Chapter 7
When I had shown up in Ylisse originally, I'd spent a great deal of time thinking about any potential 'romance partners' and how my life would go if I'd actually attempted to use my prior knowledge to woo them. I'd put thought into almost all of them, carefully planning things in my head, more as a mental exercise than anything else. These thoughts had eventually come in handy for other reasons, but, well…
I never expected that one of the people I hadn't even thought of would have been the one to win my heart.
I'm getting ahead of myself.
I suppose it all started just after Plegia, when things were still hectic.
It was a good kind of hectic, though. It was a peaceful kind.
We were sitting down for breakfast at the long tables in the barracks commissary for breakfast, my arse firmly ensconced at the officer's table despite it being 'unseemly' that a man of my station eat with the rank and file.
I figured the fact that Mr. Exalt himself, Chrom, was eating right next to me gave me a pass, though.
"Not that I'm complaining, milord," Erutreya said across from us. "But why do you bother eating here all the time?"
Chrom paused with his fork halfway to his mouth, looking up from under his brow for a moment before eating the bite of eggs.
"I own the building?" he said around his eggs.
"Dude, eat or talk," I laughed.
Chrom rolled his eyes and swallowed before continuing.
"Besides, ever since Lissa got married, she has been strutting around the palace like she owns the place," he complained.
"Well, Boss, maybe it's time you got hitched," Toady shrugged.
"I thought I was Boss?" I muttered.
"You are," the pyromaniac said. "But 'Boss' Boss' doesn't have quite the same ring."
"You're not wrong about that," I sighed.
"I prefer to think of myself as Ben's friend, as opposed to his 'boss'," Chrom grinned.
"But you are," Toady pointed out.
"Oh, I know," Chrom laughed.
I just blew him a raspberry. Chrom laughed again and lightly shoved my shoulder.
"Ah, yes," Tennabree drawled, rolling her eyes next to Erutreya. "The two most powerful men in the country, acting like children. Now it's starting to feel like home."
"I liked you more before you started spending so much time with Tharja," I deadpanned.
"What was it you so eloquently said?" she asked, before blowing me a raspberry of her own.
The others laughed at this, and I made a stricken expression.
"Chrom!" I groaned, latching onto his shoulder. "My subordinates are being mean to me!"
"There, there," Chrom chuckled, patting me on the head.
"You two are weird," Toady muttered.
"You're just jealous I'm friends with a King," I smirked, sitting up again.
"Exalt," Chrom corrected.
"Gesundheit," I said.
As I spoke, I speared a sausage on my plate, lifting it up for emphasis.
"It pays to have powerful friends, is all I'm saying," indicating to Chrom with the meat.
The Exalt leaned over and took a large bite out of the sausage where it was hanging, still on my fork, with an audible chomp.
"You prick, that was my last one!" I exclaimed.
"But I'm the Exalt," he grinned.
"No, he's right, you two are weird," Erutreya snorted, grinning.
"Ain't nothing wrong with a little bromance," I frowned. "I've seen you and Tennabree hanging out."
Erutreya spluttered and immediately blushed, much to the amusement of the rest of the table. Tennabree, smiling and laughing along with the rest of us, reached over and patted her on the back.
"We are coworkers and friends, yes," the Plegian woman said.
"And I think it's a beautiful thing," I nodded. "Right Chrom?"
"Indeed," the Exalt nodded.
"Oh, it's beautiful, alright," Toady grinned.
"Alright, you," Erutreya growled.
"I'm just sayin'," he grinned, holding up his hands in surrender.
Chrom just chuckled and shook his head, bringing a carefully sliced portion of bacon up on his fork.
"And now, Lady Erutreya, you see why I eat breakfast here," he explained. "It is far livelier than the palace, even with my sister and her family."
As he spoke, I leaned over and ate the bacon right off his fork, leaning back and grinning at Chrom's stricken expression.
"That was my last piece!" he cried. "I was saving that!"
"Payback, bitch," I smirked.
"You two are definitely weird," Erutreya laughed.
"Your face is weird," I muttered petulantly.
This just made the others laugh harder.
That afternoon, as the shadows lengthened over the training yard and the cooks began to prepare dinner, I let out a long sigh and slid my chair back, slowly rising to my feet. It had been a long day of training, paperwork and politicking. Given the amount of work I was doing, I honestly questioned the sanity of anybody who wants to be willingly isekai'd into this kind of shit. I almost wished for the good old days of ignoring my university assignments to get drunk and high. Almost. Surprisingly, this was still less stressful.
It probably had something to do with the company I kept now.
"Oh, done already?" Chrom asked from where he was reclining on my napping sofa, clapping closed whatever book he'd been entertaining himself with.
"You didn't have to hang around," I told him.
"No, but after that training session I didn't think I could walk back to the palace," he admitted with a small chuckle.
"Well, if you would stop skipping training…" I said, trailing off.
"You know I am busy," Chrom sighed. "And as much as I would prefer to spend time here with you, the country will not run itself."
I grinned, coming around the table and leaning back against it, folding my arms.
"You could always abdicate," I suggested. "Let Lissa run the place. I'm sure she'd make a great Exalt."
"Ha! If only it could be that easy," he laughed.
"Besides, think about it," I added. "You could spend all day, every day, mooching off my operation here."
"Firstly, if we are technical about it, you're doing all this with my money," he pointed out.
"Details, details," I waved away.
"And secondly," he went on, "You know I would spend more time here if I could. But I have responsibilities."
"Alright, alright," I sighed. "No need to get all serious on me, I was just playin' around."
"I know," Chrom grinned, pushing himself to his feet. "But one of us has to be the adult."
"Hey, fuck you, I'm the older one," I pouted.
Chrom laughed, placing the book he'd been reading aside as he stretched.
"Were it up to me," Chrom continued, "I would spend all day, every day, here with all of you. I enjoy being among my people like this. And… I enjoy spending time with you. Even if it is just reading while you work."
"How you waste your day off is your business, not mine," I scoffed. "But it is nice to have someone else here."
"Oh?" Chrom grinned. "So, anyone would do?"
"Ugh, you know what I mean, you ass-hat," I rolled my eyes. "It's nice to get to spend time together."
"I do not know what I would do without you," Chrom admitted, his voice serious.
"Be bored and make someone else build your army," I deadpanned.
"You know what I mean," Chrom said. "Now you are being the ass-hat."
"I ruined you," I snorted. "You were such a nice boy. And I ruined you."
