Someone was messing with my hair.

I groaned and rolled over. "Give me a few more minutes, Dad."

A light chuckle echoed from beside me, someone that definitely was not Dad.

I opened my eyes to see Delly staring at me. She smiled and placed a hand on my face.

"Good morning, my love."

A soft and tender gaze. Warm words filled with affection and happiness.

I blinked and then closed my eyes.

I must still be dreaming. There's no way that I would be sleeping next to Delly. Right. A dream. That's what this was.

"Still sleeping? Then…"

Something brushed against my lips. Warm, slightly wet… and sweet.

My eyes snapped open.

Delly quickly leaned back, her face flushed but with a radiant smile.

I frowned.

Delly's smile weakened and she furrowed her brows. "Should I not have-"

"One moment."

I sat up and scanned my surroundings.

It was the infirmary, the same place where I was watching over Delly. Only, instead of sitting down in front of her, somehow, there was another bed and I'd been sleeping next to her.

Thankfully, no one was around… but that brought up the question of how I got next to Delly and why the bed was here to begin with-

The fuzz in my head cleared up and I narrowed my eyes. "Bert."

Delly sat up and said, "If you're looking for Hubert, he left a short time after I woke up to give us some privacy."

My frown deepened.

Hubert had to have done that on purpose. He probably knew that my Edelgard would love watching me sleep and that I'd be embarrassed waking up to her smile.

Granted, I couldn't fault him for doing it… but it still annoyed the crap out of me.

"Try not to think too poorly of Hubert." Delly brushed a few strands of hair away from my face and said, "While he may be a bit… brusque, he does care."

I sighed and got out of the bed. "That's why I'm annoyed. Stupid self-sacrificing prick."

He probably didn't sleep either. What a hypocrite.

Delly sat up as well and then stretched.

I stared at her for a bit and then looked out the window.

It was still early morning and the grounds were still fairly gray. While I couldn't see the sun from the window, it didn't seem like it had gotten very high in the sky.

I shook my head and then glanced back at Delly.

She had pushed the covers aside and was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me with a relaxed smile.

"Did you have a good night's sleep?"

She nodded. "The best in many, many years… but even so, I couldn't wait to wake up."

"Hm?" I frowned. "Why's that?"

Delly's smile widened. She got up and walked over to me, grabbing my hand. "Why would I want to sleep when I'm already living in my dearest dream?"

I felt the tips of my ears warm up. "I-I see. That is a pretty good reason…"

Delly laughed and let go of my hand. "It's so strange seeing you embarrassed! But…" She stared at my face and smiled. "It's refreshing as well."

I averted my gaze and said, "Yeah, well… have your fun while it lasts. I'll get used to it eventually."

Delly's smile faded and she lowered her head. "…So you're saying you'll get tired of me?"

I quickly glanced back. "That's not-"

Delly's mouth twitched.

I sighed.

Delly laughed. "Sorry. It's just… I can see why you tease everyone now. This is quite amusing."

"Yeah, yeah…"

The door to the infirmary opened. Ferdinand walked in, holding a cup of coffee and a cup of tea. Hubert walked in behind him.

"Ferd?" I frowned.

"Aha!" Ferdinand turned his head back to Hubert and said, "I knew they would have awoken by now!"

"So it would appear." Hubert stared at me and frowned. "It seems that my sleep spell was not as powerful as I thought it was… or perhaps the Professor's resistance is greater than I anticipated."

Delly waved and said, "Good morning, Ferdinand. And hello again, Hubert."

Hubert nodded. "Lady Edelgard."

Ferdinand smiled and said, "Ah, to see such a relaxed smile upon Edelgard's face…" He turned towards me and said, "You are truly a miracle worker, Professor. I was beginning to believe that I would never see such an Edelgard again in my lifetime."

Delly frowned. "And what is that supposed to mean, Ferdinand?"

The orange-haired noble shook his head and placed his cups down on the table. "I mean no slight, Edelgard. Simply that it is a great relief to see you acting in such a manner once more. I am sure that I can speak for all of the Black Eagles that we are thrilled to have our dear friend back rather than the cold and aloof future Adrestrian Emperor."

Delly winced. "I… suppose I have been acting distant in recent years…"

Ferdinand nodded. "Indeed. Though for you to change so suddenly… hm. Should I propose to Dorothea? It did wonders when the Professor proposed to you, Edelgard…"

My eyes widened and I shook my head. "That… That is definitely too much too soon, Ferd."

Ferdinand frowned. "Would you care to explain? Have you and Edelgard not only known each other for a few days? Dorothea and I have known each other for years now. Surely there would be no problem?"

