The Roster: Part 2


Day 2, early evening


For the first time, it wasn't too bad.

It was still bad, granted, but not horrible.

"Two injuries," Chrom reported, holding the list of two names with a sense of broken pride. "One Hoshidan, One Nohrian. Nothing serious, but still injuries."

"Who were they?" Robin asked, curious as he peeked over his desk to the four royalties siting in his office.

"Camilla's retainer and Takumi's retainer," Corrin was clear to word, looking at Xander and Ryoma equally. "They... aren't getting along very well."

"Any names?" Robin asked, not too keen on everyone just yet.

"Oboro and Beruka," Chrom answered, "Former is Hoshidan, latter being the Nohrian."

"Well, this certainly isn't good news... but it isn't catching us off-guard, either. How long are they going to be out for?"

"Beruka has a sprained neck and her ribs are bruised," Xander sighed, none too pleased.

"Oboro has a fractured wrist," Ryoma added. "If all goes well with the healers, she should be fine again once we embark."

"Likewise with Beruka. I fear this emotional rift is going to take a longer time to mend than the physical ones."

"Oh?" Robin asked, already knowing this. "It is to be expected. As much as I want to live in our perfect world, it has to come crashing down sometime."

"So now what?" Ryoma asked, hesitant with Robin's change of tone.

"What, you think I'm going to let a natural-coursed fight piss on the wheels of eventual progress?" Robin retorted, sighing as he closed his book and sat up straighter to regard the four in turn.

"Well, as long as it doesn't happen again-"

"I doubt such an event was an anomaly, but I digress. What of you two? Are there any... emotional injuries that I should be aware of?"

"Us two?" Ryoma asked, looking between Xander and Robin. "I can control myself. I cannot speak for my Nohrian counterpart, but I will not lose myself to personal rage."

"My anger has, admittedly, subsided since our first initial encounter... The adrenaline has worn off somewhat," Xander replied. "But I cannot speak for my countrymen. We, however, can control ourselves. I will swear upon my honor as a Nohrian."

"So it seems," Robin mused, relaxing in his chair as he opened up his notes again. "And what do you think, Prince Ryoma? How long can a Hoshidan blade stay itself from Nohrian flesh?"

"Perhaps the question is how keenly can you watch your tongue?" the Hoshidan glared, clearly offended by Robin's suggestion. "We are a disciplined breed of warrior, but it is no petty feud that we are just tossing aside in your little crusade."

"As it stands," Robin began, knowing he was already on thin ice, "We have less than a week before those Plegian ships arrive. I want to know how many of both your countrymen, men and women I have under my responsibility, can I expect to lose control, before our little crusade? How many medical supplies will I expect to use before our campaign begins?"

Ryoma glared at Robin a bit before regaining his composure, admitting that the tactician was undoubtedly right in silence.

"...None," the Hoshidan snarled, not liking Robin's current acumen. Wise, yes. But not at all respectful.

"Nohrian blades will be stayed," Xander promised, not too keen on Robin's stance either.

Robin looked between Ryoma and Xander, nodding in dissatisfaction. "So be it. Thank you, Prince Xander, Prince Ryoma, for at least being optimistic."

"Robin, calm down. You're forgetting your place," Chrom butted in. "Prince Xander and Prince Ryoma-"

"I'm aware of the glass I'm stepping on, my Exalt," Robin calmly responded, slowly shifting his gaze between the two princes in his vicinity, then to Corrin, who had stayed silent this whole time. "But someone has to walk on it."

The princess and now co-commander nodded silently, taking her cue.

"Exalt Chrom, I have decided to up the authorities on the medical staff. For the next week until we embark, please see to it that Princess Lissa, Princess Elise, and Princess Sakura, along with the other healers, are properly supplied. They are to be on a 24/7 standby, with injuries expected at a rate of at least two, daily," Commander Corrin ordered.

"S-sister," Xander began, but the princess continued without his acknowledgment.

