After a long rant about invasions of privacy and that my life wasn't a soap opera for my students to enjoy, I managed to send most of them off to go and sleep.

Caspar left since he still hadn't finished his paper yet and I threatened him with lines on the chalkboard. Since Linhardt was asleep, my blue-haired student volunteered himself to bring the sleeping student back to his room.

Bernie ran off after my rant… though not out of fear. She mentioned something about getting inspiration for a masterpiece. That worried me a bit, but it was better that she was there than here.

Ferdinand wanted to stay a bit, but with some prodding from Hubert, the orange-haired noble left with a promise to return with some coffee in the morning.

That left Hubert, Dorothea, Manuela, Hanneman, and my impish little sister who was innocently leaning against the wall.

Hubert glanced at me and said, "Professor. It would be prudent for you to get some rest. I will take over watching Lady Edelgard until your return."

I glanced at Delly and hesitated. "That… I promised her to be at her side when she woke up."

Hubert shook his head. "While Lady Edelgard would indeed be delighted to see you when she awakens, she would be devastated to learn that was done at the expense of your own well-being." He gave me a level gaze and said, "Furthermore, you live not only for yourself now."

I sighed. "You make a good point, Bert."

Despite my jab, Hubert only looked amused.

Hanneman nodded and said, "I agree with young Hubert, Byleth. It would not do for you to fall ill at this time… after all, we do not have time to waste."

"Yes," Manuela said. "And also… you've been looking thinner, Professor. While I know I'm a lovely physician and Dorothea would make an adorable nurse, I don't think you'd want to be forced to a stay in the infirmary now, would you?"

"That's right, Professor." Dorothea fixed me with a stern glare and said, "You march right on back to your room and sleep! If you look dead on your feet tomorrow when taking Edie out to celebrate, well, you're going to see exactly what kinds of thorns are on this rose!"

I smiled and shook my head. "Well, if everyone's telling me that, who am I to refuse? And… I suppose it would be nice to relax."

Everything had gone from zero to a hundred real quick in the past few days. It'd be nice to just take a moment to slow down and settle into a proper, ordinary professor routine…

"While it is good that you are finally considering yourself, dear brother… I believe there is one more obstacle for you to face before then."

I looked up at Stella and frowned. "What are you talking about?"

She pointed at the door.

I turned my head to look over… and saw Seteth standing there.

The green-haired advisor's hair was windswept, clearly just back from his trip to get rid of the invading Agarthans. Thankfully, he was unarmed… though from his stern face and the slight twitch above his left eye, he wasn't any less intimidating.

I forced a smile. "Seteth! Just the person I wanted to see."

Not.

He forced a smile as well and nodded. "How fortunate, Professor. Now, if you would… I have something to discuss with you." His eyes flitted towards Edelgard and then back to me. "In private."

Well… crap.

"Coffee?"

"Yes, please."

Seteth placed down a cup of black coffee on the table in front of me before pouring on for himself. After that, he took the cup to the other side of the table and sat down in his chair.

…We had gone back to his room for the discussion. It was near Rhea's room, and so far from the infirmary, around the corner and on the other side of the second floor.

Seteth said it was for privacy.

I had a feeling it was more so that he could yell at me without waking my Edelgard.

We were seated again at the window side table in his room, overlooking the courtyard. With the near full moon, it was a peaceful nightscape outside, completely at odds with what had happened earlier. The Crest of Cichol and the tense atmosphere over the monastery had faded away, as if it was just another ordinary night.

Of course, such an ordinary scene held hidden dangers. The calm before the storm, so to speak.

Seteth took a sip from his coffee and said, "A calm night, is it not?"

I mimicked him, taking a sip to calm my nerves. "It is. How's the situation, by the way? Since you're back, I assume it's settled?"

"Indeed," Seteth said. "Your father and his troops took care of most of the attackers once our countermeasure was used. My own battalion is cleaning up the stragglers, but for the most part the danger is over." He set down his coffee cup and frowned. "Still, to think they had such advanced technology… I had always known the Church of Seiros had deeply concealed enemies, but to think it was to this extent…"

I nodded. "I'm bothered by that too. I didn't think they could adapt so quickly… I mean, they even copied my techniques."

"Hm?"

My eyes widened. I didn't mean to say the last part out loud… maybe I did need more sleep.

I wracked my mind and said, "It's a trade secret of mine. I won't say exactly how it works, but I can use wind magic to get an explosive burst of speed when I attack." I frowned and said, "I only used it… what, once? Against them, yet they managed to replicate it so easily… Granted, it's not as refined as mine since I can turn and adjust directions, it's still pretty scary."

