Byleth was spending her morning sipping on some tea watching the sunrise over the horizon near the Dining Hall. It had been a couple of months since the Golden Deer had reunited along with all of the transfers, and things were progressing as well as they could be. Byleth was content with everything, even though she was placed in charge of all of the Knights of Seiros under her own banner bearing the Crest of Flames, she was still quite unsure of her new role as the acting Archbishop. She sighed at the thought of it, never in her wildest dreams did she ever think that would be possible, but thanks to Seteth's encouragement and Claude's charisma, Byleth was convinced to be Rhea's successor, at least for the time being. And with the aid of Judith of House Daphnel getting in some much needed food and supplies to give to their combined armies, they were beginning to make great strides.

Byleth grimaced sipping more of the tea that she had gotten recently. It's flavor was definitely strong and very bitter, unlike what she was used to. She was more accustomed to the flavor of Bergamot or Seiros tea, this...this was abysmal. It tasted awful, and she still had a half cup to drink. Even the strongest liquor was not this terrible to drink. Even the slight aroma of it was potent, and it's scent lingered through the air. She groaned, but she knew that she had to finish it all, but with it's bad flavor and heat from the beverage was making it difficult.

As she was leaning her head down to sip some more of the tea, she heard a feminine voice clear her throat behind her. Looking around, Byleth saw Dorothea carrying her own cup of tea, it's steam floating above into the air. She had grown a lot in the past five years, such as everyone else, but Byleth thought her appearance had matured and grown from an attractive young lady to a gorgeous woman. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders in chocolate brown waves, and her warm smile could really entice anyone.

"Do you mind if I join you, Professor?" Dorothea spoke, taking a sip of her own drink with a small twitch of her eye at the liquid touching her tongue.

Byleth motioned to the seat on the bench next to her, "I don't mind, come join me."

Dorothea politely thanked her, as she sat down on the seat that Byleth opened for her, sipping more of her tea. She looked over at Byleth who was struggling to down the last bits of it and chuckled softly, "It gets easier to drink overtime, Professor, after all it's mostly herbs and a hint of medication. Once you start taking it more and more often the taste becomes bearable."

Byleth looked at Dorothea in shock, "How did you know?"

Dorothea grinned, "I can recognise the smell of that particular tea anywhere, I'm surprised to even see you with it. Though I'm sure it has something with you and Sylvain being back together."

Byleth scrunched her face as she drank another bit of it, "This is vile! I'm sure had it not been for it's very beneficial properties I would never have drunk this stuff."

Dorothea giggled, "Yes, the benefit of not ending up with an unplanned child is definitely very good. Especially in war." She turned to her friend in earnest, "But I'm sure Sylvain is having the best nights of his life being with you after so many years. You have to spill every bit of detail on him, I'm just so curious what he's like when he's intimate with someone."

Byleth gripped her cup a bit tighter, "We...haven't gone all the way yet...and the last time we did anything like that was just before the Battle of Garreg Mach, when it fell to the Empire."

Dorothea took a sip of her own tea, "So why don't you do so now? I assume you've been drinking that for at least the last week."

"Well yes, but…" Byleth trailed off, looking as vulnerable as a newborn deer.

"That's a new look, Professor, are you...frightened about it all?" Dorothea questioned.

"I've never...been with someone before. I know Sylvain and I gave each other favors before but it wasn't the same. It's not…" Byleth mumbled, sipping the last bits of her tea. Dorothea's gaze looked sympathetic; despite Byleth being very mature, she certainly did seem like an innocent little girl in this moment.

"You know, not every first time has to be perfect, Professor...Byleth." Dorothea spoke softly, gently rubbing her dear friend's back, "Mine certainly wasn't. And it isn't something you should make into a goal. When the time happens, just let the moment flow and let your body speak."

"You make it sound easy. I can't always shut my brain off." Byleth gave a half smile.

"It takes a bit of time and lots of practice." Dorothea winked at her, sipping down her tea.

Byleth looked at her quizzically, "Well if you don't mind me asking, why are you drinking it as well?"

