Malin had a hard time mustering the strength to go back. It wasn't that he didn't want to, he just…wasn't ready yet. He missed knowing that he could ask Robin and Chrom for something, he couldn't remember the last time he talked with some of the staff. There was a lot he needed to get settled, too; any of his and Marth's previous employers needed to know that they couldn't be given jobs anymore. A lot of things were left unsaid in case they couldn't go to their original time—or if Malin decided that he wanted to stay here at the last minute.

It was his ninth day in Ylisstol, and he had resolved himself to make it his last. He would tell the others during breakfast, remind them that they can send letters to him, then leave sometime after lunch. Suffice to say, Malin could barely say "It's short notice, but I'm going to start heading back today." No one seemed upset; he had been warning of his departure for the past few days, after all. He said his goodbyes, assuring them the best he could that he would be back but without making any promises.

Just before he left, he found himself with Robin in the tactics room. She was working and, by her request, he was helping her. Malin looked over reports and handed some over to Robin while putting others in a different pile for Chrom to review later. "This is the same kind of stuff we got reports on when I was here," he noted. "Strong bandits raiding villages, bloody skirmishes near the Plegian border…it doesn't feel peaceful."

"Yet there isn't war," Robin reminded him. She read over one report and shook her head. "Peace came easier when we defeated Gangrel. There were still people who wanted to cause trouble, but most of the continent was done with bloodshed until Walhart started threatening our allies. Only the army saw our campaign against Valm; most of the people in Ylisse didn't imagine war until we started fighting Plegia again. We killed Grima, but ever since Plegia's been in ruins—Chrom and I watch from a distance, to make sure they don't choose war again. I'll use Validar's position as the king if I must. Most Plegians lost family members to the Ylissean army, but many Ylisseans lost family members to the Plegian army; on all sides, people lost family to Grima. Plegians and Ylisseans alike fight each other for pride or revenge, even if it goes against the law."

"Nothing's changed, then," Malin said, sighing. "You'd think after this long people would get their act together. I knew it was pretty bad before, but since Marth and I stopped getting as much high-risk jobs I thought it might be over."

"Unfortunately not," Robin replied. "We started sending the army out to handle the more dangerous brigands. Ylisse will protect peace for as long as Chrom's the exalt; he wants to honor Emmeryn's wish, even if it means taking up arms."

"…Is it really okay to let the littles out when even Ylisse is conflicted?" Malin asked cautiously. He didn't want to make Robin regret her choice, but…he was a bit concerned. "Some people didn't like you from the beginning—others started hating you once they found out about the whole 'Validar's daughter and the perfect fell vessel' thing. I remember hearing people talk about you…and their words weren't pretty. Lil' Luce and Morgan might not be safe if whatever idiot thinks it's worth shedding blood after people that died almost two decades ago decides to see if royalty makes good ransom—or worse."

"Anyone can find a reason for killing any of us," Robin admitted. "Chrom's actions against the brigands can be seen as hypocritical; my parentage and connection to Grima; and although it lies dormant, Lucina and Morgan have my fell blood in them as well. Most of the world is at peace—I hear songs and stories every day about the heroes who opposed the tyrants that threatened the land. But there are others—the people we get reports about, the murderers, thieves, and brigands, who can only see and think of violence. Should the right person come to the forefront, it could mean yet another war." She sighed and shook her head again. "Lucina knows the exact dangers; we keep the Mini Shepherds from the most dangerous people and places, sending them after the lesser thieves. Morgan knows of the dangers, at least—I've always made sure he knew to never be alone or unarmed outside of the castle. Ylisse sees the most violence near the Plegian border, so it's still the safest place for them—even if it doesn't always seem like it."

"If it starts getting ugly, just send a letter to me," Malin offered. "The future's less populated and there are still dangers and jerks, but Lucina will make an exception if the littles need somewhere to stay; if not, she'll probably let me come here so I can help out."

"Let's hope that it never comes to that," Robin said. "Chrom and I are doing our best to keep people from spilling blood; things are finally starting to get better, seventeen years later. The army is taking care of the main force while the Mini Shepherds are helping get rid of the stragglers. Should war start, let it be while we're in charge—Lucina couldn't handle the pressure it would put on her."

"My Lucina barely could," Malin replied. He looked out the window, then started making the paper piles a bit neater. "I should get going. I might be in Ylisse for a few more days, so if you need anything just send someone out; if I'm not there, send a letter down south and we'll get it."

Robin nodded. "All right. Stay safe; keep an eye on your sister for me."

"Will do, Mother," Malin said. He stood up, offered a wave, then left. He said one last goodbye to Morgan, going on his way to settle any business he still had here.

It didn't take long; by the end of the week he was back south. Malin remembered the instructions he had been given earlier and used the Outrealm Gate to get back. He ended up on the same island, only an hour or two after he left from the looks of it. When he got back to his group, they all returned to Ylisstol together.