"Also, brief all the Shepherds that I, Commander Corrin, and Commander Robin, will be conducting personal interviews, starting tomorrow. That... will be all."

For a second, Ryoma and Xander looked at each other before the former slowly rose, nodding gruffly in approval to Corrin.

"Very well, sister." With that, Ryoma left Robin's office, leaving Xander to curiously look at Corrin and Robin in genuine surprise.

"You... fit the role quite well, little princess."

"You're the one who suggested it, Prince Xander," Robin chuckled. "Princess Corrin here is free to take my job anytime, and no one will notice. I'll just go on vacation real quick and let her handle the preparations." Robin and Corrin shared a laugh before Chrom and Xander nodded in unified approval. "I apologize for the harshness, Princes. I don't like playing the bad guy, but I'm no stranger to the role."

"This is progress," Chrom assured, pleased with Corrin's advancement and Robin's plan slowly gaining footing. A rocky start, yes, but the results were very justified.

"Mhmm!" Corrin added, losing her stern facade and replacing it with a bright smile. "But I am serious though. As much as I want peace, I don't think it's gonna happen overnight. It almost did, but we still got a few more days until we have something else to distract us."


Day 4, midday


Jakob


"Oh, Lady Corrin, you wanted..." The butler walked into Robin's office where Robin and Chrom were both explaining to Corrin the local areas using a map, "...to discuss something?"

As if on cue, Robin nodded to Chrom and the Exalt saw himself out, while Corrin sat down in a chair that seemed to be preassigned to her.

"Excellent timing Jakob. Robin? This is Jakob, my loyal butler and childhood confidant since... forever. Uh... Would you mind telling us about yourself?"

Jakob didn't exactly understand the situation, but nodded anyway.

"Very well, milady. Commander Robin, what is it you desire to know about me?"

"Anything you are comfortable with, really," Robin supposed. "If that isn't to your liking, I have a couple of simple questions that I could ask instead."

"If it is appropriate, Commander- Er, Commanders, may it be too bold to ask one of my own before we begin?"

"Of course," Robin and Corrin replied simultaneously. "What is it?" Robin continued.

Jakob seemed to fidget slightly, but nodded in conviction anyway, before asking, "What exactly is this? An interrogation? An interview?"

"Both," Robin replied calmly. "I am simply trying to learn more of our new family," he was sure to emphasize. "But if I'm getting too personal for your taste, then I will gladly back off and move on to the next Nohrian or Hoshidan until you are more comfortable-"

"Preposterous," Jakob interrupted rather gruffly, "I am a distinguished butler to Lady Corrin herself, not some mere lackey to cower behind petty inquiries. If you must know of me, then by all means, for the sake of Lady Corrin's agenda, ask away."

The first thing Robin noticed where the slight bags underneath Jakob's eyes. Despite his impeccable posture and his well-mannered body language, the subtlest hint of fatigue was visible if one invested the time to find it. Sure, the Hoshidans and Nohrians didn't really adapt to the sleeping standards the Shepherds had, but Jakob was a butler, right? He had to get up early to attend to his master, what little he knew about Corrin's routine, anyway.

This, combined with his seemingly unfailing loyalty to Corrin herself had Robin piece together a pretty accurate depiction of Jakob's true character.

Loyal to a fault. Frederick, I may have found you a philosophical equal.


N001: a designation, for lack of a better term, as far as the roster is concerned. For the record, N001: Jakob, Butler to Princess Corrin

Sub-designation: None

Birthday: December 3

Proficient Weapon(s) and Preferred Role: Daggers, Staves. Functions as a support unit rather than a front-line combatant. Very versatile in multiple styles. Flexible due to his background as Princess Corrin's bodyguard and butler.

[Commander Robin's Note] Despite being a butler, he hates mornings just as much as everyone else combined. But despite this, his loyalty to Princess Corrin is second-to-none. He may be... a bit scalding to others, but if what she claims is true, then Jakob is as true an ally to us all, as long as we prove allies to Corrin. Simple and straightforward.

