"Wait, wait what?!" Lysithea slammed her hands on the table, "That's impossible! Princess Cecelia died 2000 years ago! You've only recently arrived in Archanea! How can the Princess be your grandmother when you're only 23 years old!?" She yelled and Sophia grabbed her head, shaking it.
"I don't know! I don't know! I do know that there was this...incident that happened when my cousin and I were children that involved my Grandmother but I have absolutely no memory of it! Then when I look at my watch and then yours, mine is exactly like your Mila Turnwheel but red! Then there's the sword and music box, which was passed onto my cousin. I have the watch and crown! My grandmother's name was Cecelia and she said she came from a faraway land! Argh! I'm just so confused! Outrealm Gates don't exist in Valm!" Sophia messed up her hair, angry and confused.
The fact that she now realizes she is missing memories from her childhood was a red flag. The incident happened a year after the death of her father and uncle. Her grandmother ended up in the hospital but she refused to tell her and Iris what had happened. All she said was that she was glad they were safe.
"I don't know..." Sophia mumbled, "I think I just got more questions than answers.."
"Wait." She looked back to the crystal ball, "You said Outrealm Gates. Did you mean, Gates of the Void?" Lysithea said as she touched the constellation of the Big Dipper.
"Say what now?" Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"Gate of the Void." Lysithea said as she looked through the scrolls that appeared before her, "Hmm...Chapter 23, Gate of the Voids. These gates were said to take people to another land or were used to banish those that committed horrible crimes. King Rudolf declared them to be destroyed during his reign. It could be possible...one survived." The woman muttered as she was flipping through the scroll pages.
"No...that wouldn't be possible. Princess Cecelia was killed in Archanea, the fallen city of Thebes. Next, we have your time of arrival. But...it is said that time runs differently in other places. A day here could only be hours or months in a different land. And then we have...The Creation, whatever it is." Lysithea huffed and crossed her arms as she sat back down.
"Grima." Sophia muttered.
"What?" The mage narrowed her eyes and Sophia repeated.
"Grima. Before he had a name he was called The Creation. He is...Argghhh!" Sophia suddenly fell to her knees as a blistering pain shot through her left hand.
"Sophia! Sophia!" Lysithea's scream could be heard through the crystal ball.
Purple-colored veins spread from the Brand of the Defile to all over her right arm. Something inside her screamed.
"̶B̸e̴ ̷q̵u̸i̷e̵t̸!̵ ̸D̴o̵n̷'̵t̶ ̶s̸a̵y̵ ̸a̶n̸y̷m̵o̴r̴e̷!̷ ̶N̷o̵t̵ ̶y̵e̶t̸!̸ ̸N̴o̵t̴ ̵y̶e̶t̵!̸ ̶T̸h̴e̷ ̴o̵t̷h̷e̵r̵ ̶h̴a̸l̷f̷ ̴l̵i̷s̴t̸e̸n̵s̸!̵ ̶Y̶o̷u̷ ̷m̵u̵s̴t̶ ̶n̵o̸t̸ ̵s̸a̶y̶!̸"̶
It was that dark voice again. The one that calmed her down when she nearly killed Arca. The one that she felt she had become when she took the drug. She gritted her teeth as she forced herself up and the veins faded away. She panted and Lysithea looked at her worried.
"I'll be alright." Sophia muttered as she sat back down, "Anyhow, Alm struck Grima down with the Falchion and it put the fallen dragon into a deep slumber for 1,000 years. During that time, the dragon grew and awakened again 1000 years later, during the time of the First Exalt. This is where Naga came in and made a blood contract with the first Exalt. Well, you know the rest." She sighed and took a sip of her tea.
"Right." Lysithea sighed, "But there's another reason you called me."
"Emmeryn is alive," Sophia said and again, Lysithea was spilling her tea.
"I'm going to need a very long explanation."
[-]
Sophia had her head down on her desk in the infirmary off after a major scolding and yelling from Lysithea. Of course, the woman swore she will not say a thing about Emmyren but Sophia better pay her back with Feroxi sweets. As for telling her what happened in Plegia, Lysithea was reduced to tears and understood now why Sophia went so far. But she still scolded her for being so reckless with her life. The only Sophia left out was that she was from another world. She still didn't feel ready to tell anyone about it. With Robin, she did plan to tell her about the upcoming Valm War. She also explained well more like lied to Lysithea that she was a seer. It currently was the only way to tell her that Valm was planning to invade Archanea in one year and a half. The mage became pale as paper and she told her that this information must be told to Chrom and Robin. Both agreed to it and Sophia was going to tell them more information. And she for sure was not going to leave the khans out of it. The problem was after she told them, it was like a storm hit the place.
