Third-Person POV

"A ceremony in the Holy Tomb, huh?" Sylvain asked.

The Blue Lions were all together, Kotaro as well, just days after the conflict in the forest was finished.

"Yes, since the professor managed to gain the power of the goddess, Lady Rhea wishes to bring him there to receive the goddess's revelation. She even requested for our presence." Dimitri explained.

"Really now? Why is that a requirement, would there be any danger to come from it?" Ai questioned.

"Well, it was once said that Seiros had holy warriors at her side to protect her." Mercedes brought up.

"Tch, so this mission gives us no opportunity to sharpen our skills, unless things go awry?" Felix scoffed.

"I'm with him, that sounds boring as hell." Saki leaned back in her chair.

"I disagree honestly, I am curious to see what this ritual may look like. And seeing the Holy Tomb as well..." Ashe scratched his cheek.

"It sounds scary, Lily would rather take it easy this month after so many missions." Lily shuddered a bit.

"Oh my, what if this ritual allows us a chance to see the goddess herself? That would be such a wonderful event to witness." Ignatz's eyes lit up.

"Oooo! That sounds amazing, I want to see her there now!" Sakura became excited with that notion.

"Yes yes, it is all well and good. Rituals and tombs and all that, but another important thing you forgot to mention…. YOU MANAGED TO FIND THE STAFF!" Kotaro's voice rang out throughout the room.

"Ack, I can never get used to this." Ingrid lifted her hands from her ears.

"Trust me, it won't get better even if you were used to it." Ai stated.

"I second that notion. Anyways, the book I found in the Abyss library mentioned everything we needed for sending you girls home. One or two individuals with high magic skills in Reason and Faith, and the spell Warp." Linhardt yawned.

"Is that all there is to it?" Junko asked.

"Pretty much. The spell just needs to be pulled off without fail, that's why two individuals are recommended, I assume. This could be an interesting experiment, so I volunteer for the first role." Linhardt raised his hand up.

"How about Lysithea for the second mage?" The class turns to see Claude walking through the door, "This little lady's probably REAL interested in pulling off a plan like this." He smirked at the white haired student.

"Hmph! It does sound like a wonderful opportunity to test how skilled I have become. Yet I did not need you to point that out, Claude. Why are you here anyways?" She grumbled at her previous house leader.

"Well I was looking for you actually, we're about to head out on a mission of our own and we definitely need the magic boost. I didn't want to bother Marianne, and Lorenz is… Lorenz. I just overheard your conversation and decided to join in. It's gonna be sad to see you zombie girls leave though." Claude explained.

"Wait, how do you—"

"He walked in on a conversation." Linhardt interrupted Saki.

"He's right though, this year has been crazy with you ladies around. I wouldn't want that to end so soon." Sylvain rubs the back of his head.

"Yeah, I would have loved to graduate with you all. Do you all know when you plan on leaving?" Annette depressingly asked.

"Well, um, I'm thinking… it sounds nice to be home as soon as possible but…" Sakura struggled to get the words out.

"Before we get to that, there are still some things bothering me about this Staff of Fódra." Yugiri spoke up.

"Eh, what is it, Big Sis Yugiri?" Lily asked her.

"How can we be sure that the staff will function correctly when the spell is executed? Even if it does succeed, will it even send us back to Saga? Will we be able to return to Fódlan if we so please?" The courtesan proposed some surprisingly interesting questions.

"That is quite a lot to think about when using it. If you would feel the need to come back, how can you all perform the ritual without the magical prowess?" Mercedes ponders.

"Ughhh, my head hurts just trying to think about all this! It's no use worrying about all this crap, sometimes you just gotta wing it!" Saki exclaimed.

"Rahr!" Tae barked in agreement.

"I… don't believe that is the best decision to make in this situation." Dedue shook his head in disagreement.

"I agree, with this many factors to consider, there needs to be more time before we can partake in this experiment." Lysithea brought up.

"I concur, it's too risky. For now we should just focus on the upcoming mission. Afterwards we'll decide on how much longer we'll stay here, and how much longer to work on perfecting the use of the Staff of Fódra Hopefully it will be enough time for all of us." Ai stated.

"IT'S SETTLED THEN! After your mission we shall finalize our departure from Fódlan! Make up your minds by then you dumb zombies!" Tatsumi walked out the door as the entire class blocked their ears.

"Regardless, we all hope you can make it when we have that reunion five years from now." Ashe gave a warm smile.

