that the army troop don't want to let them in, so my mother took pity and take them under her wing provided they look after me." Severa explains. "But they are so bad at their job that I pretty sure I done most of the work when I am with them."

"Isn't that nice?"

"Well, if by nice you mean constantly slacking off and dragging me to shopping is nice." Severa folded her arms. "I supposed they did teach me how to haggle and being able spot valuable almost on the same level of Anna tho, that is a plus."

"From the way you are speaking, it doesn't seem that you hated them though." Felicia noted. "In fact, you are smiling right now."

Hearing that, Severa quickly covers her mouth with her face flush red. "N-no, I'm not smiling, who's smiling."

"Come on, I can clearly see that you love them very much."

"No, those four idiots are a pain in the neck, they are like…"

"Your sisters?" Felicia gives a gentle smile.

"What do you mean?" Severa asks.

"From what I heard, they love you very much and often times you clean up after them is kinda what Flora, Corrin and I have." Felicia chuckles as if she remembered something funny. "I always messed up, but Flora is there to clean up after me and Lady Corrin is always there to cheer me on, I love both of them so much even though sometimes I think of them as annoying or as you said…idiots but regardless, they love me and I love them."

"Ish, all these mushy stuffs are making me about to hurl." Severa rolls her eyes.

"What are their names?"

"Hmm?"

"Your maid's name."

"..." Severa pause for a moment as if she is contemplating whether or not should she remember her past, but she answers anyway. "Alexandra, Samantha, Britney and Cloverfield. An odd bunch, weird that mother decided to recruit them."

"Well, they certainly are lucky to have a master like you then." Felicia says. "Like I am with Lady Corrin." She laughs.

"Well… they did save me in the end, so I guess in some sense they see me as family too." Severa thinks back to her time living in her own home. "Certainly, make that house their own home too."

"Woah, they much be really strong then."

"Nope, they are lazy, mushy-brained idiots." Severa shakes her head in disapprove. "Can't even save the baby…" She murmured the last part.

"What's that?" Felicia leans closer to listening.

"N-nothing, ahem. Now that we finished your chores then we should start going up for training." Severa says. "You don't have any problem now that your maid chores are done right?" She gives a stern look which makes Felicia flinch.

"Y-yes! I will go gather my combat knives right away!" She yells on top of her lungs and stumble run away.

---

"Aim for the target up there! Focus, imagine you are facing hordes of enemies, one missed spell will be the end of you!" Orochi instructs the mage soldiers as she demonstrates a thunder spell at a moving arrow launch by Reina. She is one of the instructors assigned by Lady Corrin to manage the training.

"Now, concentrate, conjure your spells and fire as fast and as accurate you can, adjust and follow the rhythm in your mind." The conjurer advice, as she swing her hand and a transparent beast jump out from her scrolls and into the air, destroying the incoming arrows.

"Good advice." Hayato comments, the young lad is standing by watching along with Mozu, Sakura and an unexpected accomplice, Beruka.

"Well, if you follow that advice, then your attack will lose power fast." Another voice spoke out, Laurent the sorcerer from an unknown added. "Good for deflecting projectiles but not good for taking down enemy fliers."

"If you have something to say then please, by all means, take over." Orochi gives a smile as she signals her hand towards the soldiers who started to slinging spell towards the sky where hordes of arrows are starting to rain down on them.

"I rather not, this training although is effective but the same time it is risky." Laurent comments while looking at the opposite ship where Prince Takumi and Lady Reina are instructing the archers to shoot their arrows towards them. "I afraid that someone might get hurt." He voices out his concern.

"Well, if you have a better idea, I willing to listen." The woman says.

"Sadly, in a short time, I got nothing." Laurent shakes his head. "By the way, whose sadistic idea is this, I doubt Lady Corrin could come up something like this."

"I did." A voice spoke. "Got a problem with that?" A smiling face girl jump next to him, somewhat startling him.

"Of course, is you," The mage rolls his eyes. "I think even Robin would not thought up something as dangerous as this."

"Come on, we have healers sitting on their butts all day with nothing to do and people who needs targets to practice so is kinda a win-win situation for everyone." Morgan says.

"What if an arrow hit one of our soldiers in the eye or worse cause them dead, what would we do then." Laurent complains.

"If that happens than it happened, they are to aim at fireballs and arrows not each other." Morgan swing her hand to direct attention towards the sea that has been caught in the crossfire. "

The arrows and fireballs are colliding with each other and combusted into kindred ashes.

"See, no problem." Morgan put her arms on her side with a triumph look.

"What about the arrows, they are wasted…" Sakura asks.

"No worries, we have plenty." Morgan shakes her head disagreeing her friend. "Archers and mages are the least unit we have in this army, so the abundance of tomes and arrows is actually pulling the ship down."

"Now, Laurent, listen to the girl." Orochi teases the young man who is still sceptic about this training routine. "You look too much into thing sometimes, kid."

"Is better to be careful than careless, and another of fact, I am about the same age as you." Laurent remarks as he looks on towards the training, something behind his head is nagging him about Morgan that he couldn't quite put his finger on it

Everything that the girl did seems to always has a double meaning or a hidden desire even if the others don't see it, he couldn't forget the similarity between Morgan and the Grimleal who constantly at their throats, swinging that big axe, cleaving through his allies and friends like nothing, he still have nightmares about that one.

"I will be below the deck with my studies, try not to kill anyone." Laurent sighs while eyeing Orochi who gives a wink and Morgan who is sticking her tongue out. "I would rather see you safe and alive at the end of this ordeal, especially you, Miss Orochi, you are rather important." He blurted out to the conjurer which everyone goes silent suddenly looks at him funny.

"What?" He raises an eyebrow.

"N-nothing…is just that…" Mozu tries to explain something but her mouth is covered by Morgan who gives a nervous laugh.

"Haha, you go do your thing." Morgan says as she nudges the man towards the door leading down to the lower decks.

The others look on as the mage leaves with his books, seemly not aware of a somewhat flirty remark he spews.

"Geez, the nerve of that man." Orochi shakes her head but her face is flushed.

"Boy, you meant." Morgan gives a cheeky smile.

"Shut up." The older woman turns her head to focus on her work instead.

"Beruka, shouldn't you be training at the fliers' ship?" Mozu speaks out to the Nohrian assassin who is leading her wyvern in one hand and axe in the other.

"Morgan dragged me here." The assassin only gives a simple respond which makes the atmosphere awkward.

"Well of course I dragged you here," Morgan calls out loudly to break the ice. "You wouldn't budge if I only use 'words.' " She makes a gesture of bunny ears up and down on both hands. "You are part of my justice club, your nickname 'Dragon Assassin'… oo, even I have Goosebumps hearing that name." The girl waves jazz hand which impressed no one.

"Well that just killed my enthusiasm," She sighs, " Anyway, can you lend me your wyvern a sec, I kinda want to try flying."

"You could have ask her on the boat the fliers are practicing." Hayato noted.

"Yeah well, Lucina and the others are on that ship and there is only Laurent on this one, but I already shoo him off so no one can see my embarrassment if I fall."

"We are still here, you know." Sakura says.

"You guys are less judgy than them plus you are more fun to mess with…oops, my mouth slipped." She laughs.

"Yeah right, you never let anything slip unless it is nonsense." Hayato jokes which the others chuckle, all except Beruka who remain as emotionless as ever.

"Come on, is going to be fun!" Morgan grabs her friend's hand yank it towards her and run.

"H-hey, slow down." Beruka is caught by surprise as she almost stumble on the way.

"Should we…stop them?" Mozu asks the other two.

"Well, is Morgan..." Hayato comments.

"But Beruka is quite reliable then again she could be sway easily sometimes..." Sakura also do the same. "Plus, both of us can't just run away with our duty behind so…" The two Hoshidan looks at the village girl.

"Fine, I will go look after them." Mozu sighs as she rushes towards the two.

"Thank you, Mozu!" Hayato laughs loudly behind.

"Hey, Hayato." Sakura nudge the boy. "Where is Robin by the way, shouldn't he be here to teach us?" She asks.

"Teacher said that he will be monitoring Lady Caeldori, but he did gives us instruction for his absence." Hayato pulls out a piece of paper and handle it to Sakura. "Oh man, I forgot to give it to Mozu." He slaps his forehead.

