Flipping the script

by Boopittydoop

Perhaps Lewis should have backed away from the fairy ring when he had the chance. Now, he was sent to a fictional world that was doomed to die. However, he wouldn't let it happen if he could help it. He was going to do whatever it takes to survive even if it meant flipping the script.

4. Chapter 4

Enjoy.

Lewis was quite impressed with how big Ylissetol was and how clean it was. He was expecting dying horses and human feces all over the streets, but hygiene seemed to be maintained.

"Wow. This place is beautiful." Robin muttered.

"Thanks. This city is Ylisse's pride and joy after all. What do you think Lewis? I know it isn't as big or as fancy as the cities you're used to, but..." Chrom stood with his hands on his hips as he overlooked the city in all its glory.

"I think it has a nice peaceful and old-style to it. It's nice. I can definitely tell it's the capital." Chrom nodded accepting Lewis's compliments with a smile.

"C'mon. Let's go." Once the group was inside, Lewis managed to get a glimpse of Emmeryn. She like Robin was remarkably similar to her portrait in the game. Her hair was a bit thinner, a bit dirtier blonde, and less curly, but it was enough for Lewis to immediately identify the Exalt. With a twitching eyebrow, Lewis saw how much the game understated how the people loved Emmeryn. They were literally grasping at her feet and trying to kiss her hands. It was like she was the freaking pope to the people... Wait... She was the pope, wasn't she?

Chrom noticed Lewis's face. "That's my sister Emmeryn. She is Ylisse's jewel. The hero the people needed in our darkest time."

Lewis merely stiffly nodded as Emmeryn disappeared from view. He was beginning to feel guilty about planning her death. Lewis prayed to Naga that she was open to rearming Ylisse. Even if it was after the Plegian war, should Emmeryn persist in keeping to her policy about disarmament, Walhart would slaughter everyone. If it came down to it, Lewis may just end up having a better chance at surviving by joining forces with the conqueror. However, if there was one thing that Lewis learned from world history was that people who desired to conquer the world rarely achieved a happy ending. Ghenghis Khan was the only exception, and Lewis was positive that Walhart was no Ghenghis Khan. He was defeated twice in the game after all.

He saw how expectantly Chrom was looking at him. Ah right, he should give a response. "I have lots of respect for your sister if what I have read about is true. She still has that scar under her forehead when the people threw stones at her, right? She is one forgiving ruler. If only there were more people like her." Lewis made sure to heap praise after just realizing that he may have brought up a painful memory.

Yet, he still made sure to apologize. "Ah, sorry if I brought up painful memories."

"No, it's alright. You didn't mean any harm with it. I also believe this world could use more people like her."

The rest of the way to the castle was silent for Lewis, Robin, and Frederick. Chrom and Lissa had many admirers come up to them and offer gifts or say thanks for their hard work. In the meantime, Lewis was looking around drinking in the sights. Overall, the town reminded him of a stereotypical medieval city. The houses were mainly made of wood while the distant upper district houses were made of stone. The road was simply a cobble of stones put together.

It made Lewis wonder if they discovered concrete yet. If not, it would be up to Lewis to introduce it. Roman concrete shouldn't be that hard to replicate. It was volcanic ash, limestone, and... Lewis couldn't remember the rest of the ingredients, but it shouldn't be that hard to find out after some trial and error. He knew it was some type of mineral, and he had the scientific process to bank on. That and Miriel. Dear God or was it Naga now? Please let Miriel be as smart as the game portrays her to be or it may very well complicate a significant portion of Lewis's plan.

Eventually, the castle came into sight, and after a couple of words with the guards, they were let through. The doors leading to the audience chambers were the only thing between Lewis and the Exalt of Ylisse. To be honest, Lewis was slightly sweaty. He had absolutely no idea how to deal with royalty and no concept of etiquette in this realm. He really couldn't afford to alienate the nobles since he was probably going to need at least half of them to support him when it came to the reforms he was going to try to push. If anyone was willing to listen, they may just end up tossing him out. But then, that would only leave Valm... Sigh... Lewis pushed down his doubts and solidified his resolve. It wouldn't due to stutter at this crucial stage.

At last, the doors opened to reveal the spacious room of the audience chambers. Noticing her siblings, Emmeryn smiled and stepped down her throne to meet them properly. After some small talk, Chrom gestured to Robin and Lewis.