Dorothea smiled fondly, "I may have a suitor that I'm...deeply in love with." She looked out to the Fish Pond to see a long haired Ginger noble, or former noble, resting after a training session with Caspar.

Byleth whipped her head studying her dearest friend, "Ferdinand? But I thought…?"

Dorothea's eyes looked at Byleth with a type of tenderness that Byleth had not seen before, "I was...wrong about him, for so many years. I thought for the longest time he was being disingenuous to me. But I was just mad at him for nothing."

Byleth smiled at her, "What changed your mind?"

Dorothea sighed dreamily, "I never told you this, but when I was younger as an orphan that had just been picked up by the Mittlefrank Opera Company, I had met Ferdinand or at least seen him. He was watching me bathe in the fountains of Enbarr when he ran off suddenly, and at the time I thought he was so disgusted with me. It turns out he found me to be beautiful, even with the grime and mud on my body. He thought with my voice and the water droplets on my skin made me look like a water nymph."

Byleth's jaw opened, "Saints alive, Dorothea, even Sylvain has less flowery language than that."

Dorothea responded in a bright tone, "After that comment, I had to give it a few days to settle in my head that he thought that about me. And after our trip to find his father, I couldn't bear to see him in so much pain that I had to admit I really do love that stupid noble boy. I was surprised when I confessed that he had felt the same way, even after everything I did to him."

Byleth nodded solemnly, she could remember Ferdinand's sobs on that day. He didn't like his father, but the man was still Ferdinand's family and the feeling of losing anyone close to you is something that Byleth could relate to immediately. She rubbed Dorothea's back, "Well I'm happy for you two, I honestly felt as though Sylvain and I were the only couple around here."

Dorothea barked a laugh much to Byleth's confusion, "You're kidding me, right? You must be so oblivious to see everyone else."

"Huh? There's more than us?" Byleth asked.

Dorothea nodded enthusiastically, "I can name several off the top of my head. I mean just the other day I saw Caspar helping Hilda again with her 'luggage'."

Byleth chortled, "No way, Hilda and Caspar?! That's crazy."

"Mhmmm, there's also been some flirting back and forth with Petra and Claude. Oh! And I can't forget Ashe and my beautiful Ingrid. Goodness, when we got Ashe back I don't think I've ever seen her hug someone as quickly as she did. Then there's Ignatz and Marianne exchanging the sweetest glances in the world. Linhardt working diligently on Lysithea for some reason or another. Everyone has heard of Felix's fascination with Annette but did you know that Bernadetta had private picnics with Raphael. Or that Flayn was watching Cyril from afar, and helping him occasionally. I've even heard that there's some really juicy tension between Leonie and Lorenz.

Byleth snorted, "No! Lorenz and Leonie certainly hate each other...right?"

Dorothea giggled, "War certainly can bring you down, but I have to say, I've never seen this much canoodling around, even before the monastery fell. All of this love and affection is all stemming from the fact we need it now more than ever."

"I had never known about all of this," Byleth said.

"Of course not, you've been more concerned with winning the war, and loving a certain Phoenix of Faerghus." Dorothea smirked and winked at Byleth who shyly hid her blush, "Well, I should probably get going, I'm going to enjoy some quiet time with my beau. If you ever need any more advice, feel free to contact me." Dorothea waved Byleth goodbye and climbed down the steps to Ferdinand, who greeted her with a wide smile and kiss to her lips.

Byleth smiled warmly, as she picked up her tea cup to take to the kitchens to be cleaned up. She needed to get ready for a War Council meeting in about thirty minutes with Claude, Lorenz, Judith and Sylvain. Sylvain, while not connected at all to the Alliance, was given the title to be the representative of Faerghus, since Byleth and Claude represented the Church and Alliance respectively. He was hesitant to accept another lofty title, more responsibility that he felt he didn't deserve. While Faerghus had not formally allied with the Alliance, Claude was sure that eventually Faerghus would side with them, as they shared a common enemy in the Empire.

Byleth was sympathetic to Sylvain, but she also knew that no one else could fill that role quite as well as him. His charisma and intelligence melded well with the other leaders and his knowledge on the Empire's forces was invaluable. Despite every part of her feeling sorry for putting more on his plate, she couldn't do this without his and Claude's help.