"We've been defending the border from Valentian monsters invading our lands for years! Now the fact that Walhart is planning to invade us in a year and a half is insane!"
"I'm starting to think I should have kept my mouth shut." Sophia groaned as she signed her next document.
She's going to have her hands full for the next few weeks because of teaching the mages her medical methods. She knew it was going to be a whole shit show because many of the modern medical methods are seen as a sin in the eyes of the Faith of Naga Church. She's glad she wasn't in Ylisse or Fodlan cause she can grantee some fucken extremest priest would be saying she was committing blasphemy. She groaned and heard a knock on her office door. Opening, in came Alm with a tray of food. Already she could smell the delicious scent of pork with a spicy sauce, rice, a salad, and a glass of Sweet Flower Tea.
"Figured you could use a break. You've been here all day." Alm said and walked her desk and placed the tray down, "It was turn and Severa's to cook dinner at the dining hall. So, how the meeting go?" He asked as Sophia took a spoonful of the food.
"Oh! This is good. You and Severa are amazing cooks!" Sophia beamed as she continued to eat.
"Thanks...it was...my father that taught me how to cook." Alm smiled softly.
"Huh. This the first time I've seen you smile like this. You usually have a scowl." Sophia said and the smile disappeared again, "Man, so much for the moment."
"Dad would often take me camping in the Ylisse forest. And I had to survive through his training regimens. Honestly, I enjoyed them." And Sophia felt she was looking at Frederick 2.0.
"You're crazy. I had to stop your father multiple times from doing his training regiment when he was injured." Sophia remembered when she and Frederick would get into yelling matches over his health and that he wasn't supposed to be moving.
"Speaking of my father...How...did you meet him and the Shepherds?" Alm asked and Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"Your father, I met him when he entered the infirmary. Confused him for Lysithea at that time. Our first interaction...was...kind of cold. After that, he and all of them watched me insult Viron. As for our actual meeting, you struck him in the stomach did a number on him." Sophia's eyes became half-lidded, "I used medical techniques from my homeland to heal him. To save him from his embarrassment, I put him to sleep. It's the same method I used to heal you and Lucina." She explained as she took a sip of her tea.
"Then can you explain to me about my father nearly killing you?" He said and Sophia coughed.
"Well...during the attack on the Capital of Plegia, a building was destroyed by the Risen Queen and it collapsed on top of your father. When I found him...I thought he was dead. To be honest...I was relieved when I saw he was alive. As for him nearly killing me, I honestly can't blame him." She chuckled bitterly, "I was covered from head to toe in the blood of Plegai Soldiers, and at that moment, he confused me for the enemy. His lance stabbed me in the right shoulder, he suspended me in the air then threw me at a brick wall. The impact shattered my shoulder. As for your father, his bones were broken, left arm, right leg, rib bones. It was a miracle he was alive. It was around 20 hours for me to probably put his bones back together and seal his wounds. Not to mention the amount of blood he lost. He needed a blood transfusion. Thankfully Morgan's blood was compatible so we were quickly able to give it to him." Sophia closed her eyes as she sighed.
"He slept for a week or two and every day I would change his bandages and use the white magic to speed up his healing process. My injuries also healed around the same time he did. Yes, we had our difficult moments. Insults and such but eventually I cleared the misunderstandings and he apologized to me. I also apologized to him for calling him a...yeah I rather you do not hear the word I called him in my native tongue." She chuckled and smiled softly as she looked down at her empty plate of food.
"Never has a man-made me more angry but also laugh so much." She closed her eyes, "He's a good man. A bit over paranoid at times but with the way things are going on in the world, I don't blame him. He's kind and can be overbearing. Do you think I scolded him when he would try to his training regiment? Ha! The nerve he had of trying to tell me to rest when he was the most injured!" She said and Alm tried not to smile but failed.
"You and my father...you two get along." He said and Sophia chuckled nervously.
"I guess. I don't think we're going to be getting along once he learns I faked the death of the Exalt. I hid a lot of things..." she muttered and the boy nodded.
"By the way, how's Yune?" Sophia asked Alm sighed.
"I will be honest, I am a stranger to her. She and I did not know each other till the day we saved her from the Grimleal." Alm said and Sophia blinked.
