5th Day of The Harpstring Moon, 1999-Monday

"Sylvain, Lorenz, Jeritza, my office after class."

"Sylvain it has barely been a month. What have you done?" Dimitri sighed behind Flayn.

She thought it was more impressive that it took two weeks.

"Hey I plead innocent. If someone said something, then there is no way to prove I did what they said."

"Sylvain if you're innocent then I'm a girl," Felix commented.

"Come on Felix. You know me."

"Exactly my point."

"Hey, you two should make a bet on his innocence. Loser wears a dress," Claude suggested from his seat.

"I'll make that bet," Felix grinned, looking towards Sylvain.

"Yeah… I'll pass."

"Meaning you admit to being guilty," Lysithea turned towards him.

"What no."

"Then take the bet Sylvain. No reason not to if you are so positive of your innocence," Edelgard taunted him.

"I just would feel bad for Felix."

Flayn and probably the whole class rolled their eyes. She turned her attention to Professor Byleth, feeling a sense of ease thanks to her. It was a horrible thing to wish, but she was hoping Jeritza was in big trouble. He was always staring at her in a way that made her uncomfortable. She hadn't found the courage to tell her father or the professor, so she knew it had nothing to do with her. Even if he received only small repercussions for whatever it was he was in trouble for, she would not tell. Her father was overprotective, and while the professor was a surprisingly good teacher, she seemed to work strictly on logic, and logic would dictate telling her father.

Her father finding out would mean them moving, and she did not want that.

She glanced over at Lysithea to see the girl smiling…triumphantly? "You seem strangely happy about them getting in trouble."

"No. I just am enjoying the class teasing Sylvain."

"That's nothing new. It actually might be bad that the professor allows for this."

"Eh, it's fun. I think if Sylvain actually disliked it then the professor would put a stop to it."

"I'm not so sure she knows how to. I'm just imagining it."

"Stop. Stop. Quiet," Lysithea said devoid of emotion and effort, causing the two to break into giggles. Their professor had become quite infamous for her lack of emotion. It drove Flayn's father absolutely insane. Of course, so did the professor's choice of clothing, and her age, and just about everything about her. Flayn once joked that her father secretly liked Professor Byleth. The dry unamused look she received had her laughing so hard.

"We have much to cover today," Professor Byleth cut through the chatter, raising her voice only a little. Despite the fact that she lacked a personality, she somehow managed to make class interesting. She was probably the only one that did not need to yell or scold the students for their attention.

If Flayn had to say what made her more interesting than the other teachers, she would say it was the lack of superiority. When other professors lectured, they would lecture as though all the students were lacking in intelligence, and as though they were much superior. With Professor Byleth it was as though she was equal to them, and just helping her fellow students, even though she was in a superior position. She didn't ignore questions, no matter how relevant, or irrelevant they were. She even managed to make some of the most irrelevant questions, relevant. And the favorite part to probably everyone was when she tossed in the obscure and strange facts about people and events. The only way they could imagine her as a better teacher was if she taught the subject with emotion, especially being it was quite the dark subject already.

"That is all for notes today. By next class I want everyone to give their honest thoughts on their classmates. You will be splitting into four teams and doing activities throughout the year as teams. Each activity will earn a team points, as well as your grades."

"Four teams? That would leave two teams short a person each," Yuri said.

"I never said they would be even."

"Wouldn't it be simpler to just do three teams of ten or five teams of six?" Linhardt asked.

"If I wanted it to be fair, yes."

"And how unfair are we talking?" Claude asked.

"I hope you don't dislike anyone." Was she serious? Flayn could swear that there was a tilt to the professor's lips, but she must be imagining it. "The only homework is that list. Enjoy. Lorenz, Sylvain, Jeritza, follow me." Was that exasperation? Nah.

"I really do not look forward to this team thing," Lysithea said as they walked out of the class. "By the way did it seem like the professor was staring at us before?"

"You mean right before class started?" she did seem to be looking at them when she started speaking.

"Yeah."

"Do you think she overheard us?"