She walked into the Cathedral, which had been cleared out except for the attendees that were supposed to show. She could see that there was some pretty intense tension, especially in regards to Claude and Lorenz, but that had always been the case. Even Sylvain was not in the best of moods, listening to Lorenz prattle on about his own hesitation to the next coming fight on the Great Bridge of Myrddin. It was in his own family's territory, and Byleth knew that Lorenz had a big problem with the idea of accidentally engaging with his father on the battlefield, but it was a necessary evil. As she watched Lorenz and Claude argue, she approached Sylvain, rubbing his arm softly to alert him to her presence.

"They're still going at it, huh?" Byleth asked Sylvain.

Sylvain snorted, crossing his arms with a look of serious frustration on his face, "It's been a long hour of hearing the same argument over and over again," He sighed deeply, but looking at Byleth with a genuine smile, "But how was your morning? I noticed you strayed off again. Something you're not telling me?"

Byleth looked sheepishly at Sylvain, "Um...nothing that I can talk about with those two overhearing."

Sylvain rolled his eyes, "Please, they've been too busy with themselves. You can tell me if you want. I don't want you to run off with your own secrets, you little minx." Sylvain winked.

Byleth shook her head, "You're becoming rather bold in your compliments."

Sylvain raised his eyebrows suggestively, "Can't help it. I like seeing you all flustered, it gives you the most adorable pout."

Byleth looked at him with mock annoyance, "Perhaps I'll tell you after all of this nonsense. We need to start this thing."

Sylvain gave an exaggerated salute, "Yes ma'am!" Laughing despite himself.

Byleth cleared her throat, seeing Claude and Lorenz whip their heads to face her, "Boys, if you're done bickering I'm sure we need to discuss the next mission before it's too late."

"Yes, I sincerely apologize Professor." Lorenz spoke with pain in his voice. This mission was really weighing on his mind.

"Hey, where's Judith?" Claude asked, looking around the Cathedral. She appeared from behind one of the pillars yawning quite loudly.

"You two boys really need to just spar and get it over with, really takes off the tension." Judith joked.

"Hah, gets rid of tension? More like adds to it." Sylvain muttered. Byleth playfully nudged him, knowing he was referencing something in a past far gone.

"Whatever, let's just discuss the present situation." Byleth pressed, putting on a serious expression on her face.

Claude looked at Byleth with confidence, "Preparations are complete. Now it's a game of patience. As they say, good things come to those who wait." He said with a wink to both Sylvain and Byleth, causing the pair to become flustered.

"Care to elaborate on this plan of yours, Claude? Can we really do this without battling my father?" Lorenz spoke with disdain.

Byleth rubbed her temples, "Can we play nice, for a few minutes?"

"Yes boys, listen to your mother." Sylvain said sarcastically, earning himself a jab to the gut by Byleth. "Ooof, By, why would you do that?" He whined, clutching his stomach in pain.

Claude, ignoring Sylvain's pain, continued stating the plan, "Pretty soon, Count Gloucester will need to gather his troops in the northern part of his territory."

"Against Houses Riegan and Daphnel?" Byleth questioned.

Claude snapped his fingers and winked at Byleth, "You got it, Teach!"

"The combined forces of the Riegan and Daphnel houses will threaten the northern part of the Gloucester territory. Nardel, that retainer I mentioned, is going to draw their attention." Byleth nodded at Judith's comments, remembering the name Nardel in a previous conversation.

"We'll take that opportunity to make our way through Gloucester territory and launch a surprise attack on the Great Bridge of Myrddin." Claude finished, looking ever so proud of himself.

Sylvain, now recovered, replied, "Once we have taken a hold of the Great Bridge of Myrddin, the Empire forces will then focus their attention on the Southern region of Fodlan, giving a chance for Faerghus to get a break from the fighting. Maybe then, my father and the rest of the Faerghus Loyalists might be up for a chat. I could try to convince them, but let's not think about that until we have the bridge entirely."

