The memorial service for those lost at Gronder was brief but powerful. So many soldiers on either side of Faerghus and the Alliance were dead, and yet Byleth made it in her own power to make sure that all of them were appropriately grieved. She opened up Garreg Mach to those in mourning, including the families of those dead soldiers. Among the notable deaths from the Faerghus army were the former Prince Dimitri, who rashly went after the Empire army and died at their hands, and sadly enough, Lord Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius who apparently was found dead on the field by his own son, Felix. The amount of sadness and despair amongst the Faerghus people was profound. However, due to her own kindness to them, Byleth noticed her popularity with the Faerghus people had become immense.

But now they had the problem of Fort Merceus, and with the Alliance suffering some losses on the field, the nobility of the Alliance that they had tried so hard to keep, was starting to become nervous. Even while she was at Sylvain's desk looking over the reports of the Empire's movements, she was starting to feel the pressure to keep her army's morale up. She sighed deeply into her hands, war was starting to weigh on her. She watched her Blue Lions students' grief over their Prince and how it deeply affected them. Felix was silently grieving in his own way, and only conversed with Byleth once in the training tower, asking if there was some way he could've curbed Dimitri's hatred for the Empire and if his father's death could have been prevented. Byleth was thankful of Annette's support of Felix; even during the memorial service Annette hummed a soft lullaby in Felix's ear as he held her close to him, without a care for what anyone thought about them. Ingrid took to talking to Ashe for comfort, and Byleth even caught them intertwining hands as he tried his best to support her. Mercedes offered prayers, and led the majority of the service that Byleth had created for everyone.

Sylvain was trying his best to remain strong. While he wasn't the closest friend of Dimitri, he had been raised with him, as if they were family. He really was hurt though, and Byleth could see it. When they went to bed, he was insistent of being closer to her, and cuddling up to her. Byleth welcomed it with open arms, remembering how he had healed her after her father passed away. She even made it in her power to make sure he was well fed and bathed. Sylvain was greatly appreciative of her efforts, even on his worst days.

Thinking of him now, she was wondering where he had run off to. He had left about fifteen minutes ago, saying he needed to get something, but now she was just curious where he went. She was about to get out of her chair until she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders, gently placing her back in her seat.

"Whoa, where are you off to?" Sylvain's voice spoke out, as he leaned down to give her a kiss on her cheek.

"Trying to look for a red headed noble who said he'd be right back," Byleth smirked as she looked at him from the corner of her eyes.

"I did come right back," Sylvain chuckled, "I was just getting something…"

"Oh, and that was?" Byleth turned around and crossed her arms looking at him suspiciously.

Sylvain rubbed the back of his neck, "Nothing that you need to know, quite yet." His blush appeared vividly on his cheeks.

Byleth got up and sauntered over to him, "Oh really? Are you sure, love?" Her smirk dazzling her beautiful features.

Sylvain smiled at her fondly, "I am. However, I was more concerned about you, By. Are you doing okay?"

Byleth sighed, "I should be asking you that, Syl. I know it's been a rough couple of weeks."

Sylvain's head lowered a bit, a slight sadness still lingered in his eyes, "I'm...doing better. That's all thanks to you."

Byleth gave a short laugh, "Just returning the favor, after all it was thanks to you that I was able to recover from my father's death."

Sylvain brushed her hair back, cradling her head, "Yeah well, just know, I'm happy that you're in my life, Byleth. And I can see that you're stressing out as well."

Byleth let out a lingering breath, "You noticed?"

Sylvain nodded, "I'm afraid so, when you experience really difficult emotions you wear them on your sleeve."

Byleth shook her head, "I didn't want you to worry about me, I wanted to help you." Turning away from him in shame.

Sylvain wrapped his arms around her shoulders, "Hey, it's okay. You shouldn't carry the entire weight of the army on you. I'm here to help."

Byleth snuggled near him, "Hmmm, I'm not sure what I want you to do for me though."

Sylvain chuckled darkly in her ear, whispering huskily, "Well I could help you de-stress a bit."

Byleth hummed appreciatively, "I might like that."

Sylvain nipped her earlobe, "Mmmmm, good. Because I've been needing you for a while now."

Sylvain twisted her body and snatched her lips in his own. Byleth's moan was loud as their lips connected, letting their tongues explore each other. Sylvain pushed Byleth's body up against the wall, spreading her legs apart and putting his body in the space he created. His hips grinded up against hers as they both struggled to gain control over each other. It had been a long time since their last passionate tryst, and she was longing for something like this, but she never found any time was appropriate. Sylvain was thinking the same thing as he groped her ass and breasts, desperate to feel her next to him. He grunted as he felt her hand stroke him through his pants. She struggled to unbuckle his trousers as Sylvain tore her shorts and tights off of her.

