Chapter 9: Old friends.
She ran through the hallways, despite having been told many times not to. It was simply part of her nature—or at least, that was always her excuse.
The sound of hammers striking, people chatting, and an endless mix of laughter, relief, and safety surrounded her. Simply staying in the castle felt remarkably better than her previous lodgings.
"It's unbecoming of someone of your lineage," she often heard. But after the war and everything that had happened, she no longer cared. They were fools, people who had only drawn closer to seek shelter under the newfound stability of the crown. As she often reminded herself: "Humanity is a creature of two masks—gentle and kind at times, cruel and jealous at others. And yet, neither aspect makes it less important or less fascinating."
Those words echoed in her mind as she ran, proudly clutching an artifact in her hands. Her chest swelled with pride at the thought of witnessing humanity's kind and cordial face.
"There she is," said the elderly man when he saw her, his kind smile unwavering. She nodded repeatedly as she presented the artifact with pride.
"Yup! We confirmed it—there won't be any problems moving forward. With this, those bullies won't cause trouble again!" she exclaimed, handing over the item.
"Giving my tactician trouble, are you?" asked the young cobalt-haired man as he laughed with the elder. She puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms.
"No way! I just wanted to make sure everything was in order."
"I suppose there's no harm in double-checking," the elder sighed, taking a seat. "Still, it seems like every time we're about to rest, another threat looms over us."
"Tell me about it," the younger man muttered, holding the shield in his hands. "I just hope we don't have to rely on its power again... The Shield of Seals—will it endure after we're gone?"
"King Marth," the elder said, his tone reassuring. "The shield represents the connection between many things—the wills and powers of this world. It's not something that can be destroyed so easily."
"Bantu..."
"I know the battles with Medeus still weigh on you, but I assure you, even after we're gone, this strength will protect the continent."
"This continent? You speak as if Archanea will cease to exist."
"In name, perhaps. But this place will always remain part of our history's legacy. Let us hope that a certain young lady, instead of turning over every stone she finds, will take the time to document and preserve it all."
The young Tiki, still staring intently at the shield, suddenly looked up.
"Mar-Mar, do I really have to do something so... boring?" she asked, rolling her eyes.
"You don't have to," Marth replied with a chuckle, "but I'd like you to stay here for much longer. It would help bridge the gap between humans and other species."
"Hmm... fine," she sighed. "If Mar-Mar needs Tiki's help, I guess I have no choice."
"Thank you, Tiki," Marth said as he affectionately ruffled her hair. "I'm sorry to place this burden on you."
"Umm... no," she shook her head. "I was taught that what we carry should lift us, not drag us down. Filling the world with love and hope is the easiest thing to do."
"Oh? Hope? You understand it now?" asked Bantu.
"Every time I come out here and see everyone, I can feel it—in their gazes, the way they speak. Even in the strangest places, I see how they cling to hope," Tiki said, looking out at the villagers, their joy palpable despite the disapproving glances of certain nobles. Even their cold gazes seemed to hold a faint glimmer of noble hope.
"And have you experienced love?"
"...Love..."
Days, months, years, decades, centuries. She was barely touched by the passage of time. Even after Mar-Mar and the affection she held for him, she couldn't say it was "love" per se. It had been more of a childish infatuation born from a genuine and noble friendship.
Bantu, on the other hand, was a mentor she deeply respected. Yet he had never been able to truly explain the concept of "love" to her. Among both humans and manaketes, she could observe how they clung to the concept, but she had never felt it—not with the intensity that others described.
"Love? It really depends on what you mean by that," Robin said, looking up at the full moon.
"What?" Tiki asked, surprised. She had thought someone like Robin would know exactly what "love" was. After all, it was something that had always felt foreign to her, but now this man was telling her it depended on something? What did he mean? They had spent time together, taking a well-deserved rest in the hot springs, the Shepherds having taken the initiative to give the troops a break after the ordeal with Wallhart.
"Oh... sorry," Robin sighed. "It's just that... never mind. Forget I said anything. My answer will probably bore you, and it won't make much sense to someone as wise as you."
Tiki gave him a small tap on the shoulder, feeling irritated by the reverence he always showed her. Robin apologized, chuckling nervously.
"It's not funny."
"Sorry, Tiki, it's just... you know, the whole amnesia thing." Robin said, taking a bite of his apple. "I can only base what I feel now on what I've read, or at least from the books Anna brought me."
"Would you mind sharing what you think? Your perspective would be helpful," Tiki said, genuinely curious.
"Well..." Robin leaned against the railing, gesturing toward the group ahead of them. Following his gaze, Tiki could see Morgan and Lissa handing cookies to the deer that had wandered near them.
"I can say without a doubt that I feel the 'love of Storge' for my little Morgan," Robin said. "It's the love of family. I don't know Morgan that well, but she definitely remembers me with great affection. The honesty and sincerity in her voice when she speaks makes it clear that 'I' from her world must have cared for her deeply, and she grew up as a happy and cherished child. She's still fair and empathetic toward others. Thinking about how she grew up fills me with a pride I can't even express."
"Is that a type of love?" Tiki asked, intrigued.
"Family love. Actually, there's a philosophy in certain books that describe four types of love," Robin said. "Next is 'Philia'—the love of friends. I can say without a doubt that I feel that kind of love for every one of the Shepherds. They've cared for me and helped me in ways that no one else could. It's a loyalty and affection I couldn't have with others. Then... there's 'Eros'..." He sighed.
"Is it that bad?"
"It's not bad, but if I had to describe it... it's the kind of love Tharja expresses. It's not quite that love, though. It's passionate, even primitive, tied to sensual attraction."