Byleth smiled at him, "Good thinking, I'm sure that once this bridge has been taken, we can start making real progress. And Sylvain's right; Faerghus will no longer become a priority for the Empire if they're being invaded in the South. Especially since Enbarr isn't too far away."

Lorenz grumbled, "And...are you not concerned about the possibility that I may tip off my father?"

Claude's visage softened, "The future of the Alliance, and of Fodlan, rests on this battle. I'm certain you won't betray us."

Lorenz huffed dismissively, "Hmph. I will ensure our success."

Sylvain glared at the young noble, "I hope you do, I'd hate to see Leonie's face if you decide to act rashly. This is more important than noble duties and pleasing your dad."

"Sylvain…" Byleth gave him a warning tone. Sylvain backed down but only so slightly.

Lorenz said nothing, but the blush growing on his face was telling. So Dorothea was right, Lorenz had a thing for Leonie. And of course Sylvain knew about it, he was as bad as Dorothea when it came to idle romantic gossip.

Claude cleared his throat, breaking the tension, "I know you will, Lorenz. If we win this fight, then our next goal will be to topple Enbarr, the Imperial Capital. I said before that my plan was to meddle with the Empire, but I'm going to do you one better. We are going to defeat the Empire, once and for all. But to do that, we can't afford to slip up here. Bear that in mind and prepare yourselves for the coming battle."

Byleth affirmed, "If that's all that needs to be said, then this meeting is adjourned." All three representatives, Lorenz, and Judith nodded, leaving the Cathedral to their separate ways, except Sylvain and Byleth, treasuring a moment alone together. They hadn't had one in a while, unless they were in their bedroom. Even then, they were usually so exhausted by their duties that they would crash on the bed together. War wasn't easy for a couple that was literally in charge of differing positions. Sylvain glanced down at her, before leaning in and giving her a kiss on the cheek, much to her shock.

Byleth giggled, "What was that for, Syl?"

Sylvain looked at her tenderly, "I can't show you that I care every now and again?"

Byleth snorted, "You can. I'm pretty sure you've been tired of meetings after meetings."

Sylvain groaned, pulling her waist into his arms, allowing Byleth to relax on his chest, "You don't even know! I just want to be able to take us away for a while, and have you and me enjoy ourselves, away from this war."

Byleth hummed appreciatively, looking up at him, "I'd like that, my love" standing on her tiptoes, she leaned up to give Sylvain a long and passionate kiss. Their lips melded together and moved into it's rehearsed movements, with Sylvain pressing against the entrance of Byleth's mouth with his tongue. Byleth gratefully allowed him in, tasting the lingering flavor of her tea. As he continued, his eyes scrunched up in confusion, the flavor of her was a lot different, a lot more...bitter.

Pulling away softly, hearing Byleth moan in protest, he looked at her, "Not to be rude, Byleth, but did you drink some strong, yet cheap, liquor?"

Byleth instantly looked embarrassed, "Oh...that. It's um, it's tea."

"Tea?" Sylvain asked with a quizzical brow. Byleth nodded at him as he continued to speak, "I've never tasted tea like that. It's rather potent."

Byleth's hands wrung around each other, "That's because it's for me."

"For you? Is it medication? Are you sick?" Sylvain said, worried that Byleth had caught an illness. He instantly examined her, but found nothing that would cause alarm.

Byleth chuckled softly, grasping his hands, "Yes it's for me, and it is a medication, but it's for girls...specifically."

Sylvain's face changed from confusion to realization as he stared at Byleth, "You mean…? That's the…"

"Protectant against the...consequences of having sex." Byleth answered, her pulse quickening, despite her lack of heartbeat.

Sylvain blinked. Once. Twice. Three times before letting out a long exhale, "Oh…"

"Yeah...I'm sorry, I just...the last time we shared a moment of bliss I was being irresponsible. I didn't know that it would lead that way on that night. And when it did I...I completely forgot for a moment that I needed to protect myself from the accidental conception of children." Byleth stammered, her blush growing with every word she spoke. She snuck a glance at Sylvain, and he was utterly speechless, which was even more troubling. He rarely ever shut his mouth.

