Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

4/15/1180 IY

The beginning of each new school year was the same. Starting on the first of the Great Tree Moon, students had a few days of orientation and acclimation to life at the Officer's Academy of Garreg Mach Monastery, and an introduction to basic combat. This was always followed by a special hike towards the outskirts of Remire for an exercise of tactical drills in the wilderness at night. At sundown, the students split into small teams and were challenged to complete a set of obstacle courses and maneuvers, while racing against the clock and their peers. 

The Class of 1181, however, had a small snag in operations.

Claude clearly outpaced his fellow house leaders, easily darting through wooded and tangled terrain as though he were a bird on the wind. Dimitri barreled gracelessly behind at some distance, trampling and breaking anything that might bar his path, Edelgard hot on his heels. The three had been separated from the rest of their team when bandits waylaid them during some argument about which direction they should be heading. Claude quickly decided that maybe Lorenz was right, and south towards Remire was definitely the best option after all.

There was that weird perspective again. Byleth was sure this is what an out of body experience would feel like, dream or not. How many times had she seen the same stormy battlefield? It wasn't always clear; the whirling and blurring of faces, cries of both the fighting and the wounded, and that strange, red glow that would occasionally cloud her vision. This time, the scene went on longer. She caught a glimpse of pale green hair and lilies, before she felt herself whirling around again. And then stillness. 

"He's gone now mother."

Who, me? Last I checked, I wasn't a mother. She thought. Then another shift. Jarring visions of incomprehensible times and places. Then like always, the young girl on a distant throne. This time, however, the girl spoke to Byleth.

"Oh my." She yawned. "What could have brought you here?" The girl, hair a long mess of shaggy green, leaned forward in her uncomfortable-looking chair.

Byleth just stared for a moment, unsure how to answer, or if it even mattered if she did.

"It is most rude to interrupt a moment of repose." Another yawn. "Very rude indeed. Now come to me. I wish to have a look at you." She motioned, to which Byleth could only blink for a moment, before stepping hesitantly into the light.

"I haven't seen the likes of you before. Who are you?" The girl asked expectantly.

This is definitely still a dream. This is definitely still a dream. Byleth thought to herself.

"Uh. A ghost." Byleth answered.

"Do not deceive!" The strange girl chided. "You would do well to keep your wit in line. You must have a name of sorts."

That threw Byleth for a moment, but she simply answered with her name.

"Hah! I don't think I shall ever become accustomed to human names. And your date of birth?"

This girl was getting strangely personal. Was this a job interview nightmare?

"The first of the Great Tree Moon." Another curt response.

"Ah, well wonders never cease! It seems we share our day of birth! How strange…"

Okay, why am I dreaming about you again? This is getting ridiculous.

"This all feels so… familiar. But I… think it's time for another nap. It is almost time… to… begin..." The girl barely finished her sentence before she dozed off, and then everything went black.

"Hey, time to wake up." A gruff voice, one Byleth knew; her father.

"Begin what?" Byelth asked aloud. She awoke to find herself on the makeshift cot she'd fallen asleep on, still in her armor. "Oh, she's gone."

"Were you having that dream again?" Jeralt crossed his arms.

"Yeah. The same battle, but I keep seeing and hearing more. Father, the girl…she spoke this time." Byleth trailed off as she stood, gathering what little possessions she had.

"Just put that out of your mind for now. The battlefield is no place for idle thoughts; letting your mind wander is a sure way to get yourself killed." It was something of a reprimand, but her father's voice was laced with concern. "Alright, it is time to get a move on. It is almost dawn, and everyone else is already waiting for the order to move out."

Before Byleth could respond, another of their company rushed into the room, unannounced.

"Jeralt! Sir! Sorry to barge in, but your presence is needed."

"What's happened?" And just like that, Jeralt snapped into command mode. Without waiting for an answer, he strode out the door, the messenger quickly stumbling after Jeralt to lead him downstairs.

It was peculiar. Three young folks -- couldn't have been past their teens -- all slightly out of breath. Byleth took note of their weapons and unusual uniforms, wondering if they were part of a different mercenary company; they certainly didn't belong with hers. The tallest of them spoke first; the boy with fair hair and a blue capelet.

"Please forgive our intrusion. We wouldn't bother you, were the situation not dire." He bowed, Byleth thought that was odd.

"What do a bunch of kids like you want at this hour?" Jeralt demanded. 

"We're being pursued by a group of bandits. I can only hope that you will be so kind as to lend your support?" The same boy replied.

"Bandits? Here?" Jeralt was getting impatient. This time, the girl cloaked in red stepped forward to respond.

"It's true. They attacked us while we were at rest in our camp." Byleth thought these kids seemed awfully calm about this. They were a bit young for mercenaries, sure, but that was the only explanation she could think of.

"We've been separated from our companions and we're outnumbered. They're after our lives, not to mention our gold." The boy in yellow with wild hair spoke at last. 

"I'm impressed you're staying so calm, considering the situation. I- wait, your uniforms…" Jeralt finally slowed down long enough to notice. Byleth thought for sure they were mercs, now, if Jeralt recognized them. He wasn't able to elaborate before another of their comrades interrupted.

"Jeralt! Bandits have been spotted just outside the village! And damn if there aren't a lot of them." 

"I guess they followed you all the way here. We can't abandon Remire, now." Jeralt's admonishing tone was both directed at these strangers and his men. He turned to Byleth. "Come on, let's move. Hope you're ready." And with that, Jeralt made for his horse.

Jeralt barked orders at his men, moving them into position in the forest on the outskirts of town. An ambush. Instructing the strangers and Byleth to follow him, Jeralt made his way to the main road entry.

"Make use of the brush here to protect yourselves, and strike when the enemy comes close enough." Jeralt motioned to the terrain ahead.

Byleth recognized this method of instruction, and wondered why Jeralt was choosing to employ it now. Surely it wasn't directed at her; she'd already seen her fair share of skirmishes. Perhaps he just didn't trust that these kids knew what they were doing. Some mercenaries. Byleth shrugged it off, motioning the kids to follow her into the thicket while Jeralt remained on the main road.

It didn't take long for bandits to show themselves. As Jeralt expected, they were forced to funnel onto the main road as a result of his forces flanking them from within the woods. Byleth was the first to make a move, lunging forward and planting a sword into a bandit's side. The others quickly followed suit, although Byleth noticed they lacked any sort of cohesion as a group. The tall boy was particularly reckless, whilst the other two seemed to be holding back. Byleth found herself getting a bit sloppy in an attempt to keep these three from getting themselves killed. 

"You! I'll kill you where you stand!" The most well-armed of the bandits had cornered the girl in red, charging with his axe held high.  Taken aback, the girl pulled a dagger from her side. What does she hope to accomplish with a dagger against an axe? Not thinking, Byleth rushed forward to shove the girl out of harm's way, and then, there was nothing. No pain. No axe. No battle.

Byleth thought she'd died, but she was still seemingly breathing. A black emptiness surrounded her. What on earth had just happened?

"Honestly! What are you accomplishing with that little stunt!"

That voice- impossible . Byleth turned around to find herself face to face with the green-haired girl on the throne. Had this entire morning been within the dream?

"It's like you're trying to get me killed, you fool!" The girl let out a heavy sigh. "Well… it's fine . If you don't know the value of your own life, you aren't going to protect it very well, are you?" Her tone was so condescending. Squinting, Byleth stepped forward as the girl stood- no, floated- , laughing to herself. "Well! I guess it's up to me to guide you from now on!" She clasped her hands together. Byleth didn't like where this was going.

"Who are you?" Byleth finally asked.

"You can call me Sothis. But I'm also known as 'The Beginning'." She seemed so sure, so high-and-mighty, but then the girl paused. "Hm. Yes. That's it. My name is Sothis."

Byleth stared, slack-jawed. Had this girl just made up a name on the spot?

"But why am I also called 'The Beginning'? Who once called me that?" The girl was seemingly ignoring Byleth now as she pondered her existence.