"I... see... Tharja can be quite passionate," Tiki laughed. "And the fourth one?"
"That's the love I haven't found yet, at least for me" Robin said, taking another bite of his apple. "It's 'Agape'—unconditional love." He sighed. "I think the person most aligned with that kind of love was the Exalted Emmeryn..."
"...I see..." Tiki murmured, absorbing his words.
"Unconditional love toward others, in an altruistic way," Robin continued, pulling out another apple. He looked at the group enjoying the evening. "These are the types of love these philosophers describe. There are many ways to love, but they say if you can find all four in one person, that's your 'true love,' because it means you cultivated it and made it bloom with that person, keeping it alive. It sounds silly to think about it, doesn't it? Looking for something like that... Honestly, the more I think about it, I agree with Chrom.I´m ovethingkin? I-"
"N-No, that's not it!" Tiki interrupted, flustered. "I think... you're right. Love, like that, sounds... wonderful. Something you nurture, something that grows..." She blushed, realizing that Robin's description made her understand the concept a little better. There was no way to explain why her heart fluttered when she was near him. "You certainly have a clear concept of what love is, Robin."
"E-eh? Oh... of course," Robin stammered, his face flushed. "Though I feel like it just makes everything more complicated and harder to see clearly."
"How so?" Tiki asked, intrigued.
"It's... hard to explain," Robin said, scratching his chin. "These philosophers believe love is the second or sometimes the third strongest emotion in humanity..." He looked at Morgan again. "After all, the more we love, the easier it is for us to hate..." He turned to look at Tiki. "I think you, more than anyone here, understand that, don't you?"
"...Now I understand a few more things than before..." Tiki said with a sigh, leaning on the railing. "I certainly feel a bit wiser now after you told me this... but I'm still curious about what you said regarding love being the second or third strongest emotion."
"Oh, don't take me too seriously. I think they're mistaken, but it's a philosophical thought—very subjective at this point, but it's not without its arguments," Robin said, trying to sound more lighthearted. "After all, in this war, it's clear what they say about 'hatred being the longest-lasting emotion of humanity,' because man loves quickly, but hates slowly. We saw that firsthand with Grangel, how, even as a king, he kept the wound open in Plegia for his own selfish reasons."
"Well, that can be debated," Tiki said as she moved closer. "And the other emotion?"
"Fear."
"Fear?"
"Yeah, fear is another emotion they say is the oldest—not just in humanity, but in any living being. You don't need language, culture, or beliefs. Any living creature has fear. Just like a lioness uses fear to protect her cubs, she also feels fear when she can't feed them because there's no food. In my opinion, if you love someone so passionately that you fear for what might happen to them and come to hate those who would harm them to that point, then we could say that person loves that other with madness."
"...Didn't you just give Tharja the reason for that?" Tiki asked with a knowing look.
"Tharja is... a special case," Robin said, pulling away from the railing. "But that's my opinion on love. Sorry for straying from the topic. Compared to strategizing and thinking about tactics, these talks are a walk on the beach. Sorry for overwhelming you with so much information."
"Not at all... It's refreshing to hear this kind of thinking. Not just talking about trivial things, but important matters," Tiki said with a sigh.
"Maybe we should do it more often, then," Robin said kindly, tossing her the apple he had been holding.
"Robin?" Tiki asked as she caught the fruit.
"Sorry, I lost my appetite after seeing how much Morgan's buying from that street vendor... I feel like she'll want to try those snacks on me," Robin said with a smile. "I hope we can talk about these things more often. I hope I can tell my dear friend when I find someone I love madly."
Tiki smiled, looking at the stars above. "Maybe i already know who i madly love... Robin." she whispered.
Well, she could hear Mao'Mao laughing in the background, but the situation truly irked her.
Say'ri's face appeared calm, but the way she gripped her cup and leaned slightly toward her made it clear that she was watching her reaction carefully.
And how could she not?
They had arrived at this mansion a few days ago, and one of the maids had intervened before her lady could say anything further. For now, they had been moved to one of the guest rooms before the conversation could continue.
But had she heard correctly? Robin having an affair with such a woman?
In the past, the idea of Tharja shamelessly claiming a spot in his bed had hurt her deeply. The thought of that woman "tainting" him filled her with irritation. Imagining others, like Lissa or Lucina, sharing his space had been painful but tolerable to a certain extent. But now, hearing this young noble spouting nonsense and outright absurdities made her question what could truly be considered "inappropriate."
Tharja, for all her faults, was straightforward to a fault. She never held back. Yet, when it came to something truly important, even her sharp, brazen, and rude demeanor could shift. She had seen this happen with other people before.
Lissa, in contrast, was deemed "childish" by many—a princess who spent her time joking and disregarding social codes. To her, it had initially been puzzling, but as she got to know her better, she realized it was simply Lissa's way of helping others or "easing" their burdens. That so-called childishness masked the pain and sorrow she carried, and for that reason, it didn't bother her much.
Olivia, Sully, Cordelia, even Nowi—any of them would have been fine! Each had shown a unique and special affection for the tactician. In fact, it was remarkable how even Maribelle and Lucina had revealed a softer, more vulnerable side toward that man. So many women were hopelessly in love with him, and any of them would have made a great match.
Before, it had hurt to think she might lose him because of his duties or her own lineage as the "Voice of Naga." But this? Hearing this noble girl spouting such nonsense, as if it were nothing, was what truly enraged her. Her blood boiled at the thought of someone belittling Robin's legacy, treating his name as though it could be tossed around carelessly.