I blinked. "Um…"

Delly coughed. "Ferdinand. I'm afraid that your situation with Dora is a bit different from the Professor and I." She glanced at me and smiled. "From the moment we met, the Professor… no, Byleth and I…" She shook her head. "Let us just say that it felt like we had known each other for countless lifetimes. I mean no offense to you, Ferdinand, but Dorothea and yourself…"

"Ah." Ferdinand frowned. "That is true… Though 'countless lifetimes', Edelgard?" He smiled. "Why, I thought that I was the romantic?"

Delly flushed but shrugged. "Even one such as I dreams of love." She glanced back at me.

I coughed and said, "So… is that coffee for me, Ferd?"

"Hm? Ah, yes." Ferdinand nodded and handed it over. "I thought you would like something to wake up. And for you, Edelgard, some Hresvelg Blend."

Delly smiled. "Why thank you, Ferdinand. How thoughtful."

Hubert nodded. "Even the optimistic fool has a few good thoughts now and then… when his head isn't lost in the clouds that is."

Ferdinand shrugged. "Better lost in the clouds than dragged down by shadowy worries."

"Hmph."

I took a sip from the coffee. It was… sadly sweet, but not overbearingly so. I could still taste the bitterness from the beans used, so it wasn't bad.

Hubert glanced at me and said, "Professor. Have you considered yet how to broach the details of your engagement with Lady Edelgard? I presume you must have discussed it to some level with Seteth."

Delly froze and then subconsciously grabbed her ring with her right hand. "That… I had forgotten about it." She frowned and said, "It will be… troublesome."

I grabbed Delly's hand and smiled. "It will work out."

Delly shook her head. "I don't want to be a bother to you. And with how this looks…"

"Who cares? There's nothing to be ashamed of in proposing to you. People might think I'm stupid and jeopardizing my career… but it's not like I have much to lose other than that, right? Besides, it's not like Rhea would banish me from the monastery."

Delly pulled her hand back and said, "I care. Byleth. This is your calling, where you can do the most good. While I am happy- no, thrilled that you would be willing to give it up to be with me, I refuse to let you do so."

"But Delly-"

"No buts."

I frowned.

Delly turned towards Hubert and said, "Who knows about this?"

"Thus far?" Hubert said. "Only our class and the knights. The former know better and the latter were silenced by Seteth."

"Then we should stay quiet for now." Delly looked to me and said, "While we need not hide it… perhaps it would be best to not publicize it either."

"That will not do," Hubert said. "Rumors are already abound about you and the Professor, Lady Edelgard. The moment you appear with a ring…"

Delly's eyes widened and then she frowned. "That… I had not considered." She shook her head, an amused smile on her face. "How unlike me. Perhaps I have become a bit too relaxed…"

Hubert faintly smiled. "Perhaps. But I would rather that be the case and you be happy now that you have decisively given up the other path. Do you not agree, Professor?"

I nodded. "Obviously."

"My love…"

"Furthermore…" Hubert's smile turned dark. "If anyone dares to obstruct you… then I will cut a bloody path forward."

Ferdinand spoke up. "I would not go that far, Hubert. While a bit… unconventional, the Professor's proposal is not any more scandalous than the story of how my ancestor proposed to Edelgard's ancestor. Granted, he was rejected then… but…" He shook his head and looked at me. "In any case, I will definitely do my best to sway the public opinion in your favor! This I swear as Ferdinand von Aegir!"

Leaving those firm words behind, he ran off.

Hubert smirked and shook his head. "Always enthusiastic, that one."

"Yeah," I said. "His optimism is contagious though."

"I must admit," Hubert said. "It is his best point. But Lady Edelgard… what are your thoughts?"

I paused and glanced at her as well.

Delly sighed and then turned towards me. She grabbed my hand and then said, "My love- no, Byleth."

"…Yes, Delly?"

She smiled. "I have no words for how happy you have made me. The fact that you are willing to go so far warms my heart… and the fact that you promised to laze around with me and eat delicious food is incredibly tempting."

"…I sense a but."

Delly nodded. "But it seems that I have a fair bit of work to do before that time."

I frowned. "You've done more than enough. I think- no, I say that you've earned your rest. And…" My eyes flitted towards the thin black lines along her neck.

Delly shook her head. "I have to do my part as well, my love. If we are to be wed… well, I cannot have you bear all of my burdens." She tilted her head. "Or did you think me some helpless maiden who needed to be saved?"