"What are you on about?" Byleth finally interrupted, snapping the girl back to her senses.

"I was not able to recall my name… until just now. And just like that, it came to me? How odd."

Byleth kept staring.

"Wipe that look off your face. Did you think me a mere child who forgot her own name?!" Now the girl was incensed. "Phooey! That 'child' just saved your life! And what does that make you?"

"Apparently less than a child?" Byleth was beside herself at this point.

"Correct! You understand!" This girl's moods swung so quickly it damn near gave Byleth whiplash. "You threw yourself before an axe to save just one young girl! Yet all is well, as I have stalled the flow of time, for now. You would have died had I not intervened."

"You mean… this is not a dream?" Byelth asked.

"Hm, I do not hear your gratitude. Perhaps I should force you to leave?" When Sothis didn't get an answer, she continued her scolding. "No, this is no dream. Although I am unsure how, I exist within you. And you saw fit to end both our lives by taking an axe to your head!"

"I- thanks?" Byleth was sure not dying sounded nice, but she still couldn't quite fathom what was happening.

"Is gratitude so much to ask? I did deem you worth saving after all." Nevermind that the reason Sothis saved Byleth was to save herself. "Though this is only momentary. To be frank, I'm not sure how I managed that…" There Sothis went with her pondering once again.

"So what now?" Byleth stepped forward, trying to get some answers.

"When time begins again, the axe will tear into your flesh, and you will surely meet your end. How rude of you to drag me into this! Now what to do…" Sothis seemingly was muttering to herself rather than addressing Byleth directly. Nevertheless, Byleth offered a suggestion.

"Turn back the hands of time? If you can pause it, surely you can reverse it."

"Of course! Turn back the hands of time!" Sothis had her back turned, acting as if she'd hadn't heard Byleth and had come to the conclusion on her own. Quickly spinning mid-air, she put her fist to her palm in a resolute gesture. "Yes… I do believe it can be done! You know, you really are troublesome, Byleth. I cannot wind time back too far, but all is well. You are now aware of what's to come, which means you can properly protect yourself this time. Now go… Yes, you who bears the flames within. Drift through the flow of time to find the answers that you seek…"

Byleth hardly had time to question why Sothis started in on her riddles again, before she was sucked into the vortex of time, to the moment the girl in red unsheathed her dagger before the charging bandit. Almost on instinct, Byleth leapt forward and deflected the axe with her sword, sending it and its wielder flying in opposite directions. In a panic, the bandit scrambled to his feet and ran back towards the forest.

"Hey… did you just-" Jeralt rode up, but was once again cut off. This time, a group of knights burst onto the field of battle.

"The Knights of Seiros are here!" A rather plump fellow announced with far too much pride. "We'll cut you down for terrorizing our students!" He paused when he noticed the aforementioned bandits in disarray, fleeing for their lives. "Hey! They are getting away! After them!" He shouted, directing his platoon after the stragglers.

Jeralt simply shook his head in defeat. "Why him?"

Byleth cast a curious glance to her father.

"Ah thank goodness the students seem unharmed, and who do we have to thank for- Captain Jeralt?! Goodness, it's been ages! Do you recognize me?" The portly stranger enveloped Jeralt in an awkward bear hug as the latter dismounted.

"You haven't changed a bit, Alois. Just as loud as ever."

"What happened? It must have been twenty years ago now, that you went missing without a trace! I just knew you were still alive, Captain!" Alois put Jeralt down.

"Drop that 'captain' nonsense. I'm not your captain anymore. These days I'm just a wandering mercenary, and one with work to do. Goodbye, old friend." Jeralt turned to examine his horse as Alois nodded solemnly.

"Right… goodbye, Captain." Alois shook his head, and then shook it again to rouse himself from his dejected state. "No, wait, this isn't how this ends! I insist that you return to the monastery with me!" At that, Jeralt froze, then sighed in defeat.

"I suppose this was inevitable." He turned and put a hand on Alois' shoulder. "All right, but only to see the students returned to safety."

"Excellent!" Alois nearly clicked his heels together, jumping in excitement. He turned to Byleth, who had been watching awkwardly for the entirety of this exchange. "And what about you, kid? You a part of Jeralt's company?" He beamed.

"I am Jeralt's daughter." Byleth said matter-of-factly. 

"Well, is that so? Physical differences aside, you certainly share his mannerisms. I'd love for you to see the monastery, too! You will join me, won't you?"

Byleth nodded, and Jeralt sighed. This is not how the morning was supposed to go.

"Aw, what's troubling you, Captain? You aren't about to run off again, are you?" Alois chuckled.

"Even I wouldn't dare run from the Knights of Seiros." Jeralt shook his head, motioning for Alois to follow. "Come, I'll need to inform the men that plans have changed, and I won't be accompanying them to Faerghus. And I have you to blame for that."

Byleth watched curiously as her father and Alois sauntered off to the regrouping mercenary troup. She wasn't left to her own thoughts for long, however.

"You know, the Knights of Serios do seem rather skilled." Sothis' voice came from seemingly nowhere, startling Byleth. "Quit looking around like a fool; those children require your presence. Get going!"

The girl in red approached, her two companions just behind.

"I appreciate your help back there. Your skill is beyond question. You're clearly an experienced mercenary. And your father… that would be Jeralt, the Blade Breaker? Former Captain of the Knights of Seiros, oft praised as the strongest knight to have ever lived. Have I missed anything?"

"The Knights of Seiros?" Byleth repeated. She kept hearing that name, but had somehow never heard it before. Another merc group? The girl in red seemed shocked at Byleth's ignorance.

"You… haven't heard of the Knights of Seiros? The most famous order of knights in all of Fódlan?" When Byleth shook her head, the girl responded again. "How curious. I'd wager the explanation for that is fascinating indeed."

"That it is, Edelgard." The boy in yellow replied, before turning once again to Byleth. "Hi, I'm Claude, pleasure to meet you." He held out a hand to shake, but Byleth didn't take it. Claude awkwardly put his hand to his side. "You are coming with us to the monastery, right? I'd love to bend your ear as we travel! I should mention that the three of us are students at the Officer's Academy, there. We were out doing some training exercises when those bandits attacked, and I definitely got the worst of it." He made a face, rubbing at one of his arms.

"That would be because you ran off." Edelgard snarked.

"Too true!" Claude laughed, crossing his arms behind his head as if he'd not been hurt after all. "I was the first to make a strategic retreat! Everything would have worked out if you two hadn't followed me and ruined everything. Because of you, every single one of those bandits chased after us. Utterly ridiculous." He shook his head.

"Is that what you were thinking, Claude? And here I thought you were acting as a decoy for the sake of us all." The tallest one interjected.

"Dimitri, his intentions were as clear as day. You will prove a lacking ruler if you cannot see the truth behind a person's words." Edelgard chastised.

"You will prove a lacking ruler yourself if you look for deceit behind every word." Dimitri retorted.

"Oh joy. A royal debate between Their Highnesses. I wonder how being completely predictable affects one's ability to wield power. Personally, as the embodiment of distrust, I'd say your little exchange smacks of naiveté. Claude sassed, clearly antagonizing them.

"Me? Naïve? Tell me, are you actually incapable of keeping quiet, or is your lack of self-awareness a condition of some sort?" Edelgard was fuming. Claude couldn't help but laugh, but Dimitri finally came to his senses and addressed Byleth, who'd been left to witness their bickering.

"Forgive our digression. I must speak with you, if you can spare a moment. The way you held your ground against the bandit's leader was captivating! You never lost control of the situation. It showed me I still have much to learn." Dimitri stepped forward, but Byleth simply watched, expressionless. Of course this kid wouldn't have noticed her struggling to babysit them, if he was out brazenly swinging that lance.

Edelgard quickly interjected.

"Your skill is precisely why I must ask you to consider lending your services to the Empire. I might as well tell you now that I am no mere student, I am also the Adrestian Empire's-" 

"Halt, Edelgard. Please allow me to first finish my own proposition." Dimitri turned back to Byleth.  "The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus is in dire need of exceptional individuals such as yourself. Please, do consider returning to the Kingdom with me."