"I am being serious," Chrom frowned.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," I sighed. "I deflect with humor, it's-"
"A defense mechanism, I know," Chrom smiled.
He moved to lean against the desk at my side, and I let out a breath, looking around the room.
"Did you just look to make sure Tharja wasn't hiding in the corner?" Chrom laughed.
"Once was enough," I deadpanned, before breaking into a grin of my own.
We just leaned there, side by side, in companionable silence for a time. Eventually, I bumped Chrom's shoulder with my own and glanced up at the taller man.
"I'm glad I got sucked into this world," I said.
"I'm glad you did, too," Chrom smiled. "Without you here, I would probably still be wallowing in my sister's death."
"Ah, I'm sure someone else would have slapped some sense into you," I said dismissively.
"Stop belittling yourself like that, you know better," Chrom scoffed.
"I know, I know," I sighed. "I'm glad I'm here, though. With you. Coming to Ylisse, willingly or no, was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because I met you."
"Thank you," Chrom said, placing his hand atop mine.
"Any time," I said, leaning up to him.
Chrom's own face descended towards mine, our eyes closing as our lips met and-
"WAGUH!" I screamed, bolting upright in bed.
I looked around the dark room, tangled sheets around my waist, before the tension left me in a long sigh. I groaned as I ran a hand down my face, blinking in the dark.
"I have got to stop drinking before bed," I muttered.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, dear. Go back to sleep," I sighed.
"Nightmares again?"
"Not the usual ones, but… guh. Don't ask," I shuddered.
I let myself fall back into bed, the slim form of my wife snuggling up to my side as she rested her head on my shoulder.
"Go back to sleep, dear," Lissa purred into my chest.
I let out another breath, leaning down to kiss her on the brow.
"I have a better idea," I said. "Seeing as we're both awake and all…"
"Mmm, I'll bet you do," she said, throwing a leg over my hips and mounting me.
Lissa leaned down to place a long, passionate kiss on my lips, and-
"KYAAAAAAA!"
Lissa bolted upright in bed, panting and wide-eyed as she looked frantically around her room in the palace. Her head snapped down to the empty space next to her in bed, and she finally felt herself start to relax a little.
"That… was not a good dream…" she moaned.
There was a quick knock on her door, making the princess jump in bed again before Frederick's voice boomed through the door.
"Princess! Are you well!?" the knight-butler cried.
"I'm fine!" she called back. "Just a really… really bad dream!"
"Shall I prepare some chamomile tea, Princess?" Frederick offered, sounding a little calmer now.
"No, Frederick," Lissa sighed. "I'm fine. Go back to bed."
"Very well, Princess," the knight said.
Lissa fell back in bed as the sound of Frederick's heavy tread retreated, the Princess laying her hands on her face as she wondered how she would ever get back to sleep now.
I didn't even try to stifle my wide yawn as I shuffled through the Ylisstol Palace with Archer padding along beside me, a sheaf of papers under my arm for the meeting I was supposed to be having with Chrom first thing that morning. Of course, Chrom being Chrom, the big lug had invited me for breakfast first, an invitation I was in no hurry to decline. Chrom's chef made the best bacon in Ylisstol, after all.
All this, fresh off the staff meeting we'd just had, and the sun had only just barely risen. Army life was hard. Waking up that early just to talk about supply levels, training routines, armament procurement and staffing rosters was painful. It didn't help that Robin spent the entire time glaring daggers at me across the desk. Fortunately, the others had the good sense not to get involved, but the atmosphere had been tense.
The only bright spot had been at the end, when we had come together to address Emm's situation. My suggestions had been unilaterally approved, even by the grouchy Robin, and Emm was well on her way to starting her new life. It was a good feeling, one I focused on as I let out another yawn while climbing the stairs to the Royal Apartments.
I'd just… ignored the dirty looks from the maids at the sight of my dog.
Lissa came around the corner just as we reached the top of the stairs, the Princess stopping dead in her tracks as she spotted me.
"Mornin' Sunshine," I said blearily. "You're up early."
"Good morning," she said quickly, looking down and bolting past me for the dining room.
I watched her go, my early-morning shuffle not breaking stride, wondering what she had done that I hadn't caught her for yet. Archer gave me a confused look as Lissa fled, and all I could do was shrug at the dog, and scratch behind his ears reassuringly.
I yawned again as I stepped into the smaller, private dining room that the Royal Family used for daily meals, finding Chrom there already feeding baby Lucina. Lissa was giving him weird looks, too, from the sideboard where the pitchers of water and juice were kept.
"Morning, Chrom," I said. "You're looking as disgustingly chipper as usual today."
"Good morning to you, too," he laughed. "Sorry to call you out so early."
"Meeting important," I said around another yawn. "Bacon even more-so. Where's Sumia?"
"Sleeping in," Chrom said. "Cynthia kept her up all night again, so she's resting."
"Cool," I nodded.
"Did you actually bring your dog?" Chrom laughed.
"He's a good boy and deserves bacon as much as I do," I deadpanned.
I practically tossed my paperwork onto an unused section of the table, moving to take a seat next to Chrom-
"Don't sit there!" Lissa shrieked.
Chrom, Archer and I all froze, and baby Lucina laughed.
"Why?" I asked.
"Just… don't sit there!" Lissa repeated.
Chrom and I exchanged a glance, and the Exalt shrugged.
"Ho…kay?" I said, moving back around the other side of the table.
I slipped into another chair across from Chrom this time, exchanging confused glances with the Exalt. For his part, Archer remained where he was, watching Lissa as his tail lazily flopped back and forth.
"Is that better?" I asked the Princess.
"Actually…" Lissa said, shaking her head. "Please. Don't talk to me for a few days. I… either of you. Don't talk to me."
With that, she hurried out of the room, leaving me sitting with a very perplexed Chrom.
"But… what did I do?" he asked.
"Fucked if I know, man," I sighed, picking up a fork and spearing one of the sausages off his plate.
"Hey! I was saving that!" he protested.
"Too slow," I smirked, before taking a bite out of the sausage. "She probably just did something to one of us that we haven't caught her for yet."
"Ugh, or both of us," Chrom groaned, slumping in his seat.
I smirked, relaxing a little now. It was nice to be back.
Archer finally decided he'd had enough of playing statue, and moved around to where Chrom was still holding baby-Lucina. The toddler spotted the old dog and immediately gave a high-pitched squeal of joy, which Chrom and I both winced at. Without a moment of hesitation, Archer began to sniff at the child, which Lucina apparently found greatly amusing. The dog then gave Chrom a look, before planting his muzzle on the Exalt's lap next to Lucina, who began to curiously probe at the dog.