I froze. "That…"

Delly laughed and rubbed my hand. "I jest. Still, I must admit that I have enjoyed being treated as such by you… Still, if you continue to spoil me like this, I fear I may turn rotten. That simply will not do. Therefore…" She let go of my hand and said, "Why don't we take a bit of a break for now."

Throb.

I placed a hand on my chest and smiled. "Why, I'm hurt, Delly. Barely a day into the engagement and my lovely fiancée is already asking for some space."

Delly rolled her eyes. "Come Hubert. I suppose it is time to have that long discussion with my dear brother."

Hubert bowed his head. "As you say, Lady Edelgard."

Delly started walking away, Hubert following beside her.

I sighed.

After a few steps, she paused.

Before I could ask her what was wrong, she dashed back and gave me a quick peck on the lips.

I froze.

She smiled and said, "Don't be too heartbroken, my love. I'll settle this soon, I promise."

With those words, she left, leaving me alone in the infirmary.

I blinked and then sighed.

"Well… Seteth did say to act like an ordinary professor for once…"

With nothing else to do, I decided to head back to my room.

Inside, I did a quick pulse to check for surveillance devices. This time, however, I found nothing.

I walked inside, leaving the door open as I stepped in.

"…Huh."

Stella wasn't there, probably still sleeping over with Dory. And with Delly out doing her own business, that meant I was completely alone.

"This place feels kind of empty."

Without either my sister or Delly around, I felt strangely lonely. They weren't that far away, and it hadn't even been a full day yet, but I was already starting to miss them.

Funny how that was.

I shook my head and closed the door behind me, walking over to my desk.

Like Seteth said, the real lessons would start tomorrow. The past few days had been relatively free, but that was because it was an adjustment period for everyone. The real test as a professor would start with tomorrow's lessons... as well as the real workload.

At that time, someone knocked on my door.

"Hm?"

Was it one of my students? One of the other house students? Delly? My father?

Curious, I walked over to open my door.

The moment I did, a cheery voice called out.

"Greetings, Professor!"

I blinked.

A man in full platemail with a sword sheathed at his right side and a satchel tied to his left. A helmet that hid his hair and most of his face… but not his bright smile.

"Gatekeeper?"

His smile widened and he shook his head. "I'm off duty right now, so Aidem is fine, Professor!"

"In that case, call me Byleth." I smiled. "You've more than earned that right."

"Oh, I couldn't!" Aidem shook his head. "I'm afraid I'll slip up on the job then… but I appreciate the gesture!"

"If you say so… Ah." I frowned. "I didn't get you anything last night… and after I said I would, too."

"That's fine!" Aidem said. "The fact that you considered it at all already warms my heart, Professor. That's more than enough thanks for me!"

"Are you sure? I think I can still get you something…"

Aidem shook his head. "Again, it's appreciated, but I'm actually in a rush right now." He pulled out a rolled up scroll from satchel and handed it over. "A letter for you… from Seteth. It's the guidelines for professors, freshly drafted for this coming school year."

I accepted it with a wry smile. "Thanks, Aidem. Though guidelines, huh…?"

And freshly drafted at that.

I guess Seteth wasn't letting me off that easily.

Aidem saluted and said, "Just doing my job, Professor! Ah, speaking of jobs…" He looked around and then leaned in, whispering. "Are you going to be alright? I accidentally let slip your engagement yesterday to Seteth. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me… but with how happy you two looked, I couldn't help myself."

I shook my head. "It's fine. I'm on Seteth's shortlist at the moment, but things should work out."

Aidem sighed in relief. "That's great! I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I caused you to lose your job, Professor."

I smiled. "I appreciate it. Though…" I frowned and stared at his armor. "You said you were off-duty, right? Why are you still in your uniform?"

"Ah. Well…" Aidem gave a shy smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "Girls like a knight in armor, right?"

I sighed.

Aidem grinned and waved. "Anyway, have a good day, Professor! I'll see you soon!"

After Aidem left, I closed the door and glanced at the rolled up scroll.

It was sealed with the emblem of the Church of Seiros… that is to say, the Crest of Seiros, so it was clearly official.

It also meant I probably couldn't ignore it.

"Professor guidelines, huh?"

I sighed and walked over to my desk, unrolling the scroll on it. After that, I read through the contents, written in a tidy scrawl.

It was long and detailed, but I managed to get through it all without too much trouble.

To sum things up:

Every student is offered an advancement exam once every two months, totaling five through the school year. The first comes at the end of May. This consists of a practical exam and written portion, with a majority weighing on the practical exam.

There are three primary class categories, novice, advanced, and master. In order to graduate, it is expected for a student to either reach advanced class, or master three novice classes.

