Byleth shut the doors of the Blue Lions classroom with a sigh. The past few hours had been one adventure after another. Who'd have thought so many teenagers piled up in one small classroom would be as hectic as it had been?

"You know," Sothis said with a yawn. "The day could have been much worse."

"It almost was," Byleth said with a groan. "I have to do this for how much longer?"

Sothis laughed, "You're being much too hard on yourself. One mishap does not predict the remainder of your time here."

"Says you," Byleth said with a shake of his head before he proceeded down the hall. As he neared the Black Eagle's door, he retreated from the safety of the covered archway above him and out into the bright, plush grass of the courtyard. He'd considered getting something to eat, but the thought of seeing a brawl break out at any moment was enough to make him lose his appetite.

"Even if they had quarreled," Sothis started, as though having read his thoughts. "You and I both know you could have handled it."

"Of course, I could have, but I'm supposed to prevent them before they even start."

"Which you had done. Do not think that you did not take the correct course of action with them. You ceased any further conflict, as you should."

Byleth sighed as he pressed on upon the cobblestone path. The low thuds of his heels sounding louder with each step he took. He'd never been one to become anxious, and yet, these few days had been nothing but tight knots in his stomach. He didn't want to admit how terrified he was upon learning of being an instructor, yet each passing second was suffocating.

"Quit that," Sothis said with a slight groan. "Your unease is contagious. You cannot assume that the rest of the year will be a disaster – it has been but one day! Surely, this year will pan out accordingly, so stop with this…discomfort."

Byleth said nothing as he neared the training grounds. There was no sign of Jeritza, for once, and yet the doors to the grounds were both opened wide. He stopped a moment as he glanced at the large wooden doors, aged with time though not a splinter in sight. Inside, he noticed a few of the students practicing with the various weapons that were at their disposal. Near the far wall, a glimpse of teal propelled him forward.

"Is speaking with her the best right now? Will she not just reprimand you over your 'failed' first day?"

Byleth shrugged as he proceeded, passing a handful of students as he made his way to his sister. He watched as she pulled a wooden bow taut, and then a thin arrow pierced the air and penetrated one of the wooden targets set before her. Beside her stood a student with short orange hair. A smile spread across her lips as she spoke to Beth just out of earshot. As Byleth quickened his pace a bit, the student's eyes flashed onto his, and Beth soon followed her gaze.

Byleth sent his sister a quick wave, "You busy?"

"Not really," Beth replied as she handed the student her bow. "What's up?"

"Who's your friend?"

"This is Leonie," Beth said as she smiled. "Father knows her."

"Nice to finally meet both of Captain Jeralt's kids," Leonie said with a grin. "I was his very first apprentice. I'm sure he's told you about me."

"Oh, did he," Beth laughed. "There were many stories he shared with us."

"He did?" Byleth said with eyebrows furrowed. "I don't remember."

"I doubt you even remember what you did yesterday," Beth said with a shake of her head. "Pay it no mind, By. What did you need?"

Byleth glanced at Leonie, before looking back to his sister and said, "Umm…I had class today."

"You taught your class today," Beth corrected. "What happened?"

"Umm," Byleth muttered as he watched his sister cross her arms over her chest. "My students are…nice."

"By."

Byleth ran his hand through his hair as he continued, "Two of them started to fight. I don't know how it happened. One was talking, and then the other one started interrupting him, and then the two wouldn't stop yelling at each other and—"

"Byleth," His sister said as she put a hand on his shoulder. "Breathe. Are the students okay?"

"Yeah," Byleth sighed as he eyed his sister. "I don't know why it even happened. They didn't get physical, thankfully, but I thought they were going to wring each other's necks."

"On the first day?" Leonie spoke then with a quick head shake. "You'd think they would have handled that before classes officially started. You did stop them right, Professor?"

"I did, but I don't know if it helped the situation much. If they've not already killed each other, they might tomorrow."

"You didn't send them to Seteth?" Beth asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"Wait, am I supposed to?"

"Byleth."

"What?" Byleth groaned. "How am I supposed to know I needed to do that?"

"Where you not instructed to do so?" Beth said as she sent her brother an unamused gaze.