"Oh, you won't believe how perfect the moment was with my lord!" the girl chirped excitedly.
She knew full well that she was in the wrong, having trespassed on private property and eavesdropped on conversations she normally wouldn't care about. But hearing Robin's name invoked so casually, with such ridiculous claims, ignited a deep fury within her.
For a few minutes, she remained silent, listening to the noble girl's chatter. Yet, the moment she stepped into the room, the girl clammed up, stuttering out a series of flimsy excuses.
At least her father seemed to possess a functioning brain. Realizing the significance of the individuals in his home, he immediately rushed to attend to the Empress and the Voice of Naga, swiftly cutting off his daughter's foolish schemes before they could escalate further.
The days that followed saw the nobleman, Igrath Ron Castrol, housing them under strict hospitality. His daughter, Ingrid Ron Castrol, and her circle of friends were known as the aristocrats overseeing the port and its trade routes with the Longfort. Their positions had been appointed—not directly by Robin—to satisfy wartime commercial demands. Observing the surroundings, Tiki couldn't help but notice there were far more competent and trustworthy nobles who could have handled the role.
Why these ones, then?
It was simple. Political pressure and the need to establish quick stability during the war had placed them in an advantageous position. However, their grip on power was slipping, and it was only a matter of time before Chrom stripped away their privileges and rights, which they'd clung to for over a year.
But now, with the claim of a "child of Robin" present, the dynamics shifted dramatically. Such a scandal could grant them political leverage over the region, keeping them relevant for another generation.
The idea that the Grandmaster might have abused his position, only to have it spiral out of control, was a calculated move on their part. At the very least, it could secure them enough favors to avoid tarnishing Robin's and Chrom's hard-earned work in the area.
This was painfully clear to both Tiki and Say'ri, who had witnessed similar antics in districts outside of Tiki's control back in Valm. Virion, too, had faced equally absurd challenges in his territory. But to see the same nonsense occurring in Ylisstol? That was what infuriated her the most.
In the guest room, Tiki and Say'ri sat calmly, sipping tea while awaiting an explanation. Meanwhile, Mao'Mao prowled the room like a caged predator, unable to contain her outrage.
"THOSEMISERABLEBASTARDSTHINKTHEYCANINTERFEREWITHMYGODDESSANDHISLOVER'SPLANSFORFUTUREEXPANSION!?DAMNHUMANS!THEY'RESODAMNSTUPIDIFTHEYTHINKTHISINSULTWILLGOUNPUNISHED!" she ranted in a rapid, breathless mutter, biting her nail furiously as she paced.
"…Mao'Mao, could you calm down a bit?" Tiki said, taking another sip of her now-cold tea.
"Sasasasasasasasasasasasasasa," the manakete murmured, pacing back and forth across the room.
"I think we've lost her," Say'ri commented, arms crossed.
"Let's not give up just yet. She's just… in shock," Tiki replied, taking another measured sip.
"…And what about you? I expected… something more than just controlled breathing."
Tiki paused for a moment. "…If I'm honest? I want to scream in her face. I want to stomp my feet and spit fire just at the thought of her speaking ill of my dear Morgan and Robin. The audacity—to think she could exploit his name, his title, and everything it stands for… It's almost the same as what happened to Mar-Mar…"
"Sasasasasasasasa—geuk!" Mao'Mao attempted to slip away, but Tiki was quicker. With a swift motion, she grabbed the manakete by the collar of her kimono, pulling her back before she could ignite the place out of sheer rage.
"I appreciate your indignation on my behalf," Tiki said firmly, "but now is not the time to act so… impulsively. I ask you, please, to stay put and sit quietly in your chair."
"…Yes, my goddess," Mao'Mao muttered, bowing her head in reverence as she obediently took her seat.
Tiki sighed. This was precisely why Mao'Mao had been entrusted to Say'ri for a time. Manaketes were rare, and Mao'Mao was exceptionally intelligent, sharp, and composed. However, her loyalty bordered on the extreme. Even compared to Aversa's devotion to Robin, Mao'Mao's obsession was almost unfathomable. For now, Say'ri was tasked with helping her control those impulses, even arranging for priests to counsel her. But it seemed she had regressed the moment she overheard the rumor that Robin had "fathered" a noblewoman's child—something she had always sworn could never happen because, to her, Robin and Tiki were destined to be together.
Now, it looked like Mao'Mao was seconds away from setting the entire place on fire out of sheer fury.
Well, they would have to address that issue when they returned to the Mila Tree. For now, Tiki was more concerned with resolving the commotion at the castle.
If Chrom was going to let these spoiled nobles roam unchecked, then she would have to invoke her title as the Voice of Naga to put an end to this debacle that so thoroughly offended her sense of justice.
"Forgive the wait…" Igrath interrupted as he entered the room, followed closely by a very flustered Ingrid. "We… apologize for having to host you here, Your Majesty."
"Majesty?" Tiki thought, glancing toward Say'ri with a raised eyebrow. "Ah… that's right… I suppose…" The two exchanged knowing looks. As expected, they seemed to recognize Say'ri as a more public figure. Meanwhile, it appeared that the manaketes had been mistaken for her subordinates.
Well, they decided to take advantage of the small misunderstanding. When a couple of maids entered the room, they seemed more focused on attending to Say'ri than to the other two. It was clear they wanted to avoid causing any offense. The fact that Say'ri was served tea first, rather than Tiki, made Mao'Mao grit her teeth.
"My apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced from my staff or the residents," Igrath said, wiping sweat from the back of his neck. "W-What brings Empress Say'ri to King Chrom's domains?"