As a professor, at least three quarters of the class must pass. Also, each exam attempt comes from my salary. Obviously, the incentive is to make sure students pass on the first attempt.

While the contents of the lectures may differ, the timing of the classes are strictly regulated so as to synchronize dining times.

Finally, the weekly schedule for students, barring a special occasion, is the following:

8AM-9AM – Homeroom Check-In

9AM-12PM – Lectures

12PM-2PM – Lunch

2PM-5PM – Combat Training/Formations

5PM-7PM – Dinner

7PM-10PM – Free Time

10PM – Curfew

…And that was about it.

Still, looking at that schedule made me wince. It was already packed for students, but for me… wouldn't it be worse? I had to write lecture materials, quizzes, assignments, and tests. Not only that, but I had to grade things as well…

I sent a small prayer out to primary and secondary school teachers. Suddenly, I understood why my old teachers always seemed dead in the morning.

I also cursed out university professors who only had classes every other day. While I got why that was the case now… when I compared it to what I'd be doing, I was envious.

I sighed and rolled the scroll back up, setting it aside.

If I was going to be that busy, I guess that meant I wouldn't have any breathing room to mess things up. Though I wonder if Seteth arranged it like that on purpose…

Either way, it looked like I was going to be busy.

…And busy without any coffee.

Damn. I forgot to ask Seteth about where he got his supply.

I sighed again and pulled out some blank parchment as well as my previous lecture notes. I also pulled out the goals sheets I made everyone write out a few days ago.

…This would take a while.

After a long time and a few trays of cookies I made while procrastinating, the door to my room opened.

I blinked and glanced over, confused.

The only ones with a key to my room were myself and…

"There you are!"

…my sister.

Stella walked over and said, "What were you doing, hiding in here like a hermit all morning?"

"All day?"

At that time, the bell in the Goddess Tower rang, followed by the familiar chime of the Fire Emblem theme.

"…Ah. It's already noon?" I rubbed my eyes and stretched. After that, I carefully stacked my notes together.

Stella walked over and glanced at my notes. "Are you putting together your lecture materials for the week?"

I nodded. "That's right… the schedule's going to be pretty intense, so I won't have any time otherwise."

"Intense?"

"Right… here. Take a look." I opened the scroll again and pointed to the schedule.

Stella's face paled. "This… I must follow this?"

I blinked, and then a smile spread across my face. "That's right… You're a proper student now, aren't you?"

Stella huffed. "Do not ridicule me! You are in much dire straits being the professor, are you not?"

"I am. But since you're going to have to suffer too, I think I can manage." My smile turned to a grin and I said, "To think that you of all people would be reduced to having to take notes and write assignments…"

Stella groaned. "Do not remind me! I have yet to finish the paper you assigned for tomorrow…"

I laughed.

Stella dragged me across the monastery towards the dining hall.

Apparently we were having Peach Currant today, and she was dying to try it.

As we traveled across the monastery though, I noticed that it was much livelier than usual. There were a lot more students around, and they seemed pretty energetic too.

I found out why when we passed a pair of girls in the courtyard.

"Did you hear? Lady Edelgard got engaged!"

I froze and glanced over. Or started to. Before I could, Stella tugged my arm and shook my head.

I took the cue and carefully kept walking. Still, I paid attention to their conversation.

"Ooh! To who? Maybe Prince Dimitri?"

"As if! Prince Dimitri is Edelgard's stepbrother, so unless they're into that… No, I think it's Claude. Such a beautiful ring could only come from a mysterious guy like him, right? And then there's that tension between them…"

"Ha! I'd sooner believe that she's engaged to Professor Eisner than Claude. At least around him, she acts like how a normal girl with a crush would."

"Well, yeah. But what girl wouldn't act giddy around a guy like him?"

I shook my head and continued on my way, tuning out the rest of the conversation.

Maybe since I was too concerned about the upcoming lessons, or because I really missed Delly, time went by in a blur and I found myself back in my room working on my lesson plans.

I was tempted to walk around and check on everyone, but considering that Seteth had threatened to sack me if I didn't do things right, and since today was the last real free day before that spartan schedule was enforced, I sat inside again.

After sketching out the next few weeks, there was a knock at my door. Loud but rhythmic, a pattern I knew well.

"Come in, Dad. It's not locked."

The door opened and then my dad stepped inside.

I briefly glanced at him and then went back to my notes.

Let's see… I covered the basic types of attacks recently, so the obvious step would be projectiles and exceptions. But then down the line… what would I cover then? Styles? Rhythm? Hm…

My father walked over. He took one look at the stack of papers on my desk and laughed. "Looks like even you can't avoid the paperwork, huh Kid?"