"Over Sylvain? No. It's just kind of eerie when she's looking at you. You never know what she's thinking."

"I know what you mean."

"Do you think she'll make the teams into groups of people who don't like each other?"

"Do you think she was joking for once?" Flayn rebutted.

"I just imagined her walking into class and trying a knock knock joke."

"Now I'm imagining it."

This of course had them breaking into a fit of laughter.

"Do you three wish to be spoken to at once, or separate."

"I claim my innocence, so I don't mind others overhearing," Sylvain puffed out his chest.

"I just want to get this over with," Jeritza sighed.

"I am in agreement with my classmates here," was Lorenz's response.

This was going to be a pain. She knew it. Jeritza never listened well as was, but Lorenz and Sylvain it seemed were just as bad. Their responses to her showed that. Lovely.

"Alright. I'm and getting constant complaints from girls about all three of you."

"I do not talk to any girls but Mercedes," Jeritza defended himself.

"No. You just stare like a creepy stalker at them."

Their jaws dropped at her blunt response.

"The girls' words not mine."

"I only look at Flayn."

"Stop staring at Flayn."

"I'm not doing any harm."

"If you keep doing it, I will tell Seteth."

"So what?"

Sylvain placed a rough hand onto Jeritza's shoulder. "Trust me man, you do not want to have Seteth on you. Nothing is more terrifying. I should know."

"You've been lectured by Seteth?" she looked over at Sylvain. "When?"

"Like two weeks after school started. Is that a big deal?" Yes, it was. She was his advisory professor, not Seteth. And she knew nothing about it.

"You two stop with your flirting competitions."

"I suppose we were overheard," Lorenz caught on, not sounding sorry at all.

"Yes, you were."

"So… do not let ourselves be overheard? Got it," Sylvain nodded in understanding, or rather misunderstanding.

"No- "

"Thank you Professor. We apologize for the trouble. We'll make sure it does not happen again."

"Sorry about that Professor," Sylvain agreed with Lorenz, the two ignoring her, walking out.

"So…"

"Stop staring at Flayn."

Jeritza sighed, she wanted to scream.

"Jeritza…" she warned.

"I know I know. I'll stop. May I be excused now?"

"Go."

He gave a small bow, leaving her office. Giving a moment for there to be space between her and the boys, she got up leaving her office as well, and heading straight towards Seteth's. She walked straight in since the door was surprisingly open. Not that she cared at this moment.

"You spoke to one of my students?"

"I'm assuming you're not referring to my sister."

"Obviously."

"Why does it matter?"

"They are my students. I should be the one dealing with them."

"Well apparently you're not trusted to. And is there a reason you did not knock?"

"Your door was wide open."

"It is still proper to knock."

"That is not what I came here to talk about."

"I much prefer it to irrationality."

"So I'm irrational?"

"It sounds like you're being irrational. I am not seeing the big deal. What is this supposed student's name anyways?"

"Sylvain Jose Gautier."

"Oh him." Seteth sounded so exasperated that she actually stopped for a moment.

Seeing Seteth look as frustrated as her actually helped her calm down a little. "Was it that bad?"

Seteth motioned to the seat across from him. Closing the door. She took the offered seat waiting for him to speak.

"For the record, this is not my opinion, it is the students. I had to talk to Sylvain about two weeks ago after several complaints from couples about him flirting with the girls. Apparently he's quite the rake."

"Did you just use the word rake?"

"I'm sorry I am not up to date on whatever words the students use."

"Nothing that sounds particularly good. I prefer rake or flirt. Though I have heard a friend of his say skirt chaser. I think that's a good term to use."

"Skirt chaser?" he chuckled. It was the first time she had ever heard anything good from him. It was a nice sound.

"Why did the student's come to you?"

"Believe it or not I asked them myself. Apparently they were worried about their significant other being tempted by you as well in some cases, and in others they just thought that Sylvain would not respect you." Well they weren't wrong about the latter.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I saw no need. You're not the only one this happens to. I usually only let a teacher know when it is a constant problem. I haven't had any complaints since so I'm assuming I got through to him. I'm curious why this is coming up a couple weeks later."