"Wait what? You didn't know Yune till recently? How is that even possible? You're Frederick's son so you know all the children? Were you kept isolated or something?" She asked and the boy shook his head.
"No, nothing like that. My father had me and my mother move around Archanea along with the other children. I did not know of Yune till I met her when we returned to Ylisse. I know her mother is you. Her father...I, unfortunately, do not know." He said and that was a lie.
He knows who Yune's father is. For now, it seemed Sophia bought it because the woman covered her mouth.
"Just who the hell did I sleep with? How old are you again?" She asked.
"22." He said.
"10 years apart...huh...Yune is 12...when was she born?" She asked.
"March 24." He answered and Sophia thought for a moment.
That meant her birthday passed already. She only recently turned 12. Also, her first anniversary was coming up, it would be marking when she arrived in Archanea. Sophia sighed and looked at the boy.
"Thank you. And also, I hoped I cleared up any misunderstandings you had about me and your father." She said and he nodded.
"You did." He answered and before she could say anything a scream was heard outside her office.
A piercing scream filled the arena and Sophia and Alm bolted out of her office. Though, what they weren't expecting was the scene before them. Sophia gawked as she saw Yune with a pair of scissors and Owain and Inigo standing in front of Severa, the older girl with tears in her eyes but ready to murder the red-haired girl.
"Come on Severa~" Yune grinned, "I just need a small lock of your hair for my research."
"This is why I kept protesting letting Tharja teach her magic!" Severa screamed and Yune blinked.
Her eyes changed from crimson to dark brown. It was as if the malice she was feeling towards the trio disappeared in an instant. Sophia felt a shift in the girl's soul as if she became another person. Did the Grimleal curse cause the girl to have split personalities or something else? Still, ever since she learned that the girl is her daughter, she has become protective? To say the least. One thing for sure, if she ever meets Grima, she's going to punch the bastard's face for hurting her family and friends.
"Why am I holding scissors ?" Yune said as she put them on the table, "Mama, why does Severa look like she's going to kill me?"
"You nearly cut my hair!" The red-haired screamed, still being held back.
"Oh." And then her eyes turned red again, "Let me continue." Her grin was malicious.
"Yune, that's enough."
Yune froze as she slowly turned around. Sophia's gaze was cold. Colder than any winter she had ever seen. Memories began to stir yet they were blurry. A pang of guilt filled her but also fear. The cold gaze she is now seeing once again, she only saw her mother ever have that gaze, when she would spit at Grima's name. The older woman walked up and held out her hand to her.
"Give me the scissors now." Sophia said and the girl nodded as she looked to the ground, "We'll be leaving to Ylisse at the end of the month. I'm going to have Muriel and Ricken's help figure out a way to break this curse that was cast on you by the Grimleal. I'm sensing some form of corruption and I don't like it. I'm worried for your safety as well as the others." She made the scissors disappear, "Now, what is the real reason you wanted Severa's hair?"
"Itching potion."
"And why would you need an itching potion?"
"To get Alm and Severa back for eating my pudding."
"...I need a drink."
Sophia walked back to her office and Yune followed after her, worried.
"Ma-Sophia, I didn't mean to! I just felt this sudden urge to cut something and Severa was the closest person nearby!" Yune mumbled and Sophia sat on her desk, looking at the girl with a tired expression.
"Yune, I understand what you are going through but you need to fight those urges. If this keeps up, not only will you be harmful to yourself but others as well. And another thing..." the girls' wings twitched, "You're allowed to call me mother, mama, ma and such but only when it's just you and me, or the other future kids. Anyone else, no." She said before she knew it, Yune had lunged into arms screaming "Gracias! Gracias! Te Amo!" multiple times.
"Sigh...I love you too." She muttered as she hugged the girl back.
But did she love her? She's still in the process of accepting she has a daughter. But when she hugged the girl, seeing her angry and crying when she killed the Grimleal in a fit of rage. With the betrayal and rage in her eyes when she looked at Lucina, Owain, Inigo, and Severa, Sophia truly felt she was looking at her younger self. There is no way she could just leave the girl.
"My mother didn't love me..." Sophia thought as she held the girl, "I don't want her to go through what I went through...I don't know how to show affection but...I'll try."