As Emmeryn drew closer, Lewis couldn't help but feel that the game sort of embellished Emmeryn a bit too much. There wasn't any peaceful aura that radiated off of her nor was she drop-dead gorgeous. She did give the motherly impression, however. She first turned to Robin and gave a warm smile.

"So," Lewis's eyes opened wider in surprise at her voice. He quickly realized that it was her voice that made her so charismatic. She sounded like a female queenly version of Morgan Freeman. "you must be the plegian that caught Chrom's attention."

Robin gave a bow in greeting. "Yes, your Exalt.."

"And I have heard that you are capable of performing the lost arts of the tactician?" Lewis's eyebrows perked at the information. Being a tactician was a lost art? Huh?

"Yes, your majesty. However, I have made it extremely clear to the prince that I will only join his group after I have met and determined what type of ruler you are."

"And what are your initial impressions?"

"You are not like your father that the Grimleal and King Gangrel believe you to be. However, is it possible if we could share some tea together some time? I wish to learn more about the ruler that I may end up being employed under."

"Yes. That sounds lovely. Does tomorrow afternoon work for you?"

"Yes."

With Emmeryn's discussion finished with Robin, she then turned to Lewis. He tried his best at keeping a poker face and a straight back as Emmeryn stepped closer. "Chrom has told me that you are an outrealmer. He tells me that you had the misfortune of disturbing a fairy ring and that you were sent to this world as punishment."

"Yes, your majesty." Emmeryn gave him a scrutinizing look before continuing.

"He also states that your people has the ability to look into the future."

"That is a huge simplification of what my people could do. It's actually much more complicated, but I am trying to simplify into words that you would be able to understand."

Emmeryn smiled at Lewis's response. "I must say that I am curious as to what you know of our future."

It was that moment that Frederick took the moment to speak up. "My lady. I must give you my doubts regarding these two individuals. First, Robin could very well be a brigand or a spy planted in Southtown to gain our trust. As for Lewis, although what he has shown me makes it clear he is an outrealmer, I cannot help but have some doubts as to his claims that he has seen our world's future."

Lewis took that moment to speak up. "I have proof of being an outrealmer, but I have no proof of knowing the future, and I am hesitant on trying to prove it for messing with the flow of time carelessly can have drastic consequences. I merely ask that you give me a chance to back up my claims. I would also love to have a talk with you regarding this country's future. There are some things that I wish to change, and I cannot do it by myself."

Emmeryn listened to Lewis's words, and she closed her eyes as she tried to make a judgment of the peculiarity that was Lewis. "You say that you have proof of being an outrealmer?"

Lissa took that time to pipe up. "Yeah, Lewis! Show her that 'phone' of yours!"

Nodding, Lewis took out his phone and showed it to Emmeryn. Obviously, it would be better to introduce the harmless technology first. To help solidify her impression of him, he showed her pictures and some videos of his homeworld as well as played some music for the Exalt while explaining the background of everything. Lewis bit his lips when he saw the battery on his phone. There was only 30 percent remaining.

Eyeing the mysterious piece of technology, Emmeryn gave a small nod. "That is quite the item... I'll believe you. After all, I don't get the feeling you've gone mad."

"You can tell if people have gone mad?"

"I am one of Ylisse's best healers after all. I can tell if one is inflicted with madness. It was one of my specialties." Emmeryn spoke with a faraway look in her eyes. She then returned to the present and began wrapping things up.

"You all must be tired from your trip. You especially Lewis. It must be difficult to find that you have been ripped so forcibly from your home. If it is within my power, I shall help you if I can."

Lew shamelessly quickly took advantage of those words. "Actually there are some ways you can help me. Like I said earlier, I would love to have a conversation about this country's future so it would be nice if you could schedule a meeting with me if you could. Second, I plan on seeing if I can reproduce some of my world's technology for this world. As a result, it would be great if you can introduce me to some of Ylisse's top craftsmen and leading experts of the natural world as well as provide me with a laboratory. Third, I would appreciate it if you could allow me access to any books that you have on outrealms to see if it is possible for me to go back home."

