Chapter 3

Meeting the Shepherds

"Is… Lady Robin okay?" Virion asked, tilting his head in concern at the woman who was currently squatting on the ground taking deep breaths and exhaling out. She had been like this for a good five or ten minutes since the revelation that Chrom and Lissa were royalty had come out.

"I'm… not sure." Chrom admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Robin? Hello? Ylisse to Robin?"

"…Shepherds."

"Huh?"

"YOU SAID YOU WERE SHEPHERDS!" Robin screamed, now standing up straight and in Chrom's face as he chuckled nervously and held his hands up in defence.

"I-In a manner of speaking we are. We just have… a LOT of sheep."

"I can't believe this. I've been travelling with royalty all this time? I ate three bears in front of the Prince and Princess of Ylisse!"

"Wait, did she say THREE?" Sully frowned.

That's when Robin fell on her knees and bowed in front of Chrom, earning weird looks from passer-by's. "C-Chrom. I-I mean Prince Chrom! Sire! Please forgive me and my rude manners!"

Chrom couldn't help but laugh. She looked quite funny in this position as in his eyes, it didn't really suit her. He gently lifted her up and flashed a bright smile. "Just Chrom is fine. I've never been one for formalities."

Robin looked at Chrom and then to Lissa who flashed her own smile and after a moment, she laughed to herself. "The Prince and Princess of Ylisse… I suppose that's why Frederick tolerates all the teasing, huh?"

"Indeed. Oh, the sacrifices I make for the good of this realm…" Frederick sighed, and shook his head when he heard Lissa giggling.

That's when Chrom noticed Emmeryn going in a certain direction and looked at Robin. "Looks like Emm is returning to the palace. Would you like to meet her?"

"…Huh?"

Meanwhile, behind the corner of a building, Marth was peeking out while still wearing his mask and had a warm smile on his face at seeing Robin looking flustered and Chrom confused on why she's panicking at the thought of meeting Emmeryn.

'I hope they can be happy this time around… no, focus! You need to keep your eye on the mission! Just keep observing from a distance. You never know what might be different…'

"Alright I'll catch up with you guys later, need to get this old girl to the stables for a nice brushing and feeding. Don't worry Frederick, I'll make sure your horse is looked after too." Sully said, taking both horses reins and Frederick nodded in return.

"Very much appreciated, Sully. And Sir Virion, the other Shepherds meet in that building just behind you. Since you are officially joining our ranks, you would do well to be better acquainted with them."

"A wonderful idea, Sir Frederick." Virgin replied with a bow. "And thus, I shall depart! Farewell my fair sirs and ladies, for you shall see me again!"

"And keep out of trouble." Sully finished, that last sentence directed at Robin who felt her tail bristle again. Oh, she was VERY tempted-

"Robin? We should get going, come on!" Lissa yelled, yanking her by her sleeve.

"O-Oh right, I'm coming!"

As they walked through the halls, Robin couldn't help but stare in awe at her surroundings. The hallways of the palace were vastly long and tall, with maids making their way through each turn holding various items ranging from silk sheets to towels, each one doing a small curtesy to Chrom and Lissa as they walked past and a they had uneasy looks when seeing Robins coat. But she was a little too distracted to care.

"So you live here?"

"Yup. This is home. Don't worry, you get used to the long hallways."

"I'm not sure about that… then again, I don't think I've ever been in a palace."

"Well, maybe you have! And you just don't remember it."

"I suppose you're right…" Robin mumbled as her tail coiled tighter around her waist, feeling like a comfort blanket of sorts to ease her nerves. Who could blame her? She only just woke up in a random field a few days ago surrounded by FIRE apparently. And now here she was, about to meet the leader of a whole kingdom! Sometimes, she wonders if she was still unconscious in that field but now dreaming this wacky scenario-

"Robin?"

She blinked and saw Chrom looking at her. "You okay? You kinda spaced out for a second."

"My apologies, Chrom. Just feels like this isn't real. That I'm about to meet the Exalt."

Robin saw the siblings smile at one another and Lissa letting out a giggle and winked. "Well, Emm isn't so bad! No need to be nervous!"