"If I had been, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Byleth said as he pulled at his collar. "All I got out of that…lecture from the man is that he doesn't like my company, he thinks that I'm unfit for the job, and that if I bother him at any time of day, he will bite my head off."

"Goddess," Leonie said. "That sounds rough, Professor."

"Don't listen to him, Leonie," Beth sighed. "He's exaggerating."

"I wish I was." Byleth said with a quick laugh. "Beth, have you seen his teeth? Fangs. Long and sharp. He'd drain my blood in a second."

"Cut that out," Beth said as Leonie let out a chuckle. "Leave the guy alone, By. Knowing you, you're the reason he's pissed off. And stop looking at people's teeth. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I've done nothing to him," Byleth exhaled. "He pulled me aside and expressed how thrilled he was that I'm teaching here. If I vanish without a trace, put your suspicion on the green man."

"I'll put no suspicion on anyone. With your luck, you'd probably just wonder off on your own and get lost. As if you've not done that before."

"For the record, we were twelve and you left me behind."

"I didn't do any—" Beth halted her words as she glanced at her brother. A strange expression befell her as her eyes locked on his. "You remember that?"

"What do you mean?" Byleth asked as a knot pulled in his stomach.

"I mean, you remember that day? Any other time I've mentioned that day to you, you've never recalled."

"I…" Byleth started as his eyes fell to his boots.

His sister was right, after all. He never could remember that day, or most days of the past, so easily. Not without having to flip through his journal a few times. He pulled at his collar again, the room feeling much hotter than it had a second prior.

"Never mind that," Byleth continued as he crossed his arms. "I did not send the students to Seteth."

"Well, what did you do then?"

"I broke them up and sat them both on other sides of the classroom."

"Like children?" Beth laughed.

"Are they not?" Byleth said with a raised eyebrow. "I'm trying the best I can here, Beth. What else am I really supposed to do? Just let them fight in the middle of the classroom? It's not as though someone were at my beck and call at the time. It was the only thing I could think of doing."

"And yet here you are still talking to me about it." Beth replied as she put a hand on her hip.

"Fine," Byleth huffed. "Scold me if you must. In all fairness, my reporting to you is justified."

"Oh? And how so?"

Byleth cleared his throat before he continued. "Well, as a knight of Seiros, I do believe that you have some authority now, don't you? Therefore, my telling you would be just as effective as telling Seteth, hmm?"

"Professor," Leonie spoke. "You're not trying to get your sister to handle your students for you…are you?"

"Of course not—"

"Wait," Beth interrupted as she put a hand to her chin. "I can handle your kids."

"Beth."

"Which ones did it? Tell me. I'll make them learn to behave."

"Beth."

"Oh!" Beth said with a grin. "Gautier. He was one of them, wasn't he?"

"Speaking with you was a mistake after all."

"Ah-ha!" Beth said with a laugh. "Deflecting only proves it. I told you he was bad news, but no! It's fine, Beth. I can handle him, Beth."

"Give him a break," Byleth sighed. "You've only known him a short time."

"And that's all the time I need. I know you're cutting him some slack because he's your student, but you need to be assertive with him. If you don't, he and the rest of these kids aren't going to respect you. Being only the first day and they're already acting out? Either get serious with these kids or you're through."

"I get it," Byleth replied as he held up his hands. "But again, it's the first day. The rest of the year will get better...surely…"

Byleth dropped his hands at his side as he stared as his boots. Saying it out loud hadn't convinced him as much as he had hoped. He didn't want to give up – couldn't give up, no matter how much he felt like he should. He glanced up at his sister, seeing worry fill her eyes.

"Hey," Beth said as her expression dropped some. "You came to talk with me for a reason, and I don't think it was about your students. What is it?"

Byleth looked at his sister, but words failed to roll off his tongue. He wasn't sure how to bring up his concerns with her. He knew everything she said was right, and he knew he should admit to that, but there was something holding him back. Something in him burned and made him want to prove her wrong, but how? What could he possibly do when defeat seemed inevitable? He was always good with strategy. He always knew what steps to take, and yet, what made this so different? What made it so hard for him to concentrate and react?