[Commander Corrin's Note] Okay, maybe he is a bit rough around the edges, but he's a really dependable and caring person. His quality of work is top-notch, no matter the task I ask of him. And even if I don't ask him, if he sees it necessary or beneficent to our cause, he'll do it without question. One time, he polished up the silver in the Northern Fortress so intensely, I woke up thinking it was already midday because of how bright it was! Oh, and if any of you reading this want a mean cup of tea, then by my absolute authority as Commander of this army, seek Jakob out first! My only warning is for the embrace of euphoria that comes after.


Chrom


"That went well," Robin nodded, looking over the newest addition to the roster. "I'm getting lovely flashbacks to my old book."

"This is fun," Corrin agreed. "Shall we continue?" The tactician nodded and peeked to his slightly open door.

"He should still be outside..." Robin began, rising to a stand and peeking outside the door to find Chrom waiting impatiently against the wall.

"Took you long enough," the Exalt laughed. "I heard blades, arguing, and something about tea. What exactly is going on here? Oh, the roster..."

"Your turn once again, dear Chrom. Blame Lissa for trashing the first one."

"Can't you just rewrite what we had last time?"

Robin simply pointed to Corrin, who was smiling innocently while Chrom sighed in defeat. "...fine. I suppose I can indulge our new Commander."


Designation: Y001 - Chrom, Exalt of Ylisse and Ruler of the Halidom

Sub-Designation - Y001: Queen Olivia's Husband

Birthday: May 27

Significant Other: Queen Olivia of Ylisse

Proficient Weapon(s) and Preferred Roles: May or may not be the rightful wielder of the Falchion, depending solely on Princess Lucina's current win-streak. Commander Robin claims that his sparring sessions with Chrom have ended in a 19-1 deficit, Chrom's favor, so at the very least, he can swing a sword without poking his eye out. Is a nasty shot with a javelin, if we can find ones suitable for him to equip without hampering his speed.

As unorthodox as it is for the ruler of a kingdom to be throwing himself into the front lines, this is where our Exalt belongs. His skill with a blade will keep him in the heart of things for extended amounts of time, and even then, he has other soldiers at his aid to protect their Exalt. Until further notice, Chrom will lead our charges on foot, at least for the Ylisseans.

[Commander Robin's Note] My most trusted friend since he found me in that field. He is brash and thinks more often with his sword than his head. But it's a keen sword and a loyal head that I have the honor of fighting beside. I trust him with my life, and yours. That is not a statement I would not dare make lightly.

Also, if you find a broken wall, just blame Chrom. Even if Lucina did it, Chrom made Lucina so he still did it.

[Commander Corrin's Note] His puns are unbearable and unending. I have been in Ylisse for three days, yet Robin claims that everything that rhymes with the Exalt's name in this whole kingdom is no doubt replaced with Chrom's moniker. Do the sick Ylisseans get administered tonic? Nay, for they have chromic. Did ancient Ylisseans embalm their dead? No, for their deceased are emchromed instead. Gods help us. I have doomed Hoshido and Nohr both.

[Chrommander Chrom's Note, Day 4] So, this is a side note, but I was thinking of my son just now. Why not combine Lazward and Inigo? I'll figure out a name somehow... Laslow perhaps? Ah, nothing serious. I'll Chrom up with something.

[Queen Olivia's Note, Day 5] Stop encouraging my dear husband. He is such a kind soul when he's not being toyed around like this!

[Hinata's Note, Day 17] Can anyone write in these?

[Commander Robin's Addendum, Day 18] I have made the executive decision to keep the quill here. If we can joke around like this, we'll be that much closer once we start to get into things.

[Lucina's Note, Day 18] That makes Chromplete sense.

[Laslow's Note, Day 18] Father please disown Luci and let me take the throne. I vow to be Ylisse's guiding light in these dark times.