A Prince's Proposition

Chrom and Robin sat down and listened to Hagen's and Rune's tale of sailing the seas across Europe, participating in battles against Muslims and pagans. Hagen told of his exploits against the Muslims during his expeditions throughout the Mediterranean as a representative of Denmark to the Western Europeans. Robin raised a hand to question.

"Yes Robin?"

"You said that your people used to be raiders, what happened?"

"After we were converted to Christianity, we had to drop our raiding ways and barbaric customs."

"What sort of customs?"

Hagen smirked at this.

"Did you know that my father used to drink from the skull of his slain foes?"

Robin and Chrom were shocked by this.

"Y-your people did that?"

"Of course, in fact, my wife still insists on doing that. I myself am not so comfortable with it." Hagen replied.

Chrom and Robin were processing such a barbaric act made by the Danes, but Chrom suddenly asks.

"So you had lead many different naval expeditions in your lifetime, all of them military?"

"Well yes, I went on ten expeditions in my lifetime." Chief Hagen clarified. "My first two were lead by my father, the other eight I had lead myself"

Chrom didn't hide his impressed face, but he still needed to know one more thing. But Robin asked instead.

"Were they successful? Were you victorious?"

"Chief Hagen won many naval engagements, he raided the pagan towns and crippled their military." Rune replied. "I believe that his 10th expedition was to finish off the already broken Muslims in Israel."

"Actually it was the 8th." Hagen corrected. "The 9th and 10th were campaigns against Muslims in South Africa. Still couldn't forget those giant elephants. Those Swahili really don't mess around."

Chrom's greatest wish was granted, he had found a seasoned warrior and an experienced seaman, and he found both in one man. Ylisse was in need of an experienced man like Hagen to run the military. While Robin did give amazing tactics and strategies, Hagen had the know-how to execute such masterfully crafted plans. With Robin and Hagen on Ylisse's side, Ylisse would never be vulnerable again. Chrom couldn't let this opportunity pass up.

"Sir Hagen, once we finish this war, what are you planning on doing?"

"I would most settle by the seaside with my men, hopefully to find them nice wives here. If we never make it back to Earth, then there is nothing we can do."

"You seem to be taking this well, compared to Marcus." Robin commented.

"Youth will be youth, I pity the young man."

"So how would you like to be a general in Ylisse?"

They stayed silent at this, before Hagen gave a thunderous laugh.

"My, my, aren't we being straightforward?"

"We need a military leader of your caliber to lead our military that is already in shambles."

Hagen acknowledged Chrom's sincerity, but he knew he couldn't be a general.

"I am very sorry Prince Chrom, but I cannot be a general."

Rune laughed at Chrom's disappointed face.

"Why? Did you already swear allegiance to Ferox?"

"What? No! I simply not cut out to lead such large battles. I am not experienced in commanding magical riders and warriors. My experience is leading solid infantry. I have NEVER lead any mounted units. Almost every horse rider I have allied or fought alongside belonged to a different army."

Chrom was visibly dejected by this, but Robin still had a question.

"How about naval commander?"

Hagen and Rune perked up at this.

"You said that you participated in many naval battles, even more than land battles, we may need your naval expertise."

Hagen was actually considering this, stroking his beard.

"That actually sounds more interesting, but I am still unsure. I cannot leave my men here. And I do not think we will fit in your society."

"We'll discuss this when we get to Ylisse and talk to the Exalt." Chrom added. "You may have to talk to her yourself."

Rune was skeptical about this offer.

"What makes you think we're actually going with you?"

"You didn't know?" Robin asked.

"What?"

"Chief Hagen volunteered himself and his men to aid the Ylisseans in their war against Plegia. Regardless of whether we win or lose this tournament, you're still joining us."

Rune looked at Chief Hagen with a shocked look, with Hagen making a visible smile under his thick beard.

"Did you think that I would just sit down while this war is happening?"

Unfounded Guilt

Mikah was drowning in beer in the mead hall, when Sumia arrives to see her drink so much alcohol.

"I've never seen you drink so much..."

"Only when I think I deserve it..." Mikah answered weakly, she raised her mug. "Another!"

Kaila then gives her another mug and comments.

"Here's your 8th mug."

"Who said we were counting!?" Mikah drunkenly retorted.

Sumia seemed so surprised at Mikah's sudden desire to drink.

"Did anything happen?"

Mikah took a gulp from her mug and set it down.

"Have you ever met someone that hated himself so much?"

Sumia was surprised by this question.

"Err, no."

"Well, a friend of mine really hates himself right now and it's my fault."

"What happened?"

Even in her drunken state, Mikah still knew she had to keep her secret.

"Let's just say that friend of mine did something really bad to me and refuses to talk to me out of shame."

"But you want to talk to him?"

"Of course I do! I forgive him already yet he carries the burden of feeling ashamed when our eyes meet."

"I do not know much about your problem, but you should let your friend know that you truly forgive him, that what he did doesn't matter anymore!" Sumia said with confidence and determination.

However, Mikah had already fallen asleep from drinking too much. Sumia briefly panics, before seeing Marcus and bringing him over.

"Help! Mikah passed out!"

Marcus then chuckles and carries Mikah. He tells Sumia.

"Don't worry, I got her."

Sumia nods and thanks him before leaving.

While carrying Mikah bridal-style, she seemed to be dreaming as she suddenly wrapped her arms around Marcus. She mutters in her sleep.

"I forgive you... Do not be sad..."

Marcus easily dismisses this as an alcohol dream and brings Mikah to her room. He sets her down on her bed and grabs a stool to watch her.

"She really sleeps peacefully..." Marcus thought to himself.

Marcus looked outside to see that it was close to sunset.

"I better get ready to pray."

Marcus quickly leaves the room, leaving Mikah to her peaceful slumber.

Settling an Argument

After his prayer, Marcus comes upon an argument between Sumia and Felix in the mead hall, while the Danes still hung out with the Shepherds.

"I'm telling you, the War Elephant will destroy the Pegasus Knight!"

"But the Pegasus Knight can fly!"

"But the War Elephant has archers on top!"

Both notice Marcus observing their argument.

"Crusader! Settle this dispute!" Felix said while pulling him over.

"You mean War Elephant versus Pegasus Knight?"

"Yes! We can't seem to reach an agreement!"

Marcus pondered on this. Pegasus Knights had the advantage in mobility and maneuverability, but they were vulnerable to arrows and bolts.

"In my opinion, if the War Elephant has at least one archer on its back, then it should win more often than not."

This made Sumia feel dejected while Felix hooted in victory, slapping Marcus in the back.

"I knew you had taste in battle!"

Marcus quickly leaves the discussion and walks away.

Word of an Empire

Marcus studies a map of Europe, that seemed to be color coded according to territory. The map was mostly red, with red representing the Roman Empire. There were many arrows, going in many routes and directions. Robin comes up behind him.

"What are you doing?"

"Just studying the campaign movements of the Roman Empire."

"Another great civilization?"

"With the discipline and power to take over an entire continent."

"Wow... That's extremely impressive."

"You have no idea. I'm just trying to study the geography of their every battle. It really works the mind."

"Wow, most of their battles seem to be at strategic locations."

Robin then asks Marcus.

"Do you by any chance have a book on their tactics and formations?"

Marcus then searches his pouch for desired book. He then gives it to Robin.

"Here is an artist's rendition, together with description and guide to how Romans ruled."

Robin excitedly grabs the book and begins to creep out of the room, cackling with laughter and excitement. Marcus was taken aback by this display as sweat dripped on his head.

"Was it the right choice to give him that book?"

Here it is, the Extras, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Tournament will start next chapter!