Robin tiredly removed his coat after getting back to his room. This had been the third wedding since the end of the war. Stahl and Cordelia had been the first after Chrom and Sumia. It did at least put any doubts to rest as to where Cordelia's heart laid. Robin was happy for them. Not as happy as Sumia was, but happy nonetheless.

Then Miriel and Kellem were married. It was a smaller affair in Kellam's hometown. It was quaint, and as many Shepherds as could get away went. Chrom was busy, but Robin managed to go. His family had been so proud, it was heartwarming, but reminded Robin of what he did not have.

After that, Lissa and Lon'qu made a splash by announcing their engagement. It had not come to pass yet, but both sides saw it as a complete win, forging the bonds between the nations. Though, East Ferox was slightly less pleased, but Flavia put an end to those problems by fully endorsing the coupling.

Then, somehow, Panne and Gaius showed up saying they were getting married. And so, he had just gotten back from an interesting ceremony to say the least. All the same, it was another happy couple. It made him acutely aware of what he wanted, but did not have.

He and Lucina had been growing closer. He spent a lot of his free time with her. So much so that he even made time to spend with her even though he was not particularly given to taking time off. He made an exception for her.

While Robin would like to think she found him good company, he was not confident enough to say she felt that way about him. He was head over heels though. He could not deny it. He was madly in love, and, to be fair, that did not seem particularly uncommon among the Shepherds. He just also found he was really, really bad at matters of the heart when it came to himself. Giving advice to others? No problem. Taking his own? Immensely difficult.

The tactician groaned as he laid down on the bed. Why were relationships so hard?

"Oh, that's just adorable!" Sumia cooed as she opened up another present for her unborn baby. The announcement had been made among the Shepherds first. Naturally, the women went crazy over the first child of the Shepherds with the men offering more subdued but still happy congratulations to their leaders.

"It is the height of fashion," Maribelle seemed pleased for herself, "Nothing but the best for our new heir."

"Thank you," Sumia smiled looking over the stack of gifts, "I think that's all of them, but you really didn't have to. We aren't exactly strapped for funds."

"Where's the fun in that?" Lissa giggled, "Besides, it means more when it's from friends."

"That's true," The queen smiled, "Though I imagine we'll be doing this again soon."

"Not from us, I'm afraid," Cordelia sighed, "We're both so busy. Especially rebuilding the knights. Hopefully once things settle down."

"Well, I may still have a reason to celebrate if no one will be procreating again just yet," All eyes shifted to Maribelle, "This is currently a bit, as they say, hush hush, but Ricken proposed the other day."

"Really?" Lissa seemed shocked but also pleased, "I'm so happy for you!"

"Yes, well, he still wants to finish his studies so it may not be for quite some time, but yes, I…daresay I'm quite excited."

As the ladies congratulated Maribelle on the latest announcement, Lucina sunk back a bit with her smile a bit more hollow. She was happy for all of them, she really was. Happier than she could quite explain.

However, she could not help a pang of…jealousy. She had played around it for some time, but after a few months of watching happy marriages, Lucina realized she wanted that. It felt selfish, so she suppressed those feelings, but she wanted a happy life. She also knew exactly which man she wanted to sweep her off her feet as he already had.

Still, every party where she saw him repeatedly being asked to dance, or even just for company, Lucina found herself trying not to scowl. She knew she had no right to be upset. They were not formally pledged to each other, but she just kind of felt…upset that those women might snatch him away.

Besides, he was busy helping rebuild the nation. How could she reasonably ask him to step away from such important duties? No, there were many things more important than her own happiness. She would simply cope.

As she offered her own congratulations, she failed to notice that someone had been watching her.

Chrom was busy reading a report of the rebuilding when his wife returned that evening. It was quickly enough to brighten his day as he sat the paper aside and smiled wide.

"How was your day with the girls?"

"Fun, but exhausting," Sumia led Chrom away with minimal resistance over to their sitting chairs. They provided a wonderful view over the castle and city, and they often unwinded and ended their days there before retiring to bed.

"Dare I ask what Lucina brought?"

"She actually brought a plush dragon. It's quite cute actually, but Lucina is actually part of what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh?" Chrom raised a brow, "Is something wrong?"

"She's miserable! Can't you tell?"

"I…hadn't thought so. Why? Is it a problem with a Shepherd?"

"In a manner. Robin's miserable too, you know."

"Really? I just assumed he was busy, but he has been a bit quieter I suppose."

"Exactly!" Sumia took that as validation.

"So, what's the cause then?"

"Each other!"

The prince blinked, "Pardon? I had thought they got along quite well."