"Well, someone's good with kids," Chrom smiled.
I made a vaguely affirmative sound as I crammed bacon into my mouth, groaning at the sheer bliss of the rich, salty flavor.
Sumia took this opportunity to make her entrance, shuffling into the room with a wide yawn, her robes wide open displaying the nightgown beneath. I remind you, nightgowns here were the traditional, everything-to-the-imagination kind, but I still coughed and averted my gaze to be polite.
I saw her freeze in my peripheral vision as Chrom snorted, trying to hide his grin in his cup as Sumia hurriedly wrapped her robe around herself and began raking her fingers through her messy hair.
"Chrom! You could have- welcome back, Ben, it's lovely to see- really, a little warning!" she rambled all at once as she bustled into the room, freezing when she spotted Archer.
The dog glanced back at her, not moving from Chrom's or Lucina's side.
"Is that a dog?" Sumia asked.
"His name is Archer," I supplied, gaze averted.
"He is a very good boy," Chrom added.
"Are you decent?" I asked, still not looking. "I don't wanna get punched again."
"Yes," Sumia huffed, sinking into the seat next to Chrom.
I turned back as Archer gave a doggy-sigh and went back to perching his face on Chrom's lap, smiling tiredly at Sumia as she snuck a slice of toast from Chrom's plate.
"Oh, so she gets a pass, but I get yelled at?" I huffed.
"I wasn't saving that toast," Chrom deadpanned.
Sumia giggled a little around her toast, before smiling brightly at me. Brighter than the morning sun streaming through the windows. It burned at my hateful little soul, but I mustered the effort to smile back.
"It's good to have you back, Ben," she said.
"It's good to be back," I sighed. "I missed you guys. And my kid."
"You've been gone for so long," Sumia said, her smile dimming to acceptable levels now. "I hope that the regiments in the north are ready."
"I do not want to talk about work over breakfast," I groaned. "But, no, they're not. Not really. In a pinch, they can fight, but only about half of the Baham regiment is really ready for a prolonged campaign, and even less of the Fruford regiment."
"What are you teaching them?" Chrom asked, astonished. "Surely it doesn't take an entire year to teach them to march and to fight in ranks?"
Archer glanced up at the Exalt's exclamation, but when Lucina failed to react, he went back to studying her.
"I'm teaching them how not to die, Chrom," I sighed. "It takes time and hey! I said I didn't wanna talk about work until the meeting!"
"Okay, okay," Chrom grinned apologetically. "We could just have the meeting here, you know. It is just us."
"No work at the table," Sumia said, speaking as if she were repeating herself for the thousandth time.
"Yes dear," he said meekly.
"And you!" she said, rounding on me.
"Eep."
"No more practical jokes!" Sumia huffed. "Really, it's bad enough living with Lissa! I don't need you adding to it! You scared us half to death!"
"Uh, yes, Sumia, sorry about that," I said, wilting in my seat.
She was really getting good with that 'pissed off mom' voice…
"I'll forgive you this time," she said, crossing her arms. "But don't do it again."
"Wait, really?" I said, sitting up again. "You'll forgive me, just like that?"
"Well… yes?" Sumia said, tilting her head a little. "Why wouldn't I? You're our friend, and a member of Chrom's court. Really, once I realized it was just you, anyway, it was sort of funny."
My jaw dropped, and I goggled at her for a moment.
"What, did you expect me to slap you or something?" Sumia giggled. "Maybe punch you in the face?"
My jaw snapped closed, and I pointedly glared at Chrom, who was doing his best to look as small as possible in his chair. Sumia followed my gaze, and her eyes narrowed.
"You didn't," she hissed.
"Ah, breakfast was really good this morning, wasn't it, Ben?" he said desperately.
"Oh, absolutely," I said, grinning wickedly. "If only I didn't still have this twinge in my jaw where you hit me-"
"Chrom!" Sumia shouted.
"You traitor!" the Exalt spat at me, before turning to his wife. "Dear, it really wasn't that bad! We just had a little disagreement!"
Archer took this opportunity to disappear beneath the table, wisely choosing not to get between a married couple arguing, and it was only a moment until I felt his warm, furry bulk lay down across my feet. Lucina just ended up being used as a tiny human shield. Fortunately, like everything else, she appeared to think this was just some new game.
"Chrom, it was basically a cage fight," I chuckled. "We beat the hell out of each other."
"You are not helping!" he snapped.
"You gave me a concussion," I shrugged. "I'm still a little confused."
"It was a week ago!" Chrom practically shouted.
"You promised!" Sumia fumed.
"There was a misunderstanding!" Chrom pleaded.
"You really think I'd sleep with Emm?" I asked, leaning an elbow on the table.
Sumia opened her mouth to berate Chrom further, before pausing and turning to look at me. She looked between us a few times before turning to me and asking:
"Did you?"
"No!" I groaned. "For god's sake, no! I won't go after anything with a pulse, ya know! I'm not that bad!"
"What's wrong with my sister?" Chrom asked petulantly.
"Oh, fuck you," I scoffed.
"Ben! Language!" Sumia laughed, reaching over to cover a giggling Lucina's ears. "You had better not let Frederick catch you cursing around Lucina!"
"I ain't afraid of Fredward anymore," I smirked. "I got ninjas watching my back. Su'ko!"
Chrom and Sumia both jumped as the young ninja practically materialized out of thin air behind me, bowing slightly to the monarchs.
"Milord," she said softly.
"I would love to see Fredy-boy try to get through just her," I added, hooking a thumb over my shoulder. "Let alone the rest of her people. Speaking of Fred-zilla, you know he hugged Emm last night?"
"I'm not surprised," Chrom said, eying Su'ko warily. "Hello again, Su'ko."
"Good morning, Exalt Chrom," she said in her soft, melodic voice, nodding slightly at him. "Greetings, Queen Sumia. It is an honor to meet you."
"Uh… y-yes, good morning," Sumia said, clearly surprised.
For her part, Su'ko stood at perfect attention behind me, as if totally unconcerned that she was in front of the two most important people in Ylisse.
"They were close," Sumia added, looking back to me. "As close as a Lord and her Vassal could be."
She said the last part shooting Chrom a pointed glare, clearly still unimpressed that we'd been fighting, before sighing a little.
"I just wish I could have gone, too," Sumia said dejectedly. "I really want to see her again."