"Guess we are going with Mozu anyway." Sakura sighs.

---

"Swing your spear with precision and force, without either one, you are dead!" Gaunter shouts at the soldiers who are busy sparing. "Don't just swing wildly, seek your opponent's weakness and exploit it. This is not for honour nor was it for glory, this is for seeing tomorrow of your lives!"

"Wow… Gaunter is really scary when he gets serious." Corrin says as she grabs a water pouch to quench her thirst.

"He reminds me of someone who is more uptight than he is." Robin says as he joints down a clipboard and handle it to Azura. "But you know the saying, keep your friends scare of you and your enemies morbidly terrified."

"I will try to remember that," The princess huffs after drinking some refreshing water. "I will going back to my training now, see you guys during dinner." She waves and runs off to join the others.

"Please don't twist and turns the words to your own desire, dear tactician." Azura sighs as she looks at the notes. "What are you trying to turn Corrin into?"

There are several checkpoints that is already been mark off with only one remain for the day which is food supply calculation that can only be done after dinner.

"Lady Caeldori is a great help as you suggested." Azura commented. "Good advice on memorisation too."

"Hmm." Robin replies with a half sigh, "If that is what we need to do today, then I will be off now. Look after that one and don't let her get into any trouble." Robin stood up and dust his cloak while looking toward Corrin who went back

"Going to see Lady Caeldori again?" Azura asks. "You two are awfully close." She teases.

"Hah, no!" Robin laughs loudly but his laughter comes as hollow, merely a façade. "Me and her, a nobody, no way…did she said anything when you two were together?"

"Well… she did mention…" Azura pause and gives a smile, is rare to see the tactician like this, like a young boy when confronted by his mother. "Wouldn't you like to know." She turns her head to hide her face as she decided to tease the man, enduring the laughter seeing the worried man's face.

"What did she said?" Robin asks again,

"Oh…she mentions you and she are; you know." Azura tries her best poker face as she turns to the man with an emotionless face.

"Are what!?" Robin certainly eager to know.

"Come on, you know it yourself," Azura continue to tease.

"No, I don't, I really don't." Robin raffles his hair, "I know we used to go on some date, but I assure you that nothing happen betwe-" Robin's mouth was cover by a metal gauntlet.

"Sir Robin, I was wondering where you were and here, I found you spouting nonsense." Lady Caeldori, don in her dark blue hood with a steel spear in her other hand appear behind the man. "Hello Princess Azura, I must take Sir Robin off your hand for now, it seems sir himself is quite tired to the point he started to spout nonsense that never happened." She turns to the blue hair and gives a fake smile before dragging the man away quickly.

"The man is either a genius or an idiot, are they seriously think we don't know that Caeldori is just Cordelia?" Azura shakes her head, "Hopefully Corrin don't take too much from Robin otherwise I have to take care two idiots are the same time." She chuckles.

---

"Plegia Castle…I am home." Aversa bit her lips as she tightens her hood to avoid making eye contact with anyone. "How I hope I never be back this disastrous pit again."

"You do know the new ruler is quite good at what she does." Kallem says. "She makes an alliance with Ylisse and cease any form of war, the people of Plegia seem to finally be able to rest easy."

"I highly doubt that." Aversa says nonchalantly, "A good ruler is a dead one, I will not be surprise if the queen is secretly plotting something as we speak."

The woman speaks from experience not perspective, she hasn't encounter a ruler which she has ever liked. Gangrel is a paranoid fool, Walhart is a meat-headed blood lusted maniac, Validar is a blind brainless worshipper and Chrom is a backstabbing nutjob. Not one of these rulers she ever like and hopefully her fate in the future will not be resting in any of their hands anytime soon.

"You will be surprise alright." Kallem replies which raises suspicious from the sorcerer.

"Something you forgotten to tell me sir knight?" Aversa asks. "I though you swear not to keep secret from me?"

"I didn't, you know full well that I am in my vow on my own name not to lie." Kallem replies with a cheeky smile.

"Keep that chin up any longer, I might hex it off." Aversa simply return with a glare and continue her advance to the castle.

"Noted, madam." The man keeps on smiling only to annoy the woman.

"you awfully chirpy for someone in the presence of me, shouldn't you shepherds all holding a grudge against me?" Aversa says as she walks past a fruit stall and pick up an apple. "Wouldn't you be happier putting a sword between my head and neck?" She took a bite while leaving without paying.

"Well, you still helped us in the end, so I see you as one of us." Kallem quickly pull out his coin pouch and handle some money to the angry stall man who is waving his fist up high.

"I will say this as clear as possible." Aversa stops and turn around to face the man while taking another bite. "I am in no way be it in Grima's or Naga's name or any deity you worship that I am one of you." She says with a cold tone, pointing a finger at the man closely only inches away from his nose.

"O-okay," Kallem reply uneasily.

"Good, shall we go look for a tavern?" Aversa says as an order not a question.

"Didn't you wanted to visit the castle?" Kallem asks.

"Yes, at night." Aversa replies, feeling annoyed. "When there is no one to see my face, capture me and burn me alive. UNDERSTAND?" Her tone reeks with sarcasm and mockery.

"So, you want to sneak in and steal something?"

"Is not stealing if that thing is yours to begin with." Aversa shrugs as she finishes the last of her apple and throw it half-heartlessly at a nearby barrel with deadly accuracy.

"Nice throw." Kallem compliments but only receive silent in return which leaves awkwardness extending even further between the two.

As the sun sets and the moon hung up high, they enter a tavern that seems to be newly build with the wood fresh from any stain and moss but strangely enough the atmosphere inside is the complete opposite, the customers are talking with the waitress and owner accompany with laughter as if they have been coming for ages.

The moment they walk in, the chattering stops immediately, Food half eaten, drinks stop pouring only with everyone's gaze laid on the two. Aversa quickly grab her hood and subtlety pull it down further and walks towards the counter.

"What can I get for ye two?" The owner, a man in his late forties with a moustache covering his mouth down halfway to his neck. "Ye doesn't seem to be from around here, ain't cha?" He folded his arm.

"Ah yes, we are travellers here to see the sight." Aversa tries to mimic what she thinks is what a girl normally speaks. "I reaaally would love to rent two rooms for my friend and myself in this lovely tavern."

"Two rooms? Young lovers should be having one room!" He suddenly burst out laughing with everyone cheers, their mugs held up high.

"W-what? No! no! We are not lovers!" Aversa caught by the sudden cheer, flushed red, shaking her head in denied.

"Really, not lovers?" The tavern owner raises his eyebrow. "Rather suspicious, you aren't one of those Grimleal who wanted to harm our queen is it?" His tone changes quickly to deadly serious, Aversa also notice everyone including the waitress all now reaching for a weapon slowly.

"Why would I want to harm the queen?" Aversa isn't one to be intimated by a near tavern owner, she was once a strategist for a king and an evil god. "Is two room too much to ask from your petti establishment?" She spoke softly with mockery mix within her words.

"Sorry girly, but I would not rent rooms to those who wanted to harm our queen." The man replies. "You better get out before anything bad happens." He warns.

"You can just go suc-" Aversa's mouth is immediately cover by the knight standing behind her.

"Sorry, sorry for my wife's attitude." Kallem quickly apologise. "She comes from Ferox, you know how they are a rowdy bunch, and I am from Ylisse, we came here from our honeymoon."

"Really, but the lass just now said that-"

"She is still shy about our marriage since not everyone can see through her rough exterior but if you get to know her, she is quite the sweetheart." Kallem cuts of the man and explains. "She always has a sharp tongue, but I promise you, she is the best wife a man can get."

"Well, if that is the case." The tavern talks slowly as he reaches under the counter, the silent of the tavern drags on as both the knight and the sorcerer sweats bullet.

"Why don't you say so!" The man's change back to smile. "Here you go, a honeymoon suite just for you two!" He pulls his hand out of the counter and place a key on it. "We got ourselves a pair lovebird visiting Plegia!" And with that , the tension of the entirely tavern change with cheers and whistle going around.

"Thank you, since it has been a long travel, my lovely wife and I will call for a night for now." Kallem says as he gently shoves Aversa to move towards the rooms.

"Well that is ashamed you can't tried our food but no matter, be sure to come down for our breakfast menu." The tavern is friendly as he waves goodnight to the two with his customer and employee following the example.