"Indeed. Emm won't judge you for your coat if that's what you're worried about. She see's the good in everyone."

"For better or worse…" Robin heard Chrom mutter that last part. But before she could question further, the massive wooden doors opened to reveal… Emmeryn. The Exalt of Ylisse.

The first thing that Robin was captured by was her beauty. Seeing her at a glance truly did not do her any justice. She looked like as if the perfect painting came alive and lived among other people. And her calming aura shone through the entire room and Robin could feel her worries and stress just melt away by being in the same room as her. And lastly, she noticed the emblem on her forehead. It was the exact same one that Chrom had on his arm. Was it some sort of family thing?

Where was Lissa keeping hers? Robin doesn't think that she ever saw one on her.

But then she and the siblings stopped in front of Emmeryn and her knight and Emmeryn gave a warm smile. "Welcome home, Chrom and Lissa. And good day to you too, Frederick. I trust that you all fare well?"

"Well… you can say that we won't be having bandit problems for a while." Chrom replied, rubbing the back of his head.

"Thank you. And our people?"

"They're safe."

"Ehhhhhh…"

Both Emmeryn and Chrom turned to Lissa who had an unsure look. "Lissa? Is there something you wish to say?"

"Well it's just… we might need to build a new home for one of the villagers."

That puzzled Emmeryn who looked at Chrom, who at the moment was looking really nervous. "What? Did something happen to one of the villages? Chrom, I thought I told you to be careful."

"We were! It's just that…"

"Lady Robin punched one of the bandits into a house so hard that it collapsed on top of him."

Everyone looked over at Frederick who delivered his report. Upon seeing the betrayed looks of Chrom and Lissa, he shook his head. "There's no point in hiding the truth. Everyone saw her do it."

"Hold on, let's get back on track." Phila, Emmeryns head knight, raised her hands and pressed her fingers to her temples. Her eyes landing on Robin who felt her tail bristle again.

"You mean to tell me that SHE." Phila pointed at Robin. "Punched a bandit so hard that the entire house fell upon him? You expect us to believe that?"

Frederick still stood tall despite the cold gaze of his superior. "I have no reason to lie. Their highnesses can confirm."

"And pray tell, why have you allowed a Plegian in these walls?" Phila asked and Robin clenched her fists at the hostile tone. But Frederick still kept his neutral face on.

"While she has Plegian clothing, she assisted us in taking out the bandits, who were actually Plegian themselves. Whilst I still don't trust her, Lady Robin has yet to do anything to breach the trust of Milord and Milady."

"And I've decided to make her a Shepherd." Chrom finished, standing beside Robin and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Emmeryn however, smiled warmly at Robin who tried to not let her blush show. "Hmm. It seems Ylisse owes you a great deal, Lady Robin. I'm glad you were able to assist my dear siblings."

"I am not worthy, Milady." Robin bowed. But still felt Phila's cold gaze on her. The head knight in question turned to Frederick.

"What can you tell us about her?"

Oh, that was so uncalled for. She's right there!

"She claims to have lost her memory." Frederick answered. "But it is only that. A claim. And despite not doing anything to suspect her as an enemy, we cannot rule out the possibility of her being a Plegian spy."

Robin let out a quiet snarl as she was about to draw blood from how hard she was clenching her fists. And Chrom didn't appreciate what his retainer was getting at. And neither did Lissa.

"Frederick!"

But Emmeryn looked over at Chrom… and casted a look to the seething Robin. Not that she could blame the poor woman. She was getting accused of a lot. But she then asked Chrom.

"You let her into this castle, Chrom. Does she have your trust?"

He nodded with no hesitation. "She risked her life for our people. That's good enough for me."

And now her eyes fell on Robin, who calmed down slightly but was now nervous upon what Emmeryn would say to her. But the Exalt simply smiled at her. "Well then, Lady Robin. It seems that you have the trust of my siblings. And as such, you have mine as well."

Robin blinked, clearly not expecting that response. But all the tension vanished from her body as she smiled and bowed again. And Emmeryn nodded to both Phila and to Frederick.