He shook his head to get out of his trance, "Are you saying you...want to...you know, have sex with me?"

Byleth nodded shyly, "I do, but I want to when the time is right. I know you must be completely annoyed by that."

"Why?" Sylvain asked genuinely. His eyes reflect in honest concern, making Byleth weak to her knees.

"You always say you want me, and I'm always so hesitant. It must be like a large tease to you for me to sleep with you every night and nothing to come out of it." Byleth said softly.

Sylvain gently lifted her face to look at him, "By, don't feel ashamed. I already know you're quite shy. It's honestly endearing."

Byleth shook her head, "But I'm willing to admit that it's becoming a pain to you."

Sylvain sighed, "I'll confess, it's pretty hard to resist you. Especially in that lacy nightgown of yours. But it's not like I'm a complete ass, I know you're a bit scared about it."

Byleth smiled, "Just so you know, I really want to. Not now, but perhaps soon."

Sylvain's chest rumbled, as he whispered huskily in her ear, "I look forward to it, By." He started to nibble on her earlobe and suckle a bit on the sensitive skin there.

Byleth squealed, playfully pushing him away, "Stop it, Gautier! We're in a Cathedral."

Sylvain spoke seductively in her ear, "Didn't stop you before when we were tasting each other."

Byleth pulled away from him, walking towards the exit, "Come on, Syl, we need to prepare for the next mission."

Sylvain moaned, "Awww By, that's not fair! I wanted a little more time with you."

Byleth smirked, "Another night, then. And maybe, I'll have some time for you."

Sylvain hurried up to catch up with her, placing an arm wrapped around her shoulders. He never did get to say that he was beyond appreciative to understand his concerns of the potential consequences of being fully intimate with her. He also never got to say that at the end of this war he wanted to have a future with her, one that included being with her for all eternity, and hopefully having a gaggle of Gautier children with her. He shook those thoughts out of his head, he would have to wait until this war was over before these thoughts could be discussed in detail. For now, he just cherished the woman next to him as they readied themselves for yet another fight.

"Focus on Ladislava! We've stopped the reinforcements from coming in!" Byleth ordered as she watched Sylvain fly over head on Astarte. The fight was insanely tough. Reinforcements upon reinforcements. Even a demonic beast or two had made an appearance on this bridge that was more of a fortress than something that the average person would travel across. The fighting was getting intense, and the casualties on the Empire side were immense. Acheron, a nobleman that Lorenz had fought in his Academy days, had made the mistake of going after Leonie with Lorenz nearby. The ash pile on the ground was all that was left of the Weathervane, not before he injured Lorenz in the scuffle. Petra and Claude were in charge of taking control of taking the fortress to the North while Ferdinand and Dorothea took control of the Central Fortress. Everyone else fought on foot, listening to the orders of Byleth on the field.

There was so much bloodshed, the pavement was coated and the river was stained in a rose-color. It was too much to bear for Byleth, but she knew there were going to be more battles, possibly more intense than this. She focused herself, gripping her sword as she swung it down on another enemy, the blood pooling from her victim splashed on her face staining her porcelain skin.

She tried to keep track of Sylvain throughout the entirety of the battle. She watched as he dodged the archers with amazing dexterity and trust in his Wyvern. It still amazed her seeing him on the field, he was like a one man army. However, as he neared Ladislava on her own Wyvern was when she was starting to get nervous.

"Ah, The Phoenix of Faerghus, I've heard of you." Ladislava spoke as her Wyvern growled at Astarte.

Sylvain spat on the ground condescendingly, as Astarte sent out a guttural roar that rattled the organs in Byleth's body, "Your name has also crossed the lips of the citizens of Faerghus. Like how your armies stole from the poor farmers that needed the food for a cruel and brutal winter. Your actions caused a famine, because of your selfish greed!"

"Such is war, we are fighting for a brand new Fodlan! Her Majesty changed my life for the better!" Ladislava shouted a passionate cry. "To repay Her Majesty's favor, I will not let you pass!

