'I don't see why I should have to suffer the effects of your hangover…' Sothis grouched, floating cross-legged somewhere just out of Byleth's vision in the corner of the room. 'After all, I hardly got to enjoy the consequences of you being drunk in the first place. Your mind was too fuzzy to properly get through to you.'

'Please stop talking…' Byleth pulled her blanket over her head in a futile attempt to block the sunlight streaming through her bedroom window.

'If you are going to just wallow in misery all day, then no. Get up! That lovely meal the scary kid brought you is getting cold and congealed. You should eat it.'

'Hubert only supplied it because he knew it would make me feel sick.' Byleth moaned piteously. 'Didn't you see the evil smirk on his face?'

Sothis chuckled wickedly. 'I saw it. I also saw the look on your face when he asked if you wanted another hug… ahh…' She rubbed her hands together, gleefully.

'I actually want to die.' Byleth groaned.

'You did rather enjoyed hugging him last night. You can't hide it from me, you know! Who'd have thought…' Sothis giggled meanly.

'The state I was in, I would probably have enjoyed hugging a friendly tree stump.' Byleth sighed and sat up tentatively, reaching for her glass of water. 'I can't believe I got myself that wasted. I've learned from how my dad gets that it's not a good idea.'

'Pfft well…' Sothis hovered closer to get a good look at the state the Professor was in. 'You were having fun at the time. You don't get enough relaxation Byleth, I keep telling you to ease down a bit, do I not?'

Byleth grunted.

'I would never have marked you as an affectionate drunk, though, that was an entertaining revelation. I thought that you would have ended up quite belligerent if anything.'

'That's my da.' Byleth shrugged. 'He goes from loud and obnoxious to bolshy really quickly. That's why I've never been drunk. Someone had to look out for him and manage him when he got that way. I also miscalculated what 'too much' drink actually was – believe me, Jeralt can put away twice what I did and not be effected at all.'

'And actually climbing all over that poor masked man.' Sothis raised an eyebrow and smirked. 'Enjoyed that too, didn't you!'

Byleth groaned. 'I have to face him later. I said I'd meet him, didn't I. That's not going to be awkward at all…'

'So anything else on the agenda for today?' Sothis asked curiously. 'Are you honestly planning just to hide yourself away? I don't actually discourage it… like I said you should take a proper break every now and then – but I find it hard to believe that you haven't already committed yourself to anything.'

Byleth worked her way slowly to the edge of the bed while she tried to organise her mushy brain into some semblance of order. Her eyes suddenly went wide in alarm.

'Shit!' She exhaled. 'I have the weekly teachers meeting before lunch! What time is it?'

Sothis chuckled again. 'That's going to be interesting! Mind you, Manuela is usually hung over if it's morning, so at least you will have company in your misery. Oh, stop looking so worried – you have a while yet! It's not that late.'

'I definitely need to bathe first. I think I'm sweating pure alcohol.' Byleth's nose screwed up as she sniffed at herself.

'You look completely appalling too.' Sothis added cheerfully.

Byleth began gathering herself together – slowly - since just about any sudden movement was agony. 'Damn sun, being all shiny and bright…' She grumped as she made her way to head out of her room and to the baths.

'Oh!... Professor!...' A figure stumbled as she pulled open her door, his hand raised as if he had been about to knock.

'Ignatz?' Byleth peered out at the young archer in some confusion.

'Yes… I wondered if I might have a word with you, Professor… is it a bad time? I can come back…' The boy had colored red and was shuffling his feet nervously.

Byleth really wanted to put him off. She was anticipating her hot bath and didn't relish the idea of any kind of conversation – but Ignatz had never approached her before, and he looked so sincerely anxious…

'Come in. I'll put the kettle on.' She offered and stood back to allow him entrance.

'You are such a sucker…' Sothis observed.

'Shush, you!'

'You really don't need to bother with tea Professor…' Ignatz was still stood by the door, and he shrieked when Colin pounced out from under the bed to attack his booted feet.

'Sorry about him. He has no manners.' Byleth scooped the kitten up and put him on her bed. 'Please sit down, Ignatz.' She pulled out a chair for him.

'Oh, okay… Thanks.' The lad sat on the edge of the chair and waited politely as Byleth sat down.

'So what can I do for you?' Byleth asked as she settled.