"That was…scary." Kallem shuts the down behind them as he let out a breath of sigh, but Aversa burst out in laughter.

"Honeymoon? Wife? Me? You?" She laughs so hard that she can't even finish her sentence properly. "Quick and smart thinking, not bad…" She says to herself.

"What's so funny?" Kallem is confused to the sorcerer's source of joy? Or was its entertainment? "Anyway, I will go wash up in the bathroom." He says as he takes off his armour to reveal a fairly muscular body underneath.

"Hmm…that is unexpected." Aversa says as she looks at Kallem. "I always pictured you to be more chubby than muscular."

"Well, I had to train to keep up with the others." Kallem replies back as he walks towards the bathroom and close the door behind him. "Especially when we are against large armies with little to no chance of winning."

"That does explains something," Aversa sat on the bed which is large enough for two. "Hey, by the way, you probably should not unpack your bag since we will be gone by morning." She calls out to the bathroom.

"What? Why?" Kallem comes out of the bathroom with his face and hair soak, his clothes are still on, but the top of his shirt is wet as he is only washing his face to freshen up.

"We will be on the move when the moon is at its peak and out of this kingdom before sun rise." Aversa explains. "I am only here for my possession only, not sightseeing and certainly not for a honeymoon."

"What is the thing you are looking for anyway?" Kallem asks, Aversa throws him a towel which he uses it to dry his hair. "You still haven't told me."

"If I told you, I know exactly how you will react so is better not." Aversa shrugs. "And besides, our little adventure probably won't affect you or that little king of Ylisse… yet anyway." She reveals a sinister smile.

---

3 days has passed with little to no problems in Corrin's army, some minor dispute between soldiers from two different kingdoms but none the less, they all went silent when Gaunter and Reina come on patrol. A frightening duo of old knights does come in handy with situation such as this or at least Morgan thinks so since it means less noise for her, she is fascinated by the island town she spotted and is eager to go on shore to do some exploring during their storage restock session.

"Hey dad, wanna go shopping with little-o me?" Morgan turns her attention away from the shining lights from houses and buildings to the man leaning against the railing next to her, with a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other. The young girl is also leaning against the ship railings with both her arm place on the wooden board and her head resting on it.

The moon is at its peak where the three ships are left afloat on the sea with a fair distance away from land. They just gone to a meeting with Corrin who have given a speech of her plan once they docked, it appears that a number of chosen soldiers will be accompany them to go up that big hill in middle of the island and naturally, the tactician and his daughter is one of the chosen.

"No, we still don't know what awaits us on that village." Robin shakes his head as he closes his book and turn to her daughter with a smile. "And besides, we aren't the one in charge, that would be Azura and Corrin and in some extend Lilith so… go ask them."

"By that you mean you would join me if I manage to convince one of them?" Morgan's eyes lit up, the girl is good at picking up loophole in people's words, too bad she is bad at picking up social ques.

"Convince us about what?" And like clockwork, standing behind the duo is the three in charge with the addition of Jakob and Cordelia or in this case Caeldori.

"Great timing, can we go for a daddy-daughter adventure quest in town?" She asks with a hippy attitude as she point towards the town. "We can count it as scouting!"

"Hmm… I don't know about that." Lilith along with Corrin doesn't seem that they will

"Come on, we can also count as a supply run." Morgan urges.

"We ARE running low stock so sending them and a few others for supplies as well would be wise." Azura suggest as she subtly gives Morgan a wink. "I know for a fact that Morgan is eager to get off the ship as well as Robin."

"Really? you are the best!" Morgan grabs the blue haired princess and gives her a tight squeeze behind running down the deck to gather her stuff.

"You sure this is a good idea?" Robin rises an eyebrow at the woman.

"You push the position of second in command to me, so I am making the best of it." Azura replies with a smile that send chills down the man's spine. "You are free to interpret this as a reward for guiding all of us or as a punishment for the insufferable shenanigans you put us through."

"Hell knows no fury like yours." Robin sighs.

"Anyway, you might as well send Anna and a few others along since we actually are running low on supplies." He suggests. "That one will also be following," His eyes trace towards Cordelia who gives a short nod.

"Sure, I will put you in charge of this supplies run then." Azura pulls out a clipboard and joint down a few notes before tearing it out and handing to Robin a piece of paper. "This will the supplies we needed and the people that I am assigning under your care."

"Hmm…" The man read through the notes. "No bear meat?" He asks.

"We still have plenty." Azura's face turns a little green. "You can have all of it,"

"Well, I will take that as my reward then." Robin smiles and shove the paper into his pocket before bidding farewell to the others.

"Lady Caeldori?" Jakob calls out towards the knight who straighten her back, her shoulder tenses up.

"Y-yes?" She replies.

"Mind getting me some tea leaves while you at it, just ask Robin, he will know what kind I needed." The pale man says. "Sadly, Lady Corrin and Lady Azura has been stressed lately and the three days trip has render my tea supplies on short so I will need to restock up."

"Sure…"

"Wonderful, take this." Jakob hands a pouch of coins. "This should be sufficient for a month of supplies, don't lose it." He gives a bow before going towards his mistresses' side.

---

"Hmm…it seems the security is tighter than before." Aversa reports as her head peering out from a corner where the light is the dimmest. "Only a few minutes of infiltration time."

"The tavern owner did mention that there have been Grimleal trying to kill the new queen." Kallem recalls. "How are we going to get in without getting caught?"

"The same way I get in to Ylisse's castle." Aversa pulls out her Nosferatu and wave it in front of the knight.

She aims her hand towards the two guards at the back entrance of the castle and started to chant the ancient words but before she could cast it Kallem quickly grabs her by the arm.

"W-wait, we can't kill them." He quietly shouted.

"Kallem, dear, I know you are a sweetheart but let go my arm before I took yours." Aversa says coldly while glaring at the man which he does as he told.

"Do you know how dangerous that was?" Aversa flick the man on the hand. "We could have die if I didn't cancel the spell at the last minute."

"S-sorry…"

"..." Aversa sighs. "Nosferatu is spell that is requires focus, control the strength of the spell and it will be like a sleep spell. Think about it, when I infiltrated Ylisse's castle, did you receive any report that someone died?"

"N-no." Kallem has his head hung low with shame.

"My level of spells is on par and even beyond those two dark magus in your little group." Aversa boosts. "So, whenever I cast a spell, don't interrupt me, got it?"

"Yes."

"Atta boy, shall we continue?" Aversa point her hand towards the guards again and this time she chants her spell a bit faster.

The spell work fast as both the guards started to doze off within second which Aversa and Kallem started to walk past them into the castle ground.

"Follow my lead and cover my back." Aversa whisper as they open and close the door leading to the kitchen quietly, the room is dark but the small light emitting from the window reflected of the silverware which makes the room almost bearable to see.

"Hmm…If memory serves, that door should be leading us towards the throne room." Aversa points towards the door at the back end. "Try not to knock over anything with big hunky body of yours."

Kallem nods.

The two walks through the silverware that for some reason is all over the ground which raises some suspicious in the sorcerer's head. Either the servant has gone sloppy since her last visit or something is wrong but non the less, is not her problem, she is just here for her stuff. In and out quickly without any problem.

Aversa press her head over the door to listen for voices, there some footstep, two distinct walking pattern wearing some metal clothing, probably guards walking by. She waits for the sound to pass before starting to work on the door's lock.

"Lockpick." She raises her hand gesturing Kallem which he does as told, digging out a lockpick from his satchel and handle it gently on to her hand.

Aversa sticks the lockpick into the door but without any click, the door opens with a gentle push.

"W-woah, you open the lock faster than Gaius ever can." Kallem comments.

"No, I haven't done anything." Aversa replies with a worried face. "Be on guard, something is wrong." She warns. "We might be walking into something troublesome."

Kallem nods.

The two carefully walks through the door and into the hallway where it is dead silent with only the subtle sound of their own footstep can be hear echoing off the walls. The windows all are covered by curtains leaving only little bits of moonlight shining through the bottom.

"No guards or anyone." Kallem noted which Aversa agrees.

"Hopefully this new queen is not some maniac like Validar." She says as she pulls out a red book and cast a small flame in her palm to light the way. "Please let there don't be an dead, it will be harder for us."

"Not likely," Kallem shakes his head.