Seteth took another sip from his coffee and said, "Then it is greatly fortuitous that Rhea did not underestimate them and set up the proper countermeasures before she left. Though, to have predicted this much… could she have heard another message?"

I shrugged. "Maybe. Though… proper countermeasures? I guess that explains the Crest amplification."

He said 'countermeasures' though, so I wondered what else was hiding away and waiting to be used. I clearly saw the guy using his sacred weapon earlier, so maybe Rhea had gone out ahead of time to gather them all?

Seteth's eyes widened. "You recognized it?" He paused. "No, I should expect as much considering your research with Hanneman… however." He narrowed his eyes and looked at me. "How did you recognize it as amplification? Most would simply see it as a hidden device."

"…Trade secret?"

"Ah." Seteth gave me a sarcastic nod. "Of course. I should have expected that. Part of the mystery behind why you can use the Crest of Aubin, is it?"

"…Yes?"

"I see."

A tense silence filled the room.

I took another sip from my coffee.

I hadn't noticed it the first time, but it was sweet and thin. Considering Seteth knew I liked it bitter, it seemed that he wasn't above petty revenge.

Still, coffee was coffee…

I set down my cup and said, "Did you ever figure out why they attacked, by the way?"

Seteth tilted his head. "You mean the recent invaders? While it was difficult capturing any alive without getting… creative. We discovered that they were lying in ambush for your father." He smiled. "It would appear that their plans at Zanado did not go quite as planned. As for the Blue Lions… it just so happened that they were a target of circumstance. Though, it seems that yet again our enemies underestimated us."

I frowned. "I guess so… but they probably won't after this."

The Agarthans pulled out some trump cards, probably trying to end or cripple us early, but we managed to stop them with our own. Both sides now didn't know how many cards the other side had… so they'd be more cautious going forward.

Seteth nodded, his face grim. "I agree. We will need to be ever more vigilant… particularly once the proper monthly missions begin. It might be prudent to send out a battalion of the Knights of Seiros with each house… though that is a matter of concern after the mock battle."

I nodded.

"Now with that settled…" Seteth downed the rest of his coffee and set his cup on the table. "Shall we move onto the true subject of this discussion?"

I froze and took a long sip from my coffee before setting my cup down as well. I already knew what he was talking about, but I still feigned ignorance. "That would be?"

Seteth looked me in the eye and said, "Professor- no, Byleth."

"Yes?"

"You are well aware of the prestige that one holds in a position such as yours, are you not?"

I slowly nodded. "I am."

"The actions you take, the words you say, as well as your general conduct reflects directly upon the Officers Academy and, in turn, the monastery as a whole. You understand?"

"I do."

Seteth stood up and slammed his hand on the table. "Then what in the Goddess's name convinced you that it was a good idea to propose to one of your students?"

I flinched, but steadily stared at Seteth and said, "I'm not taking it back."

"While your commitment and resolve is admirable, Edelgard is your house leader! Furthermore, the future Adrestrian Emperor!"

I nodded. "I'm well aware."

Seteth ran his right hand through his hair and said, "Please tell me you considered the fallout before proposing and that it was not a spur of the moment decision."

I was quiet.

"Byleth." Seteth's voice was calm. "Tell me that you proposed after considering everything. Please."

"I… did?"

Seteth let out a long sigh and sat down, holding his head with both hands. "Have you forgotten the political turmoil occurring at the moment?" He raised his head and said, "The Regent Emperor would seek any avenue to discredit Edelgard and her succession to the throne. With this, he has the perfect opportunity to do so!"

"Ah. Well… I forgot about that part?"

Between the time limit on Delly's life, Stella, and the other things… I kind of forgot what was going on in the background.

Seteth covered his face with his hands and groaned. "You are fortunate that I think highly of you, Byleth. Were you any other person… Hah. Well, I suppose this can work. At the least, the Knight of Seiros can take the stance of protecting the last rightful heir of their longest ally."

I let out a sigh of relief. "Then… I'm good?"

"No. You are not." Seteth raised his head and laced his fingers together, placing his hands on the table. "Despite the serendipitous arrangement, the fact remains that you proposed to one of your students. You, a professor at the esteemed Officers Academy, and the Black Eagles House Professor at that, proposed to a student, the esteemed House Leader of the Black Eagles." He glared at me and said, "Furthermore, this was done not even a week into the school year- no, before the lessons even began properly! How in the world can you be 'good' after this?!"

"Well when you put it that way…"

It… did sound kind of bad.