"Whoa-ho there! You two sure are hasty! Trying to recruit someone you just met- tactless, really. I was personally planning to develop a deep and lasting friendship on the way back to the monastery before begging for favors. But it seems there's no time for niceties in this world, is there?" Claude really had a sharp tongue. "So, capable stranger, let's get right into it? Where does your allegiance lie?" He quipped, eyebrows dancing.

Byleth gave them a deadpan stare, when Sothis' voice rang between her ears again.

"It seems one's place of birth is quite significant to them, yet they are so impressed by you, that you may take your pick!" She laughed. "Well, don't keep them waiting."

That was just it, Byleth thought this entire exchange was ridiculous. Thankfully Alois returned to rein in the little lords before Byleth was forced to voice her opinion.

"All right, that's enough with the small talk, kids. It's time to head back to the monastery." Alois chuckled.

"Looks like we'll have to pick this up another time." Claude fixed his gaze unsettlingly on Byleth, before the others dragged him away to regroup with another gathering of students on the horizon.

"My my, they are in such a hurry." Sothis, again. Byleth jumped once more. "You really must become accustomed to me, Byleth."

"Uh, right." Byleth muttered to herself, watching Edelgard in particular.

"Hm, you know, each of the three of those students is most unique. Edelgard is a refined young woman, but don't you feel as though she's constantly evaluating your every move? And Dimitri; he certainly seems sincere, but I sense a darkness lurking beneath that polite exterior. And Claude's easy smile is striking, but that smile doesn't reach his eyes. You've noticed, haven't you?" Sothis mused.

Byleth simply nodded.

"Hm, I am so sleepy once again…" Sothis yawned. "Well I might be silent for a while… but I…" she trailed off, and Byleth stood firm until she was sure Sothis wasn't there anymore. Byleth must have had one too many ales the night before. How on earth could the girl from her dreams just be living in her head? There was no time to really ponder this, as Jeralt called for her to join the others.

Chapter Text

4/21/1180 IY

It had been exactly one week since the incident at Remire village, and the journey was nearly at its end. The students mostly kept to their own cliques, but the three directly involved with Byleth chose to hover around her. They had ample time to explain what life at the monastery was like. The students were separated into three houses according to their country of origin; those from the Adrestian Empire were assigned to the Black Eagles, those from the Leicester Alliance to the Golden Deer, and those from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus to the Blue Lions. Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri, also just happened to be their respective house leaders this year. Byleth pondered if that didn't exacerbate any power trip these three might have had.

Byleth also learned that these three houses would meet several times during the week for specialized lectures and demonstrations with their assigned homeroom professor. The remaining courses were split amongst the adjunct staff and instructors, each specializing in different areas related to warfare. Byleth thought it strange that children were being sent to what amounted to a school for war; didn't everyone wish to avoid that sort of thing?

Byleth had also made the acquaintance of a few of the other students, but they could hardly pry her away from either Edelgard, Dimitri, or Claude; they monopolized Byleth's time. Sothis, however, was entirely silent. Byleth was letting her thoughts wander until the present conversation shifted back to her.

"Since this will be your first time visiting the monastery, I'd be happy to show you around!" Dimitri offered, he and Claude walking to Byleth's right.

"It really is Fódlan in a nutshell. The good and the bad..." Claude remarked, half under his breath.

"Like it or not, we'll be there soon enough." Edelgard shot back from Byleth's left. 

They really cannot stop bickering, even for a moment. Byleth thought to herself. She wondered if this is what it was like to have siblings.

"Say, you seem to be around our age, right? I wonder if you'd consider joining the Officer's Academy." Claude mused.

"What an idea, Claude." Dimitri chuckled to himself. "Byleth, if you don't mind my asking, how old are you?"

Byleth simply shrugged.

"Ah, there's that sense of humor." Dimitri laughed, and when Byleth didn't respond, he nearly choked. "Wait, you're serious?"

"How can you not know how old you are?" Edelgard asked, her curiosity piqued. 

"Never thought about it. It's never really been important." Byelth replied.

"And you never questioned it? Questioned your father about it?" Claude asked incredulously.

"Never needed to. And besides, he can't even remember how old he is, so how would he remember my age?" Byleth countered.

"Do you at least know the day you were born on?" Dimitri asked.

"It was the first of this month." How many times this week would someone ask her this?

"Oh! Well happy belated birthday!" Dimitri chimed, seemingly forgetting the subject at hand.

"Wait wait wait. Okay, so you know your day of birth, just not the exact year?" Claude waved his hands. "That doesn't make sense to me. Even if Jeralt is too old to remember or care about his own age, you'd think he'd be a bit more invested in his daughter." The conversation went on like that for what seemed like ages to Byleth, until they finally reached a clearing in the forest. A vast structure, surrounded by a village, sat atop the tallest peak in the distance.

"There it is. Garreg Mach Monastery." Edelgard murmured.

Hardly anyone batted an eye as the caravan shuffled through the village and up the peak towards the monastery gates. Crossing that threshold, Byleth first noticed how massive Garreg Mach truly was. Just past the gate, was a bustling marketplace. Byleth's eyes darted to and fro, her senses nearly overloaded with all the commotion. She'd never been to a city, and she thought this must be what it felt like. There were so many people packed into one place, all haggling and trading, or looking to find work. It would be more fascinating if it weren't so overwhelming. The Knights of Seiros broke right towards the stables, taking Jeralt's horse with them.

The remainder of the group made their way further north, and Alois waved in greeting to the door guard. Byleth noted he seemed a bit scrawny for a soldier, watching him as he motioned for the doors to part. These doors were somehow bigger than those at the main gate, and Byleth gawked as she passed under them. Jeralt had to give her a slight tap with the hilt of his sword to get her to keep moving, as she hadn't realized she'd stopped. The students separated from them at the main entryway, scattering in different directions, leaving just Alois, Jeralt, and Byleth to enter into the main courtyard.

"Rhea's here." Jeralt stopped, and following his gaze, Byleth looked up to a balcony to see a woman in fine white regalia watching them. Byelth couldn't quite tell from this distance, but she could have sworn the woman's lips moved. Whoever she was, Jeralt seemed apprehensive about her.

Alois bid them to wait in the courtyard whilst he made arrangements for an audience with the Archbishop. Jeralt simply nodded, and began pacing the lush walkway, ill at ease.

"It's been years since I set eyes on this place." He said, finally.

"You've been here before?" Byleth asked, and Jeralt groaned in response.

"Look, I know I haven't told you anything about this before, but by now I'm sure you've heard I used to be a Knight of Seiros. Their captain, even. I once called this place home, but that was long ago." He said solemnly.

"You aren't required to tell me everything about your life, father." Byleth said calmly. That earned her a chuckle.

"I suppose not, but you deserve to know. I'm afraid I might have done you a disservice by keeping you in the dark about the Church altogether. I saw the way everyone looked at you when you told them you knew nothing about the Church of Seiros."

"Was that supposed to bother me?"

"You are a strange kid, you know that?" He laughed. Strange as she was, she was his, and he loved her for it. They stood in silence for a few moments before Byleth sought to start conversation again.

"Who is Rhea?" She asked quietly.

"You saw her in the courtyard earlier, didn't you? The woman on the balcony. That is the archbishop of the Church of Seiros, Lady Rhea. When I served as a knight, I reported directly to her."

Before Byleth could inquire further, Alois barreled back through the doors opposite from where they entered the courtyard.

"Alright, Captain! Lady Rhea has been debriefed and is ready for her audience with you both!" He gave Jeralt a hard slap on the back, and Jeralt winced.

They entered through another passageway to a long corridor lined with tables and lit by magnificent chandeliers. Byleth marveled at the sheer scale of it all, not to mention its beauty. It looked more like a ballroom than a reception hall. There was an echo carrying the sounds of their footsteps and the many voices of students hovering about. Upon reaching the end of what seemed like a mile-long walk, Alois guided them left and up the stairwell, where the second floor was much quieter. They didn't have to go far to find the archbishop's audience chamber, and Byleth was met with a warm smile that caught her off-guard. This woman looked at her like she was looking at an old friend. Maybe because Rhea knew her father? Byleth didn't have long to contemplate it, as the man standing at Rhea's side bowed and offered an introduction.