"Then you can burn in hell, along with the Emperor's ideals. Faerghus doesn't need the likes of you invading her!" Sylvain didn't have to direct Astarte, she aggressively latched onto the neck of the other Wyvern sinking her fangs deep. The blood cascaded down as the Wyvern Astarte attacked started to make pained whines and whimpers. Ladislava tried her best to knock Sylvain off of his saddle, but Sylvain countered her attacks with his skill in Fire magic.

Sylvain jerked onto Astarte's reins, "Now! Astarte!" and with one word, Astarte brutally ripped the trachea of the other Wyvern, its blood flooding the ground below them as Ladislava crashed on the stone, her mount's body lifelessly pinning her. Ladislava choked out a cry as Sylvain landed on the ground next to her; Astarte roared with the bright red liquid staining her teeth and dripping down mixing with her drool. Sylvain's eyes were set aflame, his anger and hatred pooling through. However, he was merciful enough to stop himself from killing Ladislava with the Lance of Ruin. He dismounted Astarte and walked over to Ladislava's straining body, holding the blade of his Lance to her neck.

"I don't want to kill you, but I will if I have to. So tell me, are you willing to accept the terms of surrender?" Sylvain asked coldly.

"You said it yourself, I should burn in hell with Her Majesty's ideals. If that indeed makes me a monster in your eyes, so be it. I can't retreat... Even if it costs me my life, I've got to protect the Great Bridge." Looking up to the sky, Ladislava choked out with her tears flowing, "Lady Edelgard... I'm sorry…"

"You're brave to stay true to your liege, but I have no choice." Sylvain made his strike on Ladislava's throat swift and true. He watched as the life left her eyes, until Ladislava was no more. Sylvain quickly cleaned the blood off of his blade, sighing deeply. He was so hardened by war it should be normal to strike down an opponent such as her, but it never got easier. He could hear the sound of Byleth approaching him, the sound of her heels unmistakable, even in a pool of blood.

"She didn't surrender." Byleth stated rather than asked. Her eyes looked at Sylvain in concern.

Sylvain looked away from the bodies, "They never do." His eyes glazed over in a somber state.

Byleth observed the chaos around her, so many dead. Mostly those belonging to the Empire. How many of these men and women had homes and families to go home to? How many had actually volunteered to fight and how many were conscripted to do so? It was more than anyone could bear. Byleth clenched her eyes shut, war was awful, she hoped she wouldn't lose her humanity to this. She felt Sylvain's hand on her shoulder. The look in his eyes spoke that what was done, had to be. But she could see the sadness of it all. He was no killer, he took no delight in doing so, even if the Empire had caused so many problems in Faerghus. All he saw when he struck down his opponent, was a man or woman who probably had life outside of this. In the end, Byleth knew the only person he blamed was Edelgard. She sighed deeply and nodded at him as they walked hand in hand to regroup with the rest of the army. Byleth wondered to herself, as she glanced back at Ladislava's body, who she could've been had the war not happened.

"Well done, everyone. The Great Bridge of Myrddin is ours." Claude announced to the former students as they were patching up their wounds and taking care of any others that had got caught up in the fighting.

"I was prepared for bloodshed, but that was more than expected... I guess I'm still not used to this." Leonie said somberly, as most of the former students looked down in sadness.

Ignatz lifted his head slightly, "Even our enemies were fighting for their own cause. They held out without fleeing until the bitter end…"

Byleth walked over to place a comforting hand on his shoulder, "You don't have to get used to it."

Leonie nodded, "That is true. I wouldn't want to become the type of person who feels nothing when someone dies."

Claude tried his best to detract the mindset of gloominess around the last battle, "Now it's on me to return to Alliance territory and convince those lords to join us." He turned to Lorenz, as Leonie tended to the wound on his right hand, "Lorenz, would you return home for the time being and lay the groundwork with your father?"

"Fine. After all, this is for the Alliance. Or rather, for all of Fódlan." Lorenz echoed the words Claude had stated before, causing the Leader of the Alliance to smile briefly.