"I just found out today…"

"I cannot control what others think of your capabilities, and this is part of my job. To be there if they are uncomfortable going to another. I can promise that if there are issues with your students that I notice, I'll inform you. I believe that an advisory professor should be much like a parent. Regardless of age."

She gave a small nod of agreement. "…how…. never mind. If you receive another can you inform me, please?"

"I can. Most usually don't ask to know, honestly I'm glad that you want to."

"I need to lead them well. I cannot do that if I do not know what happens when I'm not around."

"That is true."

"And…I apologize for not knocking."

"Well, I did leave the door open."

She felt a lot better. Her and Seteth seemed to clash a lot since he had almost no faith in her, but they usually managed to be civil and often come to agreements. Seteth seemed harsh, but she was sure that it was just his own unique way of caring.

"Thank you for your time. I'll leave you to get back to your work."

Seteth nodded as she got up to leave, nearly walking right into a fist on the other side of the door.

"Oh hello," the woman with the raised fist greeted her.

Byleth stepped backwards to get out of her way. Taking the invitation, despite it not being Byleth's office, the woman stepped in followed by and older man.

"Manuela. Hanneman. What can I do for the two of you?"

"We were just looking to ask you a question. But we can wait until you're finished with…"

"Professor Byleth," Seteth offered."

"Professor? You're the new professor?" the man turned towards Byleth.

Thrown off a little she merely nodded. Currently her interactions with other staff members were not the best.

"Welcome. It is quite nice to finally meet you. I am Hanneman von Essar. I teach literature classes." Hanneman offered her a handshake and a kind smile.

"Manuela Casagrande. I teach musical classes. The singing kind, and I moonlight as a school nurse. I've heard plenty about you, but truly my expectations were not made high enough," she cut in front of Hanneman, offering her own hand and a more… sultry smile.

"It is nice to meet you both as well," she responded, opting for a small bow. She didn't want to shake Manuela's hand, and Hanneman had given up on a handshake thanks to Manuela blocking him.

"Well since you're here, this seems like a good opportunity," Manuela started.

"Good opportunity?" Byleth asked, looking at Seteth to see if she was the only confused one. She wasn't.

"We came here to ask Seteth out for drinks this weekend," male in question sighed at this point, making it clear he did not want to do it, "but since you're here, why don't you join us as well?"

"I actually agree with Manuela. It would be nice to have another person join us. Seteth and I can only have so much conversation with each other. Assuming you don't drink like Manuela."

"She doesn't," Seteth answered before Byleth could.

"Oh, you two have been out drinking together," Manuela laughed mischievously.

"What? No!"

"Seteth is making an assumption about me."

"Seteth that is quite rude of you," Hanneman scolded him.

"You should not push your ideals onto a woman," Manuela chided him.

Byleth thought she might join them, if only to enjoy turning them on Seteth.

"Aren't you two the ones making assumptions now," Seteth complained.

"You will join us this Friday?" Hanneman pointedly ignored the other male.

Byleth thought about it a moment. She wasn't really fond of drinking, but alcohol meant true nature's coming out, and that was an important thing to know about. So, she nodded.

"Wonderful," Manuela clapped her hands together. "We'll fetch you after classes on Friday. The four of us will walk there together."

"Wait four of us? I never said I was going," Seteth spoke up.

"With how rude you have been to Professor Byleth, I would say you owe her a few drinks. You cannot do that if you're not with us," Hanneman said.

Seteth sighed. "Fine. I don't feel like attempting to argue with you. Plus, it would not do if more than one of you needed help to your apartments."

"Well hopefully that remains as only Manuela."

"You two are horrible! I truly am glad you're coming Professor Byleth. These two men are so rude, and never trust me."

"Can't imagine why." Hanneman rolled his eyes.

"Excuse me?"

Byleth looked over at Seteth, seeing him motioning for her to go, looking absolutely exhausted. Giving a nod of thanks for the warning of what was about to happen, she slipped out of the room as the other two began arguing. Her and Seteth may not be on the best of terms, but at least they didn't constantly argue. Though when she was through with him Friday night, that might not remain true. Maybe she would play nice just to keep the peace. Well, she had a week to decide.