"Thank you for your patience. My name is Seteth, and I am advisor to the archbishop."

"Uh, right. Hello." Jeralt gave a quick nod.

"It has been such a long time, Jeralt." Rhea said warmly. "It must be the will of the goddess that we have another chance to meet like this."

"Forgive my silence all these years…" Jeralt stalled with a bow to choose his words carefully. "Much has happened since we last spoke."

"So I see." Rhea glanced for a brief moment at Byelth. "The miracle of fatherhood has blessed you."

"Yes." Jeralt snapped back to attention quickly. "Born many years after I left this place. I wish I could introduce you to her mother, but I'm afraid we lost her to illness." Byleth couldn't understand the tension she felt from her father, everything he was saying was true.

"I see. My condolences. " Rhea's expression was impossible to read as she now focused entirely on Byleth. "As for you, I heard of your valiant efforts from Alois. What is your name, child?"

"Byleth." She wasn't sure why, but Byleth also felt the need to give a slight bow when addressing the archbishop.

"A fine name indeed." Rhea beamed. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for saving the students of the Officer's Academy."

Jeralt huffed.

"Ah, Jeralt. You already know what it is I wish to say, do you not?" Rhea's voice was like honey, and it somehow both soothed Byleth and made her uncertain of the archbishop; especially judging Jeralt's behavior towards her.

"You want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros." Jeralt shook his head and sighed. "I won't say no, but-"

"Your apprehension stings, Jeralt." Rhea frowned slightly. "I had expected that Alois would have already asked this of you."

"Perhaps he thought you would rather ask me yourself." Jeralt said softly. Rhea didn't react.

"My apologies, but I must attend to my duties for now. I expect the other head professors will desire a word with you soon-" She said this to Byleth in particular "- Please listen carefully to what they have to say. Until tomorrow, farewell." The archbishop and Seteth both bowed, and took their leave.

Alois quickly stepped forward, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

"I'm sorry, Captain, but it wasn't my place to ask you to join up! But when I told Lady Rhea how you and Byleth handly dispatched those bandits, she insisted right then and there that we recruit you both!" He grinned.

"I am to join the Knights as well?" Byleth asked.

"Oh, actually, no!" Alois laughed. "Oddly enough, Lady Rhea has a very different proposition for you."

"As… a servant?" Byleth really couldn't see where this was going.

Alois couldn't help but laugh.

"Ah Jeralt, she really does have your sense of humor!" He doubled over and slapped his knee.

Jeralt sighed. "No, By, nothing like that. If my guess is right, they want you to teach. Rhea mentioned the other professors would be meeting with us soon, and I don't see any other reason why they would." 

"Teach? What could I possibly-"

"I knew you'd be surprised!" Alois wiped a tear from his eye as his laughter subsided. "I was actually the one to recommend you! Frankly, you are replacing another professor we'd just hired. You see, they ran off during our dustup with the bandits. Can't really entrust students to someone who'd abandon them, huh?"

Two others entered the room then; a tall man with a mustache and a monocle, and a very… exceptionally-dressed woman. The woman spoke first, eyeing Jeralt playfully.

"So you must be the new professor. My, how stern and handsome you are!" The moment she spoke, Jeralt immediately threw his hands into the air.

"Nope. I'm not the one you're looking for." He turned to Byleth, leaning in close so only she could hear him. "You can handle things here, but watch out for Lady Rhea. I don't know what she's thinking, so stay on your guard." Without so much as another word, Jeralt yanked a howling Alois out of the audience chamber.

"Well, you aren't who I expected to be our newest faculty member! You're so young…" the woman mused.

"Competence and age are not necessarily correlated, as you well know." The man said sternly. "I am Hanneman von Essar, a crest scholar and professor here at the Officer's Academy."

"And I'm Manuela Casagranda. I'm a professor, physician, a songstress, and available ." She waggled her eyebrows. "It's nice to meet you."

Byleth noted that was a lot of professions for one person to have, but one in particular intrigued her.

"You're a songstress?" Byleth tilted her head.

"Of course! Before I started work here, I belonged to a renowned opera company. Perhaps you've even heard of me?" Maneula began gesturing grandly and her voice rose in volume. "The Mittelfrank Opera Company's beautiful, peerless-"

"Spare our colleague the needless chatter, Manuela." Hanneman held up a hand. "Now then, might we have your name?"

"Oh, Byleth Eisner. I'm just a mercenary." She said simply, since they were all sharing their professions, she assumed she should, too.

"Ah yes, Byleth. I suspect by now you know that you'll be taking charge of the homeroom for one of the academy's three houses as a head professor? Have you at least been briefed on the nature of each house?" Hanneman asked.

"Yes. The students themselves filled me in on the way here." Byleth nodded.

"Did they now? I hope none of those little treasures caused you any trouble." Manuela teased. If only she knew.

"Indeed." Hanneman cleared his throat. "For now, Byleth, I suggest taking a stroll around the academy to get your bearings."

"The old man has a point." Hanneman glared at her for that. "Oh, and just between us, I've only told the house leaders that you will be a new professor here. I think it's more fun that way." She giggled. "There are some odd ducks in this bunch, but they really are good kids. I'm sure Lady Rhea will have more information for you tomorrow about your other responsibilities. At any rate, you should get going, and good luck--You'll need it." She and Hanneman both bowed their heads to take their leave, Hanneman turning briefly to address Byleth once more.

"Oh, and when you've a moment, please stop by my office! I have a few things to discuss with you."

"Have you no intention of changing your mind, Rhea? Appointing a stranger- a child no less!- as a professor at our esteemed academy is-"

"I have made my decision, Seteth." Rhea's tone was steady as ever. "I know worrying comes naturally to you, but there is truly no need. That stranger is Jeralt's flesh and blood."

"I can't say that's all too comforting to me. How trustworthy is this Jeralt character? Is he not the man who went missing after the great fire twenty-one years ago? I would remind you that Flayn is now here with us as well. I beg of you… please consider whether this is an unnecessary risk."

"Seteth." Rhea placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "They have my trust. Let that be enough for you as well. More importantly, I have received a report from Shamir. I am increasingly concerned about a matter regarding our suspicious individual. We cannot ignore those who harbor ill will towards the church, especially if they are frequenting Garreg Mach."

"Yes, that matter takes precedence, and I will continue my investigation." Seteth let out a heavy sigh. "Rhea, for now I will have faith that you are placing your trust with the utmost care. I pray that nothing occurs to shake that confidence."

Byleth decided she'd follow Hanneman's advice, and sought out some of the students on campus. At first she observed from a distance; listening to various conversations, and pausing to watch sparring matches at the training grounds. Some of these kids had a long way to go before ever setting foot on a battlefield. Byleth then found herself in front of three large classrooms, all bearing different colored banners. She suspected these were the homerooms, and that one of them would become her new office. That was a strange thought. Stopping first at the Golden Deer room, Byleth took a deep breath, and walked in.

No one of import seemed to notice her, but Byleth felt eyes on her all the same - or was that an arm around her shoulder?

"Well, well. Scored a teaching gig, huh?" Claude, you sneaky little shit. Byleth casually removed his arm from her shoulder, just as casually as he'd put it there. "I'm guessing you don't know which homeroom class you're teaching yet." Claude seemed entirely unbothered. "I bet you'd like ours! We're not as… difficult as the other two. Have you met the folks here, yet? Care to know more about anyone?" Claude's tone was one of gossip at that last question.

"I suppose." Byleth said, hoping she wouldn't regret this. "Let's start with you." She crossed her arms, as if she'd issued a challenge.