"Where do I even begin reprimanding you?" Seteth shook his head and said, "Manuela was already bad enough with her attire, and Hanneman focused too much on his research… Here I thought that we had a proper and competent professor at last and then you go and do this."

I frowned. "It's not that bad, is it?"

Seteth stood up and started pacing. "Sudden proposals and engagements in the Officers Academy… I suppose they are not uncommon. But for a professor to propose to their student…" He stopped and stared at me. "Did you not stop to consider the talk that will spread as a result?"

"Well-"

Seteth crossed his arms and fixed me with a stern look. "Rhea's judgment will be called into question. Not only that, but have you considered Miss Hresvelg's reputation? She is the future Adrestrian Emperor! For her, countless nobles and Crest bearers throughout Fodlan would be willing to leave their families to join in matrimony! And yet… She chose you! A mercenary without any trackable history… and the little that can be tracked shows an infamous reputation for being a ruthless demon that is not swayed by pleas or begging!"

I frowned. "Hey now, I wasn't that bad."

Seteth slammed his hands on the table and leaned forward. "But people believe you were… no, are! Such a bloodthirsty man proposing to the future emperor and her accepting… Do you understand the implications of such a thing?"

I paused. "…People will think I coerced her?"

"Not only that, but they will quiver in fear! The nobles will think that you will purge those that robbed the previous Emperor of his power while the commoners will fear that you will oppress them with force! The fact that Miss Hresvelg, known for being obstinate and aloof, acts so differently around you is proof enough, regardless of the truth!'

That… well, he made a good point.

Seteth started pacing again. "If this spreads…" He shook his head. "For now, outside of your students and the staff, only the Knights know and they are sworn to secrecy. We can still contain it. Yes, it is salvageable." He nodded and then turned towards me. "It is too late to retract your proposal now, as well as Miss Hresvelg's decision, but we can hide it. For a few months… long enough for preparations to be made so that the decision is more amiable to the public. Of course, the ring must be hidden, but-"

"No."

"I beg your pardon?"

I stood up and shook my head. "I said no. Why should I hide my proposal? Why should Edelgard have to hide the fact that she agreed?"

Seteth opened his mouth. "You… You cannot be serious! I understand the wish to promise oneself to another and the pain of hiding such relationships, but-"

"One year."

Seteth blinked. "A year?"

"That's how long Manuela said Edelgard had left to live… and that is being optimistic. Realistically, we have until the end of this year. Seven months and four days… maybe less."

Seteth's eyes widened. "That… Byleth. Are you certain?"

"Unless Hanneman, Manuela and I find a breakthrough in Crestology or medical technology, Delly… my Edelgard will die."

Anger, guilt, vehement denial.

"I… I am going to do everything I can to stop that. To save her. But… But in the slim, near impossible chance that I fail…"

Fate. Time. The Agarthans.

The powers opposing me were strong… stronger than expected, as well as much more adaptive than anticipated.

"…I want her to at least be happy." I clenched my hands and glared at Seteth. "No, she will be happy. And if the world is going to ridicule her for that…"

My left shoulder throbbed. For a split second, I felt a faint force pulse, resonating with my resolve.

"…Then the world can-!"

Calm yourself!

A voice cut through my wrath, splashing cold water on my thoughts.

Sothis… my dear sister's voice echoed in my mind.

Have you forgotten? You are not alone! Such drastic measures are far from necessary. And who cares what others think? Yours is a love that rises above such trivial things!

I took a deep breath, calming down.

She was right. Sothis… Stella was right.

Furthermore, have you forgotten? You are not the only one who cares for my dear Sister-in-law. Your students, Dimitri, as well as the others all care for her as well. There will be quite the reckoning if any fool dares to open their mouth and belittle the vows you two have exchanged.

With that, my heart calmed down. When it did, I looked back at Seteth.

Surprisingly, he didn't look angry. Instead… a strange emotion was on his face. One I couldn't quite read.

He stared at me for a few more moments and then sighed. As if all the energy left him, he slumped down into his chair.

Seeing that, I sat down as well.

"…You will not change your mind about publicizing the engagement?"

"Never."

Seteth pinched the bridge of his nose. "You… hah. It seems that I have forgotten the obstinacy of youth and its recklessness… But I suppose that is the consequence of aging."

I blinked, confused.

Seteth waved his hand and said, "Very well. If you wish for this to go through so much… if you are that adamant, I will… find a way to make this work."

"…Really?"