"Where did that confidence comes from." Aversa asks. "Is the queen and you are some kind of secret lover?" She teases, putting out a joke at a time like this is one of the ways she learnt to keep herself calm and rational.

"I will let you find out by yourself." Kallem replies. "And for the lover part, no, not my type."

"Kallem the unseen has a preference in woman, shocking." She covers her mouth to act surprise.

"Hmm… you reminded me a lot of Robin." Kallem stays silent for a few seconds before blurting out.

"What, is my big brother your love preference? I won't judge." Aversa asks.

"N-no, I still prefer woman… is just that your demeanour, the way you sarcastically avoid question or belittle someone who you felt threaten even down to cracking jokes at inappropriate time to release tension… is just so uncanny."

"So, you are telling me that I am like a dead man?" Aversa raises an eyebrow.

Aversa for some reason starting to like the expression as the product of her teasing this plain man, it is funny to watch how he reacted.

"I-I didn't meant it that way, I meant was…" Kallem quickly tries to correct himself only to be silence by Aversa with a finger on her lips.

"Shh…., I was just joking; did you forget that we are infiltrating someone else's home right now?" Aversa says.

"S-sorry." He whispers.

"And stop saying sorry all the time." Aversa sighs. "Let's see now…take a left here." She walks into the intersection on the left and up some stairs until they arrive at the main hall.

"Hey knight, does Ylisse castle don't have anyone guarding the hall or any servant working night shifts?" Aversa whispers.

"No, they usually one or two at least stationed in each hall." Kallem replies in a similar manner.

"So, what's your opinion on this matter?"

"Possibly an invasion, someone has infiltrated this castle before us." He answers.

"Good to know you at least got some brain behind metal." Aversa walks towards one of the windows and pull open curtain only to have a body fall to the ground.

The body appears to be a young woman around her twenties, no blood trace on her clothes but her face is pale.

"Is she dead?" Kallem grip his spear tightly as he scans the area.

"Hmm…" Aversa knee down for a closer look, the woman is still breathing but is irregular as if she has a hard time breathing or at least she is having a nightmare which she can't wake up from. "A curse… one of Grimleal's."

"So, you mean there are people here to assassinate the queen?"

"Maybe, but is none of my problem." Aversa places a hand on the woman's head and started to chant a healing spell which broke the curse. "And besides, I am only here for my book."

"B-but what if the queen is really in danger?"

"I am sure the new commander will handle it." She shrugs. "Come on, let's go, the room is just in front."

"What about her?" The knight gesturing towards the sleeping woman.

"I broke the curse; she will wake up soon enough which means she will report us if she sees us." Aversa explains. "So, we better get a move on."

The duo started to move towards the throne room which both the guards standing in front of the entrance has also met a similar fate as the woman before.

"The security quality has really gone to hell." Aversa sneers.

"Can you fix them?" Kallem asks.

"Who do you think I am?" Aversa knees down and starts to break the curse as Kallem go on and open the door slightly to see what is on the other side.

A few dark figures with hood and weapons can be seen in the throne room, it seems they are waiting at the other door for some reason.

"What are you waiting for, no one would stay in the throne if they want to assassinate the queen." Aversa says as she gently nudges the knight to let her see. "Guess I am wrong." She looks onwards but she got spotted by one of the assassins which the man informs his partners.

"Curses." The sorcerer bits her lips. "They spotted me." She says as she quickly pulls out a dagger and a thunder tome. "Ready your weapon, knight."

She kicks open the door and cast a bolt lightning at her enemies which they dodge and started to advance to her.

One of the assassin swipes his sword at the woman which she dodges and cast another lightning spell, shocking the man then moves towards the other and with a well-timed stab, she plunge the dagger into the assassin's shoulder and uses her tome in the other hand as a blunt weapon and smack across the face.

For some reason, all the assassins only focusing on her and leaving out the big bulky man but nonetheless, Kallem proves to be useful as he shielded the lady and provides easy knock out to her enemy.

"Well, that takes care of that." Aversa wipe her neck with her sleeves. "You are not kidding when you say people don't notice you, are you cursed or blessed?"

"Sometimes, a curse, sometimes a blessing. I suppose." The knight replies.

"Well then, time for the reunion of my stuff with me." She says as she reaches her hand on the throne and pull out a small leather bag, she opens it and with big grin she hugs the bag tightly. "Oh, my precious book, thank goodness you aren't thrown out by idiots."

"What is that?" Kallem asks.

"This is the answer to solve my problems." Aversa pulls out a book. "But I still don't trust you enough to tell you my plans, sorry."

"Well, I doubt I would get answer even if I push it so…you should go." Kallem sighs. "I still need to make sure the queen is safe." He tightens the grip on his spear.

"…" Aversa stays silent for a while before deciding what she want to say. "Fine, since you are so helpful to me, I will help you with saving the queen but after this I will be going." She sighs as she puts her book back into the bag and sling it over her shoulder.

"Thank you." Kallem gives a smile.

As the two talking, the door from the other side where the assassins were waiting on suddenly opens and closes quietly, out step an armour soldiers holding a spear drenched in blood.

"How many of you scums are there?" A woman's voice echoes through her helmet and she sounds angry more than exhausted, she stops and see the sorcerer as moonlight started to shine in from the window behind the throne.

"Aversa…" The woman's grip on her bloody spear tighten so much, is shaking. "I should have known it was you."

Aversa practically can feel the rage and bloodlust emitting out from behind the soldier's helmet.

"Hello, I am here to save the queen, no need to get aggressive." Aversa held both her hands up to show she is not a threat. "I kill all of these assassins as proof."

The female soldier stays silent as she swings her spear and throw it towards Aversa with immerse force which Kallem quickly push the sorcerer aside mere seconds before hitting her.

"Hmph, like hell I would believe you." She says as she picks up the sword from one of the fallen assassin. "I would skin you alive for what you did to me and my Exalt." She says coldly.

"Who in the world are you." Aversa, somewhat shock by the near-death experience, stands up and quickly pulls out her tome. "I already said I am not here to fight!"

"You will pay for your crimes." She ready her attack stance.

"Kallem get ready!" Aversa calls out which the knight stands between. "I am not dying in this castle." She gritted her teeth.

"You…are one of the knights in Lord Chrom's shepherd?" The woman asks with suspicion.

"Yes, I am Kallem, Aversa is telling the truth." The knight says. "She and I travel here only to be here with the assassins by coincidence."

"Sorry but I doubt your words." The soldier says. "That woman standing behind you is a snake in human skin, if you were truly one of Lord Chrom's soldier than you might have been lied to."

"Why would I-" Aversa tries to rebut but Kallem interrupts her.

"I will put my namesake in line for her." He says. "I trust her."

"Well soldier, your opinion of her does not help her case." She says. "I speak from experience." She ready her sword. "Now, enough talking, I am here to slay the snake that once slew me."

Before the soldier can attack a voice calls out interrupting them again.

"That is enough, there will be no more conflict today." A woman wearing a vile stepping into the room behind the soldier speak out.

"Lady Rose, please lower your weapon." The woman says.

"But my queen-"

"Please." The queen insisted. "If they were here to kill me, they would have attack you the moment you enter the room."

"Yes…" She lowers her sword.

Kallem also relax his shoulder at the sight of the queen.

"Is strange to see you again, Aversa." The queen walks pass Lady Rose, closer to the duo. "And it is stranger to see Kallem accompany you."

Aversa can see a smile despite the vile covering the face but she still has no idea who is the woman. The queen's smile is nothing she expect, she learnt to read lips, body language and eyes sight to manipulate people and as well as protect herself from people with a fake face but the queen shown her something that she hasn't seen for years, genuinely.

"You speak of as if you knew me." Aversa asks, walking pass Kallem to face the woman. "The same as that crazy one over there but I don't recall anyone like you…well at least anyone who is still alive."

"True, Lady Rose and I was dead for some time, but I guess we got better." The queen chuckles.

"You lost me." Aversa looked confused. "I am buffered."

"Sorry… sometimes I forgot I am still wearing this vile." The queen smiles as she gently pulls of her vile as well as Lady Rose taking off her helmet which lead to Aversa's jaw hang low.

"Y-you… how can you be alive?!" Aversa is shocked to see the two dead walking alive and well. "Emmeryn and Phila…"

"Well…this is going to be a long story." Emmeryn says. "How about we talk about it in my room over some tea? Kallem, you can join us as well." She waves towards the door she came from.