"Are you coming to the weapons demonstration this afternoon?" I shrugged. "She'll probably be there. If not, fake a fainting spell and hang out in the barracks for a while."
"You're having a weapons' demonstration?" Sumia asked, quirking her head. "What weapons? Do you have some kind of new swords?"
"Oh, right, that was today," Chrom muttered, sinking lower in his seat.
"Oh my god, Chrom, how do you manage to run this country," I groaned, running a hand down my face.
"I have people organize my schedule, thank you," Chrom huffed.
"You're not helping your case, honey," Sumia laughed, patting him on the arm before turning to me. "What time?"
"After lunch," I told her. "Chrom already RSVP'd, or his assistant did, anyway, so feel free to come along."
"You are being very rude," Chrom said, sitting up and crossing his arms. "After I went through the trouble of inviting you along for breakfast."
"And I thank you for your gracious donation of bacon," I said with a nod.
A thought occurred, and I turned in my seat to face Su'ko.
"Hey, Su'ko," I said. "You ever try bacon before?"
"I do not believe I have had the pleasure, milord," she said slowly.
I hummed, reaching across the table and snagging a couple pieces of the sweet, glorious salted meat. I dropped one for Archer, which promptly disappeared before I could even offer the other up to the ninja.
"Here, try some," I said. "It is the traditional food of my people, and apparently universal. Trust me, it's good."
"Very well, milord," Su'ko said, accepting the bacon.
She held it between two fingers like it was a dirty sock, giving the piece of fried meat an impassive look that, because I was used to her, I knew meant she was unimpressed. She hesitated, and I couldn't help but snicker.
"Just eat the damn thing," I told her with a grin. "If I can stomach natto, you can handle bacon."
"What's 'natto'?" Chrom asked curiously.
"You don't wanna know," I told him.
Su'ko sighed with resignation and took a bite of the slice of bacon. It was like someone flicked a switch. Her face lit up, an actual small smile appearing on her face as she chewed and took a second bite, much larger and faster than the first.
"And there we go, one more addicted to the food of the angels," I laughed.
Sumia and Chrom both laughed as well, the Queen reaching over to relive Chrom of their giggling daughter and placing the child on her lap now. I cleared my throat, looking back to Chrom with a small, resigned sigh.
"Well, we should probably get business out of the way before the meeting today-" I started to say.
"No work at the breakfast table!" Sumia admonished.
I wilted in my chair, and even Su'ko took a small step back.
"Yes, sorry, Sumia," I muttered.
We did have the meeting in the end, but in Chrom's office and squarely after breakfast.
Sumia definitely had that whole 'mom authority' thing down pat.
The afternoon eventually rolled around following a morning of tedious paperwork. I was beginning to believe was Robin subtly getting her revenge on me with all the additional forms that needed signing in triplicate. It was nice to be outside again, after that mountain of eye-strain. Admittedly, though, I found the southern clime disagreeing with my cold-acclimated system after a year up in Baham. I leaned against the wall of the barracks, waiting for Chrom and his little cohort while I fanned myself and tugged at my collar. I'd already ditched my jacket and rolled up my sleeves, giving me a real bad case of Popeye-arms, but I was still feeling the heat.
I was starting to understand why Helman had only rarely visited Ylisstol…
This was a momentous occasion, though. We'd organized a little weapons' demonstration for Chrom this afternoon with the very first 'production model' cannons that Toady and Laurent had been working so hard on. Not the 'prototypes' that had exploded and/or blown off half of Toady's hand; these were the real deal. We had nearly a hundred-and-fifty of these little bastards all built up and ready to go; a hundred to be divvied up between the naval vessels, and fifty for the artillery squads from Fruford. Not a lot, but we could dismount some of the cannons from the smaller vessels if we needed to, once we controlled the Valmese coast.
In fact, most of the converted merchant ships were only slated to get a handful of the guns; they would have to be mounted on the deck, because the vessels simply weren't built for them. It had been a lovely conversation of 'no, I'm not crazy' when I'd told the shipwrights to built ports for the cannons on the Arturia and Asuna, but each ship would get nearly thirty of the guns each.
It really wasn't many, I know. I was relying on shock and awe, instead of overwhelming firepower. Hopefully, only a few shots would be required to send the enemy fleets or infantry into disarray.
Plus, I knew that the Valmese Fleet was waiting for us, so I'd planned accordingly.
No way I was wasting half my damned fleet in my playthrough…
I snorted, shaking my head as I realized I was thinking of this as a game again.
That kind of thought would just get me killed.
My maudlin thoughts were interrupted, as they so often were lately, by Archer giving an excited bark inside the barracks, followed by happy laughter.
"No, Archer, I don't have any more biscuits!" Emm said as she stepped outside.
The old mutt followed her with a dejected set to his features, and I found myself smirking at the idea that the dog was easier to read than Su'ko was.
"Ah, there you are," she said, coming over. "I was worried I was late."
Archer huffed again, padding off towards the training field, still looking dejected.
"You're not," I deadpanned. "Chrom is. I swear, I need to tell him to be anywhere half an hour early to get him there on time…"
This brought another dainty, girlish giggle forth, and I grinned as I went back to fanning myself. It was nice to see Emm relaxing like this; it was a stark contrast to the restrained, stressed-out young woman I'd known before Plegia. Oh, how cruel fate had turned the tables on both of us…
"Yes, that does sound like my brother," Emm agreed.
"How did training go this morning?" I asked conversationally.
"It went well," Emm said brightly. "Although Lucina- I mean, 'Marth's' spare training clothes are a little too tight for me. I will need to do some shopping, I fear."
"I'm sure we can arrange something," I told her.
"Thank you, Ben," Emm said. "And she is quite the teacher, too! Very calm and patient. She reminds me of our mother."
"Funny, I always thought she reminded me of you," I said.
Emm stammered and blushed a little, and I glanced up with a disappointed frown. Usually, whenever I did or said something that could have been considered even mildly flirty with Emm, Chrom would show up to kick my ass. At least lately, anyway. Still the Exalt and his party were nowhere to be found.
"Dammit, that usually works," I muttered.
"What?" Emm asked.
"Oh, nothing," I said breezily. "So, did you meet Libra yet?"
"Oh, yes, we had lunch!" Emm said, clapping her hands together. "He's a very lovely man, and I feel so bad that he suffered under the guilt of not being able to save me for so long. I hope that knowing I am okay makes him feel better."
