"If I'm reading this map right," Robin looked at the parchment as his steed trotted along, "Our first stop is about a week away. One of the richer provinces being so close to the capital."

"Oh, do you think we should stop in town and buy something fancy to impress?"

"No!" Robin quickly hid his face behind the map again, "Er, that won't be necessary. Didn't Chrom send you some new armor?"

"Quite right. By the way, what did he give you to wear?"

Robin groaned uncomfortably, "I swear he's pulling my leg."

Lucina curiously looked down, "He's not here, nor is he pulling on your leg."

"It's an expression. Just…nevermind. Either way, I think we could make pretty good time," He hesitated for a moment, "Unless you want to take the scenic route. Maybe we could try and trigger a flashback?"

"I wouldn't want to be a bother."

"It's no trouble. Chrom wanted us to take a break, so let's go see what we can find."

"That sounds lovely. I'd love to."

"Wow, it's lovely," Lucina smiled in awe at the view at the top of the hill. Robin was content just watching her reaction, but he had to admit it was a great view too.

"Yes, I suppose it is. I thought you might like it," Robin sat down on the grassy ground.

"It's amazing," Lucina sat down next to him with a soft smile, "It feels so…fresh to me."

The tactician chuckled, "I can relate. With amnesia, it feels like everything is a new experience."

"That's true, but some things feel more new than others. I still get sensations of familiarity as well as emotions that I don't know the source of."

"Can't say I really struggle with that. Tactics seem to be just about all I remember with a few exceptions. What I can't remember is just…blank. Like it's not even there."

Lucina furrowed her brow at Robin, "Does it make you sad?"

Robin looked at her, her face aglow with the fading sunlight, "It did, but I'm making a new life for myself. Whatever happened before, I try not to let it get me down. For what it's worth, I'm happy here for the most part." Robin shrugged a little, "And it helps I've been so busy."

"I'm glad. About the new life part. I still get the feeling I forgot something important, but my time here with you and the others has been so happy that I'm not sure I want to remember." Pulling her knees up to her chest she thought about her eye and how it might ruin what she had.

"Hey," Lucina looked up to see Robin's grin, "Whatever your past, I'm sure we'll work through it. I'll help you through it however I can."

The bluenette swallowed, suddenly feeling very warm before letting herself smile back, "Thank you, Robin. That means the world to me."

After that, the two sat in a comfortable silence. At least, until Robin remembered they still needed to book some rooms for the night.

"Well, that's a large house," Lucina looked up at the large mansion. Decked out in her full armor, she better looked the part of a regal emissary. Robin, on the other hand, was dragging his feet, "Robin?"

"It's a bit gaudy, don't you think?" Robin groaned as he pulled on the collar of his fancier attire.

"I think you look dashing," Lucina smiled, adjusting his overcoat.

"I suppose I'm asking the wrong person,'" Robin huffed, folding his arms, "Let's just get this over with."

Entering the manor, they were greeted by two servants who guided them to a sitting room. Along the way, they were greeted to displays of opulence that even the royal palace did not show. Granted, they were hardly interested in flaunting wealth.

Even the sitting room was filled with gold and a large oil painting that looked ancient, though Robin could only guess who the green haired man and blue haired woman were meant to be. He had a good idea though.

Fortunately, the man of the house did not keep them waiting too long, and the emissaries stood to greet him.

"Duke Winson of House Mer," The green haired man smiled. His robes were green with gold trim and probably cost more than most men's whole wardrobes, "And you must be the famous Robin."

"You've heard of me?" Robin raised his brow.

"I'd wager there are few in Ylisse that haven't heard of our genius tactician, but, please, have a seat.

"I take it you're here to see how the reconstruction is going?"

"Yes. Chrom wants to make sure everyone is following the plan and to see how it is going."

"Well, I have nothing to hide. If our illustrious leader would like to check in, I have no reason to deny him."

"That is very hospitable of you," Lucina noted. She had been expecting something a bit more stuck up.

"The prince did end the Plegian war rather soundly," The man tipped his head to Robin, "With some help. Any minor policy disagreements can be worked around I feel given what he has done for us. In other words, he has earned some leeway."

"I see," Robin nodded as a maid poured the tea, "I see you've done well for yourself. How did you fare during the war?"

"As well as can be expected. The capital raid did us no favors being so close. The Exalt's sacrifice spared us a great deal I'd say."

Robin leaned back in his chair. He had not considered that in his analysis at the time. He was thinking strategically to achieve victory, but he had failed to consider the regions around the capital. He would have to amend that thinking.

"I have seen your reports. Your tax revenue is impressive, but despite the high population, you contribute few knights."

"Ah, that would be because I have few to spare. My family has always been more magically focused, and while we have had some distinguished military men, we focus more on the financial side of things."

"I see. Well, there's no draft, so it's nothing serious. Your contributions were still fairly generous."

"It is my honor. My house was once quite close to the Exalted line, though, relations soured with the prince's father. Exalt Emmeryn was a gracious lady though. A pity we did not always see eye to eye."

"I see."