Emmeryn considered Lewis's request before she gave a nod. "I would be a fool to turn down your request. I will write you a letter of introduction as well as inform the scholars at our university of your existence as well as the crafts guild. I am sure that they will also be thrilled to provide you with a laboratory as well. The royal librarian will also be notified of your special circumstance so he may begin collecting any books that may help in your quest to go home. As for your meeting... Due to the rising number of brigands in my country, I do not have much free time. I will try to set up a meeting sometime this week. I'll be sure to send a notice to inform you of the details."

Lewis bowed in thanks. "Thank you, your majesty, for your understanding."

Emmeryn waved a hand to dismiss the two of them and turned around to speak with Chrom and Frederick in more detail about the skirmish at Southtown. Lissa skipped over and grabbed Lewis and Robin's arm. "C'mon! I'll show you the Shepherds' barracks."

Lewis and Robin were dragged to a modest building to the west of the castle. On the way there, Lewis decided to have fun with his future knowledge and gave some warning to Lissa and Robin of what to expect. A massive burp. After giving Lewis a weird look, Lissa began explaining each and every room they passed.

"That's the common room. It's where Chrom will announce any orders or missions for us. It's also where we put up flyers and all that. That's the room you will be most comfortable with Robin. It's the war room. This is the way to the mess hall. Oh hey, Sumia!" Lissa smiled as she waved to a brunette who was drinking tea and reading a book at one of the tables. Noticing her friend, Sumia got up to greet them.

"Hi Lissa! How was..." Sumia wasn't able to finish her sentence as she promptly faceplanted on her way to Lissa. A spear rolled off into the distance. Lewis raised an eyebrow at the sight. Although Sumia appeared to be clumsy, at least she wasn't tripping over air. Giving a small huff of amusement, he put down his box and leaned forward to help Lissa with Sumia. As expected of a pegasus rider, she was quite light.

"T-Thank you. Doh. This is so embarrassing." Sumia covered her eyes with her hands and pouted giving off a cute expression. Lewis's sadistic side wanted to tease her more, but he held himself back since they were still strangers.

"It's those boots of yours," Lewis stated. Sumia gave a look of surprise before looking down at her boots and giving them a small shake.

"I really should get new ones. How did you know?"

"He knows our future!" Lissa interrupted. "He's an outrealmer whose people had technology that could see into the future! Heck on the way here, he just listed off all the members of the shepherds he wanted to meet."

Sumia's face just froze as she tried to make sense of what Lissa just said. She then began chuckling nervously. "That's a nice joke right there. It's about that book you've read some time ago, right? So, who are these two without the jokes please?"

"Well, they are our newest recruits! Robin's our new tactician, and Lewis is going to be the new archer we have been looking for!"

Robin took that moment to introduce yourself. Shaking Sumia's hands, she spoke. "It's nice to meet you. My name is Robin, and I'm going to potentially going to be Chrom's new tactician. Haven't made up my mind yet."

Lewis took that time to properly introduce himself as well. " My name is Lewis. I'm going to be a potential new long-range supporter as well if I can't find a way back to my world. Yes, Lissa wasn't lying about me being an outrealmer."

Sumia's handshake stiffened as she scrutinized Lewis's face to see if he was messing with her. It was in that moment someone busted in through the door and began stomping loudly to the fruit basket on one of the tables.

"Oh! Hi, Sumia. Hey, Lissa! How was the mission? Did Chrom not have any trouble without 'teach' and his trusty ax at his side? So who are these two chumps?" Vaike proclaimed loudly as he took a massive bite of an apple and began smacking his lips as he ate. Before anyone could offer an explanation, a blond blur blew past and began spinning Lissa around. Taking advantage of Maribelle's entrance, Lewis began subtly pushing Robin to get closer to Vaike much to Robin's confusion.

"Lissa my dear! Are you alright? Are you hurt? Do you see my hair? I have 14 grey hairs because of you!" A blonde noblewoman with drills of hair spiraling down her shoulder stopped spinning Lissa and began fussing over her.

"Maribelle! Stop! You're embarrassing me over in front of our new recruits!" Lissa desperately tried to stop Maribelle from ruffling her hair and failed miserably. After getting her fill of smothering Lissa, Maribelle turned to Lewis and Robin.

"And who might you two be?"

Lewis's grin stiffened as he repeated exactly what he told Sumia. Maribelle frowned as she crossed her arms and glowered at Lewis. "I do not like being taken for a fool, especially by a baseborn such as yourself. What even is an outrealmer anyway?"

