Garreg Mach Mess Hall, 20th Evening of the Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1181
"Okay let's try this. If we lead with our attacking unit, say here... and boom: two powerful yet rapid attacks at different angles. With that, the rear can step forward to handle any counters in case the target is still on their feet while the vanguard repositions behind them. Pairing up combines the agility of a single unit with the durability and versatility of a small squad."
"So in the case of you and Corrin, a wide-covering magic attack following a quicker and more precise sword strike, covering the partner while they follow up."
"Precisely. You catch on quick, Professor. You've a good eye for this."
"Sound strategy tends to make sense," Byleth complimented with a approving glance to her two students. "I can tell you have performed these drills many times before. What do you think Father? Personally, I think a field-adjutant in a healing or even defending role will prove better in a standing force that doesn't have the command element to rehearse drills of these intensities. Then an attack-adjutant in position to..."
Byleth, Corrin, Robin and Jeralt all occupied a corner in the training grounds, sticks drawing formations in the dirt as they went about their own versions of battlefield squad maneuvering. On the other side of the makeshift room, Lucina and Laslow went about practicing sword drills while Leo and Takumi clashed in a bitter rivalry of a spar. Azura and Tiki rested on the outskirts, not quite as hardy as the others yet and still winded from their own session of practicing; Azura's pendant and Tiki's dragonstone were both non-functional, crippling both of their potential as fighters. At least Corrin was a wild swordsman at heart.
"Your stratagem solid, kid. I see this being very practical in tight forest or valley scenarios and especially the constrained hallways of indoor or castle infiltration. I'll have to give this a test run on the open fields though. I'm not too sure pairing up is ideal for wide spaces, as you compromise a lot of area for a minimal benefit," Jeralt critiqued, nodding at the young tacticians his daughter was lecturing.
"Your praise is much appreciated, Captain Jeralt," Robin said with a bow. "And you too, Professor. I... we will have much to learn in the coming months, won't we?"
"Plenty to cover, plenty to improve," Byleth assured. "But there is much that has already been forged in combat- I can tell the difference between your theory and your experience. It is clear you have used this formation many times before."
The tactician's eyes met the mercenary's in admiration, ignoring both Princess and Knight for a beat. Clearly, Robin was beyond thrilled on chancing upon a mind like Byleth's.
"You must've put her through the paces quite vigorously, Captain," Robin whistled. "Professor Byleth reads me like a tactics primer."
"Oh please, don't start with that," Jeralt moaned, "I will not have a young buck like you start pulling rank. I may be a Captain again, but I won't like being reminded of that fact."
"Father, you are a Knight of Seiros," Byleth advised. "You should be treated as such."
"...Kid. Ugh. Well, a knight loves patrolling, and evidently that's what my evening is slated for. I'll leave your class to it then," the Blade Breaker said with a half-bow. "Keep them busy, Byleth. I'm expecting some mutton and a hearty ale waiting for me at the banquet."
As he walked away, Robin gazed down at the ground while Corrin tried to formulate some other adjutant formations in her head. Byleth shot a quick glance to the others before looking at the setting sun and deciding on calling them in.
"Alright, let's gather around the table. I am told that on a normal day, class would resume until the evening bells. Today will be different, as I remember there's going to be a special feast to celebrate the school year. I was told to expect Advisor Seteth here within the next few minutes to provide some supplemental materials for our stay here at Garreg Mach."
At that, Lucina and Laslow both stowed their swords on the training weapon rack, the former swinging her shoulders to feel for stiffness and the latter looking around at the rest of the class. Azura picked up her lance from the wall, replacing the wooden trainer in her hands, while Tiki seemed to have caught her breath from her training session just a few minutes before.
"I'll be honest with you Professor," Lucina admitted. "My mind still cannot fathom that we are all here together despite just meeting today. I suppose it's a blessing that I could finally go to school. A younger me would have complained incessantly."
"Too true," Leo joined in. "There is a lot to be gained from our time here, circumstances aside." The Nohrian made no effort to instigate Takumi, instead looking more to Corrin and Robin. "Growing up, I was assigned tutors but never had the opportunity to learn in a group class." Azura, Takumi and Corrin nodded in agreement. Clearly the noble life left a little of the humble lifestyle to be wanted.
"We'll get plenty of chances to gauge and assess our growth," Byleth assured, before turning her head suddenly with a start. Corrin and Tiki did too, surprising the other members of the class.
