I don't own fire emblem.

Summary: We check in on Byleth, maid to deal with a problem from Rhea.


Log 44: Ring, Ring 2 - The After pt 2

"Good morning, Byleth."

It had been Byleth's hope to get a good night's sleep after the events of yesterday. Of course, someone else had other plans for her right now. Thankfully, those plans didn't involve having her get woken up at the ungodly hour of 4 am. No, this person was willing to let her sleep till around 7 am. Not that the bell ringing in the background was doing much favors.

This took the form of a certain pope casually walking into the apartment and right on into the master bedroom. Makes the sword pointed their way all the more predictable at the moment. Not that I wouldn't blame for her doing that. Probably do the same if I or my wife were in her shoes. Though, I would probably go with a hex or a body swap spell. Something like that.

"Please tell me you've at least brought me a door to replace the one your retainer broke." Byleth barked and got a smile from our truly wonderful pope. This is going to be one of those days, isn't it? Makes me want to punch it out until none of her teeth are left. She still probably be able to speak. Fucking bitch.

"Why would I bring you that?" Rhea answered, her voice that stupid tone of perky that Soleil likes to use sometimes. At least she tries to be genuine. Most of the time. "If anything, you should be the one paying for that."

It took everything in Byleth's power to not stab her boss. It's not good for wanting to stay employed. Even if it's the expectation that your abode has a way to not show the world all the dang time. Seriously, that's the least one should get out of your home. But I digress.

"Okay." she muttered and sat up in her bed, double take following. Right behind Rhea, stood a woman. Dressed like a maid, bruises and other wounds looked to be haphazardly covered with a mix of makeup and clothes. Yet there looked to be even more similarly dressed people behind them. Wait. Those are the maids from the previous part. Quite a walk they made in such a short time. But maybe they know something about what happened with Jertiza. "What's with the maids?"

Rhea let out a chuckle, thankfully not trying to lean in for a kiss. That would've made this whole thing all the more worse at the moment.

"That's your problem now." Rhea explained and headed for the front at the moment. "Have a wonderful day."

Yet, Byleth turned her focus towards the maids. With Rhea now gone, they had all chosen to scatter themselves about her apartment. Yet, the professor reached over for her phone. Dialing a number in, she held it up to her ear.

"Professor, is something wrong?" Dorothea's soothing voice floated through, bringing some relief to our heroine for the moment. Which was then followed by a deep breath.

"Well, I been told to deal with a bunch of maids from… somewhere." the professor answered, Dorothea hanging up on her. Huh. that's odd. Wonder wh-

The buzzing of a drone filled the air, rapidly approaching the apartment. Scrambling to get herself dressed, Byleth was greeted by the sight of Dorothea in her uniform. That was quick. Though, you might have wanted to give her some heads-up before bailing on the phone call.

"I'm guessing you need my help with all these maids?" the opera singer inquired, watching a now dressed Byleth approach.

"Pretty much." Byleth answered, getting what looked to be a thumbs-up from his assistant. Then it's over to the first of many maids. "Can we help you?"

The maid looked away, trying her best to shove their body into a cabinet. Except they don't really fit at the moment. Even if they did, there's far better places to keep a low profile. Maybe the closet instead?

"You're uh… not going to hurt me, right?" the maid whimpered and got a nod from both girls. Standing back up, she made her way over to the couch. Sitting herself down, she waited patiently for the professor and her assistant to join her. How nice.

"So where did you come from?" Dorothea inquired, their target taking some time to compose themselves. Looking about, they focused back on the pair.

"Varley Territory." the maid croaked, her gaze resuming its trip around the room for her co-workers. For the moment, I can make out a couple hiding. Doesn't help most of their outfits have blood or some other fluid marking them out. "I'm guessing you know of Count Varley?"

Byleth nodded, mentally preparing herself for whatever that may come out of the maid's mouth right after. Too late now, dear. You've already heard some of the worst stuff. Can only go up from here. Or was it down? One of the two here.

"I've heard of him." the professor remarked, Dorothea nodding in agreement. "I'm guessing that you all left because of his declarati-"

The maid shook her head, Edelgard of all people entering through the empty doorframe. Out of breath and looking a touch frustrated, something must've happened earlier. But I can't put my finger on what.

"Your highness!" the maid announced, jumping out of her seat and heading for the house leader. "Can you direct us to Ms Varley?"

A sigh, Edelgard's attention shifting away from the speaker and over to one of the apartment walls.

"That's the thing." Edelgrard responded and approached Byleth and Dorothea. "I can't seem to find Bernadetta at the moment. Worst come to worst, she's baking something in the kitchen."

Uh… not sure how that's entirely the worse situation when someone has just died! Sorry. Sometimes it feels like I'm listening to Selena bitch about her mom while talking to Hinoka of all people. Who according to her, looks just like her mom. That's very creepy, which coming from the time when I was actually 'young' (where this sort of thing was sadly common). Sorry. I got off track there. Even if this is just a rethread of stuff said in the previous entry.

"So do you want one of us to head for the kitchen then?" Byleth inquired, only for Manuela to run in on the scene. Hungover like usual, she looks to be panicking. About what, I'm not entirely sure right now. Unlike Edelgard's problem though, I think I have a guess. Maybe her 'little' bundle of joy? She was acting quite suspicious when everyone was heading to the front for that now canceled class. "Manuela, did something happen?"

Manuela took a deep breath, nearly toppling over in the process. Dorothea helped her up, her companion's gazes focusing in on. Before they had a chance to really inquire on the general happenings of the moment…

"Students, the class on Battalions to be held by Jertiza has been canceled." a voice announced over the announcement system. We already knew that, though this does give everyone an alibi. "On the account of Jeritza being found murdered."

Well, fuck. Here we go again.