"I simply thought it would be nice to stretch my legs and visit this area," Say'ri replied as she began sipping her tea. "Chrom has been saying for months that these ports are particularly beautiful this time of year. I thought I'd take him at his word and visit while preparations are underway for this year's remembrance ceremonies for the fallen. It's unfortunate I couldn't attend Princess Lucina's celebration, though I doubt my absence was too disappointing, especially since this visit wasn't planned far in advance."
"Indeed... yes, we've had delays with the deliveries," Igrath responded, crossing his arms and averting his gaze. "There have been... unpleasant disputes with our Feroxi neighbors, not to mention the latest news…"
"Oh?" Say'ri arched an eyebrow. "What news, exactly?"
The nobleman folded his arms tighter, clearly uneasy. Just as Say'ri had predicted, he was weighing whether or not to divulge information. Sharing such details with a foreign dignitary could easily get him into trouble. Providing sensitive information to an outsider, even someone as celebrated as the Empress, might be considered treason under the worst circumstances. But on the other hand, Chrom himself described her as one of his own—a Shepherd who helped save the world from the Fell Dragon. Would sharing this information really be inappropriate? After a heavy sigh, he seemed to reach a conclusion.
"In recent weeks, we've had much to celebrate, but some people disagree with the amount of resources spent on ongoing projects," he began hesitantly. "On top of that, there's unrest stemming from the fact that the Grandmaster hasn't personally overseen these initiatives, which already carry significant risks to our influence. And, of course, there's the m—"
"The matter of our impending wedding, of course~!" Ingrid interrupted with an air of superiority, placing a confident hand over her chest, which she puffed out proudly. "Lady Say'ri, don't you agree that such a demand is reasonable? You were a close ally of Lord Robin, so you must understand how difficult my position is! Lord Robin has always been attentive, loyal, and devoted to our halidom, but surely his behavior cannot be excused forever, can it? As a woman, I'm certain you can relate to my predicament!"
"My child! You need to learn to hold your tongue and let the adults speak!" Igrath said nervously.
"Daddy! You know we can't back down now!"
"Ingrid, stop it! You can't act so spoiled in front of royalty," he said, trying to calm her down. "P-please forgive her behavior. She's just… a bit indulged by her mother," he tried to excuse.
"Interesting, are all the young women here in this part of Ylisstol like this?" Say'ri asked while taking a small sip from her tea.
"P-pardon?" Ingrid's expression twisted with confusion.
"Listen," Say'ri began, her tone even but cutting. "I would truly love to continue listening to whatever it is you think you're saying. I'd enjoy wasting my time on an impromptu script you've clearly rehearsed over the last few minutes to try and appeal to my 'good side.' But you don't seem to grasp something very basic here. Not only have you tangled with the wrong person, but you've also miscalculated your approach entirely." She paused, letting her words hang in the air. "Normally, my dear... assistant would start explaining exactly how and why you're wrong for taking this stance. But she…" Say'ri turned toward Mao'Mao, who wasn't just red-faced but glowing with a bright orange hue in her chest and throat, looking as if she was on the verge of unleashing a fireball. Tiki stood firmly in the way, the only barrier preventing destruction. "...is clearly in no condition to explain calmly right now. And frankly, neither am I."
"E-Empress Say'ri, what are you saying?" Ingrid stammered. "Perhaps I've made one or two mistakes, but I assure you there's no misunderstanding we can't resolve! Or is it…" She covered her smug grin behind her hand. "...that you're after Lord Robin as well?"
All three women's eyes widened at the audacious suggestion. They exchanged glances for a moment before bursting into hysterical laughter.
"W-what's so funny?" the noblewoman demanded. "I fail to see the humor here. Why else would you say such things? You're just trying to deflect, aren't you?"
"Little one, you have much to learn," Say'ri replied, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "First of all, you should understand that your scheming has nearly no effect on me—it only amuses or disappoints me. Let me remind you, I spent months under Robin's wing. He taught me how to handle situations like this, so I doubt you could outmaneuver me," Say'ri explained with a calm smile. "Secondly, you should first analyze everything before you. I haven't come here as the Empress of my nation. I came here as… a tourist guide. Or rather, a glorified babysitter."
"B-babysitter? Please! If you're going to lie, milady, at least make it believable!" Ingrid said, her voice tinged with anger she couldn't fully hide. "The great Empress, a 'babysitter'? Don't make me laugh!" She continued with her grin. "You might fool others, but not me. Why else would you come here unannounced? I think you, just like me, have fallen for the manipulations of Ylisstol's tactician. It's absurd to think otherwise. Being a woman, surely you understand my predicament, no? You must want him for yourself!"
"Hmm… yes, one could say we have something in common," Say'ri replied, smiling. "But it's not what you think. It's truly tragic how much you misunderstand, but I'll humor you. Let me repeat: I'm just a glorified 'babysitter.' Your inability to see that, and your failure to grasp your first mistake, is what's truly sad about this situation."
"Ha! Please, Lady Say'ri, if you're still insisting on this 'babysitter' charade, then whom exactly are you supposed to be taking care of?" Ingrid's gaze shifted toward the two women beside her. "I understand that manaketes are an endangered species, but I highly doubt any of these… misfits could ever stand on the same social level as Robin. It's almost as if you've surrounded him with young, beautiful women to control him and keep him to yourself. Am I wrong?"
Say'ri, who had maintained an unshakable calm until now, tilted her head slightly, as if assessing Ingrid's words with a mix of disbelief and amusement. Mao'Mao, however, looked ready to burst. Tiki still held her shoulder firmly, ensuring the young manakete didn't act impulsively.