"Hmm? Professor, do you..."
"Oh, nothing to fear. I hear footsteps outside."
At that very moment, Seteth entered the grounds, nine large parcels in his grasp. Deliberate strides paired with an imposing figure resulted in the advisor clearing the distance from the wall to the class within a few steps. He dropped the packages carefully at Byleth's table, nodding to himself before dusting off his legs.
"These will, for the time being, be your class uniforms, at least for the assembly and the feast tonight. Maybe even the surprise event soon coming. By the end of this week, your class will have properly tailored uniforms of the Officer's Academy. These are spares but I assure you they fit just as well as anyone else's. If anything should arise, I'll task a seamstress to your class so that we can avoid embarrassing ourselves in front of our largest donors. That is all. I expect everyone to be properly dressed by the time of the feast. Professor, please show them to their assigned quarters. House Leader, please make sure your house is aptly prepared for tonight."
"Much appreciated, Advisor. I'll see to it," Lucina affirmed with a nod, and Seteth took that as sufficient and left the room promptly.
"Well, I can't say I've ever worn a school uniform before," Corrin began, pulling out a simple black coat and pleated dress. Brass trim lined the arms and collar of the outer coat, and a white shirt with matching designs served as an underlying layer for warmer weather. "But I can get used to this."
"Looks a little tall for me. Azura, I think this one should be yours," Lucina suggested, giving the songstress the longest set. Socks and shoes almost fell out of the paper package, deftly caught by the dancer as well.
"Are you sure they're all the same? Well, Seteth did say they were all spares so that would make sense," Tiki mused, answering her own question.
"I saw other students with some... creative liberties on their uniform. What's the decision, Professor?" Leo asked. "I have a disdain for collars and these uniforms are rank with them." For emphasis, the Nohrian made an effort to discern the black fabric with the inner lining material.
"I'm not entirely sure myself," Byleth admitted. "I saw two students wearing hoods, and a number of the males decided to forget the top buttons of the coat existed. Not to mention it looks like there are summer, winter, fall and spring variants of the uniform that are free to be worn whenever a student so pleases. For now, try not to stand out. These uniforms all appear to be the same anyway, so no effort will be needed. Next week, I'll chat with the other professors and I will allow you to put your own flair in your normal uniform if I deem you have earned that privilege."
"Privilege?" Azura asked.
"There are the Golden Deer, Black Eagles, and Blue Lions. We will see to it that our house is superior to all of them."
"Ah, competition. I suppose that would be a likely thing here," Robin chuckled. Oh, he did enjoy the thrill of superiority every now and then.
"Do understand that I am not willing to risk my recent acceptance by the Archbishop because one of my students added a little too much flair to their uniform," Byleth explained.
"It's completely understandable," Robin agreed. "We'll do our part for you, Professor."
Once the sets were handed out, Byleth led the eight to their dormitories right next to the training grounds.
"For reasons of her own, the Archbishop wanted me to board here instead of at the Academy apartments, so here is my room. Don't confuse it as a students', even though it's next to... Dedue's, it looks like. I should be here most of the time if we're not in class. If you need anything that I can help don't hesitate to knock. Now then..."
Byleth felt her pockets, finding a key to unlock the gate next to her quarters. There, past the gate was a a narrow corridor leading up a small flight of stairs. Byleth left the gate unlocked, stowing away the key for good.
"Seteth tells me that you will be taking over some of the old knight trainee dormitories. They are of similar size and luxury as the other students' so if any of you feel uncomfortable or constrained, please let me know. As you can see, just past this door are the other dormitories for the nobles at the Academy so you aren't too separated. Seeing as there are eight of you, I've decided against assigning your rooms and will leave that to you. Understand that they are all the same, but those of you who prefer a nice view of the wall via second floor view should vie for it quickly There is a washroom on each floor, so clean yourselves up and meet me downstairs in about twenty minutes."
"Yes Professor," the class responded, some of the words not comfortably coming out of the Shepherds' mouths but any complaints were unnoticed.
As the eight shuffled up and across the small gateway, Byleth let out a little sigh.
'I hear children across the world despise the first day of school.'
The professor looked around wildly, before sighing at the voice in her head.
'Sothis. I apologize if I'm nervous. I haven't done this before and I would not like to disappoint the people who have trusted in me.'
