Rapturous applause marked the end of the vocal theatrics display from Manuela and Dorothea. A large number of the students that included a visibly moved Ferdinand, and both Sylvain and Felix shot to their feet to show their appreciation while Rhea and Flayn rushed forward to embrace the pair of songstress's enthusiastically, showering them with praise.
'They were very good, weren't they.' Edelgard remarked to Byleth. 'Mind you, I consider that maybe we could do better, my teacher, shall we take to the stage and show them how it's done?'
'Are you sure that's wise?' Hubert looked desperately at Byleth, who smirked and whispered something in Edelgard's ear.
'Oh well, yes!' Edelgard agreed immediately. 'Hubert would indeed be a better option. I can only imagine the entertainment he would provide to us all with his dulcet tones!'
'What?' Hubert paled to a deathly shade of grey. 'No! Your Highness... no!'
'I could make it an Imperial command.' Edelgard threatened lightly, then burst into giggles. 'Oh, poor Hubert!' She looked to Byleth again. 'We should get him a drink too!' She declared.
Byleth solemnly handed him her half-full glass, which he simply accepted and desperately downed in one.
'I was just thinking that perhaps it might be time to retire your Highness.' Hubert asserted, wiping his mouth and putting the glass down. 'I believe we may have some things to discuss.'
'Not yet! The night is young.' Edelgard insisted as Flayn came over to join them.
'Wasn't Dorothea amazing!' Flayn chirped, her eyes shining. 'I wish that I had seen her on stage properly when she was with the Opera. It must have been quite something!'
'I believe that Ferdinand has seen her perform a number of times.' Edelgard told the girl fondly. 'Something of a fan of hers as I understand it. Of course, Dorothea is of the mind that he is more a fan of her ample bosom than her voice, but in this instance, I believe she may be wrong. Ferdinand is extremely fond of music.'
'Well, her bosom is rather impressive too...' Flayn noted cheekily, dipping a curtsey towards the Princess and running over to Ferdinand to get his insight into Dorothea's opera days.
'She has a fair point.' Byleth murmured appreciatively.
'You are quite the last person who should be envious!' Edelgard raised a brow. 'Your own bosom is utterly remarkable, my teacher!'
'Perhaps.' Byleth frowned. 'I believe I might prefer something smaller and more manageable, though, much more like your own Princess...'
'Hmm.' Edelgard turned back to Hubert, who appeared to be choking. 'What do you think Hubert... as a man... is big or small more desirable?'
'I...I...ahem.' Hubert tried to pull himself together and attempt a dignified answer. 'I believe that preference is in the eye of the beholder and that one particular kind is not any better or worse than the other...'
Byleth was seriously struggling to keep a straight face. 'I think we have won Princess...' She whispered loudly to Edelgard.
'I think so too!' Edelgard beamed, the expression unusual yet appealing on her face. 'Tell me, Hubert... Do you truly believe us to be drunk?'
'What?' Hubert looked between Edelgard and Byleth, who were both grinning from ear to ear. 'You... haven't been drinking?'
'No!' Edelgard looked immensely pleased with herself. 'The Professor suggested that being able to feign intoxication might be a useful tool, particularly given the state banquets and receptions that I will no doubt be required to attend in the future. I didn't think I would be able to pull off such a charade, so she suggested that we try to fool you. After all – if I could make you believe that I was under the influence...'
'I see.' Hubert rubbed at his temple. 'Then I must applaud your acting skills, your Highness. I was totally taken in and more than a little alarmed.'
'Honestly, Hubert, do you actually believe I would allow Edelgard to risk compromising herself in any way? In your absence, I find that I am extra considerate of her safety and integrity rather than less.' Byleth noted.
Hubert inclined his head. 'Of course, that would be the case.' He murmured. 'In my confusion, it appears that I failed to consider the facts appropriately.'
'That was the plan. You were meant to, I guess!' Byleth rose and bowed to Edelgard. 'I had an enormous amount of fun, Edelgard! Although I am thankful, you didn't insist on either Hubert or I actually getting up to sing!'
'Your lesson has been extremely inciteful as always, Professor.' Edelgard said happily. 'I do believe that it is something that could be of use in the future. It is always good to have your enemies underestimate you.'
'And your friends sometimes...' Byleth chuckled merrily, fluffing Hubert's already untidy hair affectionately.
