Authors notes: now that I'm now more used to how works, I will answer the only question so far from my small 3 total reviews here XD

to the guest reviewer: well don't know if you are still reading this, but you are the first one to propose this ship. As a challenge, write a fanfic about it and you will have my upvote. We need more Cyril fics here :)

otherwise things start getting spicy. This is a Lysithea only chapter. Next will be a Cyril only chapter.

Also some side drama, because I love drama

time for TWSITD to show up at last.

Futher notes at the end of the chapter

Lysithea was in her room doing some reading documents for informations about many things. Crest related, politics related, many others to complete her her primary goal of why she defected to Edelgard sides. In fact, this is what the Ordelia's heir was searching about right in the moment, she needed to know how to relinquish their noble statue and live a quiet life. The white haired girl sighed at the mass of paper and documents. She mused outloud, reading a passage "to sell a territory to another lord, both parties must approve to sell" Lysithea rolled her eyes at that, wondering why something as obvious as this was written in the document. However she read something interesting "However, to finalise a selling, one must read the constitution of the regime in place, as the procedure is differents from a kingdom to an Empire." Lysithea knew this was a problem as she wasn't familiar enough with Empire's politics. Not exactly true, she knew how politics works thanks to the documents she read few days ago, but the smart girl noticed that politics changed multiple time because of different rulers. She knew that she had to talk to Edelgard as the empress must have her own laws on that matter, which won't be instored for quite some time. Lysithea closed her book, deciding that continuing is a lost cause for now. Fortunately for the young woman, she didn't have to stay idle. Few days ago, Lysithea received a letter from Hanneman, inviting her to Garreg Mach to receive their analysis on their research and to help. Now it was the perfect time to go so she prepared herself and left her chambers to go towards the kitchen, when she saw her mother talking to someone. Curiosity picked Lysithea and she went towards the discussion which was in the guest room, but first asked a trust servant named Rina "what is this about?"

Rina while finishing her chores said "I believe a minor lord came and your mother and he are in a serious discussion. You are needed however." Rina replied with a sly smile.

Lysithea huffed "fine, I will go, geez why didn't you bother me upstairs"

the older woman replied teasingly "you were faster than I am"

Lysithea snorted and left to the guest room. Once there, her father Leo greet his daughter. He was tall and had a white beard and hair. His eyes were neutral and full of experience. He made the presentations "my daughter, this is Lord Mattias, and Lord Mattias this is my daughter Lysithea"

they shook hands and Lysithea remarked he was well dressed and attractive, even the smile, althought she wasn't really fooled by that. The brown haired lord said "pleasure to meet, lady Lysithea. As your father said, I'm lord Mattias and I'm working directly under Empress Edelgard and Hubert."

Lysithea was surprised "I don't remember you in our ranks"

he didn't bat an eye at that "that is true. I was actually taking care of the defense at Enbarr. We might never be too sure, especially those "men" out there" nobody missed the tone of the word "men" meaning Matthias knew about Those Who Slither in the Dark. Lysithea recognized his importance on the empire despite being only a minor lord, but she didn't have time for small talk. Time was not an option for now.

She replied "what do you want?"

"No need to be hostile. I came here with a proposition. You see, I know what happened with your...history, not worth mentionning. I'm also aware of your objectives and I've come with a proposition. You can marry me and in turn I will buy the land, effectively removing house Ordelia in the nobility"

Lysithea and the parents were in shocked. Lysithea asked increduled while a blush came "marrying... you? Even with what happened"

Mattias nodded convincingly "of course, I'm convinced professor Hanneman and Lindhart are capable of finding a solution"

"and if I refuse?"

"You have to find someone else to sell unfortunately. By the way, I'm sorry if this sounds like blackmailing which isn't my intention. It's just that because of the ascension of empress Edelgard, rules and deals for lands are more shacky than ever until she instored herself these laws. This is why marrying me might be your simplest solutions to your problems. Of course, later if there is another way simpler, I will be open for suggestion." Lysithea didn't really like what happened, but she understood that the door was open and understood his reasoning. To her, her life didn't matter. All that count is her parents Elena and Leo. Another thought turned to Cyril however, but somehow she thought he won't forgive her. Lysithea to her sadness "I..."