'Well aren't you lucky then? Half of your students are seasoned mercenaries! The other half are... competent. Just imagine if you had to choose between those Three Houses you interviewed earlier? It seems half of them have come from lives of tragedy, not lives of nobility.'
'It would be more difficult, I agree.'
'Still, you have your work cut out for you nonetheless, and I do not pity you one bit. I for one desire a brief respite. Why don't we both take a nap?'
Byleth nodded in fatigue, opening her own door for the first time, peeking into the room. It was a simple one just the same as everyone else, with a plain white carpet and a sturdy desk and shelf that consisted of her study. There would be plenty of sunlight filtering through her windows every morning, and a bed... finally, a bed.
'You seem pleased.'
'I've never had an actual bed to call my own. I've never had to do laundry, and never had to-'
'Yes yes, all of this is novel to you. Are you a child discovering everything for the first time? Come now, let us rest our tired eyes and hide away.'
Byleth nodded, taking off her shoes and plopping face-first into her bed. Strange, she heard screaming.
'...is this your form of a joke?! You still have dried blood and dirt all over those stockings of yours! Ew! EW!'
The Professor quickly stood up, apologizing to the little demon in her head and opening the Academy outfit Rhea had given her via Seteth. Like the other ladies in her class, it was a simple skirt and coat, though the linings were a cold silver instead of brass. Unlike some of the students, a cape accompanied her uniform and there was even a matching headband and officer's cap in the box as well. Washing her less-than-clean body thoroughly, Professor Byleth emerged freshly changed, looking the part of an instructor at a prestigious academy instead of a hunter who had just slept inside a carcass.
'I can't whistle, but know that I am. Your body is quite muscular and toned for one of your stature.'
'I often see myself fighting for my life and chasing down bandits.'
'Grim, but logical. I can tell you're in rather excellent physical condition. Your fashion tastes are... not.'
'We never had a seamstress in the Blade Breakers. I just learned to run in broken-heeled boots and punctured leggings, patching holes with more black cloth.'
'A wonder you survived this long in heels. Then again, you do fight like a demon. Is that where your name comes from?'
'No.'
Byleth put her wet hair against her pillow for a few minutes, breathing in the quiet peaceful air of the Monastery.
She never was one for many comforts but... this was nice.
Within a few blinks of her tired eyes, minutes had passed. Feeling the sunlight fade rapidly outside her window, she opened her door to find most of the students ready to move. Two were missing, prompting her to look past them towards the stairs.
"Takumi and Azura have monstrous hair. They'll be out shortly," Corrin explained with a small smile, imagining her friend and brother fretting over the uniform with their immense locks in the way. Nodding in approval, Byleth took the time to look her students over, satisfied with the result. Corrin even put on shoes, and her discomfort showed. The Princess met her eye and looked down as well.
"I hate it, I'll be the first to let you know Professor. I really hate it," she voiced, not at all liking this new imposed code. "Oh, but you're looking quite sharp yourself."
"It's a uniform of the Officer's Academy Faculty," Byleth explained. "On ceremonies and other important days, most of your instructors will be wearing this. As I am under the watchful gaze of Seteth constantly, every day will be an important day."
"The hat looks a bit much," Robin admitted.
"I've never worn headgear," Byleth agreed, tossing the hat back into her room and adjusting her hairband to compensate. Seeing their professor adjust her bangs was quite charming and odd, prompting Lucina to ask a pointed question.
"Uh, Professor... I truly do not mean to be rude but you look just as old as we are."
"That's because I am. I think."
"You think?" Lucina repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know my exact age- my father never really told me, but I've been recalling flashes of my own memories for more than twenty years. Maybe more, maybe less."
"Most people just... know their age. But it's not odd," Robin agreed. "I kinda guessed my age on the Academy form too."
"You look around everyone else's age," Corrin reasoned. "And we're not official students. We're not going to be the next leaders of Fódlan nor are we Fódlan royalty. I'm sure we're not as important as everyone else here."
"I disagree," a voice spoke out. Rhea walked among the students, smiling lightly as she always did.
"Archbishop! Uh," Lucina stammered, bowing suddenly. This only caused Rhea to laugh, and a hearty one it was.
"Please, sweet girl, no need for such formalities. You are my guests here in this sacred place. A simple hello would be sufficient from now on. Not to mention quite lovely."
"Y-yes, good evening Archbishop," the Princess attempted, not liking how rubber her tongue was feeling.