'Well… um… It's about Ashe.' Ignatz removed his glasses and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket to wipe at them. 'I was wondering, Professor… that is, I'm not really sure of the protocol or anything… but might it be possible…' His voice petered away unsurely.

'Out with it, Ignatz.' Byleth urged him kindly.

'Right.' Ignatz's face became even redder. 'It's just that Ashe is really upset about what's going on, with Lord Lonato, and with the suspicion that's been levied at him and all of that.'

'Completely understandable.' Byleth reassured. 'It's a difficult situation from many perspectives.'

'Yes! Exactly!' Ignatz nodded enthusiastically. 'Despite everyone being so kind to him, Ashe is struggling to talk about any of it. He is kind of embarrassed and unsure of himself.'

'I can see that.' Byleth said quietly. 'I have tried to reach out to him a few times. I know that Dedue has too, but he is reluctant.'

'Well, you see…' Ignatz swallowed nervously. 'He has spoken to me. Quite a bit. We have our archery sessions together with Claude and Bernie, and we are both commoners… I guess he feels more at ease with me. I like to believe that we have become good friends.'

'I think that's precisely what he needs at the moment.' Byleth noted.

'Exactly.' Ignatz looked so nervous that he might faint. 'That was why I was wondering if it would be possible for me to come along with you on the mission. I'm worried about him, Professor. I know that I am not particularly skilled and that there is nothing I can bring to a team as strong as the Blue Lions… but I want to support Ashe as best I can…' Ignatz's words faded as his breath ran out.

'Cute!' Sothis cooed in delight.

'That's very thoughtful.' Byleth said warmly, reaching out a hand which she placed on the archer's wrist. 'I don't know about the logistics, or if will be allowed, but I have a faculty meeting shortly, and I will certainly bring the possibility to our discussion.'

'Thank you, Professor.' Ignatz looked relieved.

'Honestly, Ignatz, thank you. Ashe's wellbeing in this mission has concerned me too, and if he can have such a good friend along looking out for him, it will allay my own fears a great deal.'

Ignatz's blush was back in force. He shuffled in his seat, uncomfortably.

'I will get back to you later this afternoon then if I may - let you know what's happening with your suggestion.'

'I look forward to it.' Ignatz almost fell in his rush to stand up and move towards the door. Byleth watched him stoically as he mumbled a farewell and quickly let himself out.

'Am I really that scary?' She asked sourly as Sothis popped back into her line of vision.

'You look like death, and your reputation as a fighter precedes you.' Sothis replied soothingly. 'He is most definitely a sensitive lad, and until you find something with which to connect with him properly, he will naturally be concerned that someone as insignificant as he sees himself is only capable of wasting your time.'

Byleth's jaw dropped. 'That's rather insightful of you, Sothis!' She sounded stunned.

'I don't know why that surprises you.' Sothis sniffed. 'I am completely remarkable, you know!'

'Well, hopefully, we can reach that connection and understanding over this issue with Ashe. I can't see any good reason that Ignatz shouldn't be allowed to accompany us.'

'Hmm, I've noticed that the powers-that-be here at the church don't appear to adhere to "good reason" for much.' Sothis muttered. 'More like "my own secret reason" most of the time.'

'You are correct yet again.' Byleth sighed. 'It just had to be today that I need to stand up in the faculty meeting and make sure the right thing happens.'

Sothis smirked. 'Is your head a bit poorly, dear?' She inquired with mock compassion.

'You are enjoying this, aren't you?' Byleth scowled.

'Immensely.' Sothis agreed.

~0~

Despite the sensitivity of Byleth's head and the constantly sarcastic observations from Sothis, the faculty meeting went much better than Byleth expected. Everybody agreed that Ignatz's inclusion in the Blue Lion's monthly mission was a good idea and could only be beneficial to Ashe.

'I was going to suggest that you concentrate solely on the Blue Lions this week, given that the mission will commence as soon as Catherine gives the word.' Seteth said thoughtfully. 'But since the Black Eagles have all passed their certification's, I believe you will want to spend Monday with them to pass on their results and to celebrate.'

'I would appreciate that, yes.' Byleth agreed happily.

'In that case, I'd suggest taking over the Blue Lion's from Tuesday morning and have Ignatz join you too. Hanneman, you'll be with the Eagles from then until Byleth returns.' Seteth looked up from the notes he was scribing. 'Is there any other business?' He asked. When there was none, he slammed the book shut, a little loudly for Byleth's head, and called the meeting to a close. 'Could I have a quick word Byleth?' He asked as the others filed out.