Holding his tongue in check, Lewis stretched out his smile even further. "Someone who has come from another world. Perhaps Lissa or even Robin could fill you in on the details."

"Big claims. Can you back them up?" Lewis sighed as he once more took out his phone and passed it around. Cue more gasps and widened eyes as they inspected the piece of technology. The battery was now 25 percent. It was not going to last much longer. Soon he will be unable to back up his claims, but by then he wouldn't worry too much.

"I-I see. However, you could have stolen that piece of technology and claim it as yours."

"If it was stolen, then how would I have been able to operate it so flawlessly?" Maribelle closed her mouth as she realized she had no comeback.

"I understand." Lewis gave a way out for Maribelle. "I too would be suspicious of someone with such a claim." Maribelle nodded as she then turned to Robin. "And you?"

"Robin. Potential new tactician."

"Is that so?"

"Not just any tactician! She is capable of using the lost tactician arts like telepathy!" Maribelle's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Robin in a new light. Lewis frowned. He really needed to know more about this.

"May I ask about what these lost tactician arts are like? We don't have them in my world, and I never read about them in those stories."

Robin shrugged as she explained what she could do. "I can see the battlefield differently. First, I can see the field from a bird's eye point of view giving me a clear picture of what is happening. Second, I can see these numbers that help me predict an opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Third, I am capable of limited telepathy so I can give directions to soldiers from the other side of the battle with little difficulty."

Lewis's mouth dropped as he facepalmed. Those skills sounded very similar to what the game was like. "Oh. Those are the lost tactician arts? I thought they were exaggerations. I didn't think they were real. I can see why Chrom was so desperate to hire you. Those skillsets must be invaluable in this time period, but why did you risk letting Chrom know? Surely you know what would happen to you if Chrom wasn't well... Chrom."

"I know," Robin interrupted. "But I didn't have much of a choice then. We were going to be surrounded, and I would much rather not be in the clutches of bandits. It was a calculated risk."

"One that I thank you for making. I shudder to think what would have happened if you weren't there," Maribelle gave a small nod of thanks to Robin.

"Me too. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if something happened to Chrom. It would make me feel much better about everyone's safety if you stuck around." Sumia muttered with fidgeting.

"Hah! You may be able to do all that, but can you do this?" Vaike, not wanting to be outdone by the recruits, let out a room-shaking burp. Lewis gagged as some sort of onion odor started to fill up the room. If it was a burp, he could handle it, but the smell completely caught him off guard.

Robin's eyes twitched before she gave a shaky smile. "No. I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, Teach." She saw Lewis snicker as she realized that he subtly positioned her as close to Vaike as possible when she first met Vaike. That asshole.

"Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute the air with your buffoonery? And you, Robin! Don't encourage him! I had hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Hmmph!" With that, she stormed off not seeing Lewis cough in amusement at the last sentence. Robin, however, noticed, and she gave Lewis the death stare. Lewis promptly feigned ignorance.

"Don't take it to heart Robin. She just warms up to people slowly." Sumia said.

"Or burns too quickly!" Lissa chuckled along with Lewis before continuing. She figured out what Lewis had planned as well. "But yeah. Just give her time."

Chrom took that moment to walk in. Seeing Chrom, Sumia got all flustered and promptly fell on her face once more. She quickly got up all blushing. Lewis tuned out the rest of the conversation as he thought about what he needed to do. First, he needed to eat. Their breakfast was little more than stale bread and some water. Second, he needed to find a blacksmith. Preferably an experienced blacksmith so that he could see if it was possible to replicate his Springfield. It shouldn't be that hard since he had a model for the blacksmith to use. Lewis also had some idea of how muskets were made back then. He knew that rifling was carved using the sin-bar machine one by one. It was extremely time consuming but without a steam engine, it was the only one available. Third, he wanted to clean his gun.

"The bad news is that the nobles are completely ignorant of the bandit threats and are content on sitting on their asses while the villagers are suffering. Emmeryn is trying to get the lords to send out some knights on patrols, but none of them really care as long as their own money and lives are safe. Things are only going to be tougher on the Shepherds from now on because this means that it will be up to us to go on more frequent patrols to pick up the slack. I'll give a more formal announcement with more information tomorrow morning." Lewis frowned. Wait. Why aren't they going to Ragna Ferox for help?