"Yes, but they want to get along better."

"I…don't catch your meaning."

"Men," Sumia groaned, "They're in love! But they're both too shy, self-deprecating, or whatever to do anything about it."

"And this is our business because…?"

"Because they're our friends. We should help them."

"This sounds an awful lot like meddling."

"It is, but for their benefit."

"Right. Er, well, did you have anything in mind?"

"Hmm, if we could just get them off alone together."

"Well, what do you want to do? Send them on a vacation together? That'd be scandalous if they'd even agree, which I doubt."

"No, no, maybe just…" Sumia's eyes drifted to her husband's desk, "Say, weren't you saying that you needed to send someone to get the governors' reports?"

"Yeah, I was planning to send one of Cordelia's trainees. Why-you're not serious?"

"I'm dead serious."

"That could take months on foot! Robin would know something's up."

"So frame it as forcing him to take some time off."

Chrom groaned, putting his head in his hands, "You're that serious about this, huh?"

"I am, and if I'm wrong, two friends get to roam the countryside and maybe jog some memories. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I don't know, but I'm not sure I want to find out."

"Please, for me?" Sumia looked at him with those eyes.

"Ugh, fine. I'll put it together. With ample funds though. I'm not forcing them into the same rooms."

"Of course. My intent is not vulgar. I just want to…give them a nice little shove."

"'Nice little shove'...sure."

Chrom tapped on his desk as he waited. The summons were sent. There was no going back now, but that did not mean that he was entirely sure about this plan. He did not care to meddle in his friends' lives even if it was with good intentions. If they had feelings for each other, he was a proponent of letting them sort it out themselves.

The two walked into his office together which Chrom could not help finding a bit ironic given the circumstances. Still, he toned down the amusement and went business mode, inviting them to sit.

"Thank you for coming so short notice," Chrom began the meeting, "I trust you've both been enjoying your time here in Ylisstol."

"You've been more than kind to us."

"You've been quite generous, yes."

Not exactly the thrilled responses he would have hoped for, but he pressed onward.

"Right, well, as you know, we've been rebuilding. An effort that has gone rather smoothly with Robin's help."

"I just did what I could," Robin nodded, "But thank you."

"You're too humble, but actually, it's time you see the results of your labor. I was hoping to send someone to check on the provinces personally and meet with the governors. Who better to do so than the man who helped bring about the reconstruction?"

"You want me to go? As your emissary? I had assumed we'd just send fliers."

"We could, but this is an excellent chance for everyone to put a face to your name. We've made good progress anyways, might as well send someone important."

"I, well, I'm honored."

"Great," Chrom smiled before looking to Lucina, "And you are to accompany him. So long as you accept."

"M-me?"

"Yes, you're skilled and you work well together. I shan't worry of your safety when you're together. Besides, maybe being out and about will jog your memory."

"I suppose that's true." Lucina sheepishly looked at Robin, "Do you mind?"

"N-no, I welcome the company."

Chrom looked between the two awkward young people, and for the first time wondered if his wife was on to something, "Well, now that that's settled. You leave in two days. I'll cover all the expenses and give a general layout of who you need to see."

"I'll start making preparations."

"As will I."

"Good. I know this task is in good hands."

Once the door shut, Chrom shook his head.

"All packed and ready to go?" Robin asked as he met up with Lucina at the castle gates. Robin was packing light, and Chrom gave them enough money to restock as they needed. All the same, he would be lying if he said he was not nervous about the trip. This would likely be several weeks mostly alone together, and that was if they made good time.

"I believe so. I don't have that much to pack. If only I could have picked out a dress for when we visit the governors."

"Oh…what a…pity."

"I'm glad I caught you," The two soon to be travelers looked over as Chrom jogged over to them with two boxes under his arms, "I wanted to see you off. Sumia did too, but, well, mornings aren't always so kind to her these days."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Lucina frowned, "Give her my sympathies."

"I'll do that," Chrom nodded, "I also wanted to give you these."

The two opened the fine oak cases to reveal, "Swords?"

"This is of quite a fine make," Lucina gave the elegant rapier a few test swings, "Exceptionally balanced."

Robin likewise gave his ornate short sword a few practice swings, "Indeed. Quite ornate too."

"That one is an old sword. Used for the Exalt's chiefest advisors though Emmeryn didn't have any that really saw combat. Still, it's far from ornamental. I figured it might give you a bit of extra presence with the governors in addition to the wardrobes we provided.

"The rapier, unfortunately, isn't quite so storied, but I thought it only fitting I get you something to match. You are my emissaries after all."