Lysithea was about to answer, but her father interrupted his daughter "please Lord Mattias, your offer, while honorable, came way to sudden. Please, give my daughter some time to think about it?"

Crowley nodded in acceptance "true enough. However after we defeat them, there will be a ball organized from Empress Edelgard at Enbarr. I would like an answer by then"

it was an acceptable time delay. "Thank you lord Mattias"

the minor lord smile sincerly "of course. Now that our business is concluded. I must return to Garreg Mach for further preparations. Thank you very much mr. and for your time and thea"

Elena smiled "your pleasure is ours. My my what a coincidence, my daughter is going also there." Mattias turned back and replied "my carriage is big, perhaps I can offer assistance for the road." Lysithea jumped on the occasion "yes lord Mattias, I would like to"

"excellent, I will be waiting outside, come when you are ready" and left.

Once the trio were alone. Lysithea didn't know what to do, but... "why you stopped me father?! The situation could have been resolved in a flick"

"our happiness is not worth it if you don't love him either" responded Leo.

"You need to think about this. Also did you forget you sent a letter to that Cyril boy last time and that we are going to receive him" added Camilla.

Lysithea growled "but what if..."

her father put an hand on her shoulder "daughter, no path to happiness is easy. Yes earlier was a solution, but this was the easy way out. I think you of all of people know this. Calm down and think before making a move" her father was right.

Lysithea knew she had some work to do. She hugged her parents and said "I love you both" and naturally returned the warm embrace.

She went at the lord's side to go with him at Garreg Mach. They were inside the surprisingly luxurious carriage, which was a waste of money and ressources in her mind. Lord Mattias sighed at her remark "yes, I know. Even I told my parents that it was too much money wasted on a simple carriage. Our driver agreed as well"

Once they were gone, the servant Rina secretly went to her room and contact someone via telepathy using complexe arcane magic "This is Rina, i have new informations"

the voice on the other side replied "what did you got?"

"the young Ordelia child is going toward Garreg Mach. I've heard they have information about us"

"excellent, our plan can start. I will tell Odesse to prepare the welcome. Myson will finish his experiment, then both Chilon and him are going to return to the base soon. you should do the same, Pittacus"

"yes lord Thales, I'm returning. the Viskams need to be top notch" replied Pittacus with a devish smile and cut the transmission.

Lysithea knew it was the perfect opportunity to learn about the man. His answers seemed casual and carefree, but she could decipher his stares. Eying her of curiosity, no doubt having the same idea as the Ordelia's only child. She decided to break the ice, even if she hate small talk in general "so where do you reside?"

"I'm living in south of Begliez territory, Boramas to be precise. So I'm quite close to Field Grounder... it reminded me of good memories"

"I assume you attended the academy?"

"Seven years ago" he replied as a matter of fact without looking at her. He didn't seemed nervous, but his answers were sharp and leave little to no room for interpretations which gave another point of respect from Lysithea. Mattias turned his head around to face her and asked "how does the alliance usually manage the political affair?"

"Bickering among us, trying to undermine the other for personal gain. Other than that, it was fine I guess"

"I see. Bickering among politicians is inevitablement no matter the system in place. My familly took the education branch as their field to manage."

"Educations? Does that mean that you were operating outside the church's education? Will you take care of it when you will succeded your familly's house?"

"Of course, we mostly take care of side education which isn't involve in military or for young children for exemple. Also technically I already heritated the house, but not officially, because of those scum mages" it make sense in Lysithea's mind. He was twenty five years old, the perfect age to start ruling.

He added with a smirk "I hope it will be with you"

"don't get too cocky Mattias"

"heh, we must always be optimiste"

"fair enough" Lysithea was curious to know his plans about it. Right now her opinion on him was alright, so the next question that will come out from her lips was a mixe of a test and pure curiousity "speaking of education, what will be your project about it?"

she hoped that he could make sure that everyone could have access to education. Her mind went first to Cyril, how an intelligent boy couldn't even read until her intervention.

