Happy New Year and 2020, everyone. I finally managed to get some time to sit down and write this chapter. The holidays was very eventful, I spent the last few weeks traveling with close friends and family so I wasn't able to update. I'm just getting back into the groove of daily-life and its obligations so my updates my be slower than they were before the new decade. I hope everyone had a great holiday and start of the year. The news about the final DLC wave was exciting, it looks to be a fifth path (maybe a golden path? I see all of the students together in one scene so finally some interactions between the houses). Though I'm still holding out hope that CF will get some updates to it. Anyways, hope you all enjoy the chapter.
R&R.
12/01 – Ethereal Moon
"A dance?" Byleth titled his head, completely taken aback by the words spoken by the archbishop. He'd been expecting another task for him and his students but she'd diverted expectations by speaking of the most carefree of matters he'd to hear of since arriving at the monastery.
Lady Rhea's eyes narrowed slightly in amusement.
"I understand your surprise. Having dealt with grim matters one after another, you've grown overly cautious and weary. For that I apologize, I hadn't foreseen your first year here as a professor to be so riddled with trials."
"No," Byleth shook his head. "It's fine…I just wasn't expecting it was all."
"There will be a competition this month between the Three Houses, I ask you prepare your house for it."
"Another mock battle?"
"Not quite. Though the importance of it is not to be overlooked. And if I may say this, I believe a certain portion of our students will be taking this competition very seriously despite its nature." Mystified by Lady Rhea's vague explanation, Byleth waited for her to elaborate. She didn't disappoint, her smile widening as if she enjoyed his silent confusion. "The three houses will be competing in the White Heron Cup, our annual dance competition."
"…Dance competition?"
Oh my, how lovely that sounds, Sothis commented, tone a note mischievous. I do believe such is a competition where you are sorely disadvantaged, Byleth.
"Strictly for the students, of course. Do not worry, Professor, you will not be required to participate in the event." Lady Rhea laughed gently. Unlike her usual reserved aura, she looked like she was enjoying teasing him. "Each house professor will pick a student from their respective house as a representative in the competition. The representative will have to create a dance and preform said dance before a panel of judges. Naturally, the student whose dance receives the most votes from the judges will be the winner. It's a little lighthearted fun to follow the Battle of the Eagle and Lion."
"It can be any student?"
"So long as the student is from your house, yes."
He nodded, feeling a little put out. He only knew a small portion of the Black Eagles, mainly the single class he taught. He didn't know the other students well enough to know if they were good dancers or not. Thus, his pool of candidates was already small to start off with.
"Manuela will have more information about the competition. She is heading the White Heron Cup this year."
"I'll go speak with her later then."
Lady Rhea nodded. Then her light green eyes darted to the window behind her, taking in the position of the sun in the sky. She turned her gaze back to Byleth.
"Normally, I would depart for my other obligations after our meeting, but it would seem Seteth has efficiently taken care of matters for me so I have a very rare moment of free time. Perhaps, if you can accommodate this sudden request of mine, you can join me for a cup of tea, Professor?"
Sothis?
I would err on the side of caution and decline, but I have a feeling Rhea will not take rejection for an answer. So be it, we will dance to her tune. Accept the invitation, but remember, do not speak of matters best left unsaid.
"I will. Thank you."
"Then let us adjourn to the third floor."
Lady Rhea led the way out of the audience chamber, up the winding staircase, and onto the third floor where her personal quarters were. When he stepped inside her quarters and the door was gently closed, Byleth felt an odd sense of pressure. Ever since he heard the name of the goddess from Lady Rhea, he'd been keeping a safe distance from the archbishop due to Sothis's whining.
I do not whine! I am not a child! Sothis protested. You're the child!
As Sothis angrily retorted to his thoughts, Byleth stiffly took a seat on the sofa as Lady Rhea prepared tea. He tried to think of what to do and say so that he didn't give anything away to the archbishop. In recent days, he'd used their formal relationship as superior and subordinate to keep himself at a distance from her. Having left such protection by taking her up on her offer for tea, Byleth wasn't sure how to act in the archbishop's presence.