"Hello Professor," Rhea greeted Byleth now, her eyes piercing ever so gently into Byleth's domain. "I must have a good eye for dimensions. That uniform fits you quite well."
"It does," Byleth agreed. "I am fond of the cape. I've never worn a cape."
Rhea smiled again, ever so radiant and calming. "I am glad to see all of you making yourselves at home. Especially you, Professor. I will be very excited to see your class at the banquet tonight. I'm afraid I must go to foresee the last of the preparations." With that, the Archbishop gave a slight curtsy, folding her hands once more below her chest as she gracefully floated down the stairs with nary a bounce.
"She seems to like you a lot already, Professor," Laslow mused. "A teaching job, special treatment-"
"Ini-Laslow, please," Lucina warned with a stern look. The brother shrugged, pardoning himself with a simple and silent shrug.
"I'm not so sure myself. I can't quite bring myself to trust her yet, if I'm being realistic. Still, the Archbishop is trusting me with you eight, not to mention the other students here. It would dishonor me to not do my best," Byleth replied, her voice even and honest.
"It was a thoughtless comment, please pay it no mind," Laslow apologized. "I meant no harm."
"It is quite all right," Byleth answered with a simple nod. "It is only our first day. Perhaps she is this pleasant with everyone else too."
"I never considered that," Laslow admitted. "I ought to keep my mouth shut."
"Only when hot air is coming out," Lucina chided. Her insults were to be followed if not for the archer and the songstress that joined them. Takumi's hair was neatly tied, solely due to the fact that hair of his length required six hair ties to keep in a uniform ponytail. Azura wasn't so lucky, her watery locks following the gentle lines of her uniform all the way down to her knees. It must have taken this whole time to comb and wash, let alone prepare for a banquet.
"We really must tie this up," Corrin whispered.
"I would never!" Azura replied, feigning offence. "...I really must. This will prove disastrous with so many people around."
"As long as it doesn't get in my food tonight. Regardless, you look wonderful," Laslow smiled. "I mean that in a perfectly sincere way-"
"It's appreciated, truly," Azura laughed, nodding to the professor. "And you're looking quite nice yourself, Professor. I didn't realize that last parcel was for you."
"The Archbishop gave me one of the other professor's spares," Byleth explained. "Apparently there's another woman here who shares a similar build to mine."
"Highly unlikely," Takumi whispered under his breath, causing Robin to nod and laugh. Byleth had certain assets that simply weren't common in a famine-struck land such as Ylisse. Maybe Fódlan had... healthier children.
"Now that we're all assembled, I say we make our way to the reception hall."
Garreg Mach Reception Hall, 20th Night of the Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1181
"Esteemed guests, children of Fódlan. Welcome once more to Garreg Mach Monastery."
The reception hall had been repurposed- the benches traded for tables, the chandeliers lit. The tiles shone like stars, reflecting the flickering candles above. Imperial, Kingdom and Alliance nobles dined next to and across from each other, and the students sat as the center of attention right in front of Rhea and her entourage. The Blue Lions and the Black Eagles sat on one half of the room, with Professor Byleth's class and the Golden Deer on the other. The remaining students surrounded the more 'important' ones, numbering in total to about fifty young men and women in Officer's Academy uniforms. It was partially due to this fact that even Azura or Tiki blended in somewhat with the more subtle crowd.
"It pleases me to see so many familiar faces here today. And it pleases me more to see so many new ones," she continued, offering a kind gaze to the students especially. "This year will be a truly special year among our own. Princess von Hresvelg, Prince Blaiddyd, Lord Riegan, would you please stand for us?"
The three house leaders did, bowing graciously to the applauding body of lords and ladies of the court.
"Three future leaders sharing the same monastery. This will be the first time many of us here would have seen anything of this level of importance, is it not?" Chattering immediately filled the hall, and Rhea nodded at the sight. "Know this, people of the Empire, Kingdom, and Alliance; What happens this year could very well shake the future of Fódlan itself. Know that we will spare no effort to honing these young children to be the finest leaders we can make them, nay- we shall guide them to be the finest images of themselves that they can be. We thank you all for your continued patronage to the Church. May you all have a lovely meal and a wonderful stay at Garreg Mach."
With that, Rhea disappeared, leaving the students relatively out of prying eyes as the nobles were too busy gussying each other up.
Of course, Claude made good on his word, seeing that his Golden Deer were seated right next to Byleth's group from the very beginning.