"Thank you, my queen." Kallem says as he nudges the frozen Aversa to move forward. "I did say this will surprise you."

---

"Come on dad, we are losing precious time!" Morgan calls out to Robin who is walking slowly behind her.

"So…about the tea leaves Jakob have asked." Cordelia walks besides the older tactician holding a piece of paper with the supplies written on it by the man himself.

"Earl green with leaves that has darker green leaning towards brown, each individual leaf must not have stems or need to be cut off and the rest will be the butler's job." Robin replies swiftly as if he has recited the recipe a hundred times.

"I see… I don't suppose you could help me finding the leaves best meets the expectation?" She asks.

"Miss Caeldori, Jakob give you your job and lady Azura gave me mine. I think is best for us to focus on our individual work as to improve efficiency and effectiveness of this operation." The man replies coldly. "I believe you can finish your task with ease." He says before quickening his pace to catch with Morgan.

"Such a rude man." A voice speaks out behind the Ylisse knight which cause her to turn around quickly while reaching for her dagger only to stop at the side of a young woman around her age.

The woman wore something akin to Hoshidan attire with her long hair tied around to a ponytail and a Hoshidan signature sword, a katana wraps around her waist.

"A…" Cordelia is taken back by the woman which left her speechless.

"Oh sorry, I accidentally spoke out something on my mind." The woman rubs her head and gives a laugh.

"Please don't take this the wrong way but who are you?" Cordelia asks. To the winged knight knowledge, this island is neutral ground so is normal to see people dressing like they are from Plegia or from Chon'sin but to have someone approaching her is entirely different.

"O-oh, again, sorry, I was just blurting out something on my mind." The woman laughs again but this time is more of an awkward laugh. "Hearing you and that man talking kinda reminds me of my friend and I back when we first met so I accidentally say something that is on my mind."

"I-I see…" Cordelia has no idea how to converse as she wants to share out as little information as possible to not reveal her true identity.

"I am Lina." The woman introduce herself. "Nice to meet you." She reaches out her hand for a shake.

"O-oh, I am Corde- I meant Caeldori." Cordelia bite her tongue as the new name is not use to her yet. "Nice to meet you too."

"So… if you don't mind me prying, are you dating that man-child from just now?" Lina asks in a whisper with one hand blocking a side of her cheek facing Robin and the other hand with a thumb gesturing towards Robin who seems to found himself a new friend to talk to as well but it seems that Morgan is no where to be found.

"N-no, he and I…well is nothing." Cordelia looks down on the paper containing the list of groceries as if it is mocking her inability to talk directly to Robin.

"You know, you actually remind me of another friend." Lina inspect the red-head's face closely, her eyes narrows with her hand under her chin.

"I do?" The knight raises an eye-brow while slowly backing away but Lina continue forwads.

"Yes, similar in love life." The green haired woman says. "She is a klutz sometimes but a brave and strong woman nonetheless, like you… not the klutz part, maybe."

"I see… wait, I don't see, what do you mean love life?" Something caught her attention. "I don't have a love life." She denies it.

"Hmm…I pretty confident is the same, you see, my friend was in love with this huge hunky guy who always carry around a big axe on his shoulder but the poor girl never really dare to walk up and talk to the oaf." Lina recounted her tale. "Well, seeing just now you with that guy…what's his name, Tobin?"

"Robin."

"Ah yes, Robin, reminds me a lot of that." Lina snaps her finger as if she made a eureka moment.

"But you did said that your friend is in loved with a big hunky guy, surely you can see Robin is far from that." The knight gestures her hand towards the tactician who seems to be quite uncomfortable with the stranger same as her.

"I did said you are the one who is similar, not him." Lina laughs. "So… what you two did so far?" She asks, her hands behind her back and a cheeky smile plastered on her face.

"N-nothing really, we did have dinner together from time to time but…" The woman says with a sigh. "But we are very busy that we rarely have time outside of battle to be honest and when we do, it always him helping me with something…"

"Woah, seriously? No date? Nothing at all?" The woman looks a bit disappointed.

"Well, we did go on a few dates, we even have a few dances at several balls if I recall." Cordelia thinks back the time when she and Robin often find each other as dancing partner during their friend's weddings.

"Ooh, there is something after all." Lina's eyes lit up, the woman grabs both the knight's hands and hold close to her. "Let's go to a food stall and tell me the story then." She says excitedly.

"B-but…" Cordelia looks towards Robin seems to be alone now and is looking around possibly for Morgan.

"Come on, I will treat you something to eat." The green haired woman offers.

"F-fine…" The red-haired knight is hesitant. "Robin, I am going to take a break, is that alright?" She turns towards the man hoping that he would deny her request or flat out scold her for slacking off, but the tactician simply gives a wave of hand as an approval while looking down at his list.

"See, the man-child gives permission, lets go!" Lina yanks Cordelia's hand towards one of the food stalls and sat her down.

The food stall is nothing Cordelia as ever seen as she usually eats in the barracks or on occasions restaurant or inn with her friend Sumia. The stall is with only three to four seats facing the kitchen where a chef is busy cooking dishes.

"Two teas please!" She calls out towards the chef who gives a thumbs up. "And some of your best food!"

"So, the dates, the balls, clearly that is more than something." Lina says while leaning against the counter with one arm resting on the counter acting as a support for her head.

"Those are in the past, nothing I can say to redeem what has been done." The knight simply sighs. "Those dates and balls are but a memory, my fault to turn those fantasy to nightmare."

"Is that bad, is it?"

"Sadly, yes. He has every right to be angry but the fact he had not try to discard my existence from his life now already is a blessing in disguise." She says as she takes the cup of tea place in front of her and take one large gulp before waving for another.

"What exactly happen?" Lina smile slowly melts away and a serious look replacing it. "Tell me everything."

"I…may have not supported him in a dispute… I actually didn't even show my face at all when that happened…" Cordelia's face is ridden with guilt.

"Well, is just a dispute…" Before Lina can continue, she is cut off by Cordelia's continuation of her story.

"That dispute cost him…everything and everyone, many turn their back on him and I…I ran away like the coward I am." Cordelia says.

"You ran? Meaning?" Lina took a bite from her snack and taking a sip of tea to wash down the food.

"Meaning I run, I go away for a while, far away."

"I see, maybe you don't want to catch between the crossfire?"

"No, I ran because I am scare, I left Severa behind, I left my duty behind, I left the man who I promise I will support him no matter what behind." Cordelia leans on the counter with both her hand covering her face, a face full of guilt. "I guess that is the only thing I am good at after all, leaving my sisters in arms, leaving Severa, leaving my duty…all I do is run even though I am not really good at running on foot."

"Come on now, you can still make it right!" Lina slaps the knight on the shoulder, not very forceful but just enough to feel the shock. "You are here now, aren't you, you are not running anymore so why not start from here."

"B-but…" Cordelia tries to argue but her stranger friend won't not have it.

"But what? You still hesitating?" Lina leans closer, "If I were you, I won't not let that man out of my sight."

"So… you are saying I should keep him close to me?"

"Is it any less clear than that?" The woman is clearly over confidence but the way she talks convince the knight even if just a little that maybe there is hope to for her yet.

"Then I will do it." Cordelia nods, a smile form on her face but it does not last long as a voice behind her almost spook her out of her chair.

"Do what exactly? Miss Caeldori?"

Cordelia turns to see Robin standing behind her and beside him is another man carrying a large bag with a green cloth tied around his waist.

"I-I…" Cordelia can't find the words she wants to spill up but luckily, she doesn't have to as Lina took the charge…for the worse.

"Hey, is the man-child!" Lina exclaim happily. "Since when you are behind us?"

"Robin is fine but if you prefer man-child so be it." Robin waves his hand to greet the cheerful woman. "And for your question, around the part where start pressuring Miss Caeldori for personal information."

"R-Robin I-I…" Cordelia suddenly come to her sense and realised that she blurred out almost everything about her life to a complete stranger.

"Lina, let's go." The man who was talking to Robin before is now standing beside the tactician and he leans in and pulls the Lina's hand. "We cause enough trouble for this couple already." He says in a worried voice.

"N-no, she actually helped me." Cordelia argues.