"I thank you both for being cautious, all the same. Especially you Frederick. Chrom and Lissa are blessed to have so tireless a guardian. I hope that they thank you from time to time."

"They do express something akin to gratitude per occasion." Frederick lightly joked before looking at Phila.

"I trust you've heard of the reports of these deathly creatures we encountered?"

Phila nodded gravely. "Indeed, Sir Frederick. They've been spotted all over Ylisse."

Emmeryn sighed softly and looked at her younger brother. "We were about to hold council. Are you able to join us?"

"Of course, Emm."

Robin saw Lissa then slide over to her and had a nervous look. "Ummm Robin? Can I talk to you alone for a moment?"

"Huh? Why?"

"J-Just please!"

As Lissa walked away out of the doors. But before Robin could follow, she felt a hand grab her coat and turned to see Phila glaring at her.

"You've been given a great deal of trust by the Exalt and her siblings. I trust you know what will happen to you if you betray that trust."

And just like that, her mood was soured again as she quietly spoke so nobody else could hear. "Why are you all hostile towards me? I've done nothing to you."

But Phila just had a confused frown. "You really don't know? But you wear the coat-"

"Hey Robin! Hurry up!"

They both heard Lissa shouting at her and Phila retracted her hand and gave a curt nod. "Hurry along. The Princess doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"Understood."

With that, she left with her head held high and taking a series of deep breaths to calm herself down so as not to worry Lissa. At least she didn't judge her for wearing this coat. Or being from this… Plegia place. So she put on a small smile and met up with Lissa who… looked really nervous.

Robin tilted her head in confusion. She looked so bright and chipper just a few minutes ago, why was she now nervous?

"Uhh, Lissa? You okay there-"

"I want you to train me!"

"…HUH?!" Robin yelled out, clearly not expecting that question at all. She knew Lissa didn't have any experience fighting, but to actually want to learn… and to have HER teach the Princess?

But Lissa started to explain. "I've been feeling this way ever since we met you. Well, honestly it was before that but I didn't really think about it too often other than when I couldn't sleep at night-"

"Lissa."

Lissa blinked and nodded, laughing nervously. "Right, sorry about that. But… I want to learn how to fight. That way, I can do more than just be the helpless healer on the battlefield. Maybe you can even teach me that weird magic you know. But I more just want to punch people in houses and knock them down."

"I… don't think that's a wise goal to achieve." Robin then smiled. "But… I've never really taught anyone before. So I suppose it could be a new thing for both of us."

"Wait, so does that mean-"

"Yes, Lissa. I will train you."

Robin almost had to cover her ears from the loud squeal that came out of Lissa's mouth before she ran into the older woman to hug her tight. "Oh thank you so much, you won't regret this, I promise! Now come on, we gotta show you where the headquarters for the Shepherds are!"

"W-Wait Lissa!" Robin tried to say but was amazed at the strength of her grip on her arm as she was pulled away to another part of the palace. She felt a smile make its way on her face. Maybe this is a good thing. After all, she gets to teach royalty for crying out loud. That's a huge honour no matter which way you look at it. Maybe Chrom can join in too.

Perhaps she could even open a class teaching individuals how to fight. That could be a way to find her purpose. Lissa nudged her and pointed to something that looked like barracks, and next to it was a small arena, with training weapons and armour neatly organised for anyone to take.

"This is… nice. Yeah, I like this. It's cosy." Robin smiled.

"Tadaaaaa! Welcome to the secret headquarters of the Shepherds!" Lissa declared throwing her arms out wide.

"…Isn't this one of the many barracks?"

"Well, if you say that then it ruins the secret!"

Before she deflated and poured hard crossing her arms, but Robin smiled, walking up to Lissa and ruffling her head. "Sorry, sorry. Why don't you show me the secret headquarters?"

She brightened up instantly at that and grabbed her hand. "Come on!"

As they went inside and Robin was looking around at what was inside. And Lissa did another dramatic pose. "Behold! The Shepherd's Garrison!"

And that's when the two girls noticed other people were inside with them. Robin had to assume that maybe they were also Shepherds that didn't join the other three on patrol. But then she heard a shrill voice that made her since.

