The Khan of Ferox was a carefree woman, even though the battle at the gate could've started a war. Flavia still acted like nothing happened and greeted the nervous Shepherd with a casual attitude. Negotiations picked up when Chrom realized that he could speak like he usually did. Flavia listened intently as Chrom described the situation in Ylisse and replied with what she's observed in Ferox. Both sides seemed to be about to reach an agreement.

Something isn't right here, Grima thought and hurriedly spoke up.

"Wait a minute! What about that Feroxi warrior who fell during the battle earlier. I don't want to point fingers but Chrom here murdered him dead!"

"Hmmm…" Flavia appeared to be in deep thought. "Ah, you mean Ramo."

"Rago."

"Whatever. What about him? It's an honor for a Feroxi to die in battle, especially a battle against someone as important as the crowned prince of Ylisse." Flavia spoke bluntly.

"You flatter me Khan Flavia, I'm not that important," Chrom replied modestly.

"Why are you treating this like it's nothing!" Grima didn't give up. He had to ruin the alliance between Ferox and Ylisse. He knew from experience that Feroxi warriors would boost Ylisse's power greatly. "Ramo-"

"Rago."

"Whatever, Rago must have had others things in his life other than being a warrior right? He must've had a family of his own and many people who cared about him right?"

"No. He was a loser who had no friends."

"F*CK!"

"Robin." Chrom put his hand on Grima's shoulder and spoke words of compassion. "These things happen. It is unfortunate but when people fight, deaths occur. You have to understand that."

Why am I being treated like some naive idiot? By Chrom of all people?! Grima almost spat out blood in frustration.

"That's why we are here." Chrom continued. "We all want to stop the senseless deaths caused by the Plegians. That's why the people of Ylisse would like your help Khan Flavia. We can't do this without your men."

"Well said." Flaviaanswered "A warrior's death is something to be remembered, Rago-"

"Ramo."

"Ramo's name won't be forgotten by our people so easily." Flavia turned to Grima. "Still, for an outsider to care so much about one of own. If the rest of the Shepherds are as pure of heart as you then I have no qualms trusting you. I'm a pretty good judge of character you know."

Like hell you are, everything you said was completely wrong. Do you even know who you are talking to? Grima thought bitterly. He failed, that much was obvious, now there's nothing that he could do to stop-

"However." Flavia continued, "The alliance requires more than just trust."

Oh?

Chrom sighed as he strolled through the corridors of the fortress. He replayed the events of that afternoon's discussion and wonder what prompted him to agree to Khan Flavia's demands. Lissa was against it, Fredrick was against it, the rest of the Shepherds were against it, and Robin was- strangely enthusiastic.

"You should do it. You should join the death tournament! If you don't want to do it for the future of Ylisse do it for me instead."

"But Robin! Chrom could get seriously hurt or die!" Lissa objected.

"It's not called a life tournament, is it now."

"I must implore you to reconsider, my lord. It is much too dangerous, the risk of harm is too high."

"But that's the fun of it, Frederick. Right Chrom? Fighting with your life on the line, weapons clashing at high velocity, blood pumping through your veins, dying miserably and painfully. Doesn't that sound fun?"

"Not...really. Why do you want me to go so badly?"

"Err...because...I believe in you?"

Chrom chuckled a bit, despite the… creativity of Robin's words, his choice to fight had been the result of his tactician. When he took this mission Chrom was set on finally accomplishing something as the Crown Prince. Emm had worked alone for far too long. Lissa and Federick's worries were touching but only Robin had told him straight that this was something he had to do. He didn't mince words and directly told Chrom that he might die, but he also believes in him enough to push forward him anyway. Chrom smiled, though they had met just a little while ago, he had absolute trust in his tactician. Though Robin hides behind his sharp tongue, his outburst during the conversation between him and Flavia already exposed him as a truly kind person.

"Bets! Place your bets here for tomorrow's death tournament!"

Before Chrom knew it he ended up outside of the quarters Flavia had provided. The shout he heard had come from a Feroxi man standing next to the entrance of the Coliseum where he might meet his doom. Chrom took a deep breath and straightened up, Come on you need to do this, for Emm, for Lissa, and for all the Shepherds. Believe in them, believe in Robin who supported you and his faith and loyalty towards you.

"Hey you! 5,000 gold against the Prince!" Robin shouted excitedly, rushing towards the line setter.

… Even if he has trouble showing it sometimes.

I wonder which one of them will be the one to end Chrom's stupid life, the one with the axe? The one with the greatsword? Oh! The one with two axes! Robin sat smugly next to the nervous Shepherds. This plan is foolproof even if Chrom is winning I will just cast dark magic to weaken him. The only way I would be found out is if there was someone who was familiar with my magi- Oh fuck what is Lucina doing here.

Thanks for the reviews and follows. I'll try my best to write more chapter but I can't promise much.