She nodded and retook her seat.

'Are you okay?' He asked as soon as the door was shut. 'Forgive my frankness, but you look terrible this morning. I hope you are not overburdening yourself.' Seteth's brow puckered in concern.

'I'm afraid it's purely self-inflicted.' Byleth replied honestly. 'I met Catherine and Shamir for the first time yesterday, and they invited me to go for a drink with them. I was woefully unprepared for the experience.'

Seteth chuckled. 'Oh, dear. They are both rather adept at relaxing after a mission.' He noted delicately. Byleth nodded her agreement.

'I just wanted to congratulate you on your class certificates.' Seteth continued. 'Flayn mentioned that you were a bundle of nerves while the students were in the examinations yesterday.'

'I'm surprised she noticed, busy as she was flirting with Myles.' Byleth noted.

'Excuse me… What?' Seteth's jaw had dropped.

'Don't get your pants in a twist Seteth.' His shocked expression elicited a chuckle. 'It was completely innocent.'

'I have requested that she stays away from the young men in the Academy.' Seteth said tightly.

'Yes, she said that you were rather over-protective.' Byleth ran a thoughtful finger along the desk in front of her as she considered her words, wishing – not for the first time that day - that her mind was a lot clearer than it was. 'Making that sort of a request maybe isn't the wisest course of action, you know.' She said gently.

'I'm sure that your father has the same kind of concern for your wellbeing as I do for my sister.' Seteth remarked.

'You'd have to ask him, but the matter has never come up for him to object over in honesty. It's not many people who would seek to flirt with the Ashen Demon after all.' Byleth smiled. 'I think you will find that discouraging contact will only lead to Flayn seeking a more covert manner of engagement.'

Seteth deflated against his desk. 'It's not really that simple.' He sighed.

'The students adore Flayn and look out for her, you know. As do I.' Byleth said encouragingly. 'I know that she has suffered an illness, but she is also very companionable and compassionate, and she really enjoys company.'

'Yes, I know you are right. It's just never easy.' There was a deep sadness in Seteth's eyes that was quite unmissable, then suddenly, his look turned to confusion. 'Myles, you say?' he asked.

Byleth nodded. 'Honestly, you shouldn't be worried, he is completely honorable, and he knows if he behaved out of line, I'd kick his arse from here to tomorrow.'

'But, I was under the impression that it was you that was… well..' Seteth flushed. 'You have been observed spending a fair amount of time with the lad.' He ended lamely.

'Has the Archbishop really not told you?' Byleth's eyes narrowed.

Seteth's confusion deepened.

'Myles is my twin brother. According to Rhea, that is, although neither my father nor I knew of his existence before coming here.' Byleth's chin raised belligerently. 'Did you honestly not know?'

'No!' Seteth whispered.

'I believed Flayn when she said she was ignorant of the secret, but I assumed that you…' Byleth shook her head. 'This place is just weird.' She muttered. 'I guess I understand why dad left and didn't want to come back.'

'I'm so sorry… I'm…' Seteth slumped back in his chair, rubbing his temple.

'Don't worry.' Byleth took pity on the man whose expression was hovering between lost and angry. 'Hey,' She said softly. 'I'm heading down to town now to get a gift for Edelgard's birthday since I'll miss it with this mission. I was gonna get lunch while I'm out too. How about you come with me and get outta this place for a while. Get some fresh air.'

Seteth shook his head. 'I can't believe you would actually want my company.'

'We can talk some more.' Byleth shrugged. 'You can ensure I don't fall into any ditches along the way on account of this hangover.'

'Aha. Yes… I believe I could manage ditch control.' Seteth smiled wanly.

'Besides…' Byleth continued, 'It is my current objective to help you come to terms with Flayn's desire to explore her romantic aspirations.'

'Is that so?' Seteth grabbed his cloak, and they made towards the door together. 'I wish you luck in that particular endeavour.'

'I'm afraid the alternative would be quite disagreeable to you.' Byleth added.

'Oh? Alternative?'

'Mhmm.' Byleth smirked. 'Flayn had insisted that if she has to continue to sneak around you, then I must step up and help her distract you.'

'That would be most unwise.' Seteth frowned.

'I agree.' Byleth nodded. 'She suggested I attempt seduction.'

'She WHAT!'

'Well, exactly.' Byleth chuckled.