"It wouldn't be the same without ya." Sylvain winked.

"Aw… guys…" Sakura felt like she could almost cry.

"Indeed, we are grateful that you had ended up joining our… ack." Dimitri had to take a moment.

"Your Highness?" Ingrid checked on her friend as Dedue picked him up.

"It's just a headache, no need for you all to worry." Dimitri denies it.

"That seems more than just a headache, Dimitri. You should get some rest." Ai suggested.

"I have been repeatedly informing him to do so for days. Please do not exert yourself,Your Highness." Dedue picks him up by the shoulder.

"It is simply from a lack of sleep. I will be fine. This session is dismissed everyone." Dimitri slowly made his way out of the classroom as his classmates stared at him.

Dedue followed him out, as did Ai, while Sakura was just sitting there fidgeting.

"What do I do? What do I do? Should I go help him too? I should go help him. Okay, I'm going to help him." Sakura thought.

"I better take my leave then, Lysithea, you plan on coming?" Claude asked the young mage.

"If you truly need my assistance... very well then." She sighed before taking her books.

"Hey Nikaido? You feel like coming with? You did want some action earlier, right?" Claude asked Saki next.

"Sure! I just gotta bring my shiny new weapons the professor got for me. Felix, wanna come too?" Saki turned to him.

"No thanks. I need to help this hopeless girl with sword training." Felix pointed at Sakura.

"Gah! I forgot, sorry." Sakura is broken out of her thoughts.

"Tch, I've got my hands full." Felix shook his head.

"Well, have fun you two! See ya later!" Saki bid them farewell as she joined Lysithea and Claude.

The rest of the class was soon cleared out, leaving only Sakura and Felix there.

His eyes glared at her, spooking the poor girl, "Time to head to the training grounds."

"Y-yes sir!" Sakura saluted the blue-haired swordsman, who just sighed in response.

Hours later and Sakura finally managed to get used to using her sword, although not nearly on the level of someone like Felix's level. She's just glad that it's over and that she could practice on her own after a while. Sakura then decided to get some dinner at the dining hall before it closes up for the day.

"Hmm hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm hmm…" She hums before she spots Edegard talking to Hubert who then walks away as soon as he sees her.

"Good evening, Sakura." Edelgard greets her and she does the same.

"What were you two talking about?" The egghead asked.

"Nothing too interesting, I'm afraid. Although I am glad I found you, I require your assistance." Edelgard informs her.

Sakura was taken aback by this, "Eh? What do you need me for?"

"There is something I must do near the end of the month. I was wondering if you wanted to join me then for just a few days." Edelgard requested.

"Um… I'm not sure… my classmates and the professor will probably wonder where I am." Sakura pondered.

"It won't be too long, I promise you will be back in time for the ceremony at the Holy Tomb." She assured her.

"Hm… where are we going exactly?" Sakura gave another question.

"It's meant to be a secret but...I'm going to Enbarr, the Imperial Capital. There is something I must do there." Edelgard answered.

Sakura's eyes widened, "Oh yeah! I forgot you were the Imperial Princess! It must be important if you need to go back home… okay, I'll go with you! I'll help however I can!"

"Thank you, my friend." Edelgard smiled.

Weeks pass in preparation for the ceremony at the Holy Tomb. The students were all buzzing about the professor's new look, and some wanted to test out his new power in battle. Safe to say that Felix, Saki, and Caspar are not catching up to him anytime soon.

The end of the month approached and Edelgard ushered Sakura away with her on her trip to Enbarr. Not without a few eyebrows being raised, and a few individuals tailing the two until they confronted them at the entrance into the monastery.

"Where are you taking my student, Edelgard?' Byleth asked, Dimitri, Saki, and Ai behind him.

"You do realize we have a mission at the end of this week Sakura, we would much enjoy your presence then." Ai told her friend.

"It's just for a few days and I'll be back on time, don't worry!" Sakura tried to convince them to let her go.

"Really, leaving the monastery so close to the ceremony… that is odd." Dimitri said.

"She is simply accompanying me for an errand. No cause for alarm. Well Sakura, let us be on our way." Edelgard turned to her companion.

"Right. I'll see you guys later. We'll be back before you know it!" Sakura bowed to them before running ahead.

"Oi, Princess. You better not pull anything with Egghead over there." Saki lowered her eyebrows and tightened her fists at Edelgard.

"Hmph." The Imperial Princess let out as she followed Sakura to the carriage to Enbarr.