"So it's Professor Byleth now, huh? I should've known with you asking around for each class like a woman bent on pursuit. Well, I am quite impressed that you can teach here! I'm quite interested to having you sub for our class every now and then."
"I was actually going to sit next to Princess Edelgard," Byleth excused, getting up and moving. "Excuse me."
"Now wait-"
"You're so rude, Claude," Hilda scolded with a light smirk. "Let our poor Professor eat! She's been starving after saving your hide in the woods."
"Hey, let's not get our facts mixed up. She saved Edelgard. Not me."
"It's Princess Edelgard," Lorenz corrected, "Please do not embarrass us in front of the entire world." Claude had half a mind to throw his food at the pomp and circumstance aristocrat, but his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar sight.
"Hey, isn't that..."
"Hello, Lord Claude," Corrin greeted, having switched seats with Byleth. Her crimson eyes caught his green ones while she was walking to her new seat, inspiring an awkward stare from both. "Thank you so much for inviting us to the feast. Consider the Allilance's part of the payment fulfilled," she added with a cheer of her chalice.
"You're... quite welcome," the Alliance lord trailed off, just now recognizing Corrin's tablemates. Not exactly sure how she got herself in an authentic set of Academy uniform, Claude's interest was certainly piqued. "It's wonderful to see you... eating among us," he replied carefully, not wanting to split any more attention to the mercenaries than necessary.
"Do you know them, Claude? I don't recognize them," Hilda observed, keeping her voice low.
"They're part of Professor Byleth's group," Claude half-lied. "They were there when the three of us got into trouble."
"Claude wasn't in trouble," Corrin laughed. "But he was getting quite persistent interrogating Princess- I mean Lucina... ah damn it."
"It's quite alright," Lucina joined in, nodding to the Golden Deer next to her. "Greetings Claude. I am pleased to see you again."
"The feeling is quite mutual, milady," Claude replied, his suspicions growing by the minute. Lucina was also wearing the same uniform as Corrin. Why?
"Is something the matter?" Lucina asked, her stare not as intense as Corrin.
"No, no. I just forget faces when they're wearing different things."
"Ah, you must be talking about this," Lucina said, feeling her jacket with her left hand fingertips. "I am quite found of the material and the design. It was a gift from the Archbishop and Advisor so we wouldn't look out of place at the ceremony tonight. You did after all invite us to it."
"That I did," Claude realized, not quite buying Lucina's reasoning but having no reason to continue rejecting it. "I'm glad you accepted our humble invitation."
"We are glad to be here. So, who are your classmates? I am not acquainted with them." She gestured with a shoulder to Lorenz, who immediately brightened up in countenance and face.
"I am Lorenz Hellman-"
"That over there is Lorenz, heir to a large portion of Alliance territory and influence," Claude introduced, much to Lorenz' chagrin. However, the purple-haired student found the introduction satisfactory.
"I was half-expecting an insult," Lorenz admitted. "Claude gave the truncated version, mind you."
"No need for insults when your hair does it for you," Claude retorted. "Come now Lorenz, we're at a banquet. I was hoping you would make yourself presentable."
"Why I-
Lucina laughed, an innocent one that did nothing but infuriate Lorenz further. "It's wonderful to meet you Lorenz. I'm sure there's more to you than Claude will admit."
"...The pleasure is mine, my lady. At least some of us have manners."
The Princess met that with a small smile, now gesturing to the pink-haired student by Claude's side.
"And here's the lovely Hilda."
"...Is that her name? Or a nickname-"
"Hilda Valentine Goneril," Hilda finished, not thanking Claude for letting her introduce herself. "My brother is a renowned general in the Alliance army."
"A general?" Lucina responded with a surprised look. "Impressive."
"It is! And he maintains the Eastern Border. Me? I'm just a student. A delicate flower in the Officer's Academy."
"Oh, don't believe a single word about that," Claude groaned. "She could probably throw Prince Dimitri to the ceiling if she wanted to."
"Which I do not," Hilda complained. "My poor back would never forgive me."
"Border guarding is tricky business," Corrin stated, leading back to the original conversation.
"Gotta keep those outsiders out, right?" Claude egged on, curious on what Lucina and Corrin would say.
"Well when your neighbors are the Almyrans, there really isn't much choice," Lorenz bit. "At least Princess Edelgard has good relations with her neighbors. Faerghus, not so much but they did not instigate."
