(A/N: Here's the Friday update as promised! I'll let you guys know if something comes up again that'll hinder my uploading times.)

Honestly, Chrom had no idea how or when Robin became so good at planning. He didn't necessarily think it counted as tactics, but it had become something of a pastime after a while. Because of Robin's excellent planning skills—in addition to Lucina and Morgan's willingness to help their parents—there was at least one day in each month where both of them could do whatever they wanted. And for once, Robin actually decided to spend that day with Chrom (unlike usual when she spent it with Morgan or still worked).

Granted, it was probably multi-purpose and extremely beneficial on the tactician's part, but he nonetheless enjoyed the chance to talk with her without having anything else as a higher priority (like eating or exalt work), and therefore ignored whatever ulterior motive Robin may have.

They were more-or-less wandering around the castle, generally heading towards the courtyard but pausing too frequently to make much progress. The conversation went from one topic to another, maintaining a cheerful note.

"It feels like it's been so long since peace finally settled in," Robin was saying. "And at the same time, it's like only weeks have passed. I don't miss those days as much as I miss the allies that came with them, though."

"We are due for another complete reunion," Chrom agreed. "Not everyone comes to the semiannual ones. The last time everyone came here was a few years ago, wasn't it?"

"A little over a decade," Robin replied. Quieter, she continued, "Future Morgan was still here."

He really should have expected that, but it still caught him by surprise. There was a bit of silence until Chrom thought of a reasonable response. "I've said it before and I'll likely have to say it again: all the kids, future and present, are fine and well. They aren't the sort to roll over dead when something goes wrong. We have Lucina's Falchion and we have most of Morgan's old things; they're still here, in some sense or another. If they want to come back, then they can—otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to force them."

"I know," Robin said, sighing. After a short pause, though, she smiled a bit. "But enough of that. We've worked hard, so we deserve some time off. That should include time off from the gloomy parts of our days, too."

"Well said," Chrom replied. "So, how do you want to spent the day, then? Training? Reading? Something to embarrass the kids?"

Robin laughed, something rare yet welcome as of late, but Frederick came up to them before she could respond.

He bowed before speaking. "I apologize if I'm interrupting, but there is a guest here to see you, milord. Khan Basilio from Regna Ferox, to be precise. Shall I tell him to wait for you?"

"In the courtyard," Chrom said, nodding.

Frederick then turned to Robin. "Shall I also keep young Lord Morgan away from the khan? Not to be rude, of course, but to save him from Khan Basilio's occasional…vulgarity."

"Yes, please," Robin replied gratefully. "I can explain to Basilio myself if he questions it."

Frederick bowed again, and turned to leave. Chrom led the way to the courtyard, and by the time they got there Basilio was waiting and admiring—judging by the direction of his gaze—the training area.

Nonetheless, he still noticed Chrom and Robin fairly quickly. "Just the people I wanted to see! It's nice to meet again, face-to-face."

"Same here," Chrom said. "Did you come for any reason?"

"Do I need a reason?" Basilio asked, chuckling. "But, yes, I came to make a request. That can wait until the small talk is done and over with, though. Have you two been well?"

"As well as we can be," Robin replied kindly. "And you?"

"Impatiently waiting for Flavia to give up entering tournaments," Basilio said simply. "How are the kids? I heard you're making them run errands."

"It's a bit more complicated, if I had to explain it," Robin said. "Lucina needs to learn more of the people, Owain needs better company than a womanizer and shopaholic, and Morgan…he has a lot he needs to see, and I can't take him there myself. If anything else, he needs the experience too."

"I was surprised you let him go at all," Basilio replied, certainly sounding a bit amazed.

"I didn't really expect it either," Chrom agreed. He smiled a bit as he continued, "I thought I would've had to force her. I think we can all say that it's beneficial for everyone, though; at the very least, all of the kids enjoy it."

"True enough. But that brings me around to my request." Basilio decided to pause for a few moments, and then went on to say, "I need to steal the Mini Shepherds for a week or so."

Chrom could practically hear what Frederick's response to the remark. While Basilio meant it jokingly, Robin bristled as well—phrasing did seem to bother her nowadays, regardless of the speaker.

Basilio found it necessary to continue, although not at all urgently—it wouldn't be too surprising if he had a plan for if Chrom and-or Robin refused. "They'll be up against three of Flavia's chosen warriors—two of which are turncoats, if I'm allowed to note it. Lon'qu and a mercenary who's name I was told not to repeat."

"Why not?" Robin asked.

"I'm afraid that's all I can say," Basilio replied, shrugging. "But going back to the tournament; the weapons will be wooden for their opponents, and whatever they can wield for themselves. Before you ask, it's to give them a bit of an advantage—Flavia says it isn't fair otherwise. It also keeps the kids from getting hurt."

"Well, if the Mini Shepherds are fine with it," Chrom began, "I don't see why not. Just make sure everyone agrees beforehand—I know Morgan is a bit hesitant to be that far away from home."

Right about that time, Lucina's voice called out from the direction of the castle, growing louder as she got closer. "Father, Mother, have either of you seen Owain? He ran off with the swords, and I think Morgan's with him…"

As she came closer, she trailed off, likely noticing their guest. A few seconds of stillness, and then she gave a small—slightly rigid—bow. "Khan Basilio. I wasn't told we have a guest."

"Don't worry too much about it," Basilio said dismissively. "I came suddenly—even for me! And I've said it before, the only formality necessary in Regna Ferox is to draw a blade when you're about to challenge someone."

"Apologies," Lucina replied firmly, standing up a bit straighter. "I hope I haven't interrupted anything?"

"Not at all," Chrom assured her. "You're just in time, actually. Basilio wants the Mini Shepherds to go to Regna Ferox with him for a mock tournament-of-sorts. If you'd be willing to lead them, can you ask around and see who else would want to go?"

Lucina nodded, saying, "Of course. We didn't have anything else planned for our next trip otherwise." She began to bow again before stopping mid-motion, covering it up by brushing herself off a bit. "But I'll take my leave. Goodbye for now."

Basilio was the first to note her rushed retreat. "Quick on her feet, isn't she?"

Robin's reply was simple, almost teasing, "I don't blame her; I would flee from three adults talking about gods-know-what in the otherwise abandoned courtyard, too."