The three Blue Lions and their professor just stood there and watched them leave, wondering what Edelgard needed Sakura for.

They eventually reach the Imperial Palace in Enbarr, as soon as they enter the throne room Edelgard tells Sakura to bow before the emperor, Ionius IX. The soldiers close the doors before leading the two of them up the stairs to meet the man himself.

"Father, forgive me for asking this of you. I know how much pain you're in—how the burden of the throne weighs heavily on you— and so…" Edelgard began to speak to her father.

"What is she going to ask him? Hold on, if the emperor is unwell…" Sakura thought as she looked on.

"There is no need to apologize, Edelgard. You must know... (coughs) that I do not have much time left in this world. The time has come. (coughs)" The emperor softly says.

"Thank you, Father. Now, to complete the Imperial succession, you must relinquish your crown here in the throne room. The archbishop of the Church of Seiros would normally act as witness, but my dear friend Sakura will fill that role instead."

"Oh my goodness… this is really happening…" Sakura spoke to herself in a tone that could make her unheard.

"From this day forward, the weight of the Empire's future shall rest upon my shoulders. All that I do will be for the benefit of the people of Fódlan." She begins to kneel down.

The Emperor then places his crown on Edelgard, "Edelgard von Hresvelg, the crown is yours. By the covenant between the red blood and the white sword, and by the double-headed eagle upon your head, I hereby pronounce you the new emperor. Are you prepared to take those responsibilities as your own?"

Edelgard answers this question with a serious tone,"In accordance with the ancient covenant, and in keeping with the Hresvelg legacy... I swear that upon this throne, I shall use my reign to lead Fódlan to a new dawn and achieve peace for all."

The former emperor sits back down, "The Imperial succession is complete. (coughs) My daughter, I regret that I could not do more for you. When you were stolen away to the Kingdom, when the prime minister did those horrible things, I could only watch in horror."

"W-W-WHAT?!" Sakura suddenly burst out before covering her mouth instantly.

Edelgard's expression becomes more solemn, "I- I understand, Father. In those dark times, your eyes and your fists were my salvation. Within your eyes, I saw true care. And upon your fists clenched tight with indignity, I saw the blood that dripped and fell. Even as I bled, I felt that you, too, must also be bleeding.

Then suddenly, Ferdinand (von Aegir)'s father, Duke Aegir enters.

"Your Majesty! You must not leave your sleeping chambers in your condition." He says before noticing the former princess. "Ah, Edelgard. I did not expect to find Your Highness here."

"Prime Minister, you have misspoken. I am no longer "Your Highness" but rather..."Your Majesty"." The new emperor tells him.

"I-Impossible!" The duke shouts with surprise.

"It is true. Edelgard is the new emperor of the Adrestian Empire. We will summon the officials, (coughs) and prepare an ordinance at once. And you, Prime Minister—" Ionius was then cut ff by his daughter.

"-are dismissed. It will be some time before you are allowed to make contact with the outside world again." Edelgard orders.

"Huh?!" Sakura looks at the duke and then back to Edelgard.

"No! How can this be?! I- Understood, Your Majesty." Duke Aegir admits defeat.

"Edelgard... My dear El, I leave the fate of Fódlan... (coughs) in your capable hands." Ionius speaks to Edelgard once more.

"Father…" She says as her final words to him.

Afterwards the two of them headed back to Garreg Mach posthaste, and were luckily back in time for the ceremony tomorrow night,

"Thank you for staying by my side, Sakura. Now that I'm the emperor, it's time to grasp my destiny." The new emperor thanks her friend.

"Y-yeah, no problem. I'm happy to have been able to see you get crowned, I never thought I'd ever see something like that before. Ha ha…" The zombie girl laughs it off.

"Well, unfortunately this may be the last time we see each other." Edelgard sadly says.

"Wait, what?!" Sakura gasps.

"Eventually I have to return to Enbarr in order to fulfill my duties. It seems we are out of time my dearest friend, I must go. Farewell." Edelgard decides to give her a small hug before turning around and leaving Sakura behind.

"So she's the emperor now… just what is going on anymore?"

END OF CHAPTER 34

The moment you've been waiting for is coming up next. Sakura will have a lot to think about after what she has just witnessed here. It's just gonna get better, right? Right? Ha… like that would ever happen. See you next time. (Also any requests for Support Conversations between Franchouchou and their fellow students before it's too late? We could always do a separate chapter just for these one day.)