"Nonetheless, our curfew is almost pass." The man says. "Thank you for taking care of Lina." He bows.

"Come on Markus, I am only making friends." Lina laughs as she waves goodbye to Cordelia who do the same. "Here the payment, boss!" She calls out and throws a pouch of coin which the stoic chef caught and returns a big thumbs up.

After the two left leaves, there is an awkward silence between the tactician and Pegasus knight.

"Well… next time try not to blur out your life story to some random strangers especially stories that involves both of us." Robin advise as he wave to get the attention of the chef who comes over and place a cup of tea in front of the man.

"How much have you heard?" The red head asks, her hand clutching her cup of tea tightly.

"I don't want to lie but let's just agree on that I heard enough." Robin sighs. "Oh, I wish I haven't…" He mumbles quietly under his breath while staring down at his cup, but their surrounding is only covered by the sound of the chef cooking and some of the background tourist talking so it is enough for Cordelia to hear his words.

"Before you say anything, let me say this first." Robin take a big gulp then turn his head to look at the woman. "I am…conflicted by what happen to you during my little incident, not sure I should be angry or happy or even grateful but none the less, I am a mess, mentally, physical, social life, anything you name it I probably a mess in it."

"I am different from the Robin you once knew, the man back then used to be brave, funny and full of friends but now I am anything but that, I scared of dying but at the same time I am tired of living, I am sarcastic rather than funny and last of all, I purposefully push everyone away or at least keep them at a distance."

There is a pause of silence between the two, only the sound of the oil splattering over the vegetable and the meat cooked by the chef can be heard.

"…Why?" The knight finally works up her courage to ask.

"Hmm?" Robin tilts his head slight, gesturing his confusion.

"Why you willingly push the new people you meet away? You got a new life, you could easily have a steady career and with Morgan, you can have a good father-daughter relationship as well, why push all of that away."

"…" Robin stays quiet, looking down on his cup. Thinking.

"You could have anyone you choose to be your trusted friend, you seen them, they have complete faith in you and you just going to push all of that aside?"

"Well…yeah…" Robin seems hesitant, but he gives his answer anyway.

"What about Morgan?" Cordelia asks, her eyes trace her surrounding for the girl, but she is nowhere to be found at the moment.

"She will get by without me, she manages to do it before meeting me so far so she can manage." Robin says while sipping his tea. "Afterall, she has people she trusts as well as your daughter who seems to take a liking of mine before I even met her."

"I guess it will be a futile effort to try convincing you to come back to Ylisse as well then?" The knight sighs.

"Yes, I intend to disappear once I finish my business." Robin tone as it is finale. "I don't know what else I want to do."

"A girl won't grow up too good without her parents." Cordelia sighs. "I lost my parents to the war and left in the army barracks since I was around Morgan's age, I just hope you could give this more thought."

"Yeah well…look how well you turn out, strong, reliable, responsible and pretty much the woman of many man's dream." Robin jokes. "Do you know how many suiters I have to help you fend off back then? I even have to ask the ladies in our army to help with the back-ground checks on all the love letters."

"Please don't remind me of that, Chrom is having a fit trying to go through every single lover boy who thinks they can just walk in and walk out with me as a trophy." Cordelia chuckles. "Sumia once even held a guy a lance point just because he sneaks into the castle walls at night to search for me while the queen herself is having a midnight snack."

"Has the castle's defence become so lacking that even the captain of the army is not safe from stalkers?" Robin raises an eyebrow. "What in the world is that idiot Chrom doing?"

"Well, after the war, we are severely lacking in terms of defence to be honest, if anyone were to have a frontal assault against Ylisse, we would be doomed." Cordelia sighs. "I have to retrain so many Pegasus knight while juggling the time with my paperwork and a hateful daughter of mine."

"I thought as much." Robin shrugs, he knew about this a long time since he is the one who delayed the assault by Grima.

"But… you do know Severa still loves you very much, right?" Robin perk up, having his hand pulling back his hair as to readjust longer hair which reminded him that he has not have a haircut in a while.

"Don't joke about it, after what I had done, any shred of love for me left from her is long gone." Cordelia sighs.

"Hmm…true, what you did was really mess up, I still not sure how to be angry or happy that you run away instead of picking a side but nonetheless, Severa holds no ill will to you at all." Robin explains.

"No way." The knight refuses to believe it. "I barely even talk to her now."

"You can do whatever you want with that knowledge remember this, your daughter has mature." The tactician then put a finger on Cordelia's forehead. "Unlike you…the time Severa has been missing, she has outgrown the previous inward emotional girl at least more in control with her emotion."

"What about you?" The knight pushes aside the man's finger and gently flick his nose. "I don't want to hear that from someone like you, you barely change at all, still the same sarcastically sad man as ever."

"Guess that is another thing we have in common now." The man rolls his eyes follow with a shrug. "we have wasted enough time." He stands up and dust of some crumbs on his cloak. "Now where is that girl gone to?" He turns his head only into the face of his daughter.

"Ahh!" The tactician stumble back into his sit with the knight turns to see the daughter of the tactician looking at the two with her beady eyes along with a pair scarlet scorn eyes.

"You let Morgan do all the work while you two were having a date?!" Severa scolds the two with her hand on her hip.

"We finished our shopping before having some tea." Robin lies.

"Then why did Morgan the one carrying back the supplies?" Severa seems to be about to strangle the two adults.

"Erm…because we ask her to?" Cordelia's voice is small and filled with guilt.

"Seriously mom?" Severa glares death at her own mother. "I have little hope for Robin but you? I am disappointed."

This is the first time the older red head hear the words 'disappointed' to describe her.

"I…I am sorry." The woman looks at the ground.

"Now, now, I am the one who ask her to say that." Robin strolls over to the younger red head and put his hand on the girl's head. "Don't be so harsh to Lady Caeldori, look, she is already on the verge of tears already."

"Figures that you are the one who is behind it, I doubt mother would be so irresponsible." She slaps the hand of the tactician away. "Next time, I will make sure that I am in charge of you two if there is a next time."

"Sure sure, come on, is time to go back." Robin tap on the shoulder of Cordelia and push her gently to her daughter.

"Fine, come on mother." Severa grabs her mom's hand and stomp off.

"So…how much did you hear?" Robin turns to his own daughter.

"Well…pretty much the part where you fend off her potential love interest so she can be yours and yours only." Morgan gives a cheeky smile which Robin gives a light pinch. "Pretty diabolical, dad."

"Way to twist my words kido." Robin laughs. "But I am not in any way in love with her."

"Sure, whatever you say pops." Morgan turns and started walking away. "Can't wait to know who my mother and sister is." She look back at her father and with wink along with a cheeky smile, bust out laughing.

"Well that you have to…wait, sister?" Robin raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean by sister?" He chases after the girl which she speeds away with a laugh.

---

"So, that is basically about it." Emmeryn take a sip from her teacup and gives a cheerful smile to a very annoyed Aversa.

"What do you mean that is 'basically about it'? I see your body slam from about a hundred feet, both of you and you are telling me that, by some evil gods magic you are alive and well now?" Aversa pinch her forehead with frustration. "Not did that sound ludicrous but adding the fact my brother soul was in your body." She points towards Phila who is also sipping tea while having her free hand hovering her spear. "While Grima's is in yours." The sorcerers then turn to Emmeryn who seems to be cheerful than anything.

"That is exactly what I say, yes." Emmeryn nods with a smile, unfazed by the horror she just describes.

"Well… I felt offended not knowing this at all." Aversa says, folding her arms. "Damn that Validar, even in death he still insults me."

"Miss Aversa, if you want to take the credit of killing both of us, I would gladly acknowledge your effort by impaling you with this spear I have with me." Phila replies with a not a joking manner, her hand gripping tightly on her spear as her eyes stares holes into the sorcerer.

"I have to politely decline your offer, Miss Ross." Aversa rebutted with a grin. "Since I can't take all the credit, you did make it easier."

"No, no, I insist." Phila waves towards the door. "I want to show you my acknowledgement outside, alone." She gives a forced smile.

"Girls, please, be kind to each other." Emmeryn says but her voice is drown out by the two increasing aggressive gesture from the two women.

Caught between the two powerful woman who is ready to tear each other apart, Kallem seems to be rather uneasy as he is ready to stand up and be a wall between the two.