[—-]
The days passed and soon two weeks had passed. Teaching the mages was a pain in the ass. The fact she had to tear apart their old lessons and properly show them how to sew, cut, treat a wound felt like she was teaching newbie internship college students all over again. The last she blew a fuse was when some dimwit was being a smart ass and it almost cost the life of a patient. Currently, she was teaching the advanced arts of alchemy and combining magic. In the eyes of more traditional mages, it would be seen as complete blasphemy. She didn't give a damn. The lessons she was teaching were desperately needed, especially with the war in the future. The worst part was that rumors of the Saint of Archanea started all over again. She didn't fight it. She didn't care anymore. At this point, might as well let it happen.
"Today, as practice, we will be dissecting this boar." She pointed to the tied-up dead boar on the table with its stomach up.
The looks of utter horror crossed on the faces of the majority of the females while some of the males just looked sick.
"Anyone here a hunter?" She asked and at least 7 people raised their hands out of the 40 something of students she was teaching, "Good, then you all know the process of bleeding and cutting up the boar. However, today we will be looking at the organs because they are very similar to human organs." Murmurs filled the room.
Alm and Owain decided to take part in her classes and for once she was happy. Yune wanted to but Sophia felt the girl was a bit too...young. So instead she let her ready her medical books. Which also meant giving her...the talk. The woman was surprised to learn that her future self had already given the girl the talk. And not just her...all of the future children. Sophia felt completely embarrassed when she learned what her future self did and avoided eye contact with them.
"Now, this is the stomach intestines." Groans and the sound of gagging could be heard as she pulled out the organ from the boar corpse and Alm patted Owain on the back since the blonde boy looked ready to throw up at any moment.
She explained each organ, its purpose, and function as she pulled them out and placed them, on the table next to her. Honestly, seeing the people be scared and sick brought some sort of sick twisted joy to her. She felt mean. Perhaps it was the stress of teaching or keeping the kids in check. After 2 hours, the class was over, she needed a rest. Or a drink. Both would do.
She went to her office and was surprised to see Ylisse Winter Owl perched on her chair. Claude was hissing at it and the owl just ignored him. She walked up and the owl chirped, flying towards her and perched on her extended arm. It bent and presented her with four letters. The first letter she recognized was the Crest of Charon on the wax seal, which meant it came from Lysithea. However, the second and third ones had the Brand of Naga, the Royal seal, one with a Celica flower on it. She quickly filled up two bowls with flower seeds and dried fish for the birds to eat, which they happily did and went to sit at her desk. She would read Lysithea's letter later, she needed to see the royal letter first. Careful not to break the wax seal, she opened it and began to read it.
Greetings Sophia,
It has been almost two months since we have heard from you. I am glad you are doing well in Ferox. Are you feeling better? Have you healed properly? I hope you rest because based on our talk, I can tell you are a reckless idiot.
Sophia felt attacked. But she continued reading.
Anyway, straight onto business. Lysithea has informed me of what you have seen as a seer. As much as we do not wish for war, you are correct. Tensions between Valm and Archanea have only grown over the last five years. 3 years ago, war was declared in Valm by a man named Walhart the Conqueror. Viron has informed us of what happened and more that changed that Valm will attack is possible to happen. Because of this, the Ylisse Council, Chrom, and I are trying to convince them that we will need a military force. Yes, this will go against Exalt Emmeryn's last wishes but with tensions rising, we must do it. Chrom is going to be coordinated to Exalt at the end of March and our wedding will be in June. Of course, you are invited! The third letter is an invitation to the wedding. If Alm and Marth are there with you, please tell them they are invited. They did so much in helping us during the war.
Back to the subject, I have been granted the title of Grand Master. It has been difficult and a struggle but I am working on it. For the love of Naga, the paperwork never ends! Morgan has become my apprentice and he is doing very well. Currently, he is a student in the Ylisse Magic Academy and is part of Lysithea's Astrology class and Miriel's Magic class. As for me, I am personally teaching him military tactics. The boy has so much potential. I can't help but feel like a proud mother. Even Chrom is teaching him sword lessons and he has expressed he feels like a proud father.
"Well, that boy is your son in the future." Sophia snorted and continued to read.
I almost forgot to mention, Morgan has enrolled in Martha's Alchemy class. If you do not know, she is Frederick's cousin. She is...an interesting woman. And by an interesting woman, the complete opposite of Frederick.
"I didn't know Frederick had a cousin. But this isn't the game anymore." Sophia sighed.