"We won't fail you," Robin slid the sword into its sheath as Lucina strapped her own scabbard to her waist.

"I know. Just don't remember to enjoy yourselves. Traveling without a war breathing down your neck is a different experience. Savor it."

"We can…try," Robin got out, and Chrom decided he would have to take it.

"Alright, now have fun out there, kids."

Robin rolled his eyes, but helped Lucina up onto her horse before mounting his. Then they were off leaving Chrom to wonder just what was going to come of this plan.

"They were hardly worth our time, but they were dealt with soundly," The bearded general reported from his spot kneeling before his emperor.

"Good. I do detest so-called resistance fighters. Hiding in the shadows, striking like cowards before slinking back into the shadows. You have done well, Cervantes."

"Thank you, milord," The armored man stood and stepped back in line with the other generals. Yen'fay watched him, face rigid as stone. The Conqueror's breaker. His armored knights were said to be impenetrable, and that meant impressive defense as well as only Walhart himself having ever broken his line on the defensive or offensive. Walhart usually sent him to particularly hard to break locations or somewhere he really wanted protected. They could act either as a blunt force shattering enemy lines, or a wall upon which their enemies could break themselves.

Beside Cervantes stood Pheros. She stood as one of Walhart's division leaders. Whereas he liked to be able to move Cervantes around, Pheros generally maintained the Empire's rule in the midlands. All governors in those regions reported to her. She was known for her magical prowess, though her territory was not particularly volatile. That said, Yen'fay had partaken in a few skirmishes against her. She seemed to truly care about her troops.

Yen'fay himself, much to his surprise, was given rule of the southlands - historical Zofia. He was surprised to say the least, but the former king imagined it was some form of test to see how he would treat his former countrymen and neighbors. At the very least, Walhart seemed content to honor the first king's decree to some degree by allowing Chon'sin to exist under the Empire's rule. Of that, at least, he could take a small solace. Nations that resisted to the end were not treated so kindly.

The last one present was one he wished he had never met. Excellus. Walhart's chief tactician. A toad of a man that was less pleasant than his appearance let on. How he had ascended to his position one might wonder, but he got results. In the end, that allowed him to clime the ranks, but for those that knew the timeline, the Empire grew harsher in its dealings the higher in power he got. Not that Walhart had ever been gentle in his conquest.

These made up Walhart's top commanders, and the Conqueror had assembled them for some reason.

"With this, I firmly hold Valm under my grasp. Now, it is time to prepare."

"Prepare for what, my liege?" Pheros asked, curious as to what, in her mind, the greatest man to ever live had planned next.

"For more conquest. If I am to unite this world, we cannot stop at one measly continent. No, next, we are to move east."

"Ylisse," Pheros spoke, "I know it well. The halidom had become a land of peace under Exalt Emmeryn."

"She is dead," Walhart informed, "Her brother rules in her stead."

"Do we expect much resistance?" Cervantes stroked his beard in thought of savoring breaking a defensive line that was a bit more competent than a few resistance cells.

"Should not be anything we can't handle," Excellus cackled, "They just finished up a nasty little war. Even then, I doubt the Feroxi brutes will be a match for my genius. The other two, I hardly feel the need to mention."

"General Yen'fay," Walhart turned his gaze to his newest general, "You have been silent."

"Aye, I do not know much of these lands."

"As Excellus says," Pheros hated the mere idea of acknowledging that man was right about anything, "The Feroxi have a reputation as warriors, but there's is a harsh land with limited food for a prolonged war if isolated. As for the other two, after yet another war and Emmeryn's pacifist policies, I doubt they could pose much of a threat."

"Bah!" Cervantes grunted, "Pacifist nation. So much for a challenge. Still, these Feroxi might at least entertain me."

"And I doubt they will be too hard to outthink," Excellus cackled.

"So it is decided," Walhart pressed Wolf Berg to the floor, "Excellus, gather what information you can on our enemies. The rest of you, prepare for an invasion. We will need ships. More than we have. I have been preparing for this. The fleet should be ready to leave within fifteen months. Be ready."

"Yes, my conqueror!" They all replied in unison. As they left, Yen'fay had a bitter taste in his mouth. He did not desire to help subjugate another land, but his sister's life hung in the balance. He had hoped that at least this new land might have allies that could protect her, but, alas, it seemed they would fall rather easily. The Feroxi may have been warriors, but against the Empire's might and Excellus' sick mind, he doubted they would last. For to best them, he would look for both brawn and brains in sufficient measure.

He believed he would have to keep looking.

A/N: Say goodbye to Chrom. He won't be appearing for several chapters. Also, uh, Merry Christmas again!