"He'll be fine," I said. "Boy just needs to chill. Where did you end up sleeping last night, anyway? I know I said we'd put you up, but that was honestly as far ahead as I thought."
"Oh, I slept with Marth and Dusk," Emm said. "Marth insisted I take her bed, so she slept on a bedroll on the floor."
I'd had to bite my tongue not to make a 'phrasing' joke there…
"Oh, is that Chrom now?" Emm asked, glancing around me.
I turned to follow her gaze back towards the city, spotting a small column of horses riding towards the barracks now. Apparently, this was absolutely going to be an 'official' visit.
They pulled up not far from where we were standing, a group consisting of Chrom, Sumia, six knights in House Ylisse livery, and three more riders who, I'll admit, it took me a moment to recognize.
"I don't believe it," Duke Egred of Themis said, dismounting his warhorse. "Is that… Lady Emmeryn, is that you?"
I made a subtle cutting motion behind my back as I turned to greet them, and Emm gave a small chuckle as she stepped up beside me. Egred almost stumbled forward, so caught up in what he thought was his previous liege's return, running his gloved hand over his blonde-going-to-silver hair.
"I have been getting that a lot recently," she said, her voice suddenly a little higher, a little more nasal. "My name is Emelia, milord."
She gave a clumsy curtsey next to me, and I had to admit for a moment even I was fooled.
"Yes, we picked her up on the shakedown voyage for the new naval vessels," Chrom said.
He dismounted and crossed to Sumia, who he carefully helped from her own saddle. The Queen had been riding side-saddle, dressed in a rich cream dress instead of her usual battle attire. Behind Sumia's horse, Miriel somewhat clumsily slid off her own mount, adjusting her hat before joining the royal couple. Behind them, Maribelle gave a very un-subtle cough from atop her own horse, and Egred turned back to her.
"Oh, sorry, dear, a moment," he said quickly. "Ah, and, uh, I do apologize, miss Emelia, I…"
I stepped forward, grinning over my shoulder.
"It's fine, I got it," I told him.
I stepped up to the side of Maribelle's horse and bowed a little, before offering her my hand. She accepted, and allowed herself to be helped from her horse. Like Sumia, she was also wearing a dress, but where Sumia's dress was tasteful and understated, Maribelle's was a pastel-pink Victorian monstrosity of frills and lace that hurt to look at. At least it matched her parasol.
As soon as her feet touched dirt, Maribelle whipped out a little folding fan and hid her lower face with it, looking intently at me.
"Is it her?" she asked softly.
"Don't tell anyone," I whispered, adding a small grin and a wink.
"Why thank you, Duke Ben," Maribelle said, resuming her usual just-slightly-too-loud manner of speech.
She immediately attached herself to my arm, and I sighed as I led her back to the others. Frederick had joined them, now, glaring down at me with his usual flavor of disdain.
And like that, I finally felt like I was back.
Kinda sad, really…
"Duke Egred, I wasn't expecting you or your daughter," I said. "Welcome, all the same. I hope you enjoy today's demonstration. And hello, Miriel. Been a while."
"Good afternoon, Duke Ben," Ylisse's resident bookworm/mage said brightly. "I am eagerly awaiting your presentation today."
"Yes, quite right," Egred said, smiling widely beneath his large, waxed and curled moustache. "Exalt Chrom here invited us last minute. I must say, I am excited to see what 'revolutionary' contraption you have come up with."
"Oh, it's insane," I said with a predatory grin. "You'll love it."
"That smile terrifies me," Sumia said slowly.
"An adequate reaction to the day the world changes," I told her. "But where's Lissa? I wanted her to see my great blowy-uppy triumph."
"She had to excuse herself," Chrom said, frowning slightly. "I am beginning to get worried."
"Yeah, me too," I grumbled. "Worried about what I'll find when I finally catch onto whatever prank she's pulled. Fine, more fun for us, then."
"You're really talking this up," Chrom pointed out. "Are these 'cannons' really so revolutionary?"
"They're just the beginning," I told him. "If everyone would be so kind as to follow me, please?"
I led the way, with Maribelle on my arm slowing me down to a normal walking speed compared to my usual pace, out onto the training ground. A few squads were doing their usual routines in their full kit, lances swaying with their pace, shields bobbing in time to their jogging.
"You know, I always see squads running around this field," Chrom commented as we walked. "Never marching. Never standing still. Just… always running."
"Good for cardio, good for stamina," I said, giving a one-armed shrug. "Gets the soldiers used to moving in their gear. Keeps them busy, too. Out of trouble."
"How many men are in your army now, Duke Ben?" Egred asked conversationally, grinning a little. "Or, should I call you 'General Ben' while we are here?"
"Either or," I smirked back. "And it's Chrom's army, not mine. If anything, mine would be up north, in Baham. There's around six hundred men in Baham, perhaps half that ready for a prolonged campaign. Here in Ylisse, there's roughly fifteen-hundred men, a thousand prepared for campaigning. You would have to ask my Lieutenant, Robin, for exact numbers. I just sign the paperwork."
"Don't we all, though?" Egred laughed.
Chrom chuckled along as well, doing his best to avoid the glares both Sumia and I shot him at that comment. The Exalt's hatred of paperwork was well-documented.
…
See what I did there?
Anyway, I stopped at the end of the field, behind the mounds of earth that had been dug up to try and diffuse some of the noise from the experimental firing range recently, and the rest of the delegation shuffled aside as the squad currently running laps closed.
Deciding this was as good a time as any, I called out.
"Captain Erutreya, a moment, please?"
The soldier in question glanced up, peeling off from the rest of the squad to join us. As she approached, Chrom came up to my side not currently occupied by Maribelle.
"Weren't you going to make her a Lieutenant?" he muttered.
"Yes, but she impressed me, so I skipped ahead and made her Captain," I said.
Erutreya snapped Chrom and I a smart salute before standing at attention as the rest of her squad ran past us, the woman not even breathing heavily despite her heavy equipment and armor.
"Yes, General, sir?" she asked as she saluted.
"I'm showing off what we've been doing," I told her. "Thought you'd make a good model for the armor and gear."
"If you say so, sir," Erutreya said, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.
"Your squad is most impressive, Captain," Chrom said, flashing that patented 'Chrom-smile'.
"Thank you, Exalt Chrom," she said, bowing slightly.
"As I'm sure you can see from a casual glance," I began, managing to finally dislodge Maribelle to step forwards to stand with Erutreya. "We're not sending the soldiers into battle with full plate. Neither are we outfitting them with lighter myrmidon style armor, but something designed to be in between."