"Well, in any case, you have full access to my records, and I do hope that you'll tour the territory."

"I'll do just that," Robin rose and shook the noble's hand once more, "Thank you."

"But of course. If I might be of assistance, just let me know."

"He was certainly cordial," Lucina spoke as she entered the library to find Robin surrounded by books, "And I checked. It seems he was not lying about a minimal military force."

"It's not as minimal as you think," Robin answered without looking up, "I've yet to see a butler or maid that didn't have some magic potential. I'd wager he's rarely undefended. Not that the duke himself lacks power."

"Really? I hadn't noticed," Lucina sat down across from her companion.

"It's my job to notice, to be fair. I suppose I should have expected as much. Rumor has it their family guards an ancient treasure. A tome of considerable power. Though, it has not been seen in action since the Schism."

"When did you learn this?"

"I've been brushing up on my history," Robin smiled, "It seems this family traces its heritage back to a friend of the Hero-King."

"'Hero-King?'" Lucina tilted her head.

"Yes. He's Chrom's ancestor, from before even Ylisse was founded. Or so the legend goes. Time can obscure many things."

"I see…. So what of his finances? Anything untoward?"

"I'm not exactly an accountant, but he seems to be carrying out Chrom's decrees. Even going further back, he's far from a thief. Though, the books from before his time in power seem notably absent. I wonder if he's cleaning up the family image."

"I'm glad he's not pocketing any of the money at least. I wouldn't want any of this to get ugly."

"Neither would I. Though, we're just here to report. We're also on direct order from the prince. I doubt any of them would directly mess with us. I don't think we have anything to fear. Besides, we have direct ties to two of the houses we'll be visiting."

"That's true."

"So," Robin closed the ledger, "Let's take a break."

After staying in some rather luxurious guest rooms, the pair took the duke up on his offer to tour his lands. While not as large as Ylisstol, there were several decent sized cities and towns in his region. All with thriving markets. Honestly, with as much money as seemed to flow, he was surprised the duke was not flexing more influence. Though, the markets were still recovering admittedly.

Though, there was at least one downside. One so heinous, it left him almost ill.

They had even more shops for Lucina to peruse.

Lucina had spent more than he dared ask buying "fashionable" and "cute" clothes and accessories that Robin felt bad for her savings. At the very least he convinced her that they should be sent back to the castle instead of carrying them on the road. He also considered including in his report a segment on how the packages should be "misplaced," but he was not one for such underhanded tactics.

That smile though. He could not bear telling her she looked hideous. She was just too happy, and it was almost contagious. It made him think too. Maybe he should kick back a little more and enjoy the new experiences. Maybe enjoy his little vacation a little more.

Pheros entered the throne room gingerly. Carefully. In her mind, this was the greatest of honors, even if it was something as mundane as delivering a report. Her Conqueror was standing at the back of the throne room. He was looking out one of the windows. That particular one looked out over the courtyard. The one with the statue of the First King.

"Report, general. How fares the plans for our invasion?"

"We will have mages aplenty, with several in reserve. I have heard Plegia is famous for its wyvern riders. We will be ready for them with a wall of magical might. Their pegasus knights might pose more of a problem though. I have spoken with Yen'fay about increasing our archer regiment."

"Good. Have there been any complications working with Yen'fay?"

"None of significance," Pheros shook her head, "He has been performing admirably. He is an excellent commander. Some of the men have had issues, but I have sorted that out in due time."

"Good. His men may be outsiders, but the First King himself gave them permission to settle here. I will see it honored so long as they do not stand in my way."

"You Truly honor the First King, don't you?"

"From the stories, he was a conqueror in his own right," Walhart looked at the statue of the man in armor with his sword held outward, "With little more than a sword in hand, he united the continent and slew a dark dragon."

"You speak of the fallen dragon, Duma?" Pheros made sure not to approach too close.

"Yes, the other he did not slay," Walhart turned and spied the general, "Some things few in this land know. There was another dragon. One dark and twisted. However, he fought valiantly and subdued the beast only for it to arise again and torment the world. It was subdued again, but it no doubt still remains, seeking to destroy our kind."

"Master, do you…speak of Grima?"

"The same. Few know of the First King's encounter with the monster, but I have read the accounts. I will not have some overgrown lizard thwart what we are doing here. As the First King before me, I intend to defeat the beast. Permanently, this time."

"I see. An endeavor worthy of your prowess. If I can assist in any way, simply say the word."

"For now, focus on conquering the continent. Once it is ours, we will seek out this monster to destroy it. I intend to bring this world to peace, by whatever means necessary."

"Of course, Milord, I look forward to it."

Walhart grinned, the normally positive expression almost horrifying on his stern face, "As do I."

A/N: Trying to explain why a pseudo Japanese culture is just…there when they weren't before.

Oh yes, as you may have noticed, I don't really use Tharja much if ever. That said, Noire doesn't necessarily have to pay the price. I could add her as just not a kid of a Shepherd. I decided to put it to a vote. Only on Ao3 though. FF doesn't like external links and it's easier to remove on the former when over anyway.

There was also an error in chapter two which I have corrected.