They looked at each other with knowing eyes: this was going to have to be a quick one. So Sylvain made it in his power to ready her by pulling down her undergarments and quickly kneeling down on the ground and using his tongue to pleasure her and moisten her up. Byleth had to stifle her moans, it was the middle of the day and there were many people awake and on the second floor of the dorms. Her whimpers and tiny noises she made, spurred Sylvain on as he hurriedly tried to get Byleth to her release. He wouldn't feel comfortable unless she was satisfied. He placed his two fingers in her, pumping her steadily hearing her breathing quicken. Her hands moved through his scalp, her nails digging in as Sylvain's tongue and fingers made quick work of her.

"Syl...Sylvain...please...I'm nearly there." Byleth panted out.

"Let yourself go, Byleth, come on," Sylvain said, as he proceeded to continue to bring her closer to her climax.

Byleth started moaning as the pressure began to build up, "Sylvain...Sylvain.." Finally she let loose and allowed herself to finish. She tried to silence herself, but she did let out a small moan.

Sylvain brushed his face off with the sleeve of his tunic, and lunged toward her lips, attacking them with ferocity. He started to shed off his trousers that were unfastened and his briefs along with it, releasing himself from the confines of his clothes.

He broke away from Byleth looking into her eyes, "You ready?"

Byleth nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, please I need you."

He pumped himself a few times before he pinned Byleth on the wall and slowly entered into her slick heat. They both sighed at being connected after such a long period of time apart, enjoying this one small moment of quiet before Sylvain thrusted into her hard and fast. Byleth was having a hard time keeping her voice down, afraid that the other students might walk in, especially since she thoroughly enjoyed Sylvain pounding deep inside of her.

Sylvain was moaning into her ears, the sound of it turning Byleth on. His panting and warm breath on her was making her more excited. She could feel herself lose control as she gripped onto Sylvain's shoulders as he lifted her higher to hit her in a better spot. She whimpered, feeling her walls closing in once again as she moaned out his name as she felt her release.

Sylvain's thrusts began to be more erratic, "By...Byleth...Oh, Byleth. I'm going to…" Sylvain stiffened and grunted loudly as his warm fluid entered her and filled her to the brim, spilling out onto the floor below. The pair slumped against each other, trying to catch their breath. Sylvain's member softened and slipped out of her, causing them to wince at the lack of contact with each other. They lifted their heads to look at each other. They began to laugh a bit as they pulled up their undergarments and pants shakily, still feeling the bliss of their climaxes.

"Hah...well...that was nice, haven't done that in a while." Sylvain said as he was still trying to calm his breathing.

"Hehe, yeah." Byleth giggled, brushing her hair out of her eyes, "I didn't want to after everything that's gone on."

Sylvain smiled at her, "I know, By. However, I don't mind if we do so now."

She blushed, "Perhaps later tonight?"

Sylvain kissed her longingly, before breaking away with a soft look in his eyes, "I'd like that, Byleth."

They leaned in for another kiss, when they were interrupted by the sound of loud knocking on Sylvain's door. Sylvain groaned, letting his head fall in disappointment, much to Byleth's amusement. He broke away from her and opened the door to reveal Felix with a furrowed brow.

Sylvain let out a grin rubbing the back of his neck, "Hey, hey Felix? What's up?"

Felix sighed deeply, "Claude told me to tell you and the Professor that there's a large force of Faerghus troops heading towards Garreg Mach."

Sylvain's eyes widened, "What?!"

Byleth rushed over to the doorway, "Do you know what they want?'

Felix shrugged, "Don't know, but Claude told me to tell you both to head to the entrance of the monastery." In a very Felix manner, he turned to walk away but not before saying as he left, "And can you two be more quiet? No one wants to hear your...excursions."

Sylvain swiftly closed the door, facing his lover with a sheepish grin and a shrug, as she crossed her arms and glared at Sylvain, "Haha...who would've thought? But hey, Faerghus army! We really need to get there quick."

Byleth sighed as she placed on her overcoat, "You're lucky that we have important matters to attend to. Otherwise I'd have a long lecture for you, Sylvain" She rushed out the door, with Sylvain trailing behind as he struggled to place on his armor. He had to admit she was still intimidating to him, but in the end she was always worth it.