"Piqued your interest, have I?" Claude threw his head back with laughter; it sounded so effortless, but Byleth couldn't be sure if he was genuinely laughing or not. "I'm pretty curious about you as well, but what's life without a bit of mystery? Let's just get to know each other little by little, eh?" Guarded as the day she met him.

"OW!" Claude dipped backward at a yanking on his ear by a girl with a deadpan expression.

"He bothering you?" Her tone was low and dull. Byleth just blinked, then shook her head.

"No, Bianca. For your information, I'm just giving my friend here a tour of the classroom! Making some introductions. Not that you're any help." He pouted. "Geez you're such a thorn, sometimes, Bee."

"That's my job, dumbass." Bianca responded flatly. She grudgingly let go of Claude's ear, but not without another pinch and a yelp. "Let me know if he causes you any problems." And with that, she was gone.

"Ugh. Bianca Hallewell. She is the daughter of one of my aunt Judith's knights. I'm pretty sure Judith sent her here to terrorize me under the guise of stewardship." He rubbed the side of his head sullenly. "Anyone else you'd care to meet?"

Byleth's gaze scanned the room, and took note of a few students in particular.

"Oh, Lorenz ." Claude's voice was dripping with disdain. "He's heir of Gloucester territory. If you haven't picked up on it, he's an arrogant one, and fancies himself a lady's man." Claude just rolled his eyes. "I get that he's devoted, and I admire his honesty… but perhaps he's a bit too honest. To the point you'd wish he'd shut up now and then. I wouldn't mind never hearing about his noble obligations ever again." He made ridiculous gestures in mockery of Lorenz.

Byleth only nodded, then let her eyes settle on a boy who looked rather too large to be just a boy. He was talking with a much smaller classmate with round glasses.

"Ah Raphael and Ignatz. The both of them come from merchant families. I'm pretty sure they were friends before coming here. Raph's had a rough life, but despite that he's the most cheerful guy you could ever meet. Ignatz doesn't seem like the knightly type, but since he won't be inheriting the family business, I suppose his parents put him up to this."

Byleth focused next on a girl huddled in the far corner, blue hair done in elaborate braids.

"Ah, that's Marianne. She's Margrave Edmund's daughter." As if Byleth knew who that was. "That's pretty much all I know about her. She doesn't interact much with anyone."

"You know Claude, it's rude to talk about people behind their back." A voice came from behind them.

"Ah, Leonie! Perhaps you'd care to meet my friend here? This is Byleth, that mercenary I told ya about." Claude grinned, seemingly unfazed.

"Ah, so your Jeralt's kid?" Leonie seemed to be sizing her up, and Byleth felt that was odd. "How come he never mentioned you before?"

"You know my father?"

"How could you even ask that? I'm only his most accomplished apprentice! Leonie Pinelli, future mercenary." She held out a sturdy hand for a shake, and without thinking Byleth accepted. Claude made a face at that. "So, you've got a lot to live up to. Jeralt's as great as they come, so I expect big things from you!" Byleth didn't respond to that.

A girl with bright pink pigtails sauntered up next, filing at her nails.

"Hey, you're that mercenary everyone's been talking about! I hear you're joining the Knights of Seiros or something." She paused her filing, but didn't offer a hand like Leonie. "I'm Hilda Valentine Goneril. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you!" Byleth thought her voice was a bit too sing-song to be sincere, and she felt that this classroom was getting to be a bit suffocating.

"I think I'll take my leave, now. See the other classrooms." Byleth bowed out, backing towards the door.

"Ow, could you please watch your step?" A girl with stark white hair looked up from the book she was reading… whilst walking. Byleth thought she could say the same about watching one's step, but she thought better of it.

"Apologies, miss."

"My name is Lysithea. Lysithea von Ordelia. Please do not forget it." She snapped her book shut and huffed off into the classroom. Claude just stifled a laugh as Byleth retreated out of sight.

Byleth took a deep breath, but her peace didn't last long.

"Ah, Byleth! Introducing yourself to the others, I see?" Dimitri was pleasant as ever.

"Yes, I was just finishing up with the Golden Deer."

"Have you met the Blue Lions yet? I hear you're to become a professor here, and it would be delightful if you were placed in charge of our homeroom class."

"No one besides you." Byleth shook her head.

"Excellent! Please allow me to introduce you to everyone! I'm sure they'd love to finally meet you." Dimitri bowed. Byleth thought the others would have had ample time to meet her had she (a.) cared, (b.) not been swarmed by the three lords on the journey to the monastery.

Dimitri motioned for her to enter into the classroom adorned with blue banners, following just behind. He called for everyone's attention at once, which Byleth appreciated. One by one, the students who'd gathered in the classroom introduced themselves: Dedue, Dimitri's vassal and a native of Duscur, and Felix, heir of House Fraldarius, with a tongue sharper than his sword. His brevity was refreshing for Byleth, at least. She wasn't one to waste breath, either. Next was Sylvain, heir to House Gautier. He immediately opened by trying to flirt with Byleth, which was met with a tongue lashing from a girl named Ingrid. She was apparently a close childhood friend of Sylvain, Felix, and Dimitri, but she acted more like their mother. Next were Mercedes and Annette, two friends who met at the Fhirdiad school of sorcery. Byleth thought they were both too sweet to be sent to a school of war. Finally, a soft-spoken boy by the name Ashe introduced himself as the adopted son of Lord Lonato. Also too soft for this , Byleth thought.

"I am aware you are the one who rescued His Highness at Remire." Dedue bowed solemnly. "Words cannot express my gratitude. Should you ever require my strength, please know that I will hasten to repay this debt."

Byleth just shook her head.

"Oh, does this mean you'll be enrolling at the Officer's Academy with us?" Mercedes seemed overjoyed. Byleth shook her head once more.

"I am simply greeting everyone. I will be working here for the foreseeable future." Byleth took a step back.

"Aw, bummer you can't study with us! But hey, it will be super nice to see you around campus, still!" Annette squeaked.

"It would be nice to see you around campus." Sylvain started. "I don't suppose you would care to join me for -- OW!" He yelped at Ingrid's elbow at his side.

"Dimitri says you're a skilled fighter. And he doesn't just say that. I'm looking forward to sparring with you, and beating you. Felix flashed a devilish grin. Ingrid just rolled her eyes.

"Must you always speak of fighting before anything else?" Ingrid sighed.

"A-actually, if you do spar, I'd love to be able to watch, just for reference. If that's okay with you?" Ashe piped up from the back of the crowd.

"Ashe! I won't have you speak merely of watching! If we spar, you should join us!" Dimitri insisted. That earned another giggle from Mercedes.

"Well if you go overboard, do say the word and I'll patch you up right away!" 

"Your Highness, do take care not to go overboard." Dedue was solemn, if not a bit too stiff.

"You worry too much, Dedue. I'll be fine. I promise!" Dimitri seemed a bit too excited about sparring, and Byleth caught each huff from Felix every time Dimitri spoke. This was certainly a lively bunch.

 "It was nice to meet you all, but I must take my leave." Byleth said simply.

"Of course, I'm sorry to have kept you so long!" Dimitri bowed. "Feel free to stop in if you need anything, we'd all be willing to help." Byleth just nodded and walked out the door.

Only one classroom left, let's get this over with .

The Black Eagle's classroom was about the same as the others, minus the color of the décor. Byleth scanned the room and locked on to lilac eyes. Edelgard quickly closed the distance, a tall and sinister man just behind her, and greeted Byleth.

"So you've accepted a teaching position here… Pity. I was hoping you would lend your strength to the Empire. Nevertheless, I suppose congratulations are in order, and it is no surprise the Church saw fit to seek you out. I just hadn't expected they'd install you as a professor."

"I was just as surprised as you are." Byleth admitted.

"Well, perhaps I can introduce you to my fellow classmates? You might want to know what to expect before agreeing to teach the lot of them." She smirked, but it didn't change Byleth's expression. Gesturing to the dark and brooding man she'd brought with her, Edelgard simply spoke his name. "Hubert?"

"I am Hubert, a humble servant of Lady Edelgard." He said with a bow.  "I heard you came to the aid of Her Highness. You have my most sincere thanks."