"Lissa, my treasure! Are you okay?! I've been on pins and needles!" Another blonde woman sprinted up to them and like Frederick, was checking Lissa for any signs of damage. But Lissa didn't seem fazed this time, almost like she had gotten used to this girl doing this. Maybe they were friends?

"Oh, hi Maribelle!" She chirped which caused the girl to glare.

"Don't you 'hi, Maribelle' me! I swear, I have grown precisely fourteen gray hairs worrying about you!"

Lissa just let out a giggle despite her friend huffing at her. "Aw, you worry too much! I can handle a battle or two! Though I could've done without the bugs. Or the bear barbeque."

"…Or nearly dying." She slowly trailed off which unfortunately Maribelle did hear.

"WHAT?!" Maribelle screamed, once again checking her for any cuts or bruises. "Did they hurt you?!"

"I'm fine! Really!" Lissa managed to mumble out as her cheeks were being squished together. "Robin saved me as well as this mysterious man named Marth!"

Maribelle raised an eyebrow and leaned to look behind Lissa at Robin. Her eyes then landed on her coat and her eyes narrowed. But she then straightened up and walked towards Robin.

"While I do not trust you, I thank you for saving my dear Lissa. I shall grant you one singular favour. Feel free to say whatever you like, whenever you like. But only once!"

And she huffed and walked away leaving Robin very confused. That was probably… the most friendly welcome she's gotten from people that aren't Lissa and Chrom. But then she saw a girl who was standing the corner and smiled at her. And she smiled back before walking towards Robin to say hi.

…Only to fall flat on her face in front of Robin who blinked in confusion. What… just happened? She looked over at Lissa who just shrugged.

"This is Sumia! She… just does this."

"Oh gods, this is so embarrassing!" Sumia let out a muffled groan from her face still being in the floor as she quickly picked herself up and dusted off her armour. "Sorry, I just have two left feet… l-like Lissa said, I'm Sumia."

Robin couldn't help but laugh and extended her hand. "I'm Robin. Maybe we can train together and help you get better control of your feet."

Sumia looked stunned for a moment… before smiling warmly and shaking Robin's hand. "I would like that a lot. I mean, I can't keep tripping, especially if Prince Chrom is around… speaking of which, where is Prince Chrom?"

"Oh, he's in a meeting right now with Emm. He should be here shortly." Lissa replied. But then another voice spoke up.

"So you must be the new recruit of the Shepherds."

They all turned to see a red haired woman with a stern gaze and holding a book. She adjusted her glasses and looked Robin up and down. "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I am Miriel."

Her eyes then landed on the tome at Robin's hip and she hummed in thought. "Interesting. You are well versed in magic, too?"

"I… think?"

"Robin has lost her memory." Lissa explained after seeing the confused frown on Muriel's face. Sumia gasped and covered her mouth.

"Oh, how dreadful!"

"…I see. That is most unfortunate." Miriel muttered. "But perhaps we can assist you in any way-"

"Oh you've GOT to be kidding me! I didn't think it was real! What the hell was he thinking?!"

They all turned to see a shirtless man glaring at Robin, who clenched her jaw in a way to hide her anger at the hostile tone. And Sully walked in too.

"Told you Vaike."

"The hell is a Plegian doing here?!"

"Vaike!" Sumia and Lissa shouted.

But he ignored them and got right up in Robin's face who was very close to letting her temper boil up to the surface. "What kind of spell have you put on him? Because there's no way that he in his right mind would appoint a Plegian to the Shepherds?!"

"Trust me, I've tried to ask Chrom the same thing, but he's not budging." Sully shrugged. And she saw Robin's fists tightly clenched and she glared back.

"You gonna lash out at us? Go for it, I've been waiting for you to show your true colours."

"Sully, Vaike, that's enough!" Miriel scolded them. "You're antagonising her for no reason."

"…You wanna fight? Then let's settle this, once and for all."

Everyone stared at Robin as she turned to Lissa. "You said that there was sparring rings outside, right?"