They ran all the way to the gates of the monastery to see Claude's smirking and charming gaze. He was standing tall and confident, not giving an air of anxiousness or worry which was suspicious. It wasn't like Claude to withhold information...okay, it wasn't like Claude to withhold vital information that would be life and death situations. However, he seemed to be more well in- the-know than Sylvain or Byleth were.

Byleth approached him cautiously, "Claude, what's going on?"

Claude's grin widened, "It seems to me that the Faerghus Loyalists have reunited under a single banner again. You may want to see it."

Byleth shook her head, "I want to know if they're friendly or not."

Claude moved out of the way, "Take a look and see, you too Sylvain."

As the pair moved to see what Claude was viewing they were shocked to see the grand army that was moving into the monastery's inner walls. Thousands of Infantrymen, Pegasus Knights, and Cavalry all marching through in Faerghus regalia and armor. They were large in number, as if they all had left Faerghus to take the pilgrimage to Garreg Mach. Their banners ranged from the House Fraldarius, House Dominic, House Galatea, and finally the largest banner of them all, House Gautier. It's banner flew the highest among the rest, the Crest blazing red on a black background.

Sylvain stared in disbelief, he was so sure that the rest of the Faerghus army they had fought at Gronder had returned home. This was unprecedented. It was a stunning sight to see. The people that he had been defending for the last five almost six years were now here in unity to assist them. At the forefront of the army was an older man with blazing red hair and brown eyes, his armor was well worn, as the ebony chestplate had lost its luster after so many uses. His right arm was gone and covered with a red cape and his left hand carried the reins of his stallion. There was no denying it, it was Sylvain's father. He carried his steed alongside the acting Commander, Augustus, who had a large grin on his face when he saw Sylvain clutching the hand of his beloved Byleth. Sylvain watched as they approached the couple and Claude, dismounting their horses at the same time and stepping to them, bowing politifully.

Sylvain bowed, as did Byleth, as he spoke with a surprised tone, "Father, what is this? What are you doing here?"

Sylvestre chuckled, "The Empire's puppet, Cornelia has fled Fhirdiad and the rest of those imperialistic dogs have left to defend their leader. In that time, I've been able to convince the rest of the Houses to unite under one banner again, this time for the good of not Faerghus, but for Fodlan."

Sylvain stood in shock, "Our House's name? But...I don't understand."

Sylvestre shook his head, "You don't seem to understand, Sylvain? The people have grown to respect all you have done for your country. Even as it fell apart, you stood firm and the people have been eternally grateful. So I gathered all of your supporters and I have managed to urge those who fought for...for Dimitri to side with your cause."

Sylvain's eyes shimmered, "This doesn't make any sense...I abandoned my people. I didn't come back to defend them. I just…" His head lowered, he didn't deserve any of this. He was just a noble with a Crest. These people didn't want him...He wasn't Dimitri.

Sylvestre placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder, the force of which had Sylvain look up at his father, "Sylvain, I didn't achieve this loyalty from just my wit alone. You did. You've been working hard for Faerghus, for your subjects for the longest time. You've done this on your own, without me there to guide you, without me to scold you. Son, you've become a vital part of the Faerghus people, and now they wish to side with you, and give way to a new rebirth of this world."

"Father...I…" Sylvain stammered, lost in thoughts that were overwhelming. He could feel Byleth's gentle grasp of his hand, squeezing it ever so slightly.

"Sylvain, I know you despise being known as special for something you're born with. But this isn't because of your status or your inherited powers. This is because of your efforts, and the efforts of your lady." Sylvestre said as he looked at Byleth as well with a warm glow.

"Me?" Byleth asked incredulously as Sylvain glanced at her as well.

"Yes, indeed my dear. Your incredible kindness to our people to allow them to grieve loved ones and the Prince they had been hoping to return back has sent shockwaves of overwhelming support for you as well, Acting Archbishop." Sylvestre nodded in appreciation.

Byleth turned to Claude with a suspicious eye, "Did you plan this? Is this one of your schemes?"

Claude mocked a pained expression, "Teach, you really think I would be that deceiving?"

Byleth deadpanned, "I wouldn't put it past you." she said as Sylvain snorted at his lover's comment.

Sylvestre cleared his throat, "In any event, we wish to join forces with the Alliance to finally be rid of the Empire, with Sylvain being the General of the Faerghus Loyalists, even if Faerghus should no longer exist as its own country after this."

"Father!" Sylvain protested, "You can't possibly think Faerghus will die after this! After everything we've done!"