"Wait. What about Ragna Ferox? This is the perfect time to go ask them for help. If Ylisse doesn't have a military, we just need to go ask for some help from a country that does! We could hire them as mercenaries or something. Didn't Emmeryn or someone bring it up as a possibility?"

"How did you know that Emmeryn was considering... Oh yeah right. We really need to have that talk soon about what you know. Sadly, the nobles wouldn't hear of allying with the barbarians to the north. They would consider it beneath them to ally with them for something as 'trivial' as this. Those damn bastards." Lewis bit his lips as he realized the changes from the 'good' timeline. No risen meant no alliance until it was far too late. However, Lewis needed the Shepherds to go to Ragna Ferox and secure an alliance with the Flavia.

"Chrom," Lewis spoke with as much seriousness as he could muster. Realizing the tone, Chrom gave Lewis his full attention. "I know the future, and getting an alliance with Ferox is imperative. I'm sure you have your suspicion that the bandits were plegian. You are right. Mad King Grangel have been sending them in an attempt to weaken Ylisse and provoke them into a war."

Everyone's eyes widened as Lewis talked of the possibility of a second Ylissean-Plegian War restarting. Lewis continued "That's right. Plegia is going to declare war on Ylisse soon. That's why we need that alliance. It would provide us with a buffer. We also need to go to Ragna Ferox as soon as possible so that we don't miss the tournament between the two Khans."

Robin's eyes widened in understanding as she began following Lewis's line of thought. "If we help one of the khans get into power, they will allow Ylisse a debt that we can use if Gangrel does decide to restart a war. However, we still have some time before the tournament."

"Wait. Seriously? When is it?" Lewis was sure that there wasn't much time until the tournament if the game was correct.

"Spring of next year. During the Harpstring moon when the snow first starts melting." The hell is a Harpstring moon?

"Really? Huh... It seems time is a bit different from what I know." Interesting. Then again, the timing in the game was a bit wonky with how Chrom's group could teleport all across the map and recruit the future children without any sense of time or reason. Lewis glanced at Chrom, and he noticed how tense Chrom looked. He stared at the nearest wall as if it murdered his favorite dog. He then turned back to Lewis.

"We're going to have that discussion now. C'mon. Let's go back to the castle. I want you to tell Emmeryn everything you know."

"The sooner the better. But first, is there anywhere I can place this box. I don't feel like carrying it around." Lissa offered to take it up to Lewis's room. After handing it off, Lewis followed Chrom who was marching straight back with a determined gaze and steps. The walk was silent since Lewis didn't want to bother a fuming Chrom. That was the job of Chrom's future wife or a Lewis who had a deeper knowledge of Chrom's personality and quirks.

Once they were at the audience room, Chrom burst into a room where Emmeryn was having a discussion with someone who Lewis assumed to be Phila and another individual that Lewis had no idea of. "Emmeryn you need to hear this."

Noticing Chrom's state, Emmeryn whispered an apology to the man who gave a small bow and disappeared down the hallway. Once the door to the audience room closed once more, Emmeryn spoke up. "What is so important that you had to interrupt a discussion with the Lord Dwyer?"

Chrom turned to Lewis in response. "Tell my sister what you told me."

Lewis in response coughed into his hand. "This is highly sensitive information. Can we go somewhere where there are no eavesdroppers... Your majesty?" Lewis added on the last bit when he noticed the glare he got from Phila.

Emmeryn nodded. "We can go to the royal garden. Nobody enters or leaves without me knowing about it."

"Thank you, your majesty." Emmeryn chuckled with amusement.

"Lewis. In Ylisse, it is your Exalt." Lewis coughed before bowing his head as an apology.

"It is alright for you had no way of knowing anyway. If anything, Chrom should have told you, but it seems he was too busy amusing himself at your expense." Emmeryn gave a sharp glare at Chrom who looked somewhere else and began whistling.

Eventually, they arrived at the gardens, and they sat down on a table underneath some type of tree. Emmeryn sat down at the head while Lewis and Chrom sat on the opposite end. Phila stood behind Emmeryn some distance away looking out for any intruders.

"Now, what was so important?"