I rapped Erutreya's breastplate for emphasis.
"Designed to be modular, one size fits all," I went on. "Breastplate, pauldrons, bracers, greaves. Simple kit, but still heavier than a standard myrmidon or mercenary. Officers have the option to wear a backplate and gorget if they want, as you can clearly see on the lovely Erutreya. It's designed to offer maximum protection and maneuverability, while still being modular enough that we can swap out damaged parts mid-march if we need to. The fatigues, the uniform beneath, are designed with extra protection in mind to offset the lighter armor. The thick denim weave is lighter than leather, yet still more durable than plain cotton. With the addition of hardened leather pads on the knees and a mail shirt under the tunic, it's hot, but pretty rugged. It won't stop a hard thrust, but it's enough to turn a glancing blow. Most of the time."
"Let's not test that," Erutreya deadpanned, before adding "Sir."
"Weapons are fairly simple, too," I went on, grinning. "Standard spear, sword, shield. Sidearms are up to a platoon commander's discretion, although most of the rank and file do carry some form of dagger or knife. Spears and swords are both designed to be light enough to be wielded one-handed, so that the soldier doesn't have to drop their shield."
"And if they do drop their shield, they run fifty extra laps," Erutreya added. "We stopped having any shield drops pretty fast after that."
"I'll bet," Chrom nodded, smirking.
"Why all the equipment, though?" Egred asked. "Does Ylisse not have enough weapons and armor in the armory?"
"Oh, I'm sure there's plenty," I shrugged. "But the idea was that this would be a standing force, not conscripts using old, poorly maintained equipment."
"I assure you," Frederick rumbled. "The equipment in the Ylissean armories is maintained to the highest standard."
"When was the last time you checked?" I asked.
Frederick opened his mouth to respond, but Chrom cut him off.
"Enough," the Exalt sighed. "The cost was high, but the equipment seems sound."
I just nodded, opting not to mention the fact that I hadn't, in actuality, thought of using Ylisse's stockpiled equipment. It made me feel a little like a dumbass, honestly.
"It held up fairly well to the harsh conditions of the flooding last year," I reminded him, getting back on track. "When I sent those platoons to assist the Church with relief efforts. Hardly combat, but at least we know that the uniforms can take the punishment of harsh weather on the march."
"The uniforms do get very heavy in the rain, though," Erutreya added helpfully. "So, we've begun the process of requisitioning some waxed leather ponchos for the frontline units."
"What is a 'poncho'?" Miriel asked.
"Like a jacket without arms?" I said. "It's kinda hard to describe. It's a square of fabric with a hole in it for your head, and it sits on your shoulders. Generally either to keep you warm or dry or both."
"Doesn't do much for the legs, but it does keep the armor and tunics dry," Erutreya nodded.
I clapped, nodding.
"Thank you for your help demonstrating, Captain," I said. "That will be all. You may resume your duties. We're gonna go blow stuff up now."
"I think I'd rather come with you, then," Erutreya smirked. "Sir."
"Have it your way," I shrugged. "I wanna show off. Ladies and gentlemen, please follow me just over this mound."
Erutreya and I powered up to the top of the earthen mound pretty quickly, being used to the climb, but the others had a harder time of it. Frederick and his knights seemed to be somewhat uneven on the slope without their mounts beneath them, and Chrom and Egred both had to help Sumia and Maribelle in their heavy dresses, respectively. Miriel wouldn't have had trouble, but she got distracted when Erutreya's squad swapped out of the training field with Tennabree's, and the mage tripped and stumbled on her own cloak.
Eventually, though, everyone joined us on the top, and I swept out my arm.
"I'd like to welcome you all to the firing range," I said.
Looking down, we had a perfect view of the line of cannons I'd had prepared specifically for today. Usually, there was only one or two out here as Laurent, Toady and the rest tinkered around, testing them and ensuring they worked. For today, I had a row of ten set up, facing away from the barrier hill. Each had all the requisite equipment required to load and clean them nearby, as well as a small, neat stack of ammunition. Off in the distance, stacks of hay bales had been set up in three rows getting further and further away to act as the targets.
There was already a small group waiting for us by the cannons, reminding me once again that Chrom was late. Robin stood, conversing with Laurent as Toady leaned over one of the nearby cannons, fiddling with the priming vent. Standing next to each of the cannons were the cannoneers, three to a gun, resplendent in their brand-new khaki-brown uniforms. Among the men, inspecting another of the guns with far more dignity than Toady, was an extra man in similar dress to the Cannoneers. Unlike them, however, he wore light armor, similar to that of the First.
"Ladies and gentlemen, meet the first members of the Royal Ylissean Third, the Fruford Cannoneers," I said, half-sliding down the other side of the hill.
"Colonel Kaelind, I see you're already getting your hands dirty," I called out as I reached the ground.
The armored Cannoneer grinned sheepishly as he rose, wiping grease off his hands on a rag before hooking it on the back of his belt. Kaelind was a few years my junior, and was very much a man in his prime. Taller than me, but slighter of build, he wore his long dark hair loose about his shoulders, and had an easy air about him that the men seemed to appreciate.
Kaelind had been Diase's pick as Fruford's Colonel, her concession for letting me found the regiment in her city. He was her second cousin or something like that, some distant relation that only nobility really cared about anyway, but he seemed competent enough.
"Couldn't help myself, General," Kaelind said, shaking my hand before turning and snapping a perfect salute. "Exalt Chrom. It's an honor, milord. Colonel Kaelind, Ylissean Third."
"Pleasure to meet you, Colonel," Chrom said, giving Kaelind a hearty handshake of his own.
"Kaelind here was hand-picked by Diase to command the regiment out of Fruford," I said, before adding "I'm sure most of you already know Isaac, Robin and Toady. Not important. On with the boom!"
Toady waved a lazily salute at us, not even bothering to get off the cannon he was still leaned over, while Laurent, bless his soul, gave us his best parade-ground salute. It was almost as bad as Toady's. The boy was a great mage and engineer, but obviously not so coordinated.
Robin shot me a glare as she moved up to present herself to Chrom and the others.
"Exalt Chrom, Queen Sumia, Duke Egred, Lady Maribelle, Lady Miriel, welcome," she said smartly.
"It's very good to see you again, Robin," Miriel said, eagerly stepping forward. "I greatly enjoyed our discussion on magical theory when last we spoke."