Sylvestre spoke in a serious tone, "Without the Crown Prince or any member of the Blaiddyd Bloodline to ascend the throne, no one will lead Faerghus. We're a proud people Sylvain, we will not be ruled by anyone else. Unless of course, we unite as one nation out of the ashes of three others. And under the rule of a benevolent, wise, and strong leader, we can do so." He finished motioning Sylvain to look at Byleth, who blushed under his compliments to her, "Faerghus will never be truly dead, son. As long as we live, so will Faerghus."

"Father...I...Thank you." Sylvain said as a few tears of gratitude fell from his face.

Sylvestre smiled at Sylvain, a tender look from such a hardened man, "I did nothing, this is all you. Go and greet them, and take your lovely lady with you." He said as he slowly approached the petite young woman. He slowly embraced her with his only arm, which Byleth accepted after being a bit stunned for a second. "Thank you, for inspiring him to change, my lady. I'll never be able to repay you." Sylvestre gave a platonic kiss on the cheek, walking away from the couple and allowing them to meet the soldiers that Sylvain hadn't seen in so long. Sylvain tugged Byleth along, a bit excitedly as he led her out into the field to a large army cheering their graces.

Margrave Gautier could only look on in pride and amusement, for a boy that had once hated the idea of taking charge and leading his people, Sylvain had grown accustomed to the spotlight and bloomed under the pressure of leadership. Whether it was through maturity or the love he felt for the young woman on his arm, Sylvain had surely turned out to be a responsible and just young man.

"Well, what do you think, Margrave?" The Leader of the Alliance, Claude von Riegan asked the older noble.

"They certainly are very happy together, and they both are competent leaders." The older gentleman said as he laughed a bit watching the soldiers begged to see a kiss from the young couple.

"But?" Claude raised an eyebrow at him.

"We still have a war to win, Duke Riegan." Sylvestre said, smiling when Sylvain settled for a kiss on the cheek, much to the dismay of the troops. He could see even from a far distance that Byleth was rather bashful under the eyes of the troops.

Claude snorted, "They certainly are popular."

Sylvestre shook his head, "They were popular before this, but now...now it's impossible for the troops to ignore."

"Popular enough to be leaders of Fodlan, once it's been reunified under one ruling power?" Claude asked with anticipation.

Sylvestre laughed, "If you would've told Sylvain that when he started in the Officer's Academy five years ago, he'd be considered to be a ruler of all of Fodlan, I'm sure he would've turned tail and ran for the hills."

Claude chortled alongside the Margrave, "Only with her though, right?"

Margrave Gautier nodded, "Yes, only with Byleth. If they make it out of this, they'll do fine together."

They both smiled at each other as they watched as the army chanted loudly the names of Sylvain and Byleth, raising their weapons in the air in support for the new leaders. Claude's grin was wide and the future seemed bright. He knew with these two in charge, his dreams of creating better relations with Almyra were just a step away.

Fort Merceus was largely a success. They did what they set out to do and captured the fort with ease. Even with the aid of the Death Knight, Byleth's armies of the Church of Seiros and the now united Faerghus Loyalists, and Claude's Alliance Soldiers and now the Almyran troops the fort was taken over quickly through the schemes of Claude and strength of Byleth and Sylvain. However, the fort was lost when a mysterious force attacked it with these large Javelins of Light, as Nader the Undefeated had stated. It was a victory, but they lost a valuable jumping off point for their armies, making it exceedingly difficult for the troops to march all the way to Enbarr.

What was more surprising was coming back to Garreg Mach and having a large festivities not only for the morale of the troops and for the victory of their last battle. Rather it was for the former students and staff of the Officer's academy as they gathered for a small, but quaint wedding ceremony in one of the gardens at Garreg Mach. With Seteth there to officiate the wedding, Byleth watched on as she smiled brightly at the happy couple in question.

"In the name of Goddess, I, Ferdinand von Aegir, take you, Dorothea Arnault, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow. For I am hers and she is mine." Ferdinand spoke with confidence as he placed a lavish ring on Dorothea's left ring finger.

Dorothea's eyes began to tear up as she picked up Ferdinand's left hand and presented a simple gold band with a ruby in it's center as she repeated the same vows, "In the name of Goddess, I, Dorothea Arnault, take you, Ferdinand von Aegir, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow. For I am his and he is mine." She slipped his ring on his finger, as they both looked longingly in each other's eyes. Ferdinand even brushed one of her tears away smiling at her.