"It's amusing how you continue piling mistakes onto your words, dear," Say'ri replied, her tone serene but edged with an invisible blade. "First, you assume these women to be mere 'nobodies.' Second, you underestimate the bond I share with Grandmaster Robin. And third…" Say'ri let out a soft, almost maternal chuckle, "…you dare suggest that a simple title or status could compel me to act so desperately. But I understand—it's difficult for someone like you to see beyond appearances."
Ingrid flushed, her irritation evident. "I'm not wrong! If you have no hidden intentions toward the Grandmaster, then explain yourself already. Why are you here?"
Tiki raised her hand, interjecting gently. "…I hope your eyes are sharper than your daughter's, Ingrath. Though from your silence, I assume you've already deduced the truth…"
"…then… we've made a mistake…" the noble sighed, his voice heavy with resignation. "…a terrible mistake… all because we failed to investigate properly…"
"Father? What are you saying? It's obvious she's personally interested in Robin, isn't she?" said the young noblewoman indignantly.
Her father, on the other hand, fidgeted uncomfortably as he glanced nervously at Tiki, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Pardon my impertinence, but my daughter's words hold some weight. I cannot comprehend why the Empress of Chon'sin would be here in such... personal circumstances, nor why she would designate herself as a mere 'nanny.' Unless..." His gaze shifted to Tiki. "...unless we're speaking of... the Voice of Naga..."
"Uh?"
"Oh? Bravo! I didn't think it would take you this long to recognize me," Tiki said with a mischievous chuckle. "Although... I must admit, I feel somewhat... disappointed."
"Only somewhat?" Say'ri thought to herself.
"P-pardon?"
"If I recall correctly, Robin made considerable efforts to protect endangered species, even doubling down on finding more taguels and manaketes to begin repairing the damage caused by past generations. I'm surprised it took you so long to reco—uh?" Tiki's words were cut short as the noble quickly pulled a report from among his belongings. Tiki took it from his hands to examine it. "...Oh... oh my."
"My Lady Tiki? What exactly is..." Mao'Mao leaned in, along with Say'ri, to get a look at the report. It appeared to be a document on protective measures that included illustrations to identify members of the Shepherds. Say'ri's entry included her portrait, but Tiki's was unmistakably superior in quality. In fact, if she didn't know it had been taken during a visit to the hot springs while she wore the local makeup, it might indeed have been hard to recognize her.
"Looks like my Lady is the favorite after all~," Mao'Mao teased.
"Mao'Mao..." Tiki sighed, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. It was true that the image highlighted her coquettish side, but she was fairly certain Robin had used it simply because it was the most accessible for Ylisstol's propaganda efforts.
"I see... So, the Voice herself has fallen prey to Robin's machinations," Ingrid said, her tone laced with disdain as a sneer formed on her lips. "If that's the case... perhaps I can help you, don't you think?"
"What do you mean?" Tiki asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Isn't it obvious? If the Voice of Naga is so hopelessly in love with Robin that even the Empress has to safeguard her position... it's clear she can't manage the poor reputation he's acquired. Or perhaps... it's because she can't be with him?" Ingrid's smirk grew smug. "I can almost see it now. The Voice's position is that of the spokesperson for the world's deity. Perhaps she can't be with Robin because it would grant her power rivaling the crown or the ancient bloodlines. Too many problems for a mere childish infatuation, wouldn't you agree?"
Mao'Mao's temple visibly throbbed as she struggled to keep her fury in check.
"Your point?" Say'ri asked, her tone even but laced with subtle impatience.
"Isn't it... sad?" Ingrid said, recovering her composure and breath. "The Voice of Naga, so deeply in love that she drags her friend, the Empress of Chon'sin, into this farce—a petty whim she shouldn't indulge in. How fortunate that I have a simple solution," she continued, gauging the manakete's reaction carefully. "What if I help the Voice of Naga? Wouldn't it be easier to have someone assist her here? I could be the one to bring her a measure of relief and joy in their lives. All I would need is her support in keeping this under control. Surely, being his mistress wouldn't cause so much trouble if it came to light, right?"
That was offensive on several levels.
Tiki had heard from some women before that nobles often resorted to underhanded tactics to "maintain appearances." For this particular noble, it was clear that her own status was the ultimate standard—one that she believed placed her "above" everyone else. She was outright dismissing Robin's achievements simply because Tiki bore the title of the "Voice of Naga."
A wave of nausea hit her stomach.
Using Robin like some kind of plaything? Who did this brat think she was?
In terms of status, as much as Tiki hated to admit it, she herself was at the very top as the daughter of Naga. But this girl? Compared to Robin, she wasn't anyone special. Not even remotely relevant, especially considering Robin held the title of "Grandmaster."
And then it dawned on her—Robin was still considered Plegian.
Was this girl about to use his heritage as a weapon to get what she wanted? Would she dare stoop so low as to exploit his ethnicity for her own gains?
The father looked mortified, his expression a mix of shame and disgust at his daughter's words—at least that's what it seemed like.
Tiki needed to think quickly. A brief glance at Say'ri showed she was also trying to find the best course of action. They'd stumbled into a despicable trap, one crafted by a girl who was deranged, immoral, and entirely narcissistic for believing she could manipulate Tiki in this way.
It was bad enough that they were in Ylisstol territory without prior notice, but to uncover such rot by mere chance was beyond what they had expected.
How to proceed?