"Y-Yeah but Robin we don't need to-"

"Then let's make a deal. You beat me, I'll leave. No questions asked. But if I win, you keep your mouth shut."

Sully scowled and got up in her face. "I'm gonna enjoy mopping the floor with you."

"Careful. Wouldn't want that ego of yours to shatter."

Robin then pointed at Vaike. "You're fighting too."

"What? You expect to fight two on one?"

"What's the matter? You both scared of a little Plegian?" Robin asked, hoping that would get under their skin.

And like a fish to a fishing hook, they took the bait. She doesn't know why they despise these Plegians so much, but right now she's so pissed off and needs to put them in their place.

The group all make their way outside to the sparring rings as Robin ignored the training equipment. She never really had a preference for weaponry. Come to think of it, she didn't really have a connection to the tome attached to her waist. Could she use the magic without one? She never really learned how to do that, she just opens it up and points at whatever she's wanting dead.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. That didn't matter right now. What mattered was getting these two off her back as Sully grabbed a training spear and Vaike a training axe.

"Oh, seems Teach has to show you dirty Plegians some manners! You're in Ylisse now! Things don't work the same way they do over there!"

"I'm not going easy on you." Sully simply said, eager to pummel Robin.

"Good, would be a shame if I win right away." Robin replied. To her side, Miriel approached the ring adjusting her glasses.

"Since I would like there to be as minimum carnage as possible, I will officiate this match. The rules are simple, just knock each other out of the ring. Training weapons and low level spells are allowed, but no more than that. Any questions?"

"None from me." Sully said and glared at Robin who glared back. "Might want to get rid of that coat of yours. Don't want to get blood covering it."

"Yeah, you're right. Your blood wouldn't look good on it."

She growled loudly in frustration at Robin's comebacks. But that's when Virion arrived holding a steaming cup of tea as he hummed in thought.

"Well then, this lasted longer than I thought it would. I do hope they don't take it too far."

But as the amnesiac grabbed her coat and tossed it into Lissa's arms who caught it and for a moment everyone fell silent. Aside from the obvious shock that Robin had a tail, they were also surprised by just how… muscular she looked. Even Lissa was taken aback at how athletic Robin looked. But there were also scars littering her body, a good majority of which looked very old. Sully just growled and tightened her grip on her lance.

"The hell are you? Why do you have a tail?!"

Robin said nothing. In fact, it was like her demeanour changed completely. Vaike and Sully looked at each other with a slight unease at how she seemed to just be… looking through them. But Miriel raised her hand.

"All combatant ready? Begin!"

But Vaike just growled and charged at Robin, drawing his fist back. "You're going down!"

"Come at me then!" Robin egged him on as he slammed his fist directly into her face with all his might… but to his shock and to the shock of everyone watching, Robin just blocked it by taking the full brunt of the lunch to her forehead. And yet, she didn't move an inch. Looking at Robin, Vaike wasn't prepared for her drawing her own fist back and slamming it into his nose, shattering it and throwing him next to Sully as Robin glared at the pair.

"If you wanna die, then step up!"

'What the hell is going on with her? It's like she's completely changed! No matter, I'll wipe that stupid smirk off her face.' Sully growled to herself. Despite the fact that there was no smile on Robin at all, as the two met head on.

As the fight was going on, the rest of the Shepherds conversed among themselves. Sumia leaned over to Lissa. "Is… Robin okay?"

But Lissa just shook her head. "Vaike was pretty much the last straw. She's not exactly had the best welcome in Ylisse."

"Oh no, that's terrible!"

"Indeed." Virion nodded. "But I tried explaining to her that she doesn't look Plegian. But then her whole fainting spell happened and the subject moved on from there."

But that just caused confusion amongst the two girls who looked up at the archer. "What do you mean? We found her at the borders and she wears that coat…"

"While those are fact, she does not bear any resemblance in looks or name."

"Robin IS a weird name…"

Mirabelle just sniffed and pointed her nose up in the air as the yells of the fight continued. Lissa gave her a friend a knowing glare and the Noble sighed and waved her hand.

"Yes, yes, I know. She saved your life so I owe her that much at least. But I don't trust strangers too easily."