"It brings me great joy you wish to spend a valuable moment of your time with me," Lady Rhea said, setting an elegant teacup before Byleth. After pouring herself some tea, her green eyes seemed a little hesitant. "I have this odd feeling that recently you've been trying to avoid me…"
Perceptive of her, Sothis murmured, with your unmoving face, it should be a simple matter to lie—
"I might have." Byleth's eyes darted away when Lady Rhea's expression became downcast at his honest admittance. "I'm sorry, Lady Rhea."
You…! Ugh, what am I do to with you and your honesty at times? Sothis grumbled in his mind.
"No, you must have had your own reasons for doing so." She sighed, reaching for her teacup.
"You don't have to drink it if it's too hot for your liking," Byleth said suddenly, remembering the elegantly written note in the advice box at the cathedral. He'd seen the handwriting many times in the tasks handed out to him to not recognize who the writer was. And when he'd read it, he felt a little closer to the archbishop. Learning she didn't like hot beverages but forced herself made her feel more…human to him.
Hearing this, Lady Rhea's expression cleared her usual smile gracing her features. "Is that so? Then if my guest insists, I will not press the matter. In truth, I have little fondness for hot beverages. You are the first to know that about me."
Unable to tell her he'd learned of the matter from reading her note, Byleth took a sip of his tea. He recognized the aromatic smell before tasting it. Angelica tea. It was sweet, but had slight herbal taste to it.
"I believe the professor is someone who enjoys drinking tea quite much. I've heard word from the students how you often drink tea with them in the flower garden."
"I do." Byleth said. "I like tea."
He never thought he was one for it, but after inviting many students to drink tea and trying the many different flavors there were, he'd grown a fondness for it. Lady Rhea's smile grew, curving beautifully upwards. The difference in appearance from this smile to her usual perfunctory one was great. The air she gave off was completely different.
"And yet, I dislike it despite the necessity of it in many of the invitations I receive." She reached up as if to brush her hair back, but instead her fingers lightly touched the crown on her head. "My, how laughable I must seem! I imagine you must be dumbstruck by how unbecoming my behavior is for the archbishop of all of Fódlan…"
Hearing the self-deprecation in her voice made Byleth incline his head, murmuring softly, "I'm sorry to have made you feel that way."
"Such brusque manners!" Lady Rhea was far from offended by his blunt reply. With a refreshed look, she continued, "You must get such from your father. In any case, enough about etiquette or such. I've asked you here so we did not have to abide by them. How are you feeling these days, Professor Byleth?"
"I'm fine."
Truthfully, he wasn't sure how he was these days. His students had forced him to rest after the incident at Zanado, almost turning his personal quarters into a prison with how insistent they were. They'd promised to diligently train and study on their own for their upcoming certification exams. Trusting in them and mostly in Edelgard to instruct in his absence, Byleth spent a few days lazing about in his personal quarters, deeply thinking over recent events.
"A blessing from the goddess, I'm certain. Have you experienced anything strange since you began wielding the Sword of the Creator?"
Oh, and why would you? Sothis hummed in his mind, voice laced with suspicion. Does Rhea expect you to experience something different from the norm when you began wielding the sword? I do not like where this conversation is heading, Byleth. Feigning ignorance will be in our best interest.
"I haven't. At least, not that I am aware of."
"Oh." Did she sound disappointed? A little surprise? He wasn't sure considering how her expression was still peaceful and calm. "I am glad. There are so many legends about that blade. I was worried that carrying it may result in some strange side effect."
"I see."
Lady Rhea's lips pursed slightly. Her light green eyes were filled with emotion when she gently pressed him further. "Has there really been nothing odd? A tightness in your chest? Strange dreams? Anything of the sort?"
Tightness in my chest…
It took all of Byleth's efforts not to reach for his chest, specifically the area where his heart laid. There had been a tightness in his chest and every once and a while, the area where his heart was would ache uncomfortably sometimes to the point of pain. Was something happening to him that he wasn't aware of? Was Lady Rhea expecting something to happen to him?
"…I'm fine," Byleth said after a slight shake of his head.
"I see." Again, there was a soft sigh at the end of her words as if she couldn't contain her disappointment at his answer. Her gaze returned to him, her expression betraying nothing of what she truly felt past her usual calm. "Well, if something does occur, please let me know immediately. After all, it might have something to do with that Relic of yours."
"I will."
"Please know that you are welcome to come to me about anything. I am here for you, always."
It is still a mystery why she treats you so differently compared to the others. Could it truly be because you are your father's child?