Even if she revealed everything now, there were only a couple of people she truly wished to protect—both of them white-haired, waiting somewhere. The thought of Robin or Morgan being affected by this narcissist unsettled her deeply. She needed to choose her words carefully.
"YoulittledetestableratdoyouseriouslythinkyoucantreatLadyTikithisway?howdareyouthreatenherlikethatyoudespicablelowlyinsectIwontforgiveyoueverinthislifeorthenextyoulowlycreepingcockroach!"
It seemed Mao'Mao wasn't giving her the chance to think things through. She had been quiet for too long, it seemed. Having even a second more to think had proven to be a luxury.
"Excuse me? Could you try speaking in a language I understand? It's exhausting trying to decipher the nonsense you're barking out like a wild dog—it's incomprehensible," Ingrid said, her tone dripping with disdain. "Or is that the best education Valm has to offer?"
"How dare you?!" Mao'Mao retorted, regaining some of her composure. "There's no greater wisdom than that taught under the Mila Tree and in Chon'sin! The fact that you rely on such lowly, immoral tactics to gain power and prestige is proof enough of how far you are from being a decent person, let alone a noble, much less deserving of the presence of Master Robin or Lady Tiki!"
"Haaaah?! Are you insane? Or maybe you just don't know how to use the language you were taught? Honestly, I wouldn't expect much from a savage. But you really should stay quiet if you can't grasp the incredible offer I'm making to Lady Tiki. Not everyone would be so gracious to make such a proposal. But I'll make the sacrifice of being with that Plegian rat if it means granting Lady Tiki her wish."
"You're deranged! Do you seriously think she would ever agree to something like that?! I won't stand by and let you spout such absurdities!"
Tiki sighed as Mao'Mao's voice rose further, the two now openly arguing. Meanwhile, Ingrid's father seemed increasingly distressed and uneasy.
"...Are you not going to put a stop to this farce?" Say'ri asked, her tone sharp.
"...Her mother is the head of the household... Unfortunately, my daughter is technically the heir to these lands, since her mother isn't here right now. I am... an adopted member of the noble family. I'm only a noble in name... All I can offer is my sincerest apologies…"
"So... this is just a theatrical display?" Say'ri pressed.
"...I can't speak ill of my daughter or my family," the man said, his face a picture of anguish.
"What about your wife's plans?" Tiki asked, her eyes narrowing.
"I can't speak ill of my daughter or my family," he repeated, his voice hollow and resigned.
"Well, then—" Tiki stopped mid-sentence when something wet hit her. She turned, startled, and saw that Ingrid had thrown tea, apparently aiming for Mao'Mao. Out of instinct, Mao dodged the liquid, but with the Voice of Naga standing directly behind her, there was no way to avoid it. Distracted as she was, the tea splashed all over Tiki. Mao turned to look at Tiki, then Ingrid, then back to Tiki, and finally at the nobleman.
"O-Oh... oh dear, I...," Ingrid coughed into her hand nervously. "W-What an unfortunate accident. M-My deepest apologies, I didn't mean—"
Mao'Mao froze for a moment before a grin crept across her face, wide and dangerous.
"For the love of the gods, INGRID! WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT PULLING STUNTS LIKE THIS?!" bellowed the nobleman, his face red with fury.
"I-You can't talk to me like that! A-And besides, it's not my fault!" Ingrid stammered, attempting to deflect blame.
Mao'Mao bared her teeth.
"Oh, great. Here we go again..." Tiki muttered as she exchanged a quick glance with Say'ri. The Empress nodded and swiftly moved to open the windows while she scanned the garden below, where a handful of servants were tending the grounds.
"YOU THERE! GET OUT OF THE GARDEN IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET TORCHED!" Say'ri shouted. The servants looked confused, but Say'ri's voice rose sharply. "NOW!"
"E-EXCUSE ME?! WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN—" Ingrid began to protest, but Tiki silenced her with a glare.
"Dear, I don't want to hear another word from you right now. I'll deal with you later," Tiki said coldly, scooping up Mao'Mao, who now had a distinctly bluish hue to her face. With Say'ri's help, they carried the girl to the window and positioned her head outside. The garden below was now empty.
"Is there a statue you consider the cheapest or least valuable?" Tiki asked.
"Eh? Well, the one near the overlook is a gift from some relatives, but it's fairly common, so—" The nobleman barely managed to answer before Mao'Mao opened her mouth. Though still in her human form, her head briefly shifted into its draconic shape as her throat swelled. She unleashed a blazing indigo fireball that streaked toward the designated statue. Despite the seemingly chaotic way Mao'Mao was handled, it was clear both Tiki and Say'ri had experience using her as a "human weapon."
Once the fireball hit its mark, they set Mao'Mao down on the floor. Smoke continued to curl from her mouth as she panted, and Say'ri gazed at the scorched garden, still visibly rattled by the destruction.
"...Excuse me, but I believe I need to check the damages... If you'll pardon me," Say'ri said, leaping out the window to assist the shocked servants.
"Well, I suppose this concludes our conversation for now," Tiki said as she began wiping her face with a cloth. "However, given the circumstances, we'll need to take certain measures. We'll resume this... discussion at a later time. For now, I must insist that you speak with your daughter before she attempts to threaten or provoke my friends again."
With that said, Tiki took Mao'Mao by the waist and leaped out the window, following Say'ri. The empress was already attempting to give instructions to the servants who were still working to extinguish the remaining flames around the old statue. Meanwhile, Tiki could feel Mao'Mao trembling with anger again, her frustration resurging.
"Thosewretchedincompetentsdaredtobesmearcherface,I'llnevergivethemforgivenessineitherthislifeornextforsuchsacrilege," the young manakete muttered rapidly under her breath.