"Hubert is the heir of Marquis Vestra, and has served me since I was a child." She leaned in to whisper to Byleth. "You may think his blood runs a bit cold… actually, that's rather accurate. Still, if you can get past that, you'll see he's quite astute and reasonable."

"You are aware I can hear every word, Your Highness." Hubert remarked.

"I am aware, and I am unbothered." Edelgard waved a hand dismissively. At that, Hubert simply bowed and took his leave.

Edelgard walked Byleth around the room, keeping introductions with the other students relatively brief so as not to overwhelm. This was a courtesy not lost on Byleth, and it was appreciated.

Bernadetta was a skittish little thing, and refused to even come out from under a desk to introduce herself. 

"Ah! Sorry! I don't talk to strangers!" She yelped. Byleth almost felt sorry. 

A boy with pale red hair, and a girl with brown locks tucked into a bun were attempting to coax her out.

"Bernadetta, this is no stranger! Our house leader owes this person a great debt. Is that not right?" The boy quickly stood to address byleth, bowing deeply. "I am Ferdinand von Aegir, legitimate son of the Aegir family, the Empire's foremost house." He was very proud of that fact, and Byleth didn't miss Edelgard rolling her eyes. "Will you be joining our class? I look forward to getting better acquainted with you!"

"Ferdie, you don't have to be so formal all the time!" The girl laughed. "I'm Vardha Eberhardt. Pleasure to meet you. You've gotta be quite the figure. I couldn't get near you on the hike back to even say hi! Her Highness made sure of that." Vardha ribbed. Before Edelgard could defend herself, a squeaky commotion at their feet distracted them.

"I'm sorry!" Bernadetta made a mad dash for the door.

"Bernadetta! Wait!" Ferdinand made chase. Vardha just shrugged and bid farewell.

Shaking her head, Edelgard pointed out a gangly boy as Linhardt. Despite the commotion, he was fast asleep at the desk Bernadetta had cowered beneath. Edelgard swiftly changed course.

"Hello. I am called Petra." A tall, dark-skinned woman with a long braid bowed respectfully as they approached. "I am pleased to be meeting with-- no, I am pleased to have met you."

"Petra is actually the princess of Brigid. Brigid is a vassal state of the Empire, which is how she came to be enrolled here. You'll find that she's incredibly smart, and dedicated to her studies." Edelgard had a great deal of respect in the way she spoke of Petra.

"Indeed, I have much to be learning here in Fodlan, and will be working hard to be stronger." Petra gave another bow, and chose to excuse herself.

"Well now, I finally have the chance to say hello! I caught a glimpse of you on the road back from Remire." This newcomer curtsied. "Oh, my name is Dorothea. Before I joined the Academy, I was a member of an opera company in the Empire. You should hear me sing sometime." This was the second songstress Byleth had met today, and she wondered how common the profession was. She simply nodded.

"A woman of few words, I like my mystery." Dorothea winked. "I suppose I'll see you around?" With a flip of her long hair, she sauntered off, humming to herself. 

Edelgard was about to speak again, when yet another distraction garnered Byleth's attention. A short boy with a loud mouth had pounced upon the sleeping Linhardt, shouting something about their fathers in a fight. It was all mostly incomprehensible to Byleth. Edelgard put a hand to her temple.

"That would be Caspar, the second son of Count Bergliez. He has no inheritance in his future, which is perhaps why he is always so eager to prove himself. As you can see, he is overly energetic, so if he ends up in your care, be sure to keep a close eye on him."

"Noted." 

4/22/1180 IY

Byleth woke the next morning feeling somehow more exhausted than she did after the six-day trek to get here. Social events weren't something she was accustomed to, and she figured she was going to have to adapt quickly if she was going to survive her new job. Byleth took a few moments to wash up and collect herself before heading to her appointment with professor Hanneman. 

The morning air was brisk, but not unpleasant, and she found the early hours were calm. It was an altogether refreshing reprieve before plunging back into the unknown. Byleth knocked at the door to Hanneman's office before being ushered in.

"Ah yes, right on time." Hanneman sounded pleased. "I'd like to use this device I designed to determine whether the power of a Crest resides within you. Won't hurt a bit. Promise."

Byleth tilted her head.

"You… don't know about Crests?" Hanneman's monocle nearly fell off his face. "Well..." he said, adjusting his cravat. "Allow me to tell you everything--absolutely everything--about them. Is your calendar clear? This will take a while."

Byleth just stared blankly.

"Crests are a fascinating topic, but before one can dive deeply into said topic, one must first understand what Crests are! They are power incarnate. They are said to have been bestowed upon humans by the goddess countless ages ago. They exist within the flesh, and are passed down through bloodlines. Those who carry crests my excel at magic, display exceptional strength, or any number of boons! Each Crest has its own power, the nature of which is beyond mortal understanding." He fiddled with his monocle. "For now."

"And you believe I have a crest." Byleth surmised.

"Well, yes. But we won't know for sure unless I look into the matter. As I said, Crests are passed down through the blood. However, just because someone carries a Crest does not necessarily mean their descendants will inherit it as well." He guided Byleth to a strange apparatus in the center of the room, not missing a beat. "Only a scarce few descendants of a Crest's bloodline end up inheriting its power. Perhaps one of your ancestors bore a Crest, and you just happened to inherit it. It is a bit of an odd genetic gamble."

"Do what you must." 

"Yes, of course, straight away. Please hold out your arm over this device."

Byleth followed instructions, and a strange symbol manifested before them.

"What is this? This is a pattern I've never seen before!" He frantically reached for parchment at his desk and began scrawling notes. "Is it possible an as-yet undiscovered Crest has been detected?" He faced the window, clearly talking to himself now. "To think, there are still Crests out there that even I am unaware of! How thrilling!"

A long pause. Hanneman turned back towards Byleth, who stood expressionless with her arm still over the machine, staring.

"Ahem… Pardon my unrestrained jubilation. I have much to consider. You may leave now. I have more research to do in regard to this Crest. Yes, so very much more research. But for now, your work here is done." He turned quickly away and began muttering to himself once more. Byleth simply backed out of the room, closing the door behind her.

At least her next appointment wasn't very far. A quick jaunt down the hall saw her back in the audience chamber with archbishop Rhea. 

"Good morning, child. How are you enjoying your time at the monastery thus far? I hope you have found our halls brimming with the vitality of well-intentioned souls."

Byleth thought that last bit was a little odd to say, even for a holy figure.

"Hm, I suppose it is time for you to take charge of one of our three houses." Seteth began, not wasting any time. "I must note that I am personally against entrusting someone as lacking in trackable history as yourself with such a task, but it is as the archbishop desires." Byleth had to admit she was in agreement with Seteth on that one.

"Each of the students are all so different, and I hope you've made it a point to get to know as many as you can." Rhea smiled. "Since you are the newest professor at the academy, the others have decided to let you have the first choice of which homeroom you'll be guiding this year."

Byleth wasn't quite expecting that. She figured a house would be assigned to her. When she didn't respond right away, Rhea spoke again.

"Are you having trouble deciding? Please, open your heart to the will of the goddess and choose carefully."

Byleth took a moment to recall her time with the students, both during her short time at the monastery and the journey from Remire. One student in particular, kept coming to mind. Byleth felt a strange draw to the girl she saved only a week ago, and decided she was done thinking about it.

"I have chosen the Black Eagle House."

"Your heart has made its choice, then. All I ask is that you guide these open minds with virtue, care, and sincerity." Rhea nodded.

"They are all promising youths who bear the weight of Fodlan's future upon their shoulders. I hope you appreciate what an honor it is to lead them." Seteth said.

A small, green-haired girl entered the chamber, seemingly unaware of the current meeting.

"Seteth?" She paused, only now taking note of the audience in the room. "Oh! I am so sincerely sorry!" She curtsied to Byleth. "I did not mean to interrupt!"

"I am in the middle of something, Flayn. Is it urgent?" Seteth asked.