'You have thrown down a gauntlet, Professor.' Hubert met her eyes, and there was most definitely a challenge shining in his.
'I look forward to your attempted revenge!' Byleth grinned, bowing again to them both. 'Now that you're back, I think it is time to allow myself a little indulgence...' she added, heading to the table to pick herself up a beer.
The party went on long past the curfew bell that evening, largely due to both Seteth and Rhea remaining in attendance, relaxed and undemanding. Ashe was the first to depart to bed, reminding Byleth shyly that he was bringing his siblings up to the Monastery the next day, and they were looking forward to meeting with her. After that, people began drifting off in dribs and drabs, although somehow Dedue managed to arrange delivery of tea and coffee from the kitchens before they closed up for the night.
Flayn needed Jeralt, Seteth, and Myles's aid to manage to carry all of her gifts when she eventually called it a night. She kissed Byleth soundly, thanking her over and over until Byleth was so embarrassed Jeralt stepped in to rescue her. They were the last to leave, and Byleth took a long look around the devastation of the Blue Lions classroom and sighed. It was going to take hours to get everything cleaned up.
'Oh no, you don't.' Jeritza had appeared back in the doorway as Byleth started to gather up detriment into the bin. 'It's time for bed, Byleth, you look exhausted. The cleaning will wait until tomorrow.'
'Right.' Byleth nodded and threw her current armful away tidily. 'I must say that you are looking rather bright, Jeritza. Sugar rush?' She grinned as she ushered him out of the room and locked the doors. A quick glance into the Deer's room showed that at least all of the catering mess had already been dealt with. Thanks to Mercedes and Dedue, no doubt.'
'My sister made sure that I never lacked for a piece of cake.' Jeritza agreed. 'She does make exceedingly good cakes... May I walk you back to your room?' He continued politely. 'Mercedes is quite adamant in her attempt to reinstall in me the good manners that our Mother worked so hard on when we were young, and she bade me make sure I offered you an escort.'
Byleth took the hand he held out to her, using her other to cover an enormous yawn. 'I'll take the company even if it's only offered because your sister bullied you.' She laughed as they walked slowly together. 'What are you going to do with all of that excess energy you have at the moment?' She asked curiously.
'Decimate a few target dummies, I suspect.' He replied. 'I probably need to work off all that ice cream anyway.'
They came to a stop outside her door, and Jeritza raised her hand to kiss her knuckles. 'See.' He couldn't resist a smirk. 'No need to waste a boon...'
'I feel robbed.' Byleth grouched. 'Do you want some tea?' She offered.
'That would be pleasant, but no. You must sleep now.' Jeritza ordered. 'Another time.' He added.
In the event, Jeritza was right. Byleth collapsed straight onto her bed and was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
~0~
When Byleth stumbled out of her bed well after dawn the next day, the dormitory block was in absolute silence. There was not a soul about, and neither did she bump into anyone as she made her way back to the classroom to get to work.
It didn't take her very long at all to deal with the rubbish that had accumulated, but bringing down the decorations would be another matter. Her lack of height was not going to help her in this endeavor.
'Professor! Why are you hanging from the rafters?' Byleth was hailed around thirty minutes later and peered down from the roof beam onto which she was currently clinging.
'Dedue!' She welcomed thankfully, swinging down from her perch and landing on the table that she'd used to climb up.
'Did it not occur to you to wait for some help?' The big man asked, holding out his hand to help her jump down. 'Of course, it didn't.' He answered his own question with a shake of his head.
'You have already done so much.' Byleth commented. 'This was all my idea, so you shouldn't have to waste time on your day off...'
'Not a waste.' Dedue said simply, getting up on the table. 'Sylvain will be here momentarily, he was just getting ready when I left. Prince Dimitri sends his regrets, but he is accompanying Ashe into town to pick up his siblings.' Dedue shrugged. 'There was no need for acrobatics at all, although I admit it was rather interesting seeing you hanging upside-down like that...'
'Dedue!' Byleth's exclaimed, her face pulsing red. He stared at her for a second in incomprehension, and then he blushed too.
'I meant I was interested in how you managed to get up there in the first place...' He explained quickly.
Byleth started to chuckle.
'What have I missed?' Sylvain asked, sauntering in.