I wonder as well, Byleth mentally responded to Sothis.
"By the way…" His focus returned to Lady Rhea who was smiling in delight. "When I see you at work, giving such splendid guidance to all of your students…I want you to know that it brings me great joy, as though I, myself, am receiving the benefit of your kindness."
Why?
The question he wanted to ask her remained unsaid as he nodded, taking a sip of his tea. He wasn't sure how to response to such content words. It wasn't like how he was with his students, he felt an unsurmountable distance between him and the archbishop. And he was certain that a part of him didn't feel like he was ready, capable, or trusting enough of the archbishop to try and reduce such a distance.
"Is there a reason…" Byleth found himself asking, as he lowered his teacup to the saucer, "that you chose me, Lady Rhea?"
Lady Rhea stared at him silently. She didn't react negatively or positively to his words. A few brief moments passed, then she reached for her tea cup. There was no longer any steam rising from it and from how long it was sitting, he had a feeling it was lukewarm.
"I said before, you are Jeralt's child. The child of my savior many years ago. To you, I feel a connection. I wish to return to you the favor Jeralt has done for me that is all. There is nothing more than that. Simply…my mere gratitude," she said eventually. She lowered her tea to the saucer. "I dislike hot beverages, but tea once cooled is not so flavorful. A small price to be paid, I believe."
Was that her way of ending the discussion? Unable to continue his line of questioning, Byleth let the topic lie. Instead, they spoke about his time at the academy, the work he'd done for the students and staff at the monastery, and his closeness with his students. All the while, Byleth couldn't help but shake the feeling that whenever Lady Rhea looked at him, it was if she was staring past him. It made him feel uneasy. Yet, the more time he spent in her presence, the more he couldn't shake the strange sense of familiarity he had with her.
I, too, sense it…Or rather, perhaps it has been me all along who has been causing you to feel such, murmured Sothis after Byleth excused himself from Lady Rhea's presence to attend to his duties as a professor. I am coming ever closer to the conclusion, Byleth. Our endless frustrations of the unknowing will soon cease. Still, I am a little more than unnerved by Rhea's elusive questions regarding the Sword of the Creator and your health. I cannot help but be cautious of her motives.
I…am neutral when it comes to the archbishop. I feel wary of her, too…
Did your father also not voice the same concerns when you first arrived at the monastery? He seems to have his own reservations about her. I am also rather curious as to her age. For someone who is mostly like double, perhaps even triple your age, she is rather young in appearance.
My father looks young as well.
Hmm…
Age and appearance never really bothered Byleth considering he had a father who was untouched by time. Jeralt had not changed one bit since Byleth was young save for perhaps accumulating several more scars here and there. Otherwise, his father remained immovable by age. But when Sothis was voicing her suspicions, he felt that it was indeed very odd that Lady Rhea was so young in appearance. At worst, he would say she looked like she was in her late twenties. Could it be a case of extremely good genetics? Or something more than that?
Well, there is not much more we can gain save for headaches all around if we keep thinking of such matters. Let us concentrate our efforts on this upcoming competition. Phooey, if only I had my physical body, I would have volunteered myself for such an endeavor.
Hmm…
He couldn't imagine the proud Sothis dancing for the sake of a competition. But he did feel for her in that she was always cooped up within his mind. It made him feel a little guilty that she wasn't able to free herself of her mental confines and enjoy the world.
It is fine, Byleth. There is no need to worry about such gloomy matters. I am enjoying myself fine. After all, when you interact with the world, I am, in a sense, interacting with the world as well. I am living vicariously.
It was still a little upsetting that he couldn't do more for her.
In the distance, he could see the greenhouse coming into view. Entering, he found the person he was looking for. Manuela was happily chatting away with the residential greenhouse live-in. And surprisingly, she wasn't scaring her off.
"Oh, Professor," Bernadetta waved to him. She was dressed warmly for the weather. Rather than her spring uniform, she was wearing her winter uniform. It was similar to their spring uniform in that it was all black with gold threading, but the skirts and shorts were replaced with either pants or longer ankle length skirts. Bernadetta had chosen to settle for pants rather than the long skirt. "Are you here to do some gardening?"
"I was looking for Manuela. Am I interrupting?"