"Well I would like to make sure everyone could go to school, no matter how poor they are. It's the least I can do"

Lysithea was glad he was going to take the initiative. He noticed it however "you seemed relieve. Do you have a friend who couldn't have access to education?"

"yes I do" she replied, unsurprised by his perception abilities "he couldn't read, So I had no choice, but to take him under my wings. It took no time for him to learn all that was needed to learn"

"I understand. He must be indebted to you" she didn't replied at that since he didn't need to know every detail.

"Did you once met an illiterate person?"

"I think I did, but I didn't know for sure since it was just a quick guess. You know, that almyran boy who was swipping the floor for lady Rhea?" There was only one person who match the description in Lysithea's mind. Cyril.

"Yes, what about him"

"well I think he couldn't read, but frankly almyran scums do deserve that fate. They are just bunch of brute who attack and kill innocents for no reason and he is no exception. He doesn't have any manners. Hope he stay as a slave should he had survived the war"

Lysithea didn't believe this. It was as if she spoke to a different person. Yes, he might be a product of society, but it still completly changed her opinion on him. Unless he change his perception at one point she didn't want a man in charge who discriminate people on race, where Cyril and his breathen might be in danger. Five years ago, she might have thrown a fire ball, but now she knew better. Lysithea change the subject, talking about politics.

Fortunately, he didn't pick up her mood, which gave her the correct assumption. Mattias was a perceptive man, but only on a surface level. As long as he will stay that shallow, he will remain a racist and will never understand their pain. Hers, Cyril's pain, other's pain. Satisfied of their answers, the rest of the trip went well for the two nobles.

Lysithea arrived at Garreg Mach to help the two crest professors. The school didn't open yet, but the establishment was accessible to employes to rebuild the church. She wandered the halls and noticed how empty it was. Heck it was more packed during the war then now. She stroke her braids in both nervousness and excitement. When Linhardt mentionned that perhaps the cure for her predicament could be achieved, she nearly jumped, hope regaining her body and soul. She once had a conversation with professor Byleth and he said something the white haired girl would never forget, why the hoped that was once deeped into the abyss was now resurging "you alone are in control of your own future, even if the results aren't what you wanted." Lysithea knew that the professor was the living exemple of this. Despite once wielding the sword of creator, he still chose to go againts Rhea. She wondered if Cyril could have done that if he had heard that advice? It was another reason why she wanted to fight to live. For some, he was her servant, for those who knew them, he was her friend, for the very few who can be counted on one hand he was more than a friend. It wasn't true yet, she hoped Cyril will be more than a friend. Lysithea frowned in sadness, will he truly forgive her? She slapped her cheek. Still her primary focus for now is dismentling their nobility statues, which is a tall order. Lysithea walked into Hanneman's former office room and saw both Linhardt and the old man there. She waved her hand and both returned the gesture.

Linhardt yawned and was his usual lax behavior "about time. Thought you got lost in the woods. You almost missed our discoveries"

Hanneman shrugged his remark "We will share what we know. Unfortunately it's not good news"

Lysithea had a bad feeling about this. "What is it?"

The old man sighed "frankly, we truly don't know if there is a cure to your case. Our data is not enough. Maybe you can help expanded our knowledge"

"agreed with the old man, studying you is a privilege and as a friend we won't stop until we reach a conclusion" Linhardt added. Lysithea knew it by Edelgard's word, but being this aloof and lax is typical of the green haired man. Linhardt got up from his chair to eat a sandwitch, while Hanneman took a chair for her to seat. Lysithea knew they were working hard since the morning so she didn't mind the little break. Besides, now was the time to catch up.

Once they finish their pause, Lysithea asked "so what are we waiting for? I don't have all the time in the world."

"Very well. All we know is that the experiment was a long term goal to increase the potency of the crests. By giving you more crest, we conclude they weren't trying to leave you alive like that"

"yeah...we believe you were supposed to turn into a demonic beast wielding more than one crest, but you since were fragile as glass. They decided to not pursuing further" Linhardt added to complete what the old professor was saying.