I shot Robin a curious glance, wondering when she'd gotten to know the eccentric mage, but it went ignored.
"Well, we'll have to make time to do so again," she said in response. "But another time, though. Right now, I believe the General is fit to burst in his excitement."
She smiled and earned a small chuckle as she shepherded the others towards the cannons, but the look she shot me afterwards told me that this was absolutely just banter for the army's public image. I resisted the urge to sigh as I followed along, letting Robin take the reins for the presentation.
"I could go on and on about how these things work," Robin began, all smiles as she assembled everyone near the edge of the line of guns. "But it's beginning to get warmer out in the sun these days, and I'd rather do that back in the barracks. So, instead, we'll just give you our little demonstration. Colonel?"
"Cannoneers! Load!" Kaelind roared.
The suddenness of the shout made Maribelle and Miriel jump a little, but everyone else was engrossed in the scene before them.
With quick, practiced movements, the cannoneers began priming and loading their guns, one man pouring in powder as another dropped the shot into the muzzle, the third moving in with the long rammers.
"Aim!" Kaelind ordered.
The trios of crew all retreated behind the guns, one man in each group casting a small fire spell to summon a flame above his palm.
This had been the greatest innovation Ylisse had offered the creation of cannons; no need for flint, tinder, wicks or any flammable crap at all. Instead, the spark could be supplied by any man or woman smart enough to learn the same basic fire spell I had.
"You all may want to cover your ears," I suggested, taking my own advice and clamping my hands over my ears. "Like now. I'm not kidding-"
"Fire!" Kaelind roared.
I automatically slapped my hands to my ears, waiting with baited breath. And then, my crowning moment, the point in which I was to utterly reshape the idea of large-scale warfare in Archanea, was ruined by one little word…
"YEET!" the Cannoneers all cried at once.
Ten five kilo balls of heavy iron flew true, not a single weapon misfiring. The first frow of targets was smashed to pieces in seconds, much to the awed approval of the others. I just stood there at the back of the crowd, mouth agape at the warcry I'd surely misheard.
"Aim!" Kaelind shouted.
The gunners quickly adjusted their aim for the next row of targets, reloading at Kaelind's order, and then, as he shouted "Fire!" again…
"YEET!" came the cry.
I groaned, my face in my hands.
The ritual was repeated a third time, with a third cry of "YEET!" as the cannonballs decimated the third row of targets.
I couldn't even look up.
I couldn't.
I…
"Oh god what have I done?" I muttered.
Miriel, at the back of the group with me, looked over at me in confusion as the rest of the audience began clapping appreciatively.
"You sure showed those hay bales who's in charge," Chrom chuckled.
"All of that damage, from those little balls?" Egred asked in wonder.
"A twelve-pound ball of iron doesn't sound like much, but when it's launched out of one of those at a line of infantry or cavalry…" Robin trailed off, grinning evilly.
"I can scarcely imagine the carnage that would cause," Sumia gasped.
"That is the point," I nodded, stepping forward. "Though, I gotta ask, Kaelind… why the warcry?"
"You're the one who said it was to equalize pressure," Toady offered. "Thought it was crap at first, too, but then I nearly blew my eardrums standing behind the test cannon. Course, that one shot twenty-pound balls, so we needed a lot more blasting powder."
"Oh god I created a monster," I groaned.
"Is that a problem?" Kaelind asked. "We could use another word, but the men have already begun calling themselves 'The Yeeters', so I don't think that would be good for morale."
"No, it's fine," I said, trying to fight back frustrated tears. "I'll learn to live with it. It's fine."
"You're acting strange, sir," Erutreya pointed out. "Are you sure it's fine?"
"The word has its roots in the generation after mine in my homeland," I sighed. "It was used to announce throwing something, usually with little thought for the consequences, and was a source of great annoyance for people of my age. I shouted it as a joke."
A few of the others laughed at my obvious pain, and Erutreya chuckled as she slapped me on the back.
Man, had I ever picked a bad time to stop drinking.
"Be that as it may," Egred smiled, shaking his head a little. "These weapons, if used correctly, could easily mean the difference between victory and defeat."
"Oh, there's more than just these ones," I said. "These were just the prettiest ones. We've got nearly two hundred of them."
And they were all coming to Valm with us.
"Of course, they are not perfect," Kaelind added quickly. "There is much that goes into their regular maintenance and upkeep. Plus, the men crewing them need to be trained in numerous fields-"
"Alright, alright," I said. "This all sounds like the stuff we can talk about in the barracks with the refreshments my people have prepared. Erutreya, if you would be so kind as to assist me in leading our esteemed guests? Seeing as you're already here, anyway?"
"For free food, it would be my pleasure, General," Erutreya said with a small grin. "Lords and Ladies, if you would follow me?"
"Will you be joining us too, Colonel Kaelind?" Maribelle asked.
"Unfortunately, there's a lot of maintenance to do before we can store them for transport back to the armory," the man said.
"I'll save you and your boys some plates," I told him.
"That? That's why we'll all die for you, General," Toady laughed.
"Hoo rah!" some of the braver cannoneers added with gusto.
I watched with a small spark of pride that ate away at my mortification over introducing 'yeet' into the Ylissean lexicon as the Cannoneers (because there was no way in hell I would ever call them the Yeeters) began stripping and cleaning the guns. As I turned away to follow after the rest of the group, I gave a strangled gasp as someone grabbed the scruff of my jacket and hauled me back.
"You and I need to have words," Robin hissed dangerously.
I glanced up, realizing that the Cannoneers were all busy with their guns, while Laurent, Toady and Kaelind were all deep in discussion. Likewise, Erutreya already had the rest of the audience cresting the little hill.
All of which meant I was alone with a visibly incensed Robin.
A visibly incensed Robin who was clearly still very mad at me to begin with.
"I get that you're mad, but I am still your commanding officer," I told her calmly. "Hands off the jacket. Now."
She made a disgusted noise, releasing me none-too-gently and crossing her arms as she sank to a hip.
"What the fuck happened to all the liquor in the barracks?" she asked.
"I got rid of it," I told her squarely.
"It wasn't yours to get rid of," she sneered. "I'm not going to suffer for your damned issues-"
I will admit, I kind of snapped here. I didn't fly into a rage, I didn't act violently, but… something inside me snapped.
I stepped into Robin's face, glaring murderously at her as I cut her off mid-sentence.
"As of yesterday the entire army is dry, Captain," I hissed. "If you have a problem with that, I suggest you remember whose barracks you are living in rent-free."