"Not at all! Professor Manuela was telling me all about her time at the Mittelfrank Opera and she even told me stories about Dorothea when she was a songstress." Eyes sparkling, Bernadetta excitedly rambled on. "I wish I got a chance to see Dorothea on stage. She must have been amazing. No, I know she was amazing!"
"Indeed, she was, Bernadetta. More than her looks, Dorothea's voice and acting captured the hearts of her entire audience. Her song and dance were like a spell. Given a few more years, she would have been quite the beloved star of the opera had she not left." Manuela said.
Dorothea…Sing and dance…
He'd momentarily forgotten that Dorothea was a former songstress. If there was anyone more suitable to represent the Black Eagles in the White Heron Cup, it would be her. He tilted his head. But would that be an unfair advantage? Someone who was proven on the theater stage compared to someone who wasn't…It was the same as pitting a master swordsman against an amateur.
"If I asked I wonder if I could see it." Berandetta mused aloud.
"Speaking of dancing, I wanted to talk to you about the White Heron Cup." The moment the words left Byleth's lips, Bernadetta's eyes grew wide.
"Oh, uh, look at the time, Professor. I think my bed is calling for me. I'll just get going." When Bernadetta made to slide past Byleth, he pinned her with a blank stare. "Eek! A-alright! I won't go…just don't pick me!"
"And why not? You're a lovely young woman, Bernadetta. I say you have enough charm to even make Hubert laugh. Why, I've seen the two of you conversing once before. Anyone who can make Mr. Tall-and-Doom laugh is a master charmer in my books," said Manuela.
"No! It wasn't what you thought it was!" Bernadetta denied, crossing her arms to hug herself. Her eyes darted about. "It…was the most terrifying experience in my life…Hearing Hubert's laughter is like…listening to the song from the gates of the underworld!"
"…That sounds…like a very apt description now that I think about it." Manuela remarked. She patted the shivering Bernadetta on the shoulder. Then to Byleth, "Now then, what about the White Heron Cup, Byleth? Have you decided on a representative? As the one heading the competition, I will take note of the Black Eagles' participant."
"Not yet. I only wanted to know more about the competition."
"What do you know about it so far?"
"It's a dance competition."
"And that is all you need to know." Manuela said with a wink. "It's a competition where the students use their bodies as a form of art. They dance before the judges under the lights of the reception hall and before their fellow students in order to win honor and glory for their house. It's nothing like the bone-breaking, sweat-inducing, and blood-shedding Battle of the Eagle and Lion."
"I'd rather fight in the battle a hundred times than dance at the cup," Bernadetta murmured despondently. "It's horrible. Standing there in front of hundreds of people and dancing. Oh, I couldn't do it."
"Is that all there really is to it?" Byleth asked.
"That's all there is. For once, the students are going to be able to relax and enjoy their student life here. And I am going to make sure that happens."
"Who are the judges?"
"Well, yours truly is one," Manuela pointed to herself with a winning smile laced with a touch of seduction. "But fret not, I will be objective and impartial. There's no need to worry about bias from me. The other two are Alois and Shamir."
Shamir, Byleth could understand. However, he didn't know Alois was a patron of the fine arts to be able to be named as a judge on a dance competition panel.
"Any thought to who your house representative might be?" asked Manuela. Again, Bernadetta tried to make herself as small, still, and quiet as possible.
"Somewhat. Have you picked a representative for your class?"
"That's a secret, Byleth." Manuela said in a sing-song voice. "I can't show off all my cards now, can I?"
"Hmm…" Byleth's eyes met Bernadetta.
She clasped her hands together as if to beg him. "Please don't make me the representative, Professor. I'll die from stage fright!"
"Hmm…"
When he didn't give a definite response to her words, Bernadetta's eyes swam. A representative… Dancing was so far out of his field of knowledge, he didn't feel confident enough to pick anyone. And if he wasn't confident, he knew exactly where to look to find a reasonable answer.
12/03 – Ethereal Moon
"A representative for the White Heron Cup?" Edelgard repeated from her seat at the front of the class. She had her arms crossed, a thoughtful look on her face. It wasn't just her, when posed with the question from Byleth, the majority of his class was staring at him thoughtfully.
"That's right. Rather than having me pick, it might be better for the class to decide. I don't know how to dance." Byleth paused. "Or what makes a good dancer."
"Out of curiosity, who were you thinking of nominating?" Dorothea spoke up. Surprisingly, she was sitting beside Ferdinand. The atmosphere between the two of them had been much better these past few days.