"Ah yes, the outside world. So brash and grating to us Fódlan folk," Claude sighed. "What of you, Lu- Princess, Lucina? Ah, I knew I was right earlier. What do you think of aggressive neighbors?"
"Is it customary Fódlan habit to discuss politics over a nice dinner?" Corrin interjected, saving the flustered Lucina. Claude and Lorenz shared a knowing glance, their goals aligned for the time being.
"But of course, Lady Corrin."
"Princess," she corrected.
"Princess Corrin. Hm, that doesn't sound quite right, but what do I know?" Claude droned. "Why don't you tell us more about where you eight came from?"
"Hubert, this is Byleth," Edelgard introduced the new Professor with a gentle smile. "You spoke to her briefly this afternoon but I suppose this is your first official encounter."
"You have my gratitude for this morning," Hubert greeted with a half-bow. "You kept her Highness safe when that poor excuse of a professor could not. Ah, this business of replacing him is vexing but I do believe we will have our substitute soon."
"Speaking of, you are a new professor here, aren't you?" Edelgard asked, ignoring her food for the time being. "It would be lovely to have you teach the Black Eagles, if you are still looking around."
"The Archbishop made it clear that I will not be teaching a House," Byleth explained. "She already has three professors chosen for that role. I apologize if my searching this morning led you on- the Archbishop was using that as an oppurtunity for me to get more familiar with everyone in the Monastery." Edelgard appeared dejected at this news, obviously hoping to keep Byleth close by.
"Oh, so our missive did arrive on soft ears," Hubert mused. "I was believing the Archbishop ignored our original request to replace the novice professor. You wouldn't have happened to meet the other three professors, did you?"
Byleth stopped for a quick second, her eyes then brightening up.
"I did, actually. Professor Hanneman will be teaching the Blue Lions, Professor Manuela will be teaching the Golden Deer. I will just be the Combat Professor for the Monastery."
Word was already spreading about the fourth house, but Byleth was under orders from Seteth to not reveal anything until tomorrow.
"And how about us?" Edelgard asked curiously. "Who will teach us?"
"The Black Eagles will be taught by Professor Jeritza under recommendation of the Empire. Do you know him?"
"So hand to hand grappling is a valid fighting style here," Robin observed, his neighbors having briefed him on the essentials of Fódlan's many combat styles once Robin noted how one of Dimitri's friends held his steak knife in an icepick grip.
"See, Boar. This one gets it," Felix said with a nod.
Robin had found himself seated next to Prince Dimitri somehow, leaving him and Azura isolated from the rest of their class. Still, these Faerghus royals weren't bad at all. They seemed rather interesting and, as Dimitri had stated earlier, knightly. A bunch of Fredericks and Chroms walking around. Except for Felix. He was more of a Lon'qu.
"You don't see many manuals on grappling, but I've always viewed it an essential part of close-quarters. As a mage primarily, my sword is sometimes too slow to draw against a faster foe. Then again, you can't really punch a wyvern or a horse. But it's still useful on foot."
"That's what I was getting at," Felix agreed. "You have access to these holds and submissions that can subdue a heavily armored target when blade alone isn't enough."
"You could just be like Prince Dimitri and bludgeon them through a fully plated cuirass," Sylvain offered.
"Or be like Sylvain and barely get through a cloth tunic," Ingrid added with a laugh. Even Felix and Dimitri smiled at this, leaving Sylvain flustered.
They were friends, that much seemed evident. If Robin had to guess, Ingrid was the oldest one? No, that couldn't be it. Felix was hot-headed at times but stayed rather cool. Some sort of disdain towards Dimitri though. Sylvain... was the butt of the current joke, but didn't seem to take offense.
"You seem healthy," Robin wondered. "Are you of frail constitution?"
"Ouch, man. And no I am not."
"That didn't quite come out the way I wanted it to," the tactician admitted. "Still, you seem able at the very least."
"He would be if he would train with the same intensity that he does philander," Ingrid finished. "He's a real expert on chasing down a skirt, aren't you?"
"Not totally false," Sylvain laughed with a wave of his hand. "There are also leggings and pants too."
"Anything with legs," Felix added.
Ah. That's what it was. Sylvain was definitely the youngest then? Unless Robin had this figured all wrong.
"I'll tell my classmates to be wary of a hunter then," Robin laughed. "I'm sure there's more to it than that."