Seteth scoffed. "You say that as if I have any choice in the matter. From the expression on your face, you seemed ready to single-handedly wage war against the Adrestrian Empire and burn Fodlan down to the ground." He frowned and then said, "And with the Crest of Aubin, I fear that may not be inaccurate. Also, I saw how well that went the last time..."

I coughed. "That… I wasn't going to do anything of the sort."

Seteth gave me the look. The one a parent gave a child when they knew they were lying.

I averted my gaze.

He sighed and said, "Well… I suppose I must do even more paperwork to settle this. I will need to apologize to Flayn later…"

I winced. "Sorry."

Seteth shook his head. "Do not apologize. If you are willing to go to such lengths for the one you love, do not compromise."

"Understood."

"…Still." He sighed. "I wonder if you might not be related to Rhea. Goddess forbid you two seem to share that unruly temper…"

Hm. I wonder if this is a bad time to mention that I'm her grandson…

Seteth's eyes widened.

"…I said that out loud, didn't I?"

Seteth groaned. "That answers so many questions. And raises many more that I have to discuss with my dear sister."

I blinked. "With Flayn?"

What did she have to do with this?

Seteth paused and then shook his head. "Just… go back to your beloved's side for the time being. There is much I need to sort out tonight… and probably tomorrow as well." He sighed and said, "I will come get you again when everything is settled."

"…Alright?"

"And for the love of all that is holy, please act like an ordinary professor. The mock battle is but three days away and the proper lessons are the day after… no, I suppose it would be tomorrow given the time." He shook his head and said, "In any case, just… remain in the monastery and perform your assigned duties. If you need help in your lessons, I will draft a plan and send it to you posthaste."

I nodded. "I will… or I'll try. But trouble-"

"Do not try. Do. Or else I will be forced to assign Jeritza as the House Professor until the situation calms down."

I swallowed my words and nodded.

"Understood."

"Good. Then you are dismissed, Professor."

I decided not to test my luck any further and quickly left Seteth's room, closing the door behind me.

As it did though, I heard him musing.

"…Does that mean that Stella is my grand-niece? And if she is that adorable a generation removed, what of Flayn's children? No, that would require her getting married and-"

I hastened my steps and did my best to forget what I just heard. There were plenty of reasons already for Seteth to make my life miserable, I didn't need any more.

Back in the infirmary, everyone had left except for Hubert, who was seated by Delly and reading a book.

I walked over towards him and waved.

"So you are back, Professor?" Hubert turned a page and said, "How was the discussion with Seteth?"

I pulled a chair next to Delly. "It was… something. Where'd everybody else go?"

"Professor Hanneman returned to his office with Professor Manuela to discuss possible treatments for Lady Edelgard while your sister left with Dorothea for a, and I quote, slumber party."

I nodded and then stared at Delly… at my Edelgard. She was still sleeping peacefully with that relaxed smile on her face. Sometime in her sleep, she had turned a bit, curling her right hand around her ring, hugging her left hand against her chest.

It was cute, enough to make me forget about the discussion I had with Seteth for a bit.

The sound of a page turning reminded me that I wasn't alone.

"…Don't you need to sleep?"

"I should be asking that of you, Professor." Hubert turned another page and said, "I had thought you would have returned to your room by now after the discussion. Though I suppose that is impossible in hindsight." He closed his book and sighed. "After all, it would seem that you are as stubborn as Lady Edelgard is when it comes to being concerned about their beloved."

I sighed. "I can't help it." I turned back to Delly and said, "She gave up too much for me, so the least I can do is be there for her."

"True. However, I am afraid that there is room enough for just one completely self-sacrificing fool in Lady Edelgard's life."

My eyes widened and I spun towards Hubert. "What are you-"

His hands were up, flickering with dark magic. "Sleep, Professor."

A wave of fatigue hit me, even through the coffee I had. The Sleep spell that I should have been able to normally resist took effect from my lack of mana.

"Bert, you… bastard…"

Hubert shrugged and went back to reading his book. "If that is what it takes to ensure you are well-rested and capable of taking Lady Edelgard on a proper outing, so be it."

Son of a-

The last thing I remembered was someone lifting me up and the sound of a bed being moved around.

Author's Notes:

Well, Byleth is related to Rhea. I figured the two share a bit of irrationality when it comes to love.

Seteth is exasperated, but decides to act like a proper adult and handle the mess Byleth left him… though he's definitely not just going to let it slide. That'll come later though.

Hm… not much else I've got to say, I think?

Thanks for reading and any input, as always! I greatly appreciate it.

Hope the chapter was enjoyable, and I'll see you soon!