Lysithea's stomach flipped at that, but then again she shouldn't be surprised by the revelation. Those Who Slither in the Dark are capable of the worst atrocities possible.

Lysithea sighed "how disgusting! I'm lucky to be alive I suppose. You said demonic beast are involve in this, what if we tried to learn the reversal procedure? Maybe it could help with my crest"

Linhardt and Hanneman softly opened their mouth in surprised. "That's...actually interesting" nodded the younger scientist.

"Unfortunately we cannot advance with the data we have and I don't think they would keep record on reversal technics. That is the bad news we wanted to tell you." Hanneman added.

Lysithea's hopes were dashed and she felt a punch in the guts. For the first time that she wanted to live, that was all crushed in a instant. She feint her feelings and shrugged "I knew there wasn't anything that can be done. Still thank you for the help"

Hanneman was depressed himself seeing Lysithea in pain and it says something when those two could notice it. The old professor put an hand on her shoulder "that doesn't mean we will give up. We will take as much archives in the enemies headquarter and study to find something."

"It is after this we will see if your case is curable or not. It is a really slim chance there is something, but we never know" Lysithea was glad they were upfront at least. Now her goals were more important than ever. If she and Edelgard will die, then they leave behind them a safe place for anyone. For Cyril...

The trio heard someone running. It was Caspar who was out of breath. Linhardt remarked "oh come on. Could you be quieter Caspar?"

"Can't do. Fort Merceus is under attack. They need reinforcement! Not only that, Edelgard require our presence somewhere! Linhardt"

the green haired man sighed "I guess we have no choice. Give me a minute Caspar"

Lysithea wasn't going to sit idle. There is potential knowledge that can be gained if the attack is instigated by those mages. Lysithea raised her hand and asked Caspar "let me go to fort Merceus! I want to help"

"you don't have to do this. I can send someone to do the work" Hanneman replied with concern.

Lysithea shook her head. "I understand if you want to stay here, but I refuse to stay idle. We will win and they will answer to me!"

"Alright! That is the spirit! Go knock them out rhaww" Caspar exclamed himself.

Linhardt sighed again and said "go see Lord Mattias. He will brief you on what to do"

Lysithea nodded and run toward the main gate of the monastery.

Once there, lord Mattias greeted her with a smile "coming with us, lady Ordelia?"

"Of course. Those monsters won't be getting away."

"Very well, we are gathering our men here. We should leave now. I'm leading the squad, you are second in command"

Lysithea knew he had a lot of experience as a commander despite his young age, so she didn't object to that. When the squad was ready they were jumping on their pegasus and wyvern and flew. Lysithea was seating behind Crowley on his borrowed wyvern and she looked down the woods. It was nostalgic for her as it was in those woods where she talked to Cyril for the first time. He was chopping woods and she was foolish to think she was up for the task. Now the only thing she could hope from him is that he could make a new life and live confortably, something she will never have. Looking at the woods, Lysithea remarked something wasn't right. The forest was too silent to her liking.

"You sense it too right?" Asked Mattias, having the same feeling.

She nodded. "I feel...oh no! Someone is prepared to shoot us!" Realization hit Lysithea.

The pilote nodded in agreement and saw the arrow coming towards him. He skillfully dodge it. Some of the men were not so fortunate however and they begin dropping down like flies. Then they remarked a thick mist was in the woods.

Mattias cursed "we have no choice! We must face them on the ground in the mist!"

Lysithea agreed to his assessment. The young lord had an idea, he plunge the wyvern towards the top of a tree and once low enough, he pull her closer to him and they jump. The remaining of their man did the same. Lysithea screamt of fear. There was a reason she was afraid of height and jumping down wasn't the best solution to remedy this. Once on the ground, the minor lord skillfully roll while making sure the mage wasn't hurt.

"Huh that could have kill us! But still thank you"

Mattias smirked "welcome princess"

this time Lysithea was quicker and blocked a fire ball coming towards the distracted man. Mattias mumured his thanks this time, but while still in high alert. The enemy was hiding inside the mist. The remaining men reunite with the duo and they advance carefully on their guard. Fortunately they were veteran soldiers so they were quiet and didn't complained, much to Lysithea's satisfaction. An arrow was shot, but Crowley blocked it with his dagger.