Seteth nodded with a bright expression on his face, "Now that you have given yourselves to each other with solemn vows, and the giving and receiving of rings, in front of the Goddess and all who are assembled here—it is with great joy that I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your love with a kiss."

Dorothea pounced onto Ferdinand, surprising him a bit as he slowly wrapped his arms around her and spun her around excitedly. The students and staff cheered, their applause loud and appreciative for a moment of love and peace in the world gone awry. Byleth was exceedingly happy for her dearest friend, who had somehow found love in the man she had hated for so long. She looked to her side to see an equally happy Sylvain clapping and cheering loudly for Ferdinand.

The elopement was a shock, but a welcomed surprise. When Ferdinand rushed to Byleth pleading to her to have his marriage now, despite his hesitancy of being too presumptuous or hasty. Byleth enthusiastically approved of it, and rushed to Seteth to help assemble the wedding in record timing. And yet, even though it was made in a couple of days, the ceremony went off without a hitch.

A few hours later the closest compatriots of Dorothea and Ferdinand von Aegir were welcomed into the Reception Hall as there was lively dancing and a feast of modest food and wine. The many couples and friends of the newlyweds laughed and enjoyed a moment of happiness celebrating the wedded bliss from the pair. Byleth clung to Sylvain's arm as she watched Ferdinand and Dorothea slow dance out on the dance floor.

"Kinda makes you think, huh?" Sylvain whispered in Byleth's ear.

"Oh? About what?" Byleth teased, smirking at Sylvain.

"About us?" Sylvian fired back, as he kissed her cheek.

Byleth blushed, "It'd be rude of you to propose to me during the wedding of another."

Sylvain laughed, "I would never dream of that! Plus, apparently you have high standards."

Byleth giggled, "Of course I do. You should at least give me a proposal worth remembering."

Sylvain sighed deeply as he looked at her amorously, "Ah to love a woman who wishes me to be perfect for her."

Byleth snuggled closer to him, "And why should I not? Do I not deserve it?"

Sylvain rubbed his head against hers, "You, my love, deserve the best." He smiled at her as they both leaned in for a short kiss, before looking back at the newlyweds as they finished their dance. "Who would've thought that we would be beaten to the punch by those two?"

Byleth grinned, "I don't mind, Dorothea von Aegir has been looking for someone to love her for so long, and Ferdinand has always supported her and cared about her. It makes sense that they decided to elope."

Sylvain hummed, "Hmmm I can see that from Dorothea, but Ferdinand? He must truly want to be with her forever, even if he's doing something that most nobles look down upon."

Byleth looked at him quizzically, "What do you mean?"

Sylvain replied, "To elope is not...always desired among the nobility. It's considered selfish, and almost scandalous because usually, if you have noble blood, you're prepared from birth to be a part of a marriage prospect."

Byleth snorted, "It didn't stop you from being an incorrigible flirt."

Sylvain laughed, "Well I didn't like how it felt like I was chained to a life I didn't want. I didn't like the idea of screaming on the inside for all of my days being married to a woman I don't like."

Byleth pondered for a moment before speaking softly, "Sylvain?"

Sylvain responded, "Yeah?"

Byleth flushed, a bit embarrassed to even ask the question, "You said you wanted children once, would you...force them into a marriage even though you detest the idea of arranging one for them? I mean, wouldn't that be expected of us."

Sylvain looked at her seriously, "No, I would never do that to my children. I want them to know that they should be able to choose who they love. That comes with a lot of 'what if's' but I don't think we should decide their future. They should. However, I'm not going to lie and be completely unrealistic, one of our children, should we have any, will have to be our heir. They will unfortunately be saddled with a lot of responsibility."

Byleth exhaled shakily, "And...what if they never inherit a Crest? I know how you feel about it, and I know how I feel about it, but what about your family?"

Sylvain shook his head, "They'll have to get used to the new normal, I'm not just going to treat you like a Crest breeding machine. Whether our children have Crests or not, I'm not going to make them feel as if they're any different from their siblings."

Byleth gave a short laugh, "Look at us, we're talking about children as if we are already married."

Sylvain held her hand tightly, "Didn't you say you wanted some after the war?"

Byleth rested her head on Sylvain's shoulder, "I did, I recall you said the same."

Sylvain smiled, as he kissed her cheek, "Mhm, and I want to have a million daughters that look just like you."

Byleth laughed heartily, "You're crazy, do you honestly think I'd agree to have a million children? You do realize I'm the one carrying them, right?"