"Mao'Mao," Tiki sighed, her voice calm but firm. "You were doing a good job controlling yourself earlier, but if you keep reacting like this to everything, I'm afraid this journey might not be possible for us to continue."
Mao'Mao bit her lip and remained in silence for a couple of minutes, letting her anger die down, her shoulders slumping in shame. She gestured for Tiki to let her be for a moment, stepping a few paces away and rummaging through her bag. Before anyone could say anything, she retrieved a small orb alongside her dragonstone. Transforming quickly, she hurled the orb into the air with all her might and followed it with a burst of her fire breath, striking it dead on.
The courtyard was momentarily filled with the light of the explosion, followed by a gentle cascade of white ash drifting down like snow.
"...Lady Tiki is right," Mao'Mao admitted softly, her tone laced with embarrassment. "I learned so much from Lady Say'ri... yet I forgot how to control my emotions back there. It's just that..." She shifted back into her human form. "I was so excited at the thought of Lady Tiki and Master Robin finally being together. After everything they've been through, there's no one more deserving of each other. So hearing that brat say such vile things... it really got to me."
"I understand," Tiki replied, placing a comforting hand on Mao'Mao's head. "But remember, you mustn't let yourself get carried away like that."
"Ugh... how embarrassing..." Mao'Mao groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Now I can't even brag to Master Robin about the progress I've made while he was gone."
"I'm sure he'll understand. There's no way he'd hold this against you," Tiki reassured her with a gentle smile.
"...Tiki?" a familiar voice suddenly called out. Tiki had already noticed the sound of pegasus wings approaching, but she hadn't expected to hear that voice. Turning, she spotted one of her dear friends, her wide, joyful smile breaking into an excited laugh. She wasted no time running up to embrace her as soon as she dismounted her pegasus.
"Cordelia! It's been so long!" Tiki said, her laughter brimming with happiness. Despite the months they'd spent apart, the usually composed and gentle Cordelia seemed... distant? Troubled, maybe? It wasn't that she appeared unhappy to see her, but something was clearly bothering her.
"Tiki... i-it has been too long, hasn't it?" Cordelia replied nervously, her smile strained as her fellow knights began landing behind her. "Why are you here? And that... that fireball?"
"We had... a minor mishap," Tiki explained, waving it off. "It was just a foam containment orb we use to prevent fires from spreading. I'll handle cleaning up the residue later, whatever the servants can't manage. But tell me, I'm far more curious about what brings you here."
"Ah, well, you know... duties as the leader of the Pegasus Knights. Lots of responsibilities," Cordelia replied with a nervous laugh.
Tiki stepped closer, her tone turning teasing as she leaned in to whisper in her friend's ear, "...Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain rumor about a supposed child of Robin mysteriously appearing at a certain noble's house, would it?" Cordelia jumped back, her face flushing scarlet.
"Well, I didn't realize this sort of thing fell under the purview of the Pegasus Knights' captain, but I'd love to hear why this is one of your new assignments~," Tiki teased further, her playful grin widening.
"There's so much to discuss, but..." Cordelia cast a quick glance around, her wariness evident. Despite the small crowd, she seemed concerned about prying ears. "...There are some things we need to catch up on... privately."
A few days had passed, and small inconveniences kept cropping up in the castle. Maribelle was undeniably anxious, even nervous, about Cordelia's findings. While it had only been a couple of days since Cordelia left to investigate the noblewoman, Maribelle knew she had to finalize the preparations before the end of the month.
From gathering witnesses and compiling testimony paperwork to analyzing reports from her spymaster, every meticulous detail was indispensable. The main issue, however, lay in approaching this from a highly tactical and structured perspective. Drafting an outline for her opening argument to counter any slander was no small feat. The biggest problem was that she couldn't fully address everything concerning the accused individual.
Naturally, as long as Robin remained absent, there would be no substantial defense. The primary line of defense was more exposed than Tharja's neckline. If she had to be honest, she didn't feel prepared for this at all.
For a long time, Robin had spent countless hours overthinking ways to protect the kingdom during the two years of peace they had before Wallhart's invasion. At least that period provided a wealth of information about his thoughts and future plans. After hearing Lucina's story, he began implementing strategies to restore supply chains and resources, strengthening trade routes. Above all, he put on paper what needed to be done in case he was no longer around. He devised plans to counter fraudulent inheritance claims, even covering potential paternity disputes concerning Chrom or Sumia's pregnancy.
It was heartbreaking to think he meticulously prepared strategies to protect each of his friends, yet in all his notes, he never considered protecting himself or any potential descendants he might leave behind.
The notes from the peacetime period were telling. But those written after Lucina's arrival painted an even clearer picture. Across those three years, he planned how to safeguard everyone but himself. That was the most tragic part.
Maribelle felt a pang in her chest as she read in detail how Robin poured himself into ensuring the well-being of others. She couldn't understand why he hadn't included himself. Did he believe no woman was worthy of being his partner? No, that wasn't like him. It seemed more as if he believed he would never find someone who would want to stay by his side.
One of the few things she knew about Robin, which many overlooked, was how little he thought of himself. It embarrassed her to remember how, in the few personal notes she found, he described her as serious, a bit pompous, but ultimately kindhearted.
Maribelle had developed thick skin for criticism. However, remembering how haughty she had been about social class during her early days with the Shepherds, even unintentionally being rude to Robin, filled her with guilt. And despite that, Robin still held her in high regard. That thought often kept her awake at night—knowing that, while he cared so deeply for others, he never saw himself as deserving of care in return.
