Once the machine was finished, the Chozo called Robin over to explain how it worked. "It will take your mind and place it in the mental landscape that your friend is currently trapped in. However, that place is most likely built off things that he is familiar with, in order to keep him from noticing the illusion. This means that you must be subtle and not draw attention to yourself, or the world might turn hostile and expel you, or worse. While there is a safety net in case of such an event, there is a lot of magic involved, which I am entirely unfamiliar with, so there might unexpected consequences."
"I understand." replied Robin.
"On the meantime, I will be working on the changes to your Pokemon that I proposed earlier." added the Chozo.
"Agreed. Thank you, Tu-Quo. I really appreciate the support."
"It is my pleasure. I enjoy these new experiences as well, so I'm glad to help."
And so, Tu-Quo connected Robin to one end of the contraption and Byleth into the other while they both lay in different tables in a single room. After a few seconds, Robin feel asleep while her mind was being transferred somewhere else...
Robin woke up under a shade on a bed of grass with the sun shining from the gaps between the leaves. She shielded her eyes from the sudden increase in brightness from the dim lights in the Chozo's lab. Wh-where am I? she thought, getting her bearings. She remembered the last moments before she lost consciousness. Her objective.
Getting up, she looked around. She was near a road leading to a gate, flanked on the outside by two guards, each holding a spear. To the left and right of the gate were ten-feet-tall high walls. In the distance, a massive stone castle stood tall and imposing.
If this is what Byleth is experiencing right now, it'd explain why he didn't notice anything going on. This illusion must be his prison. Concluded Robin If I had to guess, I'd say that he's inside that castle. I wonder who it belongs to.
She watched the building and its surroundings, trying to gauge what her options were.
How do I get in without alerting the guards? contemplated Robin. She began pacing back and forth in her spot, after making sure that it was keeping out of their line of sight.
After a few moments, the tactician had an idea. This should probably suffice. Sometimes the simplest ideas were the best.
Reaching the gate, Robin was stopped by the guards, holding their spears towards her. "Halt! who goes there?" exclaimed the one to the right, who was taller and was clean shaven.
"I'm a travelling strategist and I've come from afar to offer my services to the master of this residence." responded Robin while holding her hands up as surrender. Her hoodie was down, covering her face.
The guard on the left, who sported a full beard and had a noticeable scar on his face, eyed her curiously while they both raised their weapons. "You sure don't dress like someone from around here. However, we're on peacetime, so your services aren't needed."
"Out of curiosity, where do you come from and what's your name?" asked the guard on the right.
"From beyond the lands of Fodlan." she responded, shocking the guards. "My name is Reflet."
"Reflet, huh?" said guard 1. "Well, it doesn't matter. Like I said, you won't find work here."
"Wait, Amid! If what she says about being from outside of Fodlan is true, then the master will berate us for letting someone like that leave." exclaimed the second guard, putting his hand on Amid's shoulder. "You know how he loves meeting strange new folk. Remember that Dagdan storyteller from a few months back?"
"Hmmm" responded Amid, clearly thinking about what to do. "I guess you're right, Ced." He gave a signal to one of the guards on the inside, who operated a mechanism, lifting the gate.
Robin made a motion to enter the castle grounds, but was stopped by Amid, who put his arm in front of her. "However, we will be escorting you. We don't know how dangerous you are or if you pose a threat to the master."
"You!" he exclaimed looking towards the soldier that had just finished lifting the gate. "Find us a replacement while we take care of this."
"Right away, sir!" responded the guard, taking off.
Lowering his arm, Amid let Robin move forward, and he and Amid walked behind her.
After they were past the gates and into castle grounds, Ced walked up to her. "I guess greetings are in order. Welcome to Castle Von Aegir, home of the Prime Minister of the Empire."
Prime Minister? I was unaware that Byleth had such important connections. I wonder if it's the same for his female counterpart. thought Robin, surprised.
"So, what sort of gift do you claim to have for the Prime Minister?" asked Amid.
"Gift?" asked Robin. I didn't bring any gifts...
Thinking quickly, an idea popped in her head. " I brought over spells that you might not know, as well as several stories and such from my homeland."
Amid looked at Ced, who simply shrugged.
If Robin had to guess, she'd say that they're thinking that if she ended up being all talk, they could just kick her out without much issue. I don't really care for the Prime Minister either way. I just need to find a way to talk to Byleth.
"The Prime Minister has little use for magic, but I am sure he would be happy to exchange stories over tea."
Amid gave Ced a slight punch. "We cannot shirk the possibility of an assassination plot."
"Right, erm, yes, ahem!" I shall inform him posthaste to see if he will accept your proposal. Amid, feel free to make our guest feel welcome in the meantime."
"Yes, sir!"
Ced left while Amid asked Robin if she would like a guided tour of the castle.
"I'd be glad to." replied Robin. Getting a good look at the layout of the castle would not only serve a good strategic purpose, but also give me a better shot at running into Byleth. I'd be a fool to refuse such an offer.
"As would I. Now we might as well start with the beginning. You see, Derick von Aegir was known widely as the 'Warrior Prime Minister'..."
And so, they explored the surroundings of the castle, getting to know the ins and outs of the place. While it was well built for defense, it was clearly made so that it would look elegant in the process. Robin marveled at how difficult such a combination must've been.
As they walked through the castle gardens, she heard a few voices in the distance. "Lord Ferdinand must be having one of his usual tea parties, so it'll be a perfect time to present you to him."