"If the fate of the world weren't at stake, I would have left a year ago," she shot back.
"Well, once the world is saved, you are free to go," I told her. "In fact, you can leave at any goddamned time. Alcohol is now a proscribed substance. There will be penalties if you bring any booze into my barracks, Captain. The same as any other soldier. Am I clear?"
"Crystal, sir," she said through gritted teeth.
"I'm glad we see eye to eye on this," I told her. "Carry on, Captain."
Then, and only then, did I step away from her. The entire whispered conversation had taken place with us glaring nose to nose, and I did my best not to shake as the adrenaline started to fade.
"Am I to expect that pipe weed is proscribed, too, General?" she called mockingly after me.
"You wanna ruin your lungs when you're off-duty, be my guest," I called back to her.
"Naga help you if you try to take that away from me, too," she added quieter, her tone threatening.
I didn't deign to dignify her threat with an answer, although when I reached the top of the hill, I did find Su'ko waiting for me, watching Robin intently.
Clearly, if Su'ko had opted to show herself, Robin's threat had been genuine.
That evening, in the lovely twilight part of the day, before the sun had truly set and the last squads were finishing up their drills, I sat alone in my room. I knew I was alone, because I'd told Su'ko not to interrupt me, and Elle was feeding Noire somewhere downstairs (I would really have to make it official and just promote her to 'nanny' soon). Archer was currently with Emm, Maribelle and Sumia, who had taken my advice and faked a fainting spell to hang around the barracks a little longer 'while she recovered', so I found myself truly alone for the first time that day.
And I was using it to sit around and stare into space.
I wasn't really contemplating anything. Just staring at the wall, the bed, the desk, and thinking about how uncomfortable I felt in this room now. My thoughts turned to the altercation I'd had with Robin that afternoon-
With a small growl I reached behind my back and drew my dagger, flipping it in my grip as I slapped my other hand down on my desk, before slamming the butt down on my hand as hard as I could.
I hissed in pain, feeling bones break, but it sufficiently distracted me.
Jamming my dagger back into its sheath on my back, I gingerly lifted my now ruined hand off my desk. With a sigh that quickly turned into a grimace of pain, I grabbed a vulnerary from the stash in my desk and chugged it.
There was a tentative knock at my door as I finished the little potion, and I winced as I felt the small bones in my hand already beginning to reposition themselves.
"What?" I growled.
The door opened just enough for Su'ko to stick her head in, a slight furrow to her brow telling me that she was concerned.
"I heard a bump, lord," she said.
"It was nothing," I told her. "I slipped and knocked my hand. I've already taken a vulnerary."
She continued to look at me for a moment, and in a fit of self-loathing I snapped at her.
"As you were, Su'ko."
She bowed her head, retreating from the room, the door closing with barely a sound. I sighed, hanging my head.
Before I could apologize to the ninja, there was another, louder knock at my door.
"I told you, I'm fine!" I called. "You don't need to worry so much."
"Oh, I beg to differ," Lucina said, slipping into the room. "Someone needs to keep an eye on you at all times, as far as I am concerned."
Noire followed after her, an amused expression on her face.
"That hurts," I deadpanned. "What can I help the two of you with?"
"I have come to discuss boundaries with you," Lucina declared.
"And I'm just here to watch," Noire added, sprawling out on my bed like a cat. "I wanna work in some quality time before the whole thing with Valm kicks off."
"Your idea of quality time is watching your friend chew out your father?" I asked her. "Also, please, get comfy. By all means."
Noire just grinned, before giving a wide yawn and stretching out on the bed. I couldn't help but notice that it was almost exactly the same way her mother did…
"You could just ask me to have dinner with you or something, but we'll put a pin in that," I groaned, turning back to Lucina.
"Then I'd miss the show!" Noire chuckled behind me.
"You, mister-" Lucina started, arms crossed.
"I'm sorry," I cut her off.
"I… what?" she spluttered, clearly caught off guard.
"I'm sorry I commented on your muff, even though it was meant to be a compliment," I said. "It was inappropriate, and though it is but an excuse, I was panicking at the time and just said the first thing that came into my mind. I didn't mean to offend you, Lucina, and I hope we can move past this to work together during what comes next."
"I… you… wha?" Lucina managed eloquently.
"I think you broke her, dad," Noire giggled.
"I've spent the last year actually being a Duke," I smirked over my shoulder at her. "I like to think I'm getting eloquent."
"You are mocking me," Lucina accused with a huff.
"No, I'm being serious," I shrugged. "You surprised me, and I just blurted it out. I'm sorry. But, in my defense, I had no idea you had started using my room as a change-room."
"Very well, as long as you promise to never bring it up again and try not to make inappropriate personal comments again, I will let this go," she sighed.
"Aw, but I was having fun," Noire moaned.
"And I assume you're where she found out what 'muff' meant?" I asked, stepping back to talk to both girls at once. "And stop lounging on my bed like that."
"Who else was gonna tell her what a muff was? Laurent?" Noire scoffed, shifting to the edge of the bed now. "And why can't I get comfy?"
"Because that's exactly how your mother used to relax," I deadpanned.
"Ew, Dad! Gross!" Noire shrieked. "Fine, I'll sit like you instead."
So saying, she spread her legs and leaned her elbows on her knees. Then, she steepled her fingers and glared up at me.
"Careful you don't pull your muff," I scoffed.
"Who says I even have a muff?" Noire shot back.
"I would like to amend the terms of my forgiveness to include either of you never saying muff again," Lucina groaned.
"What? Muff?" Noire asked, sitting up now. "What's wrong with muff? Everyone's got a muff, Princess."
"Noire, please!" Lucina moaned, hiding her face with her hands.
"Hey, you specified that I don't say it," I grinned. "And I'm not. And apparently, I was a very bad influence on my daughter."
"Muff yes you were," Noire grinned back.
Lucina gave a stifled groan, and Noire and I burst into laughter.
AN: Ah, yes. The start of this chapter still makes me smile. It was actually a separate thing I uploaded as an April Fool's Day joke over on (P)atreon, and I just loved it so much that I had to put it in an actual chapter. It may piss some of you off, it may get a chuckle, I don't care, it made me laugh. The whole 'dream within a dream' thing is actually a lot less Shyamalan than it appears; I stole the idea from the music video for the Gorillaz song 'Dare'. Do I have anything else to say about the chapter? Wheels are a turning, things are in motion, and Valm is coming...
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