'The Professor dangling from the ceiling.' Dedue told him stoically.
'No way!' Sylvain winked at her. 'You want to put on a repeat performance just for me?' He asked.
'I'll hang from the ceiling for you, Sylvain...' Claude was stood grinning in the doorway with Raphael in tow... 'I'll even shoot arrows while I'm doing it!'
'Can we manage with less chat and more work?' Raphael asked. 'I haven't had breakfast yet but I wanted to make sure I helped out...!'
More of the students turned up as the work began. Bernadetta came to collect her flowers, and Byleth carefully bagged up some of the glittery fishes to give to Flayn later.
'I think I am going to have a quiet birthday this year.' Claude told Byleth, coming to sit next to her as the others worked around them. 'Nothing is going to outdo this spectacle anyway. What about you? You and Myles are up next!'
'I've not thought about it.' Byleth frowned. 'I don't want to make any sort of fuss. It's never been a thing on the road, although this year, of course, we have Myles for the first time...'
'A family affair then.' Claude nodded. 'If you are sure that's what you want, I can make sure that the others don't try and work something up. I know they are going to want too.'
'I'd hate being the center of attention like that.' Byleth shifted awkwardly. 'I guess Myles should be consulted as well, though...'
'Leave it in my capable hands, Teach.' Claude punched her arm playfully.
'That's... a worrying thought...' She teased.
'You are so mean to me.' Claude grouched, but his smile was genuine.
'How come you have managed to do no work at all?' Felix suddenly challenged Claude as the final touches were being put to straightening the room.
'I have been taking lessons from Hilda.' Claude replied wisely.
Felix snorted in amusement. 'Yeah, that would do it.' He agreed. 'Professor, will you get a chance for some sparing today?' He turned to Byleth.
'I'll do my best.' She agreed, 'I could use a good workout. I've promised to meet Ashe's siblings, and I have the weekly faculty meeting... but that's not until late afternoon.'
'I believe that the plan is for Ashe to join us for breakfast. I think they should be arriving soon.' Dedue input. 'Will you join us?' He asked.
'I'd love to join you.' She told Dedue. 'I just hope that I don't scare Ashe's brother and sister too much.'
'Why on earth would you scare them?' Bernadetta's voice drifted from under the table. None had realised she was still there.
'One of the very first things Ashe ever said to me was how they used to use the threat of the Ashen Demon coming to get them to make the kids behave.' Byleth said sadly.
Felix's mouth quirked into a semblance of a smile. 'That would work for me!' He admitted.
'Oh Professor... as long as you don't start giving one of your particularly graphic examples of warfare, I'm positive you will be fine!' Mercedes consoled her. Claude was laughing too hard to even comment.
'Even Bernie is not scared of the Professor, and Bernie is scared of most things.' She had climbed out from under her desk and rested her head against Byleth's shoulder. 'If they give you any problems, Bernie will sort them out!' She added valiantly.
'Oh, Goddess... please let them give the Professor a problem!' Sylvain chuckled. 'I need to see Bernie-Bear being fierce.'
'I will be fierce on you!' Bernadetta threatened, shaking her tiny fist at him.
'Boo!' Sylvain shouted at her suddenly... sending her scurrying back under the table.
'Sorry!' Sylvain got down on his hands and knees and poked his face towards Bernadetta. 'I couldn't resist it. It was mean of me!'
'Fooooood!' Rapheal reminded everyone wisely. 'We are done here. We should get our bellies filled to face the day!'
'Do you want me to beat Sylvain up for you, Bernie?' Byleth asked.
'No... No... it's okay.' Bernadetta scrambled slowly out from her space. 'He is kind of pretty to look at, and I would hate for you to break him.'
Sylvain's jaw dropped. 'What?' He asked, stunned.
'Bernie obviously hit her head going under the table.' Felix suggested quite unable to prevent a grin from breaking out. 'Mercedes, you should take a look at that.'
'Bernie is fine!' She looked shyly at Felix. 'Thanks, though.'
'Please... Can we go now?' Raphael begged.
'We should hurry if we are going to meet Ashe.' Dedue agreed, helping Bernadetta to her feet.
'Let's get going.' Claude stood and offered his arm to Byleth. 'I'm itching to witness Teach terrifying small children personally.'
'Mean. So very mean.' Byleth sighed.