Sylvain blushed giving a sheepish grin, "I just want to have a large and loving family with you, I'd be there every step of the way, I'd be the best husband and father you'll ever see."

Byleth raised an eyebrow at her beau, "Even better than Ferdinand von Aegir?"

Sylvain huffed, "I'd blow him out of the water, I'm much better than him."

Byleth giggled releasing herself from Sylvain's hand, "We shall see. I'm going to go talk to Dorothea a bit and grab some refreshments, do you want anything?"

Sylvain shook his head and smiled, "No, I'm good."

Byleth rose herself up on her tiptoes, as she kissed him on the lips before walking away. Sylvain's heart felt like it was soaring. He knew that he shouldn't get too excited quite yet, but he couldn't help it. Byleth Eisner, his former professor and now lover, wanted to be with him and start a family too. He felt as though he could fly, he wanted this war to end tomorrow just so he could begin on his future today. He was ready to take it in his own hands and do what he needed to do. He was so into his own thoughts that he didn't even see his own father approach him.

"She's a lovely woman, Sylvain." Sylvestre Gautier spoke as he interrupted Sylvain's thoughts, "You did well in picking her."

Sylvain gave a small laugh, "I think she made me work for it more than anything."

Sylvestre chuckled at his son's comment, "Ah yes, I don't blame her. You did build up quite the reputation."

Sylvain sighed, "Well, I'm just glad she's okay and she's still happy being with me." He watched from afar seeing Byleth look and admire Dorothea's wedding dress and looking at the lovely roses intertwining in her hair in the form of a crown.

Sylvestre smiled warmly at his son's reaction, "You really are in love with her, aren't you?"

Sylvain asked, "Do you doubt it?"

Sylvestre shook his head, "No, I never did. I've just never seen you so deeply enthralled by someone before. And now being a witness to it...I think she's perfect for you."

"So you wouldn't object?" Sylvain questioned, his voice cracking, nervous about showing him what's been in his pocket since they arrived back at Garreg Mach.

"Hmm, 'object'? To what?" Sylvestre asked.

Sylvain pulled out a small wooden box and opened it for his father to see. In it rested two rings, one was the ring that Byleth had mentioned belonged to her mother. He had known that Byleth had meant to give it to the man she loved, so he took the risk to resize it for himself. The other was a beautiful solitaire emerald ring, one that resembled Byleth's eyes. It was dainty enough to satisfy her without getting in the way of her fighting and yet ladylike enough to dazzle her. "To this, I had them bought and remade the morning you came by. It's been difficult to hide it from Byleth, do you think she'll like it?"

Sylvestre clapped his son's back, "Haha, I'm sure she will. I surely won't object to her being my daughter-in-law."

Sylvian looked shocked, "You...you mean it?"

Sylvestre grinned brightly, "At this point, Sylvain, who am I to refuse? Byleth Eisner is an enchanting woman, and she will be an integral part of the reunification of Fodlan. But more than that, she makes you happy." Sylvestre looked a bit somber as he continued, "I'm done deciding things for you, you're a grown man. And you'll be succeeding me after this is all over. So you may as well make this decision on your own."

Sylvain beamed, so happy that his father had finally let him have control of his life, "Thanks, dad. I...I'm glad you approve."

Sylvestre embraced his son with his remaining arm, "I'm proud of you, Sylvain. You'll do excellent as a leader of this new world."

Sylvestre left his son alone after that, walking towards the crowd and mingling with some of the guests, mostly Ingrid and Felix as they conversed at length on their health and how they were doing. Sylvain stuffed the rings back into his pocket, as he saw Byleth come back with a couple of wine glasses in her hands.

"I got you one, just in case. I saw that you were conversing with your father, is everything alright?" Byleth asked, a bit concerned if their chat was something that made Sylvain nervous.

Instead he looked content and a bit flustered, "Yes, By, everything is fine. He was just congratulating me."

"Oh? For what?" Byleth cocked her head to the side.

Sylvain chuckled wrapping an arm around her waist, "Just...everything, I guess. It's nice to have his support."

Byleth smiled brightly, "I'm glad too, I know you don't have the best relationship with him."

Sylvain shook his head, "Well it's a long time coming, but I believe we're...okay now."

Byleth sighed softly, "That's good to hear."

Sylvain watched the newlyweds leave the reception hall as the crowd gave a large and loving cheer for them. He felt content that, even though it was a dangerous thought to think about the future in wartimes, he would eventually feel the same joy and happiness that Ferdinand and Dorothea were experiencing, and it would be with the woman he loved.