"No no, it's nothing. More importantly, who is this?" Flayn's curiosity had gotten the better of her.

"This is our newest professor at the academy, Byleth."

"Oh my! A new addition to the Officer's academy! I am so very pleased to meet you. I am Seteth's little sister, Flayn. I am so happy to make your acquaintance." Flayn seemed exceedingly happy about everything .

"Let us focus on the topic at hand." Seteth continued. "There is something you should be aware of. In a few days' time, there will be a mock battle between the three houses, intended to gauge the current progress of the students. We will be using this battle as an opportunity to ascertain your own abilities as well. Please do not disappoint the archbishop. That is all."

Byleth didn't need to wait for further dismissal before a slight bow and making her swift exit. She made note that the library was on this floor, and decided she should learn a few quick things about the Church before beginning any lessons with her students the following morning. Consulting with the librarian, Tomas, Byleth quickly selected her reading material and made for the dining hall.

4/23/1180 IY

Turning another page, Byleth could hear the distinct ringing of the cathedral bells, signaling the hour. She had risen early in the morning to take a walk through the monastery grounds, taking her crash-course on church history with her. She made it about halfway through the book after she shut herself in her quarters the day before, and decided to bring it with her to glance over during breakfast this morning. Upon hearing the bells, Byleth quickly made her way towards the academy proper, and her new students.

The Black Eagles were chattering amongst themselves when Byleth entered the classroom, and everyone fell silent. They watched as she marched to the desk at the front of the room, placing her book upon it.

It was now or never. Clasping her hands behind her back, Byleth turned to face her astonishingly silent students.

"Good morning, class." Her greeting was met with more silence, and Caspar was the first to break it.

"Wait. Our new professor is you?!" He crossed his arms and sat back down. "Huh. Didn't see that coming."

"Easy Caspar, aren't you being a bit rude?" Dorothea chided.

"You know it's a waste of time to expect politeness from him." Linhardt yawned.

Byleth took a look at each individual in the room, and Bernadetta squealed when it was her turn.

"Don't look at me like that!" She held up a book as if it would sufficiently hide her. "And don't talk to me too much either… or not at all." Bernadetta cowered, earning a sigh from Dorothea.

"I'm sorry for the chaos you've walked into." Dorothea shook her head.

"I hear we are rather close in age, Professor." Ferdinand announced. "I do hope you do not mind if we treat you like one of us. In our class, we try to treat each other as equals, despite any differences in age or statues. Personally, I would love to include you in that inner circle."

"I don't mind at all." Byleth said simply.

"Excellent! I bet there's a lot we could learn from a mercenary with actual field experience!" Vardha excitedly shifted in her seat next to Ferdinand, and he nodded in agreement.

"You have a gut, Professor. I will take great joy from your teachings."

"Petra, I believe you mean to say that our professor has guts ." Dorothea spun around. "That's a bit different from having a gut. You can't go around saying someone so slim and attractive has a gut!"

"Oh? Please, take my apologies, Professor. I have not yet mastered this language." Petra bowed her head.

"It's not a problem, Petra." Byleth figured she'd let them get this out of their system. It was just as jarring for them as it was for her, apparently.

"Professor, I want you to know that it's perfectly acceptable for you to treat me as you do the others. I may be the Imperial Princess, but here at the academy, I'm just another student. That said, know that I have high expectations of you." She deliberately stood and  locked eyes with Byleth. "And high hopes." She then turned to face the rest of the class. "I'm certain you can lead the Black Eagle House to greatness."

"Sure, sure. Now let's break the ice with a training session! I want to see our new teacher in action!" Caspar had jumped out of his seat again, punching his fists into the air in front of him.

"Why will the ice be broken? Is this a custom I have missed in my studies?" Petra tugged at Dorothea's sleeve with worry.

"Not real ice, just the ice of… um… Well, it just means let's get to know each other!" Caspar reassured her.

"Don't you think the professor is the one who should decide how our schedule goes?" Vardha chimed in.

"Yeah, I don't want to train! Let's stay in the classroom and… learn from a book? Please?" Bernadetta begged from behind said reading implement.

"Let's all calm down and have a nice cup of tea, how about?" Dorothea tried to quell the rising chaos, but to no avail. Linhardt had miraculously dozed off into his own textbook, whilst Vardha attempted to physically restrain Caspar, who was now standing on the desk behind her.

"I know we all just agreed to treat each other as equals, but there is a limit to what I can tolerate. The esteemed Black Eagle House requires order!" Ferdinand protested.

"You know, you could help instead of just bitching about it, Ferdie." Vardha grunted, dodging a swing from Caspar. Ferdinand rolled his eyes, but stood to help rein in their classmate. He wasn't as quick to dodge Caspar's flailing, however.

The bickering escalated, meanwhile Byleth just stared blankly, wondering what she'd gotten herself into. 

"Looks like your first job will be to quiet down this racket. I don't envy you." Hubert chuckled.

"They aren't normally this… rowdy. I do hope you can manage, Professor." Edelgard put a hand over her mouth, unable to hide a smile.

Byleth did what she saw her father do when the men were rowdy. She gave a shrill whistle that caused everyone in the room to freeze where they stood or sat (except for Lin, who was already immobilized).

Class was in session.

Chapter Text

04/26/1180 IY

It had been more than a week since Byleth had heard from Sothis. Was the girl on the throne a dream after all? 

Going about her new morning routine, Byleth made quick work of her exercise and shower. The early spring breeze was still a bit of a bite against her damp hair, contrasting with the warmth of the sun over the horizon. A particularly heavenly smell wafted from the dining hall,  prompting Byleth to stop in for a dozen or so pastries on her way to today's homeroom session. She wouldn't have her students functioning on an empty stomach.

While the Black Eagles were grateful for their breakfast treats, and did their best to focus on Byleth's tactics lecture, she could tell her students were distracted today. Not exactly bored, but the weather outside was just too perfect and everyone's minds were, quite frankly, elsewhere. Byleth supposed she couldn't blame them, she would prefer to be outdoors too. With a sigh, she snapped her planner shut. Bernadetta flinched, and Linhardt awoke with a snort.

"Alright, everyone up. Change of lesson plans. We'll head outside for drills." Byleth commanded. She found that simply treating her students like they were her own miniature band of mercenaries worked for her. It might have been an unorthodox teaching style, but it was effective. "Our mock battle is in four days, so we might as well get in some practice."

"Excellent idea, professor!" Ferdinand leapt to his feet, pulling Vardha up with him. Her eyes bulged and she stumbled, nearly throwing herself and Ferdinand to the floor in her surprise.  

"You intend to let us battle in the courtyard, where we'll be a distraction to the other classrooms?" Linhardt asked, hoping this would be enough to get him out of physical exertion.

"Not at all." Byleth answered. "We'll be going out into the woods, where you can actually find cover."

"Oh, I see." Linhardt sighed.  Caspar was already dragging him out of his seat.

"This will be an excellent and practical way to truly experience battle outside the confines of the classroom. This will certainly give us the edge on the other houses," Edelgard remarked approvingly. 

It wasn't easy, but Byleth made sure every single Eagle armed themselves and made it to her impromptu training session, even meek Bernadetta.

"I'll be splitting you into two groups. The objective is simple." She held up two different colored scraps of fabric, one white, one red. "Your team will need to both protect your own flag, while securing and bringing back the enemy team's flag to your designated encampment."  Byleth paced before her gathered students, taking the time to explain the nuances of their task and answer questions.

"Edelgard, I want you to lead the red team. Ferdinand, I want you leading the white." Byleth handed each of them their respective flags. Edelgard rolled her eyes, but didn't protest. Ferdinand, however, was nearly bursting with pride.

"I will be sure to lead our team to victory, professor, just watch!" Ferdinand beamed.

"Hold your horses, Ferdinand. I still need to assign your teammates." Byleth held up a hand. "Your first teammate will be Hubert."

Ferdinand's countenance crumbled, and the tension amongst the students was palpable. It was no secret that Hubert and Ferdinand in particular didn't get along well. This was precisely why Byleth wanted them to work together.