I nodded. "Regrettably, I can't. I wish I could magic it away, but…"

"Heh. Me too, Kid. Me too."

I glanced over at him and said, "Why are you here anyway? Skiving off work by bumming it on Alois again?"

"Nah. Got some dinner for my hard-working kid."

"Dinner?" I glanced outside and blinked.

The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, dyeing the blue sky crimson.

I frowned. "Already, huh?" I shifted my gaze back at my lesson plans and glared at them. Sadly, that didn't make them magically write themselves and I sighed.

My dad set down a wrapped package on my desk and said, "Home cooked dinner, on Eis… ner. Get it? Because it's on-"

I glared at him.

"...Paperwork's that bad, huh?"

I unwrapped the package and sighed. "You have no idea."

"If it's anything like what I've gotta deal with… I don't envy you."

"I don't envy me either."

After saying that, I glanced down at what my dad brought me.

Like he said, it was on ice, a thin sheet at the bottom and wrapped in wax to keep the food cool. As for what the food was… it was a pile of sandwiches and some carrots.

They were messy. The meat and tomatoes spilled out from the bread and the bits of lettuce were awkwardly cut. As for the carrots, it looked like the person cutting them started out making hearts, but eventually gave up and just chopped them into rough cuts instead.

Despite that, I could see that it was carefully prepared.

I smiled. "Thanks dad."

He shook his head. "Don't thank me. Thank your sister and your lovely fiancé."

I froze. "…Ah."

My dad walked over to the door and closed it. When he did, Jeralt Reus Eisner, the stern-faced leader of the Eisner Mercenary Troop took his place.

He turned around and said, "So, Kid."

"…Yes, Dad?"

Jeralt was quiet, simply staring me down.

I waited, but seeing as he wasn't saying anything, I decided to start eating before the sandwiches got soggy.

I picked one up and took a bite.

It was… surprisingly alright. The textures were all messed up from the weird cuts, but it was still a sandwich. That-

"Did you knock up the future Adrestrian Emperor?"

I choked on the bit of sandwich I was just eating and smacked my chest. Thankfully, I managed to get it down. That would have been an embarrassing way to go out… and Stella would never have let me live it down.

After making sure I wasn't going to drop dead, I glared at my dad.

He smirked.

"I hate you."

My dad shrugged. "You're about six years overdue for your rebellious streak, but better late than never, right?"

I rolled my eyes and took another bite from my sandwich.

My dad was gracious enough to wait for me to finish chewing this time before talking. "Now, just for the record-"

"No Dad. Edelgard isn't pregnant."

He frowned. "Then care telling me why you popped the question? You do realize that's how this looks, right?"

I paused. After that, I let out a loud groan.

"…I guess you didn't, huh Kid?" My dad smirked and said, "I was getting worried there that you changed from everything I heard from your dear sister… but it looks like you're still my thoughtless kid at heart."

"Yeah, well…" I took a bite from my sandwich and said, "Kind of wish I got more of mom's intelligence now."

She was smart and skilled enough to leave a perfect ring for Delly, after all. If I had just a fraction of that foresight, I wouldn't be in this mess.

My dad shrugged. "You already lucked out inheriting her looks, Kid. If you got her smarts too, there'd be nothing of me left in you."

"…True."

"Hey! That's the part where you're supposed to say, 'Of course not, Dad!'"

"Right. Of course not, Dad."

"…Well," he muttered. "You got her sarcasm at least. But anyway…" He walked over to my bed and sat down on it. "I think it's about time we had that talk."

"Talk?" I paused and said, "Ah. You mean about how mom died?"

"No. The other talk. After all, you went off and got engaged to one of your students. Can't have you being even more irresponsible than that..."

…Wait.

My eyes widened and I quickly said, "Dad, I know the-"

"You see, Kid. When a man and a woman love each other very much…"

I groaned. "I don't need the talk about the birds and the bees, Dad. You already told me, remember?"

"…Oh yeah." He frowned. "Didn't even flinch when I told you.. Well. I guess since you're mature enough to want to start your own family, we can have part two."

"…Part two?"

He smiled. "Oh yeah. Part two. You see, when you're feeling up for it but she doesn't and you want to get her in the mood…"

…God dammit.

Author's Notes:

Pretty drained today. Chapter might be a bit rough, but I hope it's still enjoyable.

We'll be picking up the pace a bit now. Might try dipping in and out of days… but we'll see.

Thanks for reading! I think I'll take a break today (Thursday) and update again on Friday.

See you then!

P.S. Thanks to the guest who pointed out 'jumping the gun' doesn't fit as an expression here.