As for your request, we will hold a private gathering with only Lissa, Chrom, Phila, Frederick, and me. I do not know why you only wanted to see us but I have a feeling it is important. I've also been informed that you've been helping the Khans with the trading routes between the nations. Thanks for that. Anna has been helping us out greatly of course...without a price. As for Tharja, Henry, and Derrick, all have been a great deal of help in training our mages and the newly established Wyvern Riders and Magil Knights Corps, however, we lack knowledge in the healing arts. Chrom and I have discussed this and we wish to ask you if you would be willing to teach our clerics, mages, and sages your medical methods?
"As long as you pay good and no damn extremest priest comes after my head, I accept." Sophia snorted.
I look forward to seeing you soon. Do hope you are doing well. Take care and rest.
- From the Grandmaster and Future Queen of Ylisse: Robin von Darean
- PS: By the way, Frederick said he was missing a shirt. It's his favorite white shirt he always wears. Do you know what happened to it?
Sophia can just feel the complete smugness wafting from the letter with that last sentence. The woman just glared at the words.
"Ha. And you walked in on Chrom when he was naked." She smirked and at the other side of the country, Robin choked on her tea.
She felt someone said combat back at her. Sophia felt a short victory for some reason as she put the letter down and opened Lysithea. The sweet scent of candy scented perfume filled her nostrils when she began to read it.
To Sophia:
Good News! I informed Chrom and Robin about the situation in Valm and also told them my story. As much as I am still angry with Viron, he was a great help in helping explain the situation to the Ylisse Council along with Lon'qu and Felix. I swear...the Ylisse Council exploded when we informed them that Valm was planning to invade Archanea in a year and a half. Even more than that when Chrom and Robin revealed that a Military force would have to be made if we wanted any chance of survival. Then there were the pompous imbeciles that were spitting out Emmeyren's words all sugar-coated to avoid using their funds to provide the materials we need for recruits! As of now, a total of eight new military corps have been made. The Griffon Sky Force. The Valkyries and Dark Fliers, which I am in charge of. The Magil Knight and Wyvern Riders, Tharja and Derrick are in charge. The Gremory Force, which Miriel is in charge of. And lastly, the new Mortal Servant Corps, which Felix has become the general of.
Frederick has been made the Captain of the Knights of Ylisse and has been training the recruits. I have never felt so bad for the newbies.
I have to end this letter early due to the amount of paperwork I need to do. I'm being watched like a hawk. Take care!
- From Lysithea von Ordelia
Sophia smiled as she finished and put it down. The next seal she knew was the invitation however the last letter the wax seal she did not recognize. The seal had a dried Celica flower on it and the letter was a light blue color. She carefully opened it and felt her heart skip a beat as she began to dear it.
To Sophia:
I hope you are doing well. I read the letter you left. Thank you for it. I was worried when I did not see you in the morning till I found it on my desk. Once more, I am thankful for you saving my life. It is amazing how much my wounds have healed. The scars remain but they shall be a reminder that I need to live. Or your wounds healed? Are you resting? I learned from Lysithea that you have been reckless and are taking medication again. How many times have I said that you need to rest?!
"That traitorous bitch." Sophia grumbled as she continued to read the letter, "And for the record, you need to rest too!"
Please do rest. I still feel guilty for injuring you during the war. Is your shoulder alright? If you are worried about scars, you may speak to...my cousin...when you arrive at Ylisse next month. Martha is the head of the Alchemy Department of the Kingdom of Ylisse and she can help you if you desire.
"Okay, who is this Martha? Even Chrom sounded in disdain when he said her name and many reacted in a not so good way." Sophia muttered as she rested her cheek on her hand.
I have been made the new Captain of the Knights of Ylisse beside Cordelia and Sumia. Cordelia and Sumia have been made the new Captions for the Pegasus Knights. Work has been difficult since there seem to be tensions in the sea borders of Ylisse. They are great partners to work with. For now, if the information was reported, we will start training the recruits. With the way things are going, the military force should be complete by next year. Lord Chrom's and Lady Robin's wedding is coming up soon and I am tasked with making sure the security is tight that day. I do hope you come. It would be good to taste those cookies you made. Wedding Cookies, a fitting name for the ceremony. Lysithea along with Sumia will be in charge of making the wedding cake.
I must cut this letter short unfortunately but I leave a poem as a form of friendship. It was a suggestion from Gaius.
The Spring Sunrises
The roses bloom
The glaze lilies petals of blue bring the morning spring mist
The silk flowers bring forth the sweet scent of the day
May the flowers guide your way.
- From Frederick von Don Albright
Sophia had to re-read the poem multiple times to fully process what she just read.
"Ah, that's right...I forgot that it was a tradition of knights to write a poem in their letters when they send them to someone." She said and Bryhildr mentally faced palms.