"Professor, surely it would be best for us to be on opposite sides?" Ferdinand protested.

"Absolutely not. You won't be on opposite sides in the mock battle, and you'll need to learn to deal with that if the situation calls for your cooperation." Byleth didn't give him another chance to object, turning to the task of splitting up the rest of the students. Ferdinand was suddenly feeling a lot less confident.

Edelgard wasted no time in delegating particular tasks, well out of earshot of Ferdinand's team. Vardha was the most charismatic in their current group, and would have the least difficulty with leadership, so Edelgard singled her out.

"Vardha, I'll need you to lead our defenses. Your objective is to hold the line at any cost." Edelgard made a crude map of their surroundings in the dirt with a stick. "Maintain position in these key areas, keeping eyes on the flag at all times."  Vardha affirmed, looking back and forth between her surroundings and Edelgard's makeshift map. "Bernadetta." Edelgard said softly, but still prompted a squeak from poor Bernie. "I'll need you to take cover in the brush with a few other archers. I will be counting on you to make sure you let  Vardha know if anything gets past the first line of defense, and to be ready to shoot if those trespassers get within fifty yards of the flag."

"S-s-shoot them?" Bernadetta squealed. "I don't want to hurt anyone!"

"Bernadetta, these are rubber-tipped* training arrows. I assure you the absolute worst that could happen are a few bruises." Edelgard continued, voice low and steady. She took Bernadetta's lack of response as affirmation.

"Linhardt, I'll want you on the offensive squadron with me. I expect we'll be taking quite the beating the closer to the enemy flag we get, and I'll want you there to get used to the possibility that you'll need to lend your aid on the front lines."

At this, Linhardt turned deathly pale.

"Front lines? Oh no, Edelgard. I don't do blood."

"Linhardt. You are a healer. Blood is literally in the job description." Edelgard pinched the bridge of her nose. "And that is beside the point. Again, these are training weapons. Surely you can hold it together long enough for that?"

Linhardt didn't look so sure.

"I will give you my portion of tonight's dessert in the dining hall." Edelgard sighed.

"You make a very convincing argument, Your Highness."

Things across the clearing with Ferdinand's team were going about as well as playing chess with kittens. Hubert wouldn't actively sabotage this assignment, but his allegiance lie with his Lady, not this sniveling brat. As much as Hubert would relish the thought of Ferdinand's face smashed into humble pie, he also knew that Lady Edelgard would disapprove of squandering this opportunity to train and assess their current allies. For this reason, he held his tongue.

"I think it would be wise if I scout from in the trees, Ferdinand." Petra offered. 

"Ah, well, yes. That's an excellent idea, Petra." Ferdinand put a hand to his chin. "Caspar, can you manage something for me?" Ferdinand was beside himself, but resolved to do the best he could.

"Whaddya need, boss?" Caspar shouted, swinging fists at the open air.

Dorothea exchanged worried glances with her other classmates. She didn't want to put a damper on morale, but she definitely knew they were on the losing side of this already.

Byleth was initially glad for the opportunity to test her students in the field, and of course expected there to be plenty of instances where she'd need to show guidance because they were still so inexperienced. Nothing was more apparent than that during this humiliating display.

"They are still children, you know."

Byleth nearly jumped out of her own skin at Sothis's voice.

"I tire of that." Sothis yawned. "Now, don't you think you should do something? Your students are making an awful mess of this."

As if on-cue, a blood-curdling scream rang through the trees, followed shortly by another. Bernadetta had somehow managed to lodge a training arrow into her classmate's eye and both of them were now in full panic.

"I assume you'll want to undo that." Sothis almost laughed. "Go on. The power to alter the flow of time is now yours to command. Do use it wisely."

Byleth just blinked, half in shock at Sothis's lack of empathy, and also this sudden rush of what she could only describe as power. 

Edelgard could have sworn she saw a flash of light, and watched the scene before her play out with a strange sense of deja-vu. It was a feeling not dissimilar to what she felt the morning she and Byleth met. As if Byleth knew what was about to happen, she dove into the fray, pulling a wide-eyed student towards the underbrush as a training arrow narrowly missed the side of his head. It was uncanny.

"Stop." Byleth's voice echoed through the trees, and only the sound of rustling of leaves followed as everyone froze.

Perhaps she needed to try a different approach before leaving them to their own devices. Gathering everyone in the central clearing once more, Byleth instead chose to focus on smaller-scale operations, splitting the students into pairs this time and doing two-on-two practical drills. This process was much  more fruitful.

"Excellent form, Edelgard, but you need to be more mindful of your partner in a fight. You cannot possibly hope to defeat every foe on your own, and you'll need to learn to rely more on your comrades." Byleth gave her critique to Edelgard publicly, no different from the other students. Edelgard ignored the voice in the back of her mind, and allowed herself to heed this advice with only a nod.

"Vardha, you need to be less reckless. You were expending too much energy with those swings, instead of waiting for an opening. Caspar had the edge with his agility." Byleth turned to their opponents. "Cas, likewise. You and Vardha might have been having fun sparring,  but on the field of battle your lives will be on the line. Conserve your strength, make each blow count." 

"Yes ma'am." Vardha mumbled as her gaze shifted to the ground, and Caspar just grinned sheepishly.

"Hubert, you should not hold back. I understand that you are Edelgard's retainer, but here at the academy, you are both equals." Byleth crossed her arms, and Hubert responded in kind. "Hubert, I expect you to put in the same amount of effort as everyone else while you are here. Do not waste my time." 

Edelgard had to cover her mouth, because she could not hide her grin at Hubert's face with that last remark. Score one, Byleth.

"Alright." Byleth addressed everyone now. "I will be conducting these drills for the rest of the week, if the weather holds up. I expect you all to remain with your assigned partners, and practice and develop your own strategies over the course of the next three days based on my critiques. When the time comes for our mock battle, we will be ready."

And ready they were. Some of the Black Eagles kicked and screamed about their assigned partners, but Byleth's insistence that they learn to work with people they didn't like proved crucial to winning the mock battle. Byleth felt something akin to pride as Jeralt announced her students the victors. T hen she felt a strange overwhelming feeling as nearly everyone surrounded her, opponents included. There was a pat on Byleth's shoulder, and she instinctively whirled around with a hand on the hilt of her sword-- Oh. It was only her new colleagues. 

"My goodness." Hanneman adjusted his monocle. "The leadership of someone with actual battle experience is… Well! I was as good as useless!" He chuckled.

"Hey! you didn't compliment me like that when my class won last year!" Manuela huffed.

"That would be because you don't have actual battlefield experience, Manuela." Hanneman didn't bother looking at Manuela, but somehow could feel her glaring at him.

Edelgard lifted her axe into the air, standing next to Byleth.

"Even though this was just a mock battle, we defeated both houses masterfully. Take pride in this victory, everyone!"

The Black Eagle students all cheered, save for perhaps Hubert, who was content to smile menacingly. 

"That was impressing, professor! I mean… impressive. We gained a victory because of your great leadership!" Petra was as lively as ever.

"We certainly did!" Dorothea playfully settled her hat atop Petra's head. "We all tried our best, of course, but we couldn't have won without you, professor."

"I daresay we owe our victory to Lady Edelgard." Hubert sneered. Everyone, even Edelgard, had to pause at that. Linhardt, however, was the first to verbally refute Hubert's claim.

"How so? For this battle, she was only a soldier following our professor's command. Sure, she was an incredibly powerful soldier..." Linhardt nearly choked as Caspar clapped a hand at his back.

"Don't worry about it too much, Linhardt! All that matters is that we won!"

"You are all ridiculous." Edelgard couldn't suppress a smile. "Our victory should come as no surprise, both due to our professor's guidance and our ability to somehow work together."

The chatter died down at that, all eyes settling on Edelgard.

"Was it something I said?" She continued, nervously. "Is it so odd, me talking about togetherness? If so, that perception must change. Come now, everyone! We have earned this celebration!"