"Edelgard or you."
"Me?" Edelgard looked both pleased and surprised by his words. "…I'm quite flattered, Professor. However, I do believe the better option would be Dorothea. As one who was the pinnacle of song and dance at the Mittelfrank Opera, it's only natural for her to represent us."
Expecting Dorothea to confidently rise to meet expectations, Byleth blinked when she ran her fingers through her hair. She looked strangely reluctant.
"I second the notion. Dorothea will surely bring our class victory." Ferdinand agreed wearing an expression of pure triumph. "With Dorothea representing our class, we will win the competition with absolute certainty. None could dare to even compare."
"Oh, I bet Dorothea will be amazing on stage!" Bernadetta agreed. Somehow or another, the timid girl had taken the seat at the front of the class without much resistance. More surprising was how she didn't flinch whenever Edelgard happened to be sitting beside her that day.
"Dance? I'm having much curiosity about the dance of Fódlan." Petra mused, crossing her arms. "I am hearing it is much different from Brigid dance."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Dorothea cried out, plunging the entire class into silence. When all eyes were on her, she hesitated. Looking completely unlike her confident-self, she glanced from face to face, searching for words. "Are you sure you want me to represent us?"
"Why wouldn't we? You used to dance as a profession, right?" Linhardt said with a shrug of his shoulders. "You're probably the best dancer in our class."
"My footwork and technique is none too shabby, Linhardt. I can display it for you to see if you'd like."
"I would rather not see that, Ferdinand. Or rather, I've already seen it once and I don't wish to see it again. For a lifetime."
"Your footwork and technique is similar to a chicken prancing about with its head cut off." Hubert commented coldly. "If there is one person to admire, it is Lady Edelgard. Her dance is truly the epitome of grace."
"We're becoming distracted from the main topic at hand," Edelgard said disapprovingly. "What's the matter, Dorothea? Do you not wish to be our representative?"
"No, it's not that. I'm flattered you all would think to pick me, but…" Dorothea floundered for a brief moment, then she sighed. "I'm not exactly…the most accurate representative there is for our class."
"I do not understand. How can accuracy come into play? You are a student of the Black Eagles." Flayn's brows pinched in confusion. The light green-haired girl sat beside Bernadetta at the front of the classroom. One glance at the front row desk was enough to make Byleth feel softhearted seeing as how Bernadetta, Flayn, and Edelgard sat there today.
"I mean, I am…It's just, well," Dorothea glanced at Edelgard. "I think Edelgard might be a better representative."
"More accurate is what you mean to say," Edelgard's eyes narrowed. She sighed, then stood from her seat…which didn't make much of a difference if she'd remained sitting but the aura she exuded was undoubtedly that of a ruler. "If this has to do with you being a commoner, then you best prepare yourself for being our representative. As house leader, I won't have that accepted as a valid reason for not representing the Black Eagles."
"Edie…"
"All that matters is your ability to dance and from the nine of us, you outshine us all on the dancefloor. And your stage presence, as a former songstress, is beyond us. By talent and talent alone, you are worthy, Dorothea." Edelgard's voice strongly carried throughout the classroom. "And I am not the only one who thinks so either."
"Blegh, enough with the commoner this and noble that. I say Edelgard's right! Who cares about all that stuff anyways?" Caspar agreed. "Having you dance is our best bet at winning the White Heron Cup! I'm not for dancing or anything, but I'm all about winning! Heck yeah, us Eagles are taking the victory!"
"So long as I don't have to dance I don't really care who it is…" Linhardt coughed when he caught Edelgard's sharp gaze. "But if I had to pick someone, then yes, Dorothea, probability wise, is our best chance at winning. To add, I've never heard of status being a large defining factor on who dances well and who doesn't. A prime example being Ferdinand."
"I already told you, Linhardt, that I am an excellent dancer! Why, you were there that night when my father hosted that ball! You witnessed it firsthand!" Ferdinand protested. "Edelgard, you were there as well!"
"Then, Professor Byleth, if Dorothea agrees I see no reason why she shouldn't be our class representative for the White Heron Cup." Edelgard completely ignored Ferdinand's insistence that he wasn't a bad dancer. "What do you think, Professor?"