"If you insist, then I want to show you this dark tome I have." Aversa rebutted the knight. "It might take your breath away…quite literally."

"Oh, then, shall we take this outside now?" Phila picks up her spear ready to attack the sorcerer who also pulls out her tome, ready to strike.

"Girls I-" Emmeryn's is cut off yet again by the two continue arguing until a slam on the table silence the room.

"Girls , please let me remind you that the war is over. What happens in the war stays in the war." Gone with her carefree smile, her tone chills to the bone even Kallem who is not at all fault felt it.

"Phila." Emmeryn calls out which makes the knight go as stiff as a board. "You are the general of Plegia as well as my right hand, anything you do reflects on me and this kingdom. Don't waste your talent for something that happened in the past." Cold tone and a stare make Phila froze in terror.

"And Aversa, dear." The same reaction from Phila happen to Aversa as well. "You are a guest here and I will treat you as one but please be mindful that if you break the rules, I will break you."

"Now both of you, are we clear?" She says as she takes a sip from cup.

"Y-yes, my queen." The two apologize immediately which makes Kallem let out a breath of sigh.

"Good, now shall we go back to our topic." A brimming smile came back as fast as an Anna spotting a falling coin. "Aversa, mind telling me why you visited us?"

"I am only here for my belongings that I left behind when your brother drove me out." Aversa answers bluntly.

"Oh dear, I can ask Phila to help looking for the rest of your belonging if you want." Emmeryn offers.

"No thanks your majesty, I already got what I need and besides, I doubt missy over there would actually help." Aversa glares at Phila who glares back.

"If my queen asks, I would do all in my power to complete my task even if I have to help a scum." Phila responded.

"May I ask what is it that you retrieve?" The queen asks. "Kallem seems to be quite interested in that too." She turns and give the knight a smile. "Sorry for the hassle earlier by my friend and yours." She says.

"N-no problem, your highness." He stutters, this is actually the only time he seen Emmeryn actually angry which you could say is almost as scary as facing a horde of wyverns.

"Well… may if I ask again, what is your actual intention?" Emmeryn asks. "Seeing Kallem is here with you willingly, that means your action has no small impact on whatever you perceive it."

"So, your little sister already told you about me?" Aversa cautiously reach behind her but Phila saws her movement and reach for her spear as well.

"For Naga sake, both of you please sit down and talk instead of fighting please." Emmeryn sighs, the woman has a patience of a saint but even she is getting tired of the two.

"And for your question, no, I have not been in contact with Lissa recently, but she did sent a message to me, I believe is here somewhere." Emmeryn stood up and walks towards her desk and pull out her drawer, she rustles around before coming back with a piece of paper in her hand. "Here, I find it very unlikely then again who am I to judge." The queen places the letter on the table.

Aversa grabs the letter and read it thoroughly, after the first reading, she read it again as it confused her even more.

"This…"

"This letter was sent to me before their departure towards their adventure and I have not alter nor let anyone beside you seen the letter." Emmeryn assures.

"So…she was speaking the truth?" Aversa looks towards Kallem as if she need confirmation from the knight.

"I tried to tell you." Kallem sighs.

"So, you spoke to Lissa after her adventure, well that lifts a worry of my heart." Emmeryn gives a sigh of relive.

"That little weasel, so she has met Robin!" Aversa curses. "I am going to pop her head off next time I see her but before that…" The sorcerer's eyes turn towards her bag.

"Might I guess your next action?" The queen asks.

"What do you mean?" Aversa looks annoyed back at Emmeryn who resembles her sister which only fills her rage.

"I am going out on a limb here to say this but is it the thing you come here to obtain must be something related to outworld travelling?" The queen she asks.

"What if I am?" Aversa say as if she is challenging anyone to stop her.

"Well, don't take this the wrong way but I am only going to tell you that you will undoubtedly fail." She says without a doubt in her mind nor hesitant, swift and blunt with no mince words.

"Of course, you would tell me that, so what?" Aversa raises her eyebrow. "I have both defeated and survived the impossible, what else could stop me?"

"I believe Phila is more suited to tell you than me." Emmeryn pour more tea into her cup and took a sip. "Phila, if you care to do the honours and please no fighting."

"Yes ma'am." Phila sighs and take a sip from her cup. "Listen carefully, witch."

"Phila, remember what I say." The queen raises an eyebrow.

"Sorry, I meant 'miss'." Phila corrects herself. "When Robin's soul was occupying my body using it as a vessel, fragments of his feelings and memories were remained after he left."

"What does that have to do with my goal?" Aversa's harsh tone and cold glare does little to affect the general.

"If you could let me finish, I was getting there." Phila glares back, staring daggers. "When Robin was… killed-"

"You mean betrayed." The Sorcerer grind her teeth.

"By Lord Chrom," Phila seems to be at her limit of patience but a stare from Emmeryn makes her rethink her next action involving skewing the woman in front of her. "Robin developed a rather…interesting mind set on other people especially those who were involve with him up until before his death, he rather push everyone he knew away and start a brand new life, forgetting the bad and good all together which includes you."

"Well, the exalt's hell spawn has already gone to slain him yet again, she really leaves me little to no choice." Aversa noted. "He is going to need my help whether he like it or not when that she-beast and her friends tries to kill him."

"You of all people calling someone else witch, that's rich." Phila mocks. "Lady Lucina will never do anything that heinous unlike a certain someone."

"She is the one who suggested Robin's execution, what would be more heinous than condemning an innocent man to hell?" The sorcerer barks back.

"Alright, ladies, please before you pull each other to hell again. May if I interject?" Emmeryn cuts in. "I have met Lucina although not for long but I can see regrets and guilt ridden her young heart, although I can't speak for her action but Aversa, my niece is still a child at heart so please don't put her in such a bad light." Her tone is calm and gentle but her eyes is that of sadness.

"And Phila, Aversa has her own reason for what she did, is not fair for you to put Lucina in a good light while you view Aversa as something that is pure evil." Aversa calms her friend. "You both have your own mistakes and issues but please be mindful that you are not the only one going through hard times."

"Hmph, still as passive as ever." Aversa hiss.

"Only to those I view as friends." Emmeryn smiles.

"Let me get one thing straight, I am not your friend." She snaps. "I will go hunt down that witch even if it is the last thing I do."

"Is that so…" Emmeryn sighs. "How about I made you an offer." The queen asks.

"What kind of offer."

"Seeing that you still need that book of instruction, I doubt you could get into the out-realms that easily without triggering some hostility." Emmeryn point towards Aversa's bag. "How about I provide you some assistance."

"Hmm…you pique my interest but what is the catch."

"You become one of my officers." Silent breaks out through the three individuals.

"You can't be serious, My Queen!" Phila is the first one spoke out. "You want to recruit someone who was known for betraying everyone!?"

"Yes."

"Are you…what's the word I am looking for….ah yes, Are you insane?" Aversa mocks.

"Maybe but as you can see what happened tonight." Emmeryn waves her hand towards the door. "Not only you can pass the guards easily but there are assassins as well, I need your expertise alongside Phila's strength to serve my goals."

"And that is?"

"To undo the destruction my father made." The queen explains. "You know this kingdom like the back of your hand that is why I need your help."

"Why would I help you? What guarantee that you can help me?" To Aversa's knowledge, the only one who has access to the out-realm is either one of those identical merchants or that Naga's spawn but since the only Anna she knows in under the service of Chrom and well, Tiki is not exactly a big fan of hers either.

"For one, I can get you an audience with Naga's voice." Emmeryn suggest. "Or perhaps Anna if you prefer."

"I could get those myself,"

"How long do you think it would take to achieve that?" Emmeryn asks. "I can organise it and deliver to you within a week if you needed comparison."

Gears begin to turn within her mind as she looks at the queen who simply giving a calm and gentle smile as if she already can see the end of this conversation. Her words hold true, even with this book containing information about navigating the out-realm, she still needs someone who has access to open the portal.

"Why do you think my time is limited, given a longer time I can still achieve what I wanted." She lies to see what the queen's next move is.

"You did mention that my niece has already gone to see Robin so in your mind, there is a limited time before she kills him again although I think it is highly unlikely."

"For someone who crushed their skull upon landing, you are very observer." Aversa comments.