"Will you stay still?!" Sully screamed, swinging her lance wildly in front of her. She wasn't usually like this, this was a far cry of the skilled fighter that could hold her own on the battlefield. But Robin was pushing all her buttons and dodging all her attacks that it frustrated her to no end, which in turn made her very sloppy and predictable. Vaike was no different. And that's what Robin was counting on, the two of them were too caught up in their own thoughts and emotions and it was affecting their combat. Perhaps she could try and get that little weakness out of them during her stay here.

"I think this is over."

"As if! Teach ain't done!" Vaike yelled, swinging his training axe down right at her head. But to his shock she caught it with ease and whilst maintaining eye contact, slowly crushed it in her hand and let the broken pieces fall to the ground.

"I said, it's over. I've seen all I need to see." As Robin stuck her hand out and charged up a spell, which consisted of a yellow ball of light.

'What in the world?' Miriel frowned deeply from her side of the arena as she saw what Robin was conjuring up. She narrowed her eyes and hummed in thought.

'Interesting…'

"And that's pretty much the full report, Em." Chrom finished up as they walked together into the courtyard to where the training grounds were.

"Good, I'm glad that tragedy was able to be avoided. But these dark creatures do fill me with concern…"

"At your request Milady, I have a proposition." Phila spoke up and Emmeryn nodded at her friend to continue. "The Shepherds make their way to Regna Ferox in the morning to request aid to combat these dark creatures."

But Chrom shook his head. "With all due respect Phila, I don't think we should be as hasty with going right away."

This surprised all three of the adults in the room as Frederick raised a brow. "That's very unlike you to say, milord."

"I'm just thinking logically. I mean, Robin would say the same thing."

Emmeryn gave a warm smile to Chrom despite the otherwise displeased looks on Frederick and Phila. "You trust her a lot, don't you?"

"I just… feel like she knows what she's doing. More than any of us. When we fought off the bandits, and Frederick, you can attest, she knew how to exploit weaknesses in an efficient manner."

Frederick scrunched his face more… but let out a sigh. "Milord is right. She has a knack for strategy. Both in battle and out of it."

Emmeryn then saw Phila deep in thought and tilted her head. "Is everything okay, Phila?"

"It's nothing milady." Phila replied. But seeing the look the Exalt gave her, she closed her eyes and exhaled through her nose.

"It's… her eyes, milady."

"Her eyes?" Both Emmeryn and Chrom asked, clearly confused on what she meant. Even Frederick wasn't sure on the meaning. But Phila continued.

"It has been many years since the last war. But I have had the unfortunate chance of meeting various veterans from the Plegian war and they all have this look in their eyes… like they're waiting for a threat to pop out. Like a storm billowing behind those eyes… Lady Robin has those same eyes. Even though she can't remember, I can tell that she has seen a battle. Multiple in fact. But there's something that truly puzzled me. After I interrogated her-"

"You did what?!" Chrom yelled at her, but Phila closed her eyes.

"Forgive me milord, but I must be sure that we're safe in her presence. That being said, even if we buy into the story that she's faking her amnesia, she looked completely clueless on why we're wary of Plegians. She wears the coat… and those symbols are from the higher ranks… she's clearly seen battle… but what kind?"

Emmeryn looked back at Chrom and gave him a serious look. "Do you trust her, Chrom?"

"Like I said, with my life."

"…Very well then. We shall give you a week to prepare before you head off to Regna Ferox."

Phila gave a brisk nod. "If you are truly serious about expanding the Shepherds into a worthwhile unit fit for battle, then perhaps you are correct on recruiting Lady Robin. But I must ask you milord, you may trust this woman, but do you trust her strength?"

She asked this just as they came out into the training ground, just in time to flinch as two figures slammed into the wall beside them, causing it to crumble on top of them slightly. It was Sully and Vaike who were laying there cursing and hissing in pain. The four then looked over to the sparring ring to see Robin with her hand extended into a fist, like she just delivered the punch that sent the two flying. And they saw her determined look, as well as the various scars that littered her body.

Emmeryn hid a smile and looked over at Phila. "Does that answer your question?"