"The class agrees you're the best candidate as the representative of the Black Eagle House. Do you want to be our representative, Dorothea?" Byleth asked, finally speaking after watching his students speak their thoughts.
Dorothea's gaze wavered. Her emerald eyes were bright and slightly red, but the smile on her face was warm.
"I would be honored to be the representative of the Black Eagles." She winked. "I'll win that competition for us. And…I'm very flattered by everyone's support. You can count on me!"
"Then it's decided. Though you are our representative, we will do all we can to assist you in preparing for the competition, Dorothea. Like I said back at Gronder Field, our win must be absolute no matter what it takes. The White Heron Cup will be ours!"
Though it was only a dance competition, Byleth felt his lips twitch when Edelgard's words stirred the fighting spirit of his class. They looked ready to rush out onto the battlefield than sit at their desks and take lecture notes. It was heartwarming to see the cohesiveness of the class. The many months they spent together did well for their friendship. Then Byleth remembered another matter that he spoke with Manuela about which was somewhat concerning.
"There will be a ball on the 25th day of this moon." Byleth announced though he knew his students might have already known about it well before he did. "To foster cooperation between the three houses. Formal evening attire is required and will be left to your discretion. If that's not possible, you can wear your academy uniforms…And everyone must be present."
The last part he said while maintaining eye contact with Linhardt who made a face as if he couldn't be bothered. But when Byleth's eyes didn't move away, Linhardt sighed in defeat, silently surrendering to his social obligations as a student at the monastery.
"Oh, are you dressing up too, Professor?" Dorothea asked. "I bet you would look absolutely handsome in a suit and with your hair done."
"I don't own a suit."
"Fear not, I have plenty to spare, Professor!" Ferdinand offered, grinning. "The very best suits by the very best tailors in all of the Empire. If you need one, please do not hesitate to ask. I will gladly lend it to you."
"I won't be dancing."
"Why not? What's the fun in that?" Dorothea pouted. "Imagine all of the heartbroken students if you don't dance the night of the ball, Professor. You've a lot of admirers at the monastery, you know."
"If the professor does not wish to dance, he need not to." Edelgard said coolly.
"I can't dance so I won't." He didn't care much for dancing. His lack of dancing skills made him disregard the matter entirely. Having been a former mercenary, there was no reason for him to learn the art of dance. The only dance he knew were the simple village dances during the spring, summer, and harvest festivals. He didn't know any ballroom dancing.
"I can teach you, Professor Byleth." Once again, it was Ferdinand offering.
"Then please teach me as well, Ferdinand." Petra said. "I must be learning Fódlan dance as well."
"Not so fast, Ferdie!" Dorothea shook her head. Her smile was teasing. "I believe Edie should be the one teaching the professor how to dance. Since you only know how to lead, it'll be better for Edie, who knows how to lead and be led, to teach the professor. And I was rather thinking of asking you to assist me in my own practice for the White Heron Cup. I heard from Manuela you're rather a fervent admirer of the theater."
"Hrmm…I suppose you are right, Dorothea. Very well then, I concede this position to you, Edelgard." Ferdinand said graciously.
"If that is so, may I ask you teach me as well, Edelgard?" Flayn asked, leaning past Bernadetta to stare up at Edelgard who'd, since Dorothea's acceptance, had reseated herself.
"Reduced to a dance instructor…" Hubert murmured in displeasure. "Very well, since I know Lady Edelgard will be reluctant to decline, I shall offer my services instead. Her Highness is extremely busy and does not have the time to teach three people the art of dancing. Therefore…Petra, Flayn, I will be your instructor instead."
"My, then I will be relying on you, Hubert." Flayn was completely unperturbed by Hubert's menacing appearance, gladly taking him up on the offer. Petra, who was strangely the only other student Hubert was polite and, to a lesser extent, kind to, nodded. "Oh, I am so looking forward to it! How fun it will be. Do you not think so as well, Petra?"
"Yes, I will not surrender until I have mastered Fódlan dance! I am having reliance on you, Hubert." Petra said enthusiastically.
"I am not a lenient teacher. I expect unceasing efforts from the two of you so that we do not disgrace the name of the Black Eagle House during the ball." Hubert warned. "That said, I will endeavor to do what I can to assist. For Lady Edelgard's sake, naturally."