"For those of you who live in Alliance territories, I ask that you return to your houses, and spread the word about the current we finish our preparations, Judith and the knights will do everything in their power to defend the Great Bridge." Claude ordered Judith as she approached him from behind.

"That's a casual way to dole out such a deadly mission, boy." Judith remarked bluntly, making Byleth smirk. That woman sure did know how to make Claude seem like nothing more than a little kid.

"Do you object?" Claude asked.

"Just who do you think I am? I won't let the Empire pass this way, even if it costs me my life." Judith stated, making Sylvain wince. Byleth grasped his hand tightly, resting her head on his shoulder.

Claude's eyebrows furrowed in disappointment, "Too bad you're not allowed to die. Fight like your life depends on it, but flee if you're ever truly in danger."

"A tall order, as always. I'll use my best discretion, Claude." Judith sighed.

Seteth who had remained silent as he helped Flayn heal the young Cyril, or used to be younger, tended to a large gash on his arm, "We have no objections either. Go forth and secure us a sufficiently powerful army."

"I'll stay here too. The only ones I'd be going home to are my little sis and my grandpa." Raphael interjected, his booming voice ringing out amongst the crowd.

Claude's face softened, "Are you sure you don't want to see your sister? It may be awhile before you can return home again."

"But if I see her, I may not want to come back. So I'll wait till I'm done here." Raphael stated. Many other students decided to stay as well, and to everybody's shock, Leonie decided to accompany Lorenz to his father's territory. She stated it was to 'guard him' but everyone knew what it was really about.

Byleth looked to the former House Leader, "What about me? Do you need me to do anything?"

Claude smiled, "Actually, I'd like for you to come with me, Teach. To help negotiate with the lords."

Byleth eyes widened, "Me? But why?"

"They're followers of the Church of Seiros, after all. It'll make things easier if we have someone there to speak on Rhea's behalf." Claude responded, his eyes looking at Sylvain, "You can come with us as well, Sylvain. I know they probably won't see the need for a Faerghus Noble to be at the talks, but if there's a chance we can get some of the Faerghus Loyalists to bolster our forces, the Alliance will jump at the opportunity to attack the Empire with more soldiers on our side."

Sylvain nodded, "I can't promise all of the troops, but I know my men are loyal to me. They may be our best bet."

"Good, then let's start our journey to Derdriu," Claude said enthusiastically, turning to the rest of the former students, "All right, everyone. Let's meet back at the monastery next month. Good luck out there."

The long journey to Derdriu was shortened by travelling on two Wyverns. Byleth, of course saddled up with Sylvain holding onto his waist as they made their final descent Sylvian made a sly comment only for Byleth to hear, "Derdriu, the Aquatic Capital... I've heard it's a magnificent city, you know. I wish it wasn't a visit for war negotiations. It'd be more fun to visit with a cute girl on my arm." Sylvain winked at Byleth's flustered face.

Byleth nuzzled into Sylvain's back, "Maybe once the war is over…"

Sylvain's eyes lit up, "Yeah? Maybe you and me? That'd be a good reason to survive the war. Heh heh…" His face turned sour again. Byleth knew that the last battle was still weighing on him, and it made her feel upset looking at him. She tried her best to support him, but really, the war was certainly not going to go away overnight.

The city was gorgeous and Claude's palace was too. The architecture of the building had curves and domes on the towers and the rooftops were gilded in bright gold. Entering it was a stark difference to the Gautier Estate, which was filled with cold iron and marble flooring. The palace was warm and airy with plenty of natural light flowing inside and an open floor plan, able to see the corridors and all of the rooms in it. It was loveliness itself. Claude led them down a hallway to an office of some sort, littered with maps and books tossed all over the place. In the middle of that room stood a gruff and brawn tan man. His body was littered with scars and his hair and beard were shaggy beyond measure.

The strange man had heard the group enter and turned to them with a wicked smile, "Is that you, kiddo?" He looked at Claude with an old familiar gaze. Byleth looked to Sylvain with a questioning look, but he merely shrugged in confusion.

Claude cleared his throat melodramatically, "Ahem, I have returned, Nardel" he emphasized Nardel's name with a pointed glare.