"Nope, that's about it," Sylvain said with a satisfied look. However, that quickly turned to confusion. "You said classmates. What House are you in? Up 'till now I thought you were a Black Eagle. But then I realized you... you're not."
"We haven't decided on a name," Azura joined in, having been inhaling her food until now. "We really should," she said to Robin.
"Wait, you're a... fourth house?" Dimitri asked, pausing his meal too. "I just thought that the Archbishop offered you travelers a... monetary reward as payment. Not to mention the uniforms for blending in with us here at the banquet- but to actually attend the Monastery?"
"You said it yourself, Prince. We're students now."
A brief silence, interrupted by Felix tearing into his steak like some sort of surgeon.
"That's plausible, actually," Sylvain admitted, correcting himself. "This is interesting."
"The Archbishop insisted we stay at the Monastery," Robin half-lied. "We've reached the end of our travels for now. The Monastery seems a good place for my people to rest before we return."
"Speaking of that, I did look at the maps. Archanea... I can't find it."
"You wouldn't be able to," Tiki joined in from a few chairs across. "I took a look at a map too."
"...Really?" Robin asked, not sure what Tiki was getting at. "We've traveled that far?"
"Our voyage was lengthy and restless," Tiki span the tale effortlessly. "We sailed for months on end, past Brigid, past Dagda, past Albinea. If we go farther west, you'll see nothing but water for many days indeed. But you'll eventually find Archanea."
"...How many of you were there?" Dimitri wondered.
"Our crew eventually settled in with a village," Robin added. "But the eight of us had a goal to reach the center of Fódlan. Garreg Mach Monastery."
"So the Archbishop instated you as your own class? Why not just join one of ours?"
"It wouldn't make much political sense," Robin answered. "We don't really belong to the Empire, to the Kingdom, or to the Alliance."
"Garreg Mach is a highly renowned institution. The most prestigious in Fódlan. To just break tradition and add a fourth house... it's a pretty big deal," Ingrid noted.
"It is. The Archbishop has to have her reasons. We may be strangers but even we can tell when something is off," Azura admitted. "I just hope we are welcome here."
"You are," Dimitri assured. "You are strong companions and if anything, you will enhance our experience here rather than detract. I am looking forward to this year."
Ingrid and Sylvain agreed, and everyone returned to their food, if ever so briefly.
"Tomorrow," Felix spoke suddenly after a sip of his drink, "We will spar," he said, meeting Robin's look with his own.
"This I want to see," Dimitri added. "And if Professor Byleth is interested, perhaps our classes can run a small mock battle-"
"Professor Hanneman was clear to say that no sparring will take place until after this week," Ingrid pointed out. "We can't have ourselves getting injured before we start our first assignment."
"True. I suppose we'll have to wait then," Dimitri sighed. "Still, if you're students here, that means you'll be here all year. That's plenty of time to work out a tournament."
"Is that all we do here?" Azura asked. "I was under the assumption that Fódlan has been at peace for hundreds of years. You seem quite eager to bludgeon each other on the first day."
"You wouldn't understand," Felix said, a little ice mixing with his usual venom. "This is how things are."
"You must be confusing my curiosity for passivity. I can assure you that I will be a part of this little tourney," Azura responded, meeting ice with fire.
"You?" Felix laughed, looking the dancer over. "The Boar will lose his grip and snap you in half."
"Felix, please. Not here," Ingrid urged, leaving Felix to shrug.
"This is how things are," he repeated simply.
"So it's 'Princess' Lucina, 'Princess' Corrin. How about that. Still, I feel like I'm walking into one of those Kingdom stories if a magical posse of royals coming to my rescue this morning is any indication. How can we be sure you are who you say you are? Where you say you're from?"
"You can't," Lucina said with a simple tone. Claude's questions were getting rather in depth and at this point, rather irksome. "So it's either you trust us or you don't believe us. Either way, I would like to eat my food before it gets cold, if you don't mind."
"House Leader's orders," Corrin added, digging into her food too. Claude let them eat, a patient man as he was.
"Actually, there is one way we can all be sure," Lorenz suggested.
"Oh? What's that?" Lucina asked between bites.
"Tomorrow, we'll visit Professor Hanneman. He has a rather quaint little device in his office that he'll be thrilled to spin up again for eight new students."
"What does it do? Check for lies?"
"...Precisely," Claude answered without a pause.