It was a strange sight to see and hear Hubert naturally extending help to his classmates without prompting from Edelgard, who looked just as surprised as Byleth felt. But when their eyes met, she smiled.
"Now that we've sorted that out, we're going to focus on battalion skills today." Byleth turned to the chalkboard with chalk in one hand and a notebook in another hand. Without turning around, he continued. "Make sure to pay attention. There will be a practical exam on this later. If you fail…fifty laps around the training field in the snow."
He could hear the slight groans from certain students in the class. His lips twitched. When he turned to face them, his expression was blank as always. The rest of the lesson passed by peacefully with all nine students paying apt attention, their quill pens rapidly jotting down notes save for Linhardt whose hand was moving at a snail's pace across his parchment. When he dismissed the class, Edelgard approached his desk. Following behind her was a beaming Dorothea.
"Regarding the dance lessons, Professor, if you would like perhaps we can schedule some time during your free days to practice?" Edelgard suggested looking very warm in her winter uniform. "Naturally, we can extend the length of instruction and practice for however long you are free and would like."
"Aren't you busy?" He remembered seeing her and Hubert together often, their heads bent together to discuss Empire matters most likely.
Her gaze grew contemplative. "…A tad, but nothing too important it cannot be put on hold for a day or two."
"Then I'll take you up on the offer. Thank you, Edelgard."
"There is no need for thanks."
"That's right, Professor. Edie would gladly do anything to assist. She is our house leader, after all. Though I am a little disappointed we won't be seeing you dance. Can you imagine the stir it would cause?" Dorothea said teasingly, looping her arm through Edelgard's.
"Oh? There's still time to renounce your position as our representative in favor of me if you want."
"I think I'll keep it. After all, I am the best fit for it. Right?"
"Of course. I wouldn't lie, Dorothea."
Smile blooming when she heard Edelgard's words, Dorothea laughed almost breathless from joy. "Sweet talker. Anyways, Professor, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to do my best for the class and for you. When you have time, I would like for you to watch my dance and critique it if possible."
"Of course."
"Edie as well."
"If you would like my presence there, I shall be there." Acquiescing to her request, Edelgard said to Byleth. "Then, we'll excuse ourselves, Professor."
He tilted his head. "Stay warm you two."
"Yes, you as well, my teacher." Sparing him another smile, Edelgard turned to leave with Dorothea following behind her, their arms still looped. The ex-diva waved to Byleth then focused on happily chatting away at Edelgard's side, gesturing every once and a while.
Rather than return to his personal quarters, he remained in the classroom to prepare his lecture notes for next week's class. Though he wore warmer clothes, he could still feel the chill of winter through his clothes. The classroom was running low on firewood as he was debating whether he should head out to cut some more, his gaze was drawn to the window behind him. Just outside, he saw white flakes floating down from the sky.
Standing from his seat, Byleth watched as snow began to lightly fall. Then as if accompanying it, he could feel the classroom become colder. With one glance at his notes, Byleth felt as if he'd done enough for the day. It was still light out so a quick trip to the forest to cut down firewood wasn't out of the question.
With that decided, he hurriedly set himself to task. He didn't want his students to feel chilled in tomorrow's lecture. The walk to the monastery entrance was relatively peaceful until he made it past the front entrance only to be smacked in the face with snow. The culprit was a particular Golden Deer House Leader who was laughing and preparing to launch a second offensive against the unsuspecting teacher.
Wiping away the snow on his face, Byleth raise his eyes to the sky.
Winter was finally settling in over Garreg Mach Monastery.
A second snowball hit him over the head.
So the next few chapters will revolve around the White Heron Cup and the ball before leading up to the big event. I'm actually carefully thinking about how I want to write that chapter since it will be a big turning point in the story and set the tone for events following. Regarding this chapter, I always felt like the White Heron Cup was a nice "side quest" in a way. It didn't really have much story impact on the game itself but I felt like it should have? At least that's what I thought and it was a good opportunity for the houses to interact with each other which is why I'm flushing out this event more in the story than the in-game version.
Also, I felt like this was a great chapter bring the Black Eagles closer while addressing some of the underlying issues with Fodlan society since we often forget that Garreg Mach is a microcosm of Fodlan in general. I also wanted to strengthen Edelgard's and Dorothea's relationship. To me, those two have the greatest potential in being steadfast friends. That's all for this A/N.
See you all at the next chapter.