Phila turned to face the various knights who were quivering in fear at the display that Robin put forth. But it quickly turned into a more laidback atmosphere when Lissa cheered loudly and ran into the ring.

"Robin, that was amazing! You look like you haven't even broken a sweat!" Lissa exclaimed as Robin let out a breath and she smiled at Lissa.

"Thank you, I think it's nice to have a warm up before doing something serious."

"…That… was a warm up?" Frederick mumbled, turning to look at the crumpled heap of Sully and Vaike who were picking themselves up.

"Cocky bitch…" Sully groaned, clutching her arm.

Lissa then held out Robins coat for her to take. But she stared at it for a few seconds before shaking her head. "That's okay Lissa. I don't need it right now."

Seeing everyone's bewildered looks, she just shrugged. "You all don't trust this coat, right? So I'll only wear it when I'm on the battlefield, and the rest of the time I'll just keep it off. Besides, I prefer my tail to be free."

Robin then gave a big stretch along with her tail doing it's own stretches as Phila shakingly pointed at it. "Yes… I was just about to ask… y-you have a tail?"

"Hm? Oh yeah, I guess I didn't really tell you about that, did I? It's just something that I have."

Phila honestly didn't have an answer for any of this. So she took in a deep breath and held up her hands. "We'll discuss this some other time, I feel a migraine coming along."

Emmeryn offered an uneasy smile to Robin. "If you are free Lady Robin, could we have a moment of your time? Chrom seems to have an idea that you would approve of."

"…What idea would that be?" Robin asked, tilting her head and looking at Chrom who straightened up, and though most people didn't notice, his sisters definitely noticed the light blush that dusted his face at the sight of her muscles and fighting. They exchanged knowing smirks.

"We are going to be going to Regna Ferox, to ask for some assistance with these… what did we call them?"

"Risen, milord."

"Ah, yes. Risen. The creatures that we fought off before. But I suggested we hold off until next week to get some supplies and rest."

Robin hummed and closed her eyes, her tail wriggling and waving like it was also thinking. Gods, the Shepherds really weren't going to get used to that anytime soon. But she opened her eyes and straightened up to address the Exalt.

"I think your brother is right, milady. If we're going to be combating these foes, then we need our energy at an all time high before leaving. And besides, I need time to train Lissa to a degree that she's comfortable in fighting-"

"Wait, wait, wait, hold on a second." Frederick cut her off and frowned deeply. And he wasn't the only one, practically everyone in the area was looking at her with shock and surprise, especially Emmeryn and Chrom. But Frederick continued.

"You. Are going to train the Princess of Ylisse to fight? Do you not understand the risk that comes with it?"

"The Prince fights." Robin shot back.

"That's different!"

Robin was about to argue… but then let out a smirk and crossed her arms. "Oh, so just because she's a Princess she isn't allowed to fight?"

Frederick frowned and raised an eyebrow. "No, that's absurd-"

"Frederick, I am very disappointed in you." Lissa chimed in, standing beside Robin also crossing her arms. "I mean, now that I think about it, it wasn't you that appointed Sully or Sumia or the other girls, was it?"

His eyes widened when he realised the claims and cleared his throat. "M-Milady, that is not my position, that all belonged to Milord-"

"So Chrom gets to recruit new Shepherds but not the Exalt?" Emmeryn raised an eyebrow, catching onto what Robin and Lissa were doing and joined them with crossing her arms too. "I must say Frederick, I expected better from you."

"I… you… no, there's a misunderstanding here." Frederick stammered, caught off guard and bringing a whole new image to himself that nobody has seen. "Lady Phila, please explain!"

"I'm not getting involved." Phila said, hiding her smirk behind her hand.

A tense silence followed… before the three girls all started laughing as Lissa hugged Frederick. "Oh, you should've seen your face!"

Emmeryn wiped a tear from her eye and composed herself. "Forgive me Frederick, I just couldn't help myself."

Fredrick let out a long sigh as the tension finally release from his shoulders and shook his head. "Of course Milady, there's no need for apologies."

But Lissa then stood up straight and addressed Emmeryn. "But I do want to learn how to fight."