Lewis took a deep breath. Now was the time of truth to see if they would buy his story. "First, I would like to explain a bit about how I know what I know. Like I said before, in my world, there exists a machine created by an unknown mad genius. I do not know much about the machine only that it writes stories about worlds in the outrealms. As they are good entertainment, we have access to the stories, and I have read a story that talked about the lands of Ylisse, Plegia, Ragna Ferox, and Valm. It wasn't very detailed, though so I only know of major events." Lewis paused as he waited for any questions or concerns, but only a gesture to continue came from Emmeryn.

"The story was mainly about Chrom and his adventures with the Shepherds. As a result of the story, I have knowledge of what Chrom will achieve and what will occur in this world as a result. The most urgent event that will occur is an outbreak of war between Ylisse and Plegia that will occur very soon. I sadly do not know the exact date of war, but it will occur." Emmeryn took in a deep breath and seemed to visibly age five years. She closed her eyes and stood still until she opened her eyes with a terrifying focus on Lewis.

"Tell me everything."

"Wait. You just believe me about this? I thought I would have to convince you of the knowledge I hold."

"I want to accuse you of lying. I truly do. However, I pride myself on knowing when others lie. It is because of this skill of mine that I was able to avoid becoming a mere puppet on the throne. So far, minus the part about the machine, you are not lying about knowing the future."

Lewis's face froze at that statement. "Oh... Uh... Well, that makes things easier. The machine thing is just an easier explanation for it. The actual explanation is much more complicated and not knowing it will have no consequences."

"Lewis. I already assumed that to be the case. Please go back to speaking about the war." Lewis felt like crying as he realized that he once more underestimated the intelligence of a fire emblem character.

"Okay. First, I want to talk about why Plegia wants to restart a war. The main reason is vengeance for the previous Exalt's crusade. He wants nothing more than to bleed Ylisse dry for their crimes. He has gone mad for such goals; thus, his nickname as the Mad King. In fact, many of Ylisse's bandit problems can be traced back to him. He wants to weaken Ylisse before he launches an all-out war." Emmeryn grimaced as she was once more forced into a situation where she had to pick up pieces of her father's shattered legacy.

"To make things worse, the Grimleal have started to move to resurrect Grima. For this goal, they have also been pushing from the shadows for war because they want to get their hands on the fire emblem. After all, the weapon that killed Grima can also be used to speed up its revival, no?" The looks that everyone including Phila was giving him was worrying. Everything ranging from disbelief to concern was going through their expression in rapid succession... except Emmeryn. She had an amazing poker face according to Lewis.

Lewis pushed onwards. "There is more, but for now, I believe we should stop here. I'm afraid of changing too much too soon and obtaining a worse outcome. I don't know how fragile timelines are nor do I want to test them till the breaking point. However, I would like to make a recommendation to go to Ragna Ferox to seek an alliance. I understand that you have been meeting some opposition to it; however, I believe that with some politicking, it should be possible. I would like to note that there is a time frame for this. Robin will be best able to explain this because I do not know the details, but from what I know, in a couple of moons, the khans will be holding a tournament to decide the reigning khan. If we help in placing a khan into power, that khan will be indebted to us making it easier for a military alliance. That is all for now."

Emmeryn took in Lewis's words and took a deep breath. "It seems we will have much to talk about in the future. I thank you for bringing this to my attention. You must be tired from such a long trip. Have some rest. You have well earned it. Tomorrow, you will have your recommendations and access to our library."

"Thank you, your Exalt. Am I dismissed?"

"Yes." Lewis walked out as fast as he could. The tension was so thick he was having some difficulty breathing.

After Lewis was gone, Phila expressed her concerns. "Your Exalt. Do you truly believe that boy?"

"I have my doubts, but they would be mere excuses by this point. Our scouts have already sent reports giving their suspicions of the bandits originating from Plegia. Merchants from Plegia have spread rumors of forced conscription in Plegian villages. Last of all, what does he have to gain from lying?"

"Restarting a war with us as the aggressors? A potential spy? A scam?"

"Then, there was a far better way he could have approached this. Why make a pretense as an outrealmer something no one but the most avid reader of legends wouldn't have heard of? Why go through the headache of saying he has knowledge of the future which can be quite easily disputed with time. If this was a cover story, he would have made a horrible spy. Second, if this was a scam, why would he try and join the Shepherds as a combatant, not as a secretary where he could pilfer as much gold as he could? As for trying to restart a war, he has merely advocated self-defense so far. For now, we believe him. Keep a close eye on him. Nothing more. How I wish he was merely lying. It would make things so much easier."

Phila remained quiet as Emmeryn looked up into the sky, and tears pooling in her eyes. "Phila. What have I been doing with my life? I've tried so hard to maintain this peace, but no matter what I do, it seems to slip away. I feel like a worthless Exalt."

Chrom stood up with a loud bang. "That's not true Emmeryn! You've done more for our country than any of your predecessors. It is because of you that Ylisse still exists. If it wasn't for you, Ylisse would be experiencing a civil war by now. You could say that it was because of you people were able to experience peace even if it was for a short while."

"Thank you, Chrom. Do you mind checking up on Lissa?" Realizing Emmeryn's implied meaning, he gave his sister a sharp squeeze and headed out.

Once Chrom too was gone, Emmeryn propped her elbows on the table and began cradling on her head. "Phila. If it wasn't for Chrom and Lissa, I would have jumped from the castle walls a long time ago."

Remembering the Exalt's attempted suicide during the early years of her reign, Phila frowned in displeasure. "If war breaks out once more... After the war is over, I want to step down. I can't. I just can't deal with this any longer, but when I think about what Chrom or Lissa would end up going through because of my selfishness... I am tired Phila... so tired."

Phila watched in silence as Emmeryn began crying silently. "Your Exalt. Please understand that you are not alone. We are all here to help you. Please do not forget that."

The only answer was silence.

Meanwhile, Lewis was back at his room cleaning his rifle with some warm water that was leftover from his bath. If he could even call it a bath because it was more of a dip in a basin of lukewarm water. There was no soap and no shampoo at all. Lewis quickly clamped down on his complaints and buried it as far as possible. He couldn't afford to have a nervous breakdown. He needed to keep busy.

As he began washing out the barrel, he heard somone knock on his door. "Come in."

Lewis wasn't even surprised when it was Robin who entered. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"I want to know what you know about me, and what you plan on doing about it."

"Straight to the point hmm?"

"I know that if I didn't go straight to the point, you would be spinning circles around it by spewing all sorts of bullshit." Lewis shrugged. He wasn't second in the debate team for nothing. He did have a nickname as the Fillibuster. Once more Lewis tried to think of any other thoughts than remind himself of his old world.

"You know me so well in such a short amount of time."

"It's my job. Alright enough with the chit chat and tell me already."

Lewis began wiping his barrel down with some cotton rags. "Why are you so desperate anyway? I promised that I wouldn't say anything."

"I haven't survived for this long by blindingly trusting people." Robin snapped back.

"You promise you won't kill me?"

"Depends."

"That's a whole lot of comfort," Lewis snapped back as he realized that Robin just happened to come talk to him when his weapon was all disassembled. Thankfully, the bayonet wasn't too far from leaping distance if it came to it.

"You won't make it." Robin subtly implied by putting her hand under her coat.

"Seriously? This again?" This time Robin didn't even grace an answer instead opting to glare at Lewis.

"Fine. I know that you are the daughter of Validar."

"Anything else other than that piece of shit?"

"I know the significance of the mark on your hand. I won't say it here for obvious reasons. That's about it."

"I see. What is your opinion on the mark?"

Lewis shrugged. "Nothing much. You are your own person, and nothing anyone says can change that. I'm from an outrealm so I don't really give two duds about this whole feud. I just want to live."

"If you living meant killing me?"

Lewis knew what Robin was implying. "Again, if I wanted you dead, I would have sniped you back in Southtown. Nobody would know it was me while I slipped away. The fact that I let you live says an alternative."

"You mention an alternative. What is it?"

"Letting Chrom deal the finishing blow to Grima should it awaken if all goes well... It should be enough to put it to sleep for a couple of millennia so good enough for me. Satisfied?"

Robin didn't say anything for a good five minutes. In that time, Lewis carefully reassembled his gun. "There! All done."

The dinner bell rang just in time as well. "C'mon. Let's go eat."

"Why are you treating me like a human if you know the truth."

Lewis groaned as he glared at Robin. "If you look like a human, if you act like a human, if you laugh like a human, if you bleed like a human, you are a human in my eyes. Are we seriously doing this now?"

Robin's eyes widened before she returned a smile. "No. Let's go eat some dinner. I'm starving."