The DeadLord was glad she had temporarily locked herself in the darkest depths of Sophia's mind because she was saying so many curses. She wondered how the woman could be so stupid when it was obvious that the knight was showing some interest in her. But that wasn't all, Bryhildr could see some part of Sophia still feared trusting people. She was halfway opened, that was the best way Bryhildr could describe it.
- 1 week later: Ylisse -
Dear Robin:
First off, did you have fun running into Chrom while he was naked? I'm sure you enjoyed the sight. Also, fuck you. I gave Frederick his shirt back.
"That's a lie." Robin and Chrom both said as they were reading the letter, "Also how did she know you saw me naked?!" Both turned crimson then coughed, returning to read the letter.
As for your and Chrom's request, yes I accept. I will teach the Ylisse magic healers my medical methods. I am currently teaching the mages here in Ferox. It was a request from the Khans since they lack healers and it would be better for the mages to have medical experience for the future. I will be honest. The medical methods from my homeland may be seen as blasphemy in the eyes of the believers of Naga. My homeland unfortunately has a record of looking down on doctors in the past and their teaching methods seen as blasphemy to the gods. This would result in many being hunted down and burned to the stake. I am telling you this now because I do not want to cause any problems with anyone. The medical methods from my homeland are more advanced and take up 8-10 years to fully master and be a professional.
"Chrom, I do agree with her on this." Robin said as she looked at her beloved worried, "We even before we met Sophia, the rumors of her as a Saint greatly angered a few of the higher-ups of The Church of Naga. Especially when she revealed that the holy water that they were giving people was considered low grade." She said and Chrom nodded, "And let us not forget...many of the higher-ups are against you marrying me."
"I do not care what they say." He placed her hand on hers and they intertwined, "You are the woman I love. I will not allow them to talk badly of you. Besides, Emmeyren had a case prepared against them. Think it's time we present the evidence soon." He smirked and she leaned her forehead on his.
"I love you too." She smiled and he leaned in to kiss her but unfortunately, she turned back the letter, "Now let us finish the letter." She giggled as Chrom pouted but nodded.
As for the private meeting, there will be a chance you will all want my head. I ask you to refrain from it after I give my explanation. After that, if you decide you do not want me in Ylisse, I will leave forever. Moving on, I keep hearing this...Martha. Chrom and everyone else acts distant or dislike when they speak of her. All I know is that she is Frederick's cousin and in charge of the funeral parlor in Ylisse and the Chief Alchemist and Investigation Team of the Knights of Ylisse. I would like to meet her.
Chrom looked at his lover with a face that said "Please no." And Robin only smiled. She liked Martha. The woman was a bit (a lot) of a nut job but she was an amazing person. Never before has Robin felt so connected to a person other than Chrom. Frederick and Chrom felt like they walked into a nightmare when both saw how well they got along. Add Tharja and Miriel to the mix, you get the walking disasters.
Now, congratulations on your engagement! Oh, I am excited! By the way, I did inform Alm and Marth and they have accepted to come. They will be arriving in Ylisse along with me. How is Morgan doing? He hasn't blown up the city...right?
The couple just looked at each other. Robin felt like a proud mother when the boy made his first explosive Thunder Spell. Chrom...felt like a father ready to about to scold his boy. However, Morgan and Martha were experimenting too much and blew up half the Alchemy lab. Explosions coming from the Alchemy Department, all of Ylisse had gotten used to it. However, they weren't expecting Morgan was into explosions. They made a mental note to keep the boy away from the Alchemy lab for a while.
As for the cookies, yes I will make them. Also, Robin, there is something I need to discuss privately and I mean, only you. When the time comes, I will tell you. Thank you.
- From Sophia Zunino
-PS: So...when is the first child coming? ;3
"SOPHIA!" Robin screamed while Chrom just covered his mouth to his embarrassment.
"I mean..." Chrom coughed, "Perhaps in the future, you and I can start a family." the man looked away and Robin felt her chest swell with warmth as she hugged her future husband.
"My love...It would bring me joy to start a family with you!" The two embraced each other tightly.
For some reason in Ferox, Sophia felt like she ate too many sweets for some reason.
[—]
To Lysithea,
First off, you traitorous bitch! How dare you tell Frederick that I nearly got myself killed again?! That man sent me a letter that was scolding me and it felt like my father was talking to me!