"Hmm… Chrom, what do you think?"

Chrom just shrugged in response. "I think it's a wonderful idea. But why not ask me? I would've trained you."

"Because your idea of training sucks!"

"What?! It does not!"

"Milord, Milady is right."

"What do you mean?!"

Robin looked at the siblings arguing and rubbed the back of her head, wondering how in the world she ended up in a group like this. But then she felt a presence next to her and saw it was Miriel eyeing her sharply.

"I thought you said that you knew magic?" She quietly said to which Robin was confused.

"I… do? You saw me use it."

But Miriel shook her head and pushed her glasses up. "I have seen many magic spells, and what you used fits none of the descriptions. Including the fact that you never used the tomes, just held it out. I think that there is something else there. One I hope that you figure out. You have peaked my interest, Lady Robin. Welcome to the Shepherds."

Robin couldn't tell why but she felt oddly comforted by Miriel. That being said however, that little bombshell she dropped didn't exactly ease her nerves. If what she was using wasn't magic then… what was it?

"You wished to see me, Frederick?"

"Indeed, Lady Miriel. I was hoping that you could help me." Frederick responded as the two were in her quarters where she was getting ready to indulge in reading.

The mage shook her head and adjusted her glasses. "My dear, we can drop the formalities with one another. We are married after all."

That caught Frederick off guard who then cleared his throat and tried to fight the blush creeping up his face. "Y-Yes. Regardless, what I have in mind is a little… discreet."

"You're going behind Chrom's back?" Miriel frowned deeply. But then she understood. "It's about Lady Robin, isn't it?"

"I want to trust her. But I did not get this far in life by not being cautious. Besides, it's all too convenient for my taste."

"Pray tell, what do you mean by that?" She asked her husband while tidying up her collection of Tomes.

"What I mean is, the way we encountered Lady Robin was too… strange."

"Strange? You'll have to elaborate further on that."

Frederick closed his eyes and recounted the time the three of them met Robin, and to say Miriel was nonplussed at this was an understatement.

"If I didn't know you, I would call you an idiot and to stop fantasising make believe… but if what you're saying is true-"

"I have proof." Frederick cut in and reaching into his armour, pulled out the piece of metal wrapped in the same cloth he picked up that day and presented it to Miriel. When she unwrapped it, her eyes widened at what she saw.

"Are you familiar with this metal at all?"

"No… I can't say that I am. It's light, yet sturdy. It's unlike anything I have ever seen… and you say Lady Robin was surrounded by this?"

"Indeed. I would theorise that it was a… transport of some kind. Like a carriage made of this metal."

"But that's unheard of. There's been theories of a horseless carriage, that is true.. but to actually put it into practice…."

Miriel then frowned and looked away in thought. "But that attack she used during sparring… she claimed it was magic, but magic has never looked like that. Not even the most obscure spells."

She looked back to Frederick and nodded. "I don't like going behind their backs, but this woman has interested me too much. I'll perform some tests on this metal that you gave me and I'll see if I can figure out it's origin."

Frederick breathed out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Thank you, my dear. Like I said-"

"I know, you want to trust her. But perhaps you could do with trying at least a little? After all, she's never openly been hostile and the few times she has attacked has been purely for self defence or certain people aggravating her."

"…Perhaps you're right. But I would hate to be the one who let my guard down when I knew I could've done so much more."

As he nodded to Miriel and went off to finish off his duties for the night, she kept staring at the piece of metal in her hand and frowned.

"Just what are you?"

Well guys, it's been a while but it finally came. Thanks to everyone who favourited and followed the story, means a lot to me. So yeah, Lissa is actually going to learn to be a fighter. I actually like Lissa a lot as a character and I always like the trope of a delicate girl learning to be more.

Also yeah, Robin is very strong but at the same time she doesn't know how to use her power properly. However… Lucina will have a little more experience. All I'm saying is, her story along with her own team will be very different.

And I know some people might feel iffy in Frederick being this way, but I can imagine him to be the kind of person who does look out for his Lord, even if it means going behind his back.

But join us next time, for Lissa's training!

Catch you later!