One of Crowley's man, an archer himself remarked something silently "the arrow came from This direction, behind the tree."

Lysithea was impressed by his insighted and use this to her advantage. She noticed the mist was flowing strangely until she realised it was stagnant, artificial like. Lysithea quietly noticed her camarade that the mist was producted of magic, not that they didn't suspected something was fishy, but more for a solid confirmation. Suddenly Lysithea sensed dark magic coming towards her. She blocked with her own magic and then a dark bishop appeared in front of the group. Archers started pointing themselves up.

Mattias, to his credit, didn't panicked "you won't stop us no matter how many you are!"

"I don't think it is wise to understimate your enemies, lord Mattias. I'm Odesse and if you want to get rid of the mist, you must best me" replied confidently the dark bishop. Lysithea heard that name before, but when? All she know is that he is part of group that deserve a beating.

Lysithea confidently replied "don't think we will go easy. Or you might not leave with your mask intact. I'll gladly take your mask as a trophy"

"but can you stop this?" Arrows coming from the archers were launched. The troupe tried to defend themselves, but soon start falling one by one and what is worst is that they couldn't see where they were. The gremory of the band started making a shield that protects the team from physical attacks only, but it will only last as her energy could. Lysithea used this time attack Odesse with all her spells available, which the group leader did the same. The female mage admitted he was more experimented than her and that was a disavantage. Starting to tired, she lock her Death T with his HadesĪ© and it was in a impasse. Fortunately for the group, the attack of Lysithea wasn't meant for her to win the confrontation, but to reveal his exact location. Sneakily, Mattias skillfully snuck behind the dark bishop and assassinate him. Odesse fell on the ground, definitively dead according to the war monk. The attacks ceased and the mist started dissipated slowly.

While it was dissipating, the minor lord was glad of the good work. "We did well. Thanks to your clever diversion, we were able to kill a high ranking ennemy. It will be a huge blow"

Lysithea laughed "agreed. This guy deserved what he got. We were good"

She laughed, but didn't forgot that this is the same man who was a racist, fortunately, he still didn't pick up her mood on the matter. The gremory took this time to rest, along with her peers. Since the mist completly disappearance, only the archer noticed something strange. He remarked this to his superiors "sir, I feel something is off. Look around"

both noble looked around, and to everyone's surprised, there was no body from the other camp, only their own.

Mattias was speechless "wh-what happened. Odesse's body was just there few minutes ago"

even Lysithea wondered what was that. She searched in her brain for the exotic knowledge acquired in her academy days. She opened her eyes in realisation after finding out the answer and it was bad news. "I know the reason!"

"What is it connaissor?" Mattias replied curiously.

"It was a powerful sorcery spell capable of creating illusions. The Odesse that we fought, along with his archers, were illusions of themselves. He must have cast it sometime ago before we came here"

the gremory asked confused "but I don't understand, if it was an illusion, how come some of our men died? I can cast illusions, but those don't do anything"

"Because the illusion spell is different from white magic to dark magic and sorcery. In your case, illusions of white magic are mostly used for distraction or for non combat purpose. In Odesse's case, he is a dark bishop, meaning dark magic is involve. What makes the spell dangerous is that the illusions are as strong as the caster. The illusions of a normal caster would do no damage, but for someone like Odesse, he is so adepted and experienced in dark magic that his illusions are capable of doing real harm."

Lysithea took a breath "this is one of highest tier of dark magic ever perfomed and while I could probably replicated this. I won't be able to create illusions like he does nor I do have time for the preparations do something as convulated"

Mattias was thoughtful "he is skilled then. In that case, we should be cautious from now on."

Everyone nodded and they started leaving with their remaining flying mounts for fort Merceus.

Author's note. I think the argathans should be masters at sorcery even if they are more focus on technology.

by the way, if you have questions or issues or whatever, don't hesitated to write it down in the review section. See you next time :)