"Hey, Professor," Leonie's voice pulled Byleth from his thoughts. "Teaching is hard. I used to help out the adults with some of the kids back home, and it's not as simple as you'd think. Especially in your situation. The best you can do is take things one day at a time. Who knows? Maybe you'll learn something in the end too?"

Byleth stared at her as words continued to be trapped behind his lips.

"Even she agrees with me. Do not let this one mishap hold you down."

"Anyway," Leonie continued as she returned the bow in her hand. "You two seem to have an important conversation that doesn't need me involved. See both of you later."

Leonie made her way to the doorway, leaving the twins behind. Byleth sighed as his sister's gaze remained upon him.

"By?"

"I don't know what to do," Byleth replied as his eyes fell to the ground. "It's…strange."

"Then quit."

"I…" Byleth said as he looked up, his stomach knotting up once again. "I don't want to."

"Why? Because you were told to? You don't have to stay here, By. This whole situation is strange. I mean, I didn't ask to be a knight either. If you can't do it, don't force yourself. You've…you've not been yourself lately. I don't want you to push yourself just to make other people happy. Be it Rhea, or me and father. You've been acting strangely, and doing reckless things, and it's not like you. What has been bothering you? You've been staying so quite about whatever is running in that head of yours, and I'm worried. Are father and I putting pressure on you?"

"It's not…it's not that," Byleth said as he pushed a hand through his bangs.

"Then what?" Beth said as she took a step forward.

"I've had this…feeling. Like, something is coming, and I can't shake it. I've felt this way for weeks now, but coming here, that feeling…it's changed."

"How so?" Beth replied, concern befalling her expression.

"It's as if two different sides of me are at war with one another. One wants to leave and never come back, and the other feels like I'm supposed to be here. That I was meant to walk on these grounds. I can't explain it. Ever since meeting the house leaders, this strange thing that I cannot put into words has just been consuming me."

"You think it has something to do with those kids?"

"Yes? No? I feel like…you of all people know how I feel about blind faith and this whole supposed goddess, but…"

"What are you trying to say?" Beth said as she took another step closer. "You've been converted in the short time of our being here?"

"It's not that." Byleth groaned as he scratched at his neck. "These few days have been nothing but one coincidence after another, don't you agree? We head to the kingdom, and suddenly meet the prince of Faerghus, along with the future duke and emperor. They bring us here to this church that neither of us have stepped foot on, yet father was a knight here. I suddenly become a teacher, you a knight, and father's back to his old occupation? It has been one thing after another."

"They're just coincidences. You might be thinking too much into this."

"No, it's not that. We're mercenaries, Beth. We don't have a home, and yet…"

"I…" Beth started with a sigh. "In a strange way, I've felt that too. This place, though unlike anything the both of us have experienced, is…different. The air here or the inhabitants perhaps. I feel a closeness too, By, and it bothers me as to why. Yet, what you and I are feeling are different. I can tell."

"Answer me this. Does Rhea look at you strangely?"

"How so?"

"Like…she doesn't look at me the way father does. The way you do. More so like that boy's mother from Remire Village, Levi. The way his mother looked at him when she held him. That's how she looked at me and I don't know what to make of it."

"What are you getting at?"

"I don't know else to explain it, Beth. She looked at me so strangely. I can't get her face out of my mind. It's almost as though she needs to tell me something."

"Have you asked her?"

"I've not, but I plan to."

"Well, either do that now, or wait it out. The choice is yours."

"Might ponder it over food."

Beth rolled her eyes as she tussled his hair and said, "You're hopeless. Get some rest, okay? If you need help with your students, or help with anything at all, let me know. Okay?"

"Sure."

†††

Byleth wandered the grounds for what felt like hours. He contemplated speaking with Rhea, and yet, he hadn't the nerve to follow through. How strange it would have been to do such a thing. After all, he'd not much to say to her. Just a question about the look she gave, and that's all. Not much room to speak of anything else aside for the simple, silly question. In the end, it didn't seem all that worth it. Still, his mind raced and his stomach grew tighter with each passing second.

He took a deep breath as he stopped near a low brick wall that sat near the small graveyard on the grounds. He peered over the ledge and eyed the pale headstones lined up side by side. It was a serene area, pushed far past the Knight's Hall, just before the bridge leading towards the cathedral. He'd yet to walk down the stone steps to the ground below, and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious about doing so. Yet, even now, he didn't have business down there.