Nardel's eyes widened as he sheepishly bowed to Claude, "Oh, ah, Master Claude. It's you. I mistook you for one of the local children. My apologies."

Sylvain's eyes narrowed as he whispered in Byleth's ear, "Right, and I'm the King of all Fodlan." She shushed him as she was curious about the retainer that she had heard about before.

"It seems you have adjusted to your work here. Our recent strategy was successful, thanks to you." Claude responded in his usual calm and carefree demeanor.

"I was a bit concerned when House Goneril's army intervened from the east." Nardel added.

"Count Gloucester must have requested reinforcements from them." Claude clutched his head in concern.

"Yes, and they have that young general who won some acclaim from his battles in Almyra...

Regardless, they showed no signs of seriously wishing to attack us, and merely fulfilled their obligations to House Gloucester." Nardel spoke wisely. He must've been a very experienced general to talk with such wisdom.

His eyes looked over at Byleth and his smile grew, walking over to her. He grasped her hand and kissed it gently, "Now then... who is this lovely lady?" He asked Claude. Byleth grinned when she saw in the corner of her eye Sylvian's slight discomfort.

"This is my professor, who I asked to join me at the roundtable conference. Teach, this is Nardel, that retainer Judith was talking about." Claude introduced the pair.

Byleth curtsied politely, "Nice to meet you, I'm Byleth Eisner."

Nardel gave a hearty laugh, releasing her hand, "How polite! I've heard good things about you from Master Claude." Nardel's eyes then settled on the red head next to Byleth, examining the young man, "And who is this handsome fella, Master Claude?"

Sylvain bowed, "I am Commander Sylvain Jose Gautier, Heir of House Gautier in the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. I represent the Faerghus Loyalists fighting against the Empire."

Nardel grinned and clapped Sylvain's back, "What a well spoken young man! I've heard your name as well. You're the Professor's lover!"

"Claude…" Byleth glared at her friend menacingly, not appreciating her personal affairs to be laid out for strangers to know about. Sylvain just rubbed the back of his neck laughing it off and not envying Claude for a moment.

Claude chuckled sheepishly, "T-Teach, let's not do anything rash now. I was just informing Nardel on important matters."

Byleth growled, "That is personal and none of anyone's business but our own."

Claude cleared his throat, dodging a scolding from his former Professor, "But back to Nardel, as you can see, he wasn't born in Fódlan. Still, trust me when I say he is highly capable."

Byleth crossed her arms, "Hmmph, well I do see that Claude."

Nardel chuckled warmly, "True. In fact, my capability is my only redeeming quality. I hope you'll continue to look after Master Claude, Professor."

Byleth stared into Claude's soul, as Sylvain watched this with amusing eyes, "I may keep him alive, for now."

Nardel snickered, "Oh she's got a bite. I say, Commander Sylvain, you better watch yourself. You don't want that one angry at you, she might cause a bit of a ruckus."

Sylvain snorted, "Trust me, I've seen it first hand."

Nardel smiled, "Well in any case, Master Claude informed me that there would be two guests sharing a space together, so I got you the room at the far end of the hall. No one resides over there and it has a pleasant view." He placed the key into Byleth's hand. She thanked Nardel and placed the key into her pocket.

"Do you mind heading there without me, By? I have to send a letter to my father." Sylvain asked.

She looked at him warmly, "Of course, I'll be waiting for you."

Sylvain leaned down and kissed her cheek much to her discomfort around the public display of affection he showed, "I'll see you in a bit, love." Sylvain quickly stepped out of the office, as Byleth was as red as a tomato. Her eyes, looking over at her audience that looked rather entertained.

She looked at Claude before leaving to her and Sylvain's room, "One word of this to anyone, and I will have your head."

Claude laughed, "Alright Teach, I hear you. Go ahead and start unpacking, we have a long week ahead of us."

As she left, both Nardel and Claude exchanged looks, "Nardel, did you give them the Master Bedroom?"

Nardel smirked, "I did indeed, at your request."

Claude winked, "Good, I guess I'll just retire in my old quarters then. I'll see you, tomorrow."