"A queen can't be naïve, if I stay the same, I would probably end up dead again." Emmeryn chuckles. "I doubt Chrom and Lissa would be ok seeing me die twice and I cannot be a burden to my friend after all." Her eyes turn to Phila who seem to not notice the queen subtle mention of her.

"Very well, I will take your deal to spike 'Lady Rose'" Aversa grins. "But I can't be seen by anyone since Plegian also holds grudges towards myself."

"That can be arrange, both of us has been under false name and mask, I am sure you can do the same if you abide my rules and laws." Emmeryn reach out with her hand.

"Sure, if only you can hold your end of your contract." Aversa took the queen's hand and shake it.

"I guess you don't need to worry about me anymore." She turns to look at Kallem who seems to be on edge every time Aversa and Phila about to go down on each other's throat. "You can go back and tell that princess of yours that I will be working under her sister until further notice."

"Y-yes, I'm sure Princess Lissa will back down from trying to stop you." The knight says although his tone is not at all hopeful.

"Don't be disappointed." Aversa put her hand on the man's shoulder. "It's been fun to have you as a partner of crime; you can always come join me once I finish up preparation and whatever those idiots want me to do." She points towards the two besides them.

"We are still here to listen to your impulsive breath." Phila rebutted.

"I know." She rolls her eyes. "That is why I said it, dummy."

"This is going to be my life now." Emmeryn sighs as she stands up and straighten her gown. "Well then, since we finish up our conversation, I must be off to take care the other uninvited guest."

"Yes ma'am, I will inform the guards to find any affected servants." Phila says as she puts on her helmet. "I will go first." Her hollow voice echoes within her helm as she grabs her spear and head out.

"Aversa, is it alright to ask you to help out with breaking the curse cast by our infiltrators?" Emmeryn asks as she opens the door looking back at the duo.

"Fine, but I want to talk about my salary." Aversa says as she leaves the knight alone in the room but not before giving him a gift. "Here, this is a rather powerful pendent since I am the one who charmed it, put it on so you can have a safe travel back to Ylisse." The witch says as she hands the Kallem a necklace.

"T-thank you!" The knight looks happier than anything.

"Come by for some tea anytime." She waves goodbye.

---

"According to the information gathered by Robin, the sage will be at the top of the hill with his own trials and exams." Azura folds her arm and explains. "It seems Sir Robin found a rather good informant during his time in the market."

After Robin and the others has come back from their trip, they held a meeting, the royals are sitting next to each other with the addition of Gunter and Reina as both are elites as well as Lucina, Lilith and Robin.

"Climbing a mountain with the whole army is not advisable, will require a lot of rations and healing stave." Lucina pointed out. "Having flying squad up that high is also a very dangerous task."

"I agree, we should split into two groups, one go hiking up while the other stand guard." Reina says. "We will separate the generals and soldiers."

"Then who should be left behind?" Camilla asks. "Azura is needed as she knows about this more than anyone in the army."

"both Reina and Gunter should go as well since both are the most adapted fighters in our army." Takumi added.

"I would suggest all the royals to go as well since they do have dragon lineage in their blood." Lucina says which the others nods in agreement.

"Hmm… what are you thinking," Corrin who has been silent up until now, turns to Robin who seems to be in deep though, his arm folded and leaning against his chair.

"Is nothing," Robin shakes his head.

"Clearly is something if you are so quiet." Lilith pointed out.

"Well…if there is a dragon here, isn't it odd that I can't sense it." The man knocks his head gently as if he is trying to fix it by force. "Do you sense anything? Normally you could, right?"

"Now that you mention it… yes, I can't sense anything odd on this island." Lilith agrees.

"So…what you are saying is that the sage is not on this island or he is a fake?" Takumi asks.

"Maybe…" Robin replies, he seems troubled as well as Lilith.

"The sage most likely is disguising himself, a vast amount of power could attract a lot of enemies." Lilith points out.

"Lilith is right; besides, the mountain is quite high up maybe is out of range from your sense." Azura says, the songstress gives the Ylisse princess a nod as sign she agrees with her.

"Regardless, I still need to climb the mountain since this is where Ryoma pointed me to." Corrin says.

"Pardon my interruption, Lady Corrin but might this old man suggest an idea?" Gunter speak up.

"S-sure, go ahead. I am all ears." Corrin's shoulder relax as the old knight is one of her most trusted friends, he is more of a father to her than anyone is.

"I would advise that you bring all the retainers and royals with you," Gunter elaborates.

"But that would leaves the ship with no one supervise the soldiers." Corrin points out.

"I volunteer to be the one standing guard while you on your trip." Gunter answers. "And besides, these old bones doubly can climb any mountain anymore." The old knight jokes.

"I see…" Corrin says while looking a bit disappointed, she wanted Gunter to by her side as the man gives her a sense of security. "Is anyone object to Gunter's idea?" She asks the others, none of them raise their hands nor gives any attempt to reject since Gunter is rather experience knight and leaving the ship under his supervision is the most likely choice.

"Very well, I conclude this meeting and we will be leaving tomorrow morning." Corrin says.

After dispelling the meeting, only few remain with only three candles lit inside the room just like the three people sitting within in silent, looking at each other.

This three are the only who knows and is searching around for the Anankos pawn but so far, they only came up with theories and nothing concrete.

"So…about the spy?" Robin asks, he leans towards the table talking in a low tone but not as quiet as a whisper but quiet enough, his eyes trains on the other two.

The room is seal tight with the door closed, the room is almost cold but hot at the same time. The sounds of waves bashing on the ship can be hear and some walking above deck of the patrol, most people other than the patrol are probably slept because of tomorrow's preparation.

"After the attack the other day, the aura just…gone, I can't sense anything." Lilith shows a face of concern, twirling her fingers frantically. Her back is facing the wall where she could only see Robin who is the only one sitting in his seat of the meeting table.

"So, we are left clueless as always." Lucina says. The swordswoman is leaning against the door with her hands folded, keeping a look out. "Well…not complete clueless, there are still working theories."

"Hm…" Robin puts his hand on his chin with his eyebrow narrows, "How about we say the one we think most likely to be that lizard's subordinate, compare notes." He suggests.

"Ok, on three." Lilith says, she holds three finger and counting down one by one. "Three…two…one…Gunter."

"Gunter." Lucina announces.

"Lucina." Robin announces.

The two looks at Robin who has a grin on his face, "Okay, okay, I also suspect is Gunter." The man jokes. "He is the most obvious one."

"Agree, but how do you two come to the same conclusion?" Lucina asks, she then holds her hand up signalling silent as someone is passing, she presses her ears against the door. After a few seconds of silent after the footstep, she lowers her hand. "During the siege in the Astra realm, I am one of the commanders aside from Gunter, he seems to be out of it, not only he loses focus quickly, but it seems most of the enemies avoids him deliberately."

"I suspect him since he is alone in that ruins when I first met Corrin and the others, in a group we barely manage to survive but that man survives for days before we arrived. That certainly raises suspicion." Robin says. "I was the first to found him in that realm and he was alone. No enemies, no allies."

"Both of you make very good points." Lilith nods but she seems to be trouble by something. "As much as I dislike the notion that he would betray Corrin but crossing out all the suspect with the data we collected and analysed leaves only him…"

"No point agonises over this, since he proposes he stay behind then Corrin probably will be safe." Robin says. "Is not like he can ambush us in the sage's own home…unless he is also controlling the sage." The man looks like he just found a revelation with both his eyes wide open. "Could it be?"

"I don't know… I never heard of the sage since I rarely give much thought about the outside world." Lilith twirls her fingers more furiously. "I am not as knowledgeable as Azura, maybe we should ask her."

"But isn't she is just one of the suspects?" Lucina reminds the two. "We can't rule out everyone just yet,"

"Hmm…I suppose we can try using a technique I used back when I want to rule out a spy from Plegia." Robin scratches his head while looking at the two who looked most attentive to his words.

"Go on, go on." Lilith urges, waving her hands as if she is fanning the fire to make Robin speak faster.

"Very well, take a seat and grab some papers ,quill and ink." Robin sits down and put both his hands on the table. "It will be a long night."

"Oh, and grab another thing, Jakob's tea, I need that as a replacement for Plegian coffee."
Fire Emblem Three houses is such a fun game, I really like the story as well, my most favorite character most likely be Mercedes, Slyvain and Demitri but the others are not that far behind. What is yours?