"Lay off, will you?" a male's voice caught Byleth's attention.

Byleth turned towards the hall leading to the bridge to find two male students standing before each other. Even in the shadows, their vibrant red hair shined. Each bore a similar scowl upon their faces, just as they had that very morning. Not again.

"And if I don't?" the other male, Torin, said with a grin as he took a step forward.

"There's a bridge nearby, you know?" Sylvain said with a grin of his own, closing the space between them more. "Unless you can spurt some wings, you'd better back off."

"Mr. Gautier and Mr. Léandre," Byleth spoke, catching the attention of the pair. "Either the two of you separate from each other this instant, or I will drag you both upstairs to Seteth."

"Professor!" Sylvain said with a quick laugh. "How long have you been there?"

Byleth made no reply as Sylvain turned to Torin and continued. "You heard him."

"Damn teacher's pet," Torin scoffed as he took a step back. "Hear him threatening me, Professor?"

"Oh, as if you already hadn't," Sylvain spat.

"If you thought that was a threat, then you're dumber than I thought you were."

"Want to run that by me again?"

"Enough," Byleth said with his arms crossed. "Both of you."

"Alright, alright," Sylvain said as he held up his hands. "Minor truce. You keep your mouth shut, and I won't acknowledge you. How's that sound?"

"Were you born an idiot, or do you actually have a condition?" Torin said, his tied-up hair swaying with his quick eyeroll.

"Takes one to know one," Sylvain said with a smile.

"I said enough," Byleth spoke.

"Still haven't dragged us up yet, Professor," Torin replied. "Guess your threats are just as empty as this jackass's."

"What the hell is your damn problem?" Sylvain yelled before Byleth could speak. "I don't know what's up your ass, but you're pissing me off."

"Likewise, pretty boy," Torin said with a smile.

"Is there a problem here?" Seteth's voice made the trio jump. "Professor?"

"No problems," Byleth replied as he eyed the pair. "We were finished here, weren't we?"

"Whatever." Torin laughed before he turned away. "Good luck, Professor."

Byleth refrained from sighing as he looked at Sylvain who stared at him with furrowed brows.

"Very well," Seteth said lowly. "Professor, walk with me, would you?"

Another pit fell in Byleth's stomach as he reluctantly followed beside Seteth, trying his best to avoid Sylvain's now confused gaze. The pair proceeded down the hall, and turned towards the direction of the cathedral. Byleth's eyes fell upon the long bridge before them. How easy it would be to throw someone over the edge.

"Professor," Seteth spoke. "How was your first day of teaching?"

"It was fine," Byleth said, choosing his words carefully.

"Good. The rest of the year may not be. As the students spend their time here, it is our responsibility to ensure them proper training. That is physically and mentally. Next week, we are to have a mock battle. This battle is to ensure that our students are working diligently, and that you as their instructor are properly mandating that they keep up with their training. This battle will test you and your students. Do not fail us by making a mockery of your class, understood?"

"Understood," Byleth replied, his voice monotoned.

"Very well," Seteth said as the pair reached the other end of the bridge. "Now, answer me this. The conversation between those two students and yourself appeared to be much more than a simple disagreement. Might I ask of what subject matter the conversation held?"

"Tread lightly, but don't make it obvious that you are lying, understand?"

"It was nothing more than that. The two had a disagreement, and I was speaking with them about it. Nothing more."

Seteth turned to him as the pair entered the cathedral's large doors. "And the situation was handled?"

"Yes."

"I see," Seteth replied as the pair neared the center of the cathedral. The heels of their boots clicking upon the floor. "How much of the Serios faith have you?"

"I've…not much."

"Truly?" Seteth said, his steps ceased. "I expect that to change promptly. Teaching within these walls means understanding the faith. One cannot exist without the other, you see. Your lack in knowledge is troubling to say the least."

"Brother?" A soft voice called to them.

As the pair glanced up, Byleth noticed a young girl approaching. Her long green hair coiled on either side of her head, and a smile spread across her lips. She was Seteth's younger sister, according to the both of them. A sweet girl whose strange speech patterns mirrored that of Seteth's. Byleth had only spoken with her once, but it wasn't hard to admit that he enjoyed her company much more than her brother's.

"Flayn," Seteth spoke. "Good evening. Looking after the cathedral, are you?"

"Indeed," Flayn said with a smile. "I just finished tidying up. Have you and the Professor come to offer your prayers?"

"Something of the sort," Seteth replied as he looked to Byleth. "Professor, as an instructor, I need of you to familiarize yourself with the teachings of Seiros. I advise that you ensure your students are as familiar as well."

"Oh, Professor," Flayn said. "You're not familiar with the faith? That is quite alright! The monastery library has many resources for you!"

"Precisely," Seteth agreed. "Read the texts thoroughly. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the texts, and a clear understanding of our teachings. You are the guide to our students, as are you a member of the church. One cannot exist without the other."

"Understood," Byleth replied with a quick bow.

"Do you need assistance getting to the library?" Flayn spoke. "The grounds are quite large, and I would not want to you get lost on your way there."

"He does not need assistance, Flayn." Seteth said. "Were you not preoccupied with your own doings?"

"I've finished, brother." Flayn replied with a smile to him, before turning to Byleth. "I would not mind guiding you there."

"I would appreciate that," Byleth replied, catching a glimpse of the scowl upon Seteth's face. "Apologies for the trouble I may be causing you."

"Oh, it is of no trouble at all," Flayn said with a laugh. "If you will excuse us, brother."

"Very well," Seteth said with a quick nod, his gaze fixated upon Byleth. "You may take your leave."

The pair departed the cathedral, and walked along the bridge. Relief consumed Byleth with each step the pair took. Of course, he could have gotten to the library on his own, but Flayn accommodating him felt much better suited. Any excuse to be far from Seteth as possible was better than none.

"Apologies for my brother," Flayn spoke. "He can be…difficult at times. But do not let him alarm you. There is benevolent intent behind his words."

"I'm sure there is," Byleth said with a nod. "Does he threaten most people he meets?"

"It pains me to say it, but indeed, he does. His temperament around others is often harsh, but that his due to the nature of his responsibilities. He puts a grave deal of importance upon his duties and what is to be expected by those within the monetary. But between you and I, I believe he is harming himself with such dutifulness. That is not to say I do not believe he is respectable nor capable, but I do believe that the distance he places between himself and those around him will not benefit him."

"Worry about him a lot, huh?"

"Truly," Flayn said with a sigh. "Worry consumes him daily. Be it my own safety, or of others. Lady Rhea relies on him greatly, but I do think her reliance upon him contributes to his sour attitude towards others."

Byleth tore his eyes away from her as the pair entered the archway before them, and rounded the corner nearing the staircase that led to the library. Upon ascending the steps, Byleth's eyes fell upon the open door of the Audience Chamber. How close he was to Rhea then. He'd not intended to be there, and yet he was dragged closer still.

"And that is when I told him that that catch was positively splendid!" Flayn said with a laugh.

Byleth looked at her, having not noticed she had been speaking, then glanced back at the open door.

"Flayn," Byleth said then as his steps ceased. "Apologies for my interruption, but I think I know the rest of the way from here."

"Is that so?" Flayn replied with a smile. "Then I will leave you to it. If you are in need of any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to speak with me."

"Always eager to help, aren't you?" Byleth said as the grin on Flayn's smile widened.

"I offer my aid in any way that I can. I know quite a lot for my age, as well as know the grounds quite well, and I enjoy chaperoning those who are unfamiliar with most anything."

"If I recall correctly, you said you weren't a student here?"

"That is correct. Though I would much love to be some day. My brother is quite particular about my being a student, but I work diligently in any attempt to sway his mind."

"Well, it's a shame you're not one. You'd fit well with my class, I'm sure."

"Truly!" Flayn said, her cheeks reddening with her response. "Oh, do not tease, Professor."

"No, I mean it," Byleth said with a smile. "A young lady like yourself would be a fine fit, surely. I've a pair of girls in my class who remind me of you in a sense. Both eager to learn and in as chipper a mood as yourself. Who knows? Maybe I can get on your brother's good side and see if I sway him myself?"