Lysithea cackled as she read her letter as she was on the bench in the training area. Felix was sparring with Morgan and both raised an eyebrow when they heard the mage.
"Is Aunt Sophia coming to Ylisse?" Morgan asked and Lysithea gave him a thumbs up.
"She'll be arriving at the end of April." She giggled and went back to the letter.
And since you were so nice...on telling him, I might as well take my shot. So, how have you and Felix been doing? Seems I intruded at a...important time. I shall bring you pink roses as congratulations and also, birth control. I've heard he has the stamina for a hundred men. Hope you can walk. Is that a hickey I spotted on your shoulder last time? Eh?
"YOU WITCH!" Lysithea screamed and Felix and Morgan knew they needed to leave.
The woman was crimson as a tomato and was ready to smack some sense into her the minute she stepped foot in Ylisse.
Anyhow, I'm glad the start of the military force is going well. As someone of the Saint Class, I will make sure to prepare the healers. But I want you to also be prepared should problems arise. I am saying this now because when I was in Plegia, there were extremest of the Faith of Grima and I had to be protected from them. I'm not sure about Ylisse but it doesn't hurt to be careful. As for Emmeryn, the request was granted. Based on the time, I will be arriving at some point in the dark. I will send Claude to you when I am close to the city. Sadly my letter has to be cut short but I'm glad you and everyone are doing alright. I'm bringing you lots of sweets. Take care.
- From you, you heard rumors I'm a bitch. Well, it's true, Sophia Zunino.
Lysithea could not help but chuckle softly as she closed the letter and looked up to the sky. She was looking forward to seeing her friend again and giving her a piece of her mind. As for her own time in Ylisse, she is more than happy. She looked over to the doors of the training room and saw Felix and Morgan had returned along with Sulky and Vaike. Looks like they were going to be sparring. It had been a while since she had sparred.
"Might as well join them."
[—-]
Dear Frederick:
Thank you for worrying about me. I apologize for suddenly disappearing. I left the letter because I did not want you all to go into an array of worry. I have a record of disappearing like a ghost. Old habits die hard.
Frederick chuckled a bit as he continued to read.
While I appreciate you worrying for me, has anyone ever told you that you can be overbearing sometimes? And sometimes I mean when you overdo it. While I appreciate your concern, I can take care of myself. Before you ask, yes I am taking medication and healing. I will be completely healed by the time I arrive at Ylisse. I was invited to the wedding! I already told Lysithea that I will help her with the cake. Any advice on cooking or taste-testing? I learned that you know how to cook. I know how to cook myself but I still want to learn new tricks.
As for you becoming Captain of the Knights of Ylisse, congratulations! Don't go too hard on the recruits and also don't overdo it on your training regiment.
"Too late." He smirked and the next part made him raise an eyebrow.
I hope you are well and rested. Have you adjusted to battling with one eye? Are your muscles working properly? You don't feel your knees give out or anything? You aren't fully doing your training regiment right? I hope not. As much as you want to get back into it, you need to let your bones heal properly first. Some light sparring and stretching should help you out. Also, you need to adapt to eating different varieties of meats. Hope you like that bear meat stew I made a few months ago, I plan to make it again. Ah, seems my time is being cut short. I have to go train the mages of Ferox. I'm not sure if you know but I have been requested to train the mages and clerics of Ylisse. I'm not sure how things will go since my teaching methods could be seen negatively but you never know. Also, I look forward to meeting Martha, she sounds like a lovely person. So, I end this letter with a short poem. The poem you wrote, I liked. I think it is fair I write one back.
Time flies by like the breeze of the land.
The willow tree grows as the dawn rises from the east.
I see the garden bloom of colors of all
I hope to see you soon.
- From Sophia Zunino.
Frederick could not help but smile softly as he finished reading the letter. Her snarky attitude was still there but still that hint of kindness. Frederick could also somewhat feel that she was still a bit full of herself but of course not in a malicious way. The woman was confident in her skills as a medic. He still had his doubts about her but something about her personality made him feel strange. She put on a cold front but there were those rare moments she would show a soft side. She had problems, trust issues, like him. She was especially wary around him and others. And him learning a bit about her past, perhaps they were more similar than he thought.
"That's a rare sight."
The knight looked up from the letter and saw Guasis leaning on the frame of the door, arms crossed with a smirk.
"Taking a liking to Miss Water Nymph, huh? I will be careful with that one. She looks pretty and gentle but soon becomes the raging ocean when the storm hits." He chuckled.
"I'm assuming you have personal experience with her wrath?" Frederick raised an eyebrow at the newly promoted Commander of the Ylisse Spies and Assassins.
"I do." Gauis cringed at the memory, " It was deserved one. You, however...I saw the way you two interact. I think she needs people like us around. The way she acts, I can tell she's been alone the majority of her life." He muttered and smiled softly, "I think you working with her would do just fine."
"I think not." The knight gave him a light glare, "I didn't...exactly leave the best impression on her. She wants to meet Martha."
"For the love of Naga, please don't introduce her to that woman! We already have enough dealing with her, Bubbles, Miriel, and Morgan!" Gauis pleaded and Frederick sighed.
"Unfortunately for all of us, she is looking forward to meeting her." The knight pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Absolute betrayal."
"Shut it Gauis."
[—]
The end of March had arrived quickly and it was time to head out. But first...Sophia needed to fix one problem.
"COME BACK HERE YOU BRAT!"
"Hide me!" Yune cackled as Basilio ran after her but the girl was quicker.
Sophia already knew what was going to happen when the young girl ran behind her, smirking evilly as the khan glared at her.
"She tames the Walrus! My pet!" Basilio growled and Yune just grinned proudly while Flavia was laughing her ass off as the future kids got on the wagon along with Emmeryn and Olivia.
"I am...seriously sorry Basilio. I did not think...she was capable of that." Sophia said as the man was scolding Yune as an uncle would but the girl just giggled.
Sophia just looked over to the wagon for help, but even Olivia and Emmeyren looked away.
"Man, that kid is going to an amazing Wyvern Tamer one day! She's got that spunk! But in all seriousness, she needs some discipline." Flavia said and Sophia sighed.
"I'll be sure to teach her that," Sophia said and glared at the girl.
She walked to the wagon and the others yelled goodbye as they waved. They belong packed along with supplies and new merchandise that was promised to Anna. Ingrid neighed as she pulled the cart, their friends waving goodbye and wishing them good luck. Sophia smiled softly as she looked up to the sky. She felt good things were there even if for the next year and a half they would be preparing for war. She'll be honest, she's looking forward to seeing everyone.
Hours had passed since they left and it was midday. Olivia and Emmeyren had fallen asleep while the others were up. Emmyren was currently wearing a hood to hide her identity. Olivia had to be told of the situation. The dancer was shocked when she found out about the Exalt but ultimately understood why her death had to be faked. For now, things were going well.
"Hey, Ma." Yune turned to look at her, "How do you think Morgan is going to react when he sees me?"
"If you mean most likely panic or a blank face, I do not know." Sophia sighed as she gently snapped the reins so Ingrid could move the wagon a bit faster.
"He has no memories of us Yune. He will not recognize you." Lucina muttered and the others looked at her concerned.
"Hmmm...Maybe because you're going wrong about it." Yune grinned.
" I know that grin." Alm said as he fixed his mask, "It's the grin of doom! Everyone jump off the carriage!"
The fact that the future kids (except Yune and the other two women were asleep) were ready to jump off the moving wagon, flabbergasted Sophia. She never moved so fast. It was as if Yune was holding a bomb.
"Alright, shut up all of you!" Sophia snapped at them, "And no pranks Yune! I already got in trouble with Basilio for you going after the Walrus."
"His name is Flabby 2.0." Yune spoke in a dead tone, "Anyhow, Lucina, don't you have that locket with that picture of you and your family? Maybe show it to him and it could trigger a memory?" She said.
"That might work but it also depends on Morgan." Lucina sighed as she gently touched the locket on her neck.
"Hmmm..." Yune hummed, "You know, my memories are a fuzz but I always remember our former friend group."
"Yune, we are your friends. We didn't mean to...almost kill you." Inigo muttered and she gave him the stink eye.
"Yeah yeah, whatever." She said and looked back ahead, "But I remember everyone's name. And you know what else I remember," she turned to look at Alm with wide eyes and a scowl, "There was no one in our group by the name of Alm"
The older boy just looked away.
"You're sus~" she giggled, "There's an imposter among us." She sang with a wicked glint in her eyes.
"I feel like this is karma for all the pranks I used to pull when I was a kid..." Sophia thought as her head slumped forward a bit, "Pa...Grandpapa...Grandma...Uncle...Iris, I'm sorry for all the trouble caused back then!" She yelled out.
Everyone just gave her a weird look and she was amazed that Olivia and Emmeyren didn't wake up.
She hopes the trip to Ylisse goes well.