"Nngh…" A small groan interrupted her musings.
The source of the noise came from a little otter curled up on her stomach, protesting the candlelight she had lit in the room. Maribelle quickly moved the candle farther from the bed as Morgan stirred, displeased with the sudden new source of light.
They were in Robin's quarters, supposedly having a girls' sleepover. But at that moment, only she and Morgan were still there. Seeing Morgan nestled up, curled in a ball with her head resting on her stomach, sleeping peacefully, was the most heartwarming sight Maribelle had seen all week.
With all due respect to little Princess Lucina and her younger sister, Morgan had just stolen the title of her baby.
It was strange. Maribelle had never seen herself as the motherly type. She didn't consider herself a bad person, but her stern and combative nature didn't seem compatible with motherhood.
Sipping from a glass of wine she had brought from her hometown, she sat under the moonlight, reviewing Robin's contingency plans. She regretted lighting the candle when Morgan grumbled about the unexpected brightness, causing the girl to shift and cling to Maribelle even tighter.
"My goodness, what a spoiled and pampered little thing we have here," Maribelle whispered with a soft smile.
"Your fault…" Morgan mumbled sleepily. "They haven't arrived yet?"
Setting her wine glass on the nightstand, Maribelle began absentmindedly playing with Morgan's white hair, who responded with small, contented noises.
"Lissa's busy with Sumia. I think little Lucina threw a fit when they tried washing her penguin pajamas. Lucina and Cynthia must be with them. Sully is filling out the troop reports for the day. Olivia, I believe, is rehearsing for her next performance. Tharja... well, she's occupied, so I suppose that leaves us with a bit of alone time," Maribelle said, swirling her glass. "Severa and Nah… they're with Nowi. For some reason, she doesn't want to part from either of them."
"Nowi's gotten very maternal with them," Morgan added.
"I'm surprised she hasn't come to you for that," Maribelle remarked, taking another sip of her wine.
"Oh, I told her not to worry about me and to focus on spoiling the two of them until Cordelia returns."
"Pardon? Why would you ask her that, dear?"
"Well, Nah can always be close to Nowi, but Severa… she's on her own for now. If they've been hiding here for over two years, I suppose she feels more comfortable with her than with me. So, for now, I don't want to separate them… Plus, while I'm on 'house arrest,' I can't spend much time with them anyway."
Maribelle paused to think. The situation was certainly pressing, but it was unfair on so many levels. Like her father, Morgan prioritized the mental and physical health of others. A wide smile spread across Maribelle's face upon hearing this.
"Well, it seems little Morgan has grown up a bit," she said, taking another sip of her wine.
"Eh? Does that mean I can have some of that now?" Morgan asked, turning her face toward her.
"Not nearly enough, dear. You've got at least five more years—and ten extra if I have any say in the matter."
"Heeeh… So I'm old enough to suffer like a lady but not old enough to drink? That doesn't seem fair," Morgan pouted.
"Of course, it wouldn't be fair. After all, no one has taught you how to drink yet, and you're far too young for it anyway. I could offer you a glass of that sweet orange juice, but nothing more, my dear," Maribelle said with a hint of smugness.
Finishing her glass, she placed everything back on the nightstand and glanced at the old wind-up clock, which showed it was well past midnight. It seemed unlikely the other girls would arrive. Fortunately, there were only a couple of days left before the first hearing. With any luck, it would also be the last. She hadn't heard anything from Cordelia yet, but she trusted her to bring back good news. Now, her focus had to be on Robin's defense.
"You're blushing," Morgan observed.
"Pardon?"
"Are you drunk?" Morgan giggled. "I didn't know you had such low tolerance."
Maribelle rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe that just the thought of Robin combined with a single glass of wine was enough to make her blush. It was fortunate she had already prepared to sleep in that bed. While her noble upbringing would never have condoned her sleeping in a man's bed without being married, she was willing to make an exception to the rule—thinking of Morgan as her potential future daughter made it more acceptable. They were simply "bonding."
Gently stroking Morgan's head, she blew out the candle and pulled the girl closer to settle her into the bed.
"Maribelle?"
"Darling, it's terribly late. I'll send someone to call for them in the morning. Instead of a sleepover, we'll have a delightful morning with a breakfast worthy of your palate. For now, let's take this moment to rest. We've got a very busy Monday ahead of us. So, for the next three days, my job is to spoil you and treat you with all the love possible. Be aware of just how lucky you are, my dear," Maribelle said as she hugged her.
"Heh…" Morgan snuggled closer and returned the embrace.
Hello, everyone! Happy Holidays! This is Shidesu.
Wow, it's been a while since my last post, and I believe this will be the final one of the year. I'll keep it brief and share a few notes and announcements.
First of all, thank you so much for reading the story! I know this time of year can be busy for everyone, so I deeply appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you've enjoyed the story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Once the new year begins, I'll summarize my projects and aim to release more chapters. This year has been quite hectic, but I'm looking forward to sharing even more with you in the next one.
On another quick note: I've received commission offers. I want to say thank you for your trust and interest, but I must clarify that at the moment —and in the foreseeable future— I am not in a position to request commissions. I truly appreciate artists seeking to showcase their work and wish them all the success in the world. Keep creating amazing art!
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you, my loyal readers. I started this profile several years ago to write stories —sometimes short, sometimes long, good ones and not-so-good ones— and it's amazing to see you've stayed with me on this journey. Thank you for sticking with me through the ups and downs. I bow deeply in appreciation and hope to see you again next year.
Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.
See you in January, Shidesu out!