Flayn laughed then as she replied. "No need to put yourself in any more discomfort for my sake. Surely, he will change his mind, soon enough. Oh, I have been taking up you time! Farewell, Professor! Do let me know if you need any assistance with anything!"

Before Byleth could say a word, Flayn spun around and descended the staircase. He stood there a moment, still smiling. Flayn's enthusiasm was contagious in a sense. Her natural charm even made Byleth feel a bit lighter than he had been most of the day. And Seteth wouldn't allow her to be a student? Even if he had, there would be no way he'd allow his little sister to be under Byleth's wing.

"That is quite dangerous, you know?"

"What is?"

"Speaking with her in the manner that you do. If her brother catches you speaking like that, he'll surely have your head."

"Speaking like what?"

Sothis floated in front of him then. A silly smile on her face as she rested her chin upon her folded hands. "Well, it's a shame you're not one? A young lady like yourself would—"

"Oh, stop that," Byleth said as he looked away. A slight burn rising in his cheeks. "I meant what I said."

"Of course, you did," Sothis said with a sigh as she dropped her hands. "You're a professor now, remember? You're not to trifle with your students, remember?"

"She's not a student."

"Hold your tongue! I was not under the impression that your wanting to stay here meant by being buried in the graveyard!"

"I'm only playing," Byleth said, holding in a chuckle. "No need to be worked up. Besides, I'm not foolish enough to make advances towards Seteth's sister of all people."

"You say now." Sothis said with an eyeroll. "Please, do not do anything that will get you killed. Do you understand? You may be viewing this as nothing more than a lighthearted jest, but your actions could bare consequences. It is best to remember that."

"Understood," Byleth replied with a sigh, and turned towards the chamber doors once again.

"Will you speak with her?"

"I want to…"

"What is it that is holding you back? If you do not ask her, you may never truly know."

"But what if I don't want to know?" Byleth said as he turned to Sothis.

"That is something that you must decide for yourself."

Byleth took a deep breath then as he took a small step forward. The longer he waited, the more his stomach knotted and his hands shook. With another mental push, he pressed on through the open doors, and into the dim chamber. Large iron chandeliers hung above the long, tiled floor. The high walls adored with mosaic windows on either side of the chamber. Two knights stood motionless near the doors. Their helmeted faces making it hard to distingue their gazes.

At the end of the chamber, she stood. Lady Rhea, with her hands folded at her bosom, stared intently at him, as though having expected his arrival. The heels of Byleth's boots echoed in the near empty chamber as he proceeded forward. His eyes never broke from hers, and the tangles in his stomach only coiled more as he closed the space between them. He'd not conjured the right words to say, and his steps moved much quicker than his mind could. It wasn't long until he stood before her, a small smile upon her soft face.

"Professor," she said in a wistful tone. "What a pleasant surprise, visiting me like this. Is there of some assistance I may offer you?"

"Yes," Byleth started, but additional words failed him. How was he supposed to bring up the very expression she wore before him? How foolish a question that was, but he couldn't stand there, gawking like a child forever.

"Is something troubling you?" She said, worry filling her words.

"I…" Byleth said with a sigh. "I was…I was told that I need to better familiarize myself with the teachings of Seiros."

"What are you doing? Were you not to question her?"

"Ah, yes," Rhea said with another warm smile. "The teachings of Saint Seiros have long existed in Fódlan. Saint Seiros founded the Church of Serios, and spread her teachings of the Goddess throughout the land. If you would like, our library is filled with numerous texts that will help educate you. That is, unless you would rather I share the teachings with you orally?"

"Seteth mentioned texts being within the library. It would probably be best to head there. I wouldn't want to take up your time."

"You are of no bother to me," Rhea smiled. "Do as you see fit. Unlike this chamber however, the library does have a seating area should you choose to spend your evening there."

"Right." Byleth replied with a quick bow. "Thank you, Lady Rhea."

"I am always glad to be of assistance to you, dear child." Rhea replied, her smile not waning. "Do inform me should any additional questions arise."

Byleth watched her a moment. The look she retuned made his stomach lurch once more. Her gaze seeming to burn through him.

"Of course, Lady Rhea."