"You okay?" Rhea asked.

"I had Manuela and Hanneman in my office."

Rhea pitied Seteth. The two professors always seemed to end up in an argument. They didn't seem to get along with anyone else outside of Seteth, and sometimes each other, which meant they bothered her advisor.

"To make matters worse, they are dragging me out with them Friday."

"It's been a while has it not? Not since before Flayn joined us."

"I suppose. I really do not wish to go. Especially being they invited Professor Byleth."

"And she said yes?"

"Unfortunately. I have a bad feeling about this Friday," he sighed tiredly.

"Do you want me to come?" The annoyed look he gave her said it all. "Okay calm down. I know it would be inappropriate, at least in public."

"Did you used to drink? At festivals and the like?"

"Occasionally. Not heavy though."

"Ever the role model."

"Look who's talking. Have you ever been drunk?"

"Drunk? No. I was always the responsible one."

"So, you partook in anything special?"

"That's not being drunk."

"But you did."

"Yes…admittedly. What couple didn't?"

Rhea chuckled remembering the festivals they grew up with. "Can't think of any. Oh, how wonderful those days were..."

"You have Cyril."

That she did, and he was so wonderful that it eased the pain of past to a point. "I wish I could have the past and him."

"That would be wonderful."

"By the way…What about Flayn?"

Seteth perked his brow in query.

"Friday night," she provided.

"Ah. I'll just inform her. I trust her to be on her own for part of a single night."

"True. She is old enough."

"Maybe if I'm lucky she'll request that I do not go."

The laugh slipped out before Rhea could stop it. She couldn't help it, honestly. It was just so ridiculous.

"Really now Rhea?"

"Sorry Seteth but you know that's an impossible dream."

"Thank you for your wonderful confidence," he responded dryly.

Rhea shrugged and gave him a sympathetic smile, the male returning to his depressed state. Maybe she should take away some work from him to ease his burden this week. But then she would have to do it. Eh he would be fine. She had a theory that he liked the work. He seemed disturbingly comfortable with it. So much so that she often wondered what he was doing back when they lived in Nabatea. She was fairly sure anything slightly administrative was only in Zanado, and Seteth lived in a fishing settlement, not Zanado. Maybe he organized fish.

"Rhea."

"Hmm?"

"Do. Your. Work."

"Seteth. I think you do need a drink." She regretted it right after she said it as his face took on that look that said she was in for a long stern lecture. What a pain.

"Welcome home brother," Flayn smiled at her father from her spot at their table.

"Hello Flayn. Homework?"

"I guess."

"You guess?" he walked over, looking down at the notebook in front of her. "Are those not some of your classmates' names?"

"Professor Byleth is putting us into teams, and she said it will not be fair. She's having us write our opinions on classmates."

"…Okay…."

Flayn giggled at her father's bewilderment. She loved when something the Professor did was absolutely baffling to him. On one hand he wanted to complain, but on the other he could not since he knew that she was technically not doing anything wrong.

"How was work for you brother?"

"Exhausting. I truly question everyone's work ethic. Rhea included."

"That bad today?"

"Yes. Though impressively Professor Byleth seems determined in some parts of her job. Are Fish Sandwiches okay tonight?"

"That is fine. Some parts?"

"I unfortunately cannot claim to know how hard she works at all parts."

"Did she ask for help on punishing students?"

"Why would you think that?"

"I figured that would be the type of thing she would need advice on from you." She bit back the laugh at his annoyed look. She thought maybe she shouldn't tell him that she had to call three students to her office. "I am joking."

He made a sound that said he didn't believe her, but thankfully did not lecture her. They didn't talk while he finished making them their sandwiches. It was only once they had started eating that he spoke again. "This Friday night I will be home a bit late."

"Does Rhea need you for something?"

"No. I was invited out by a couple of professors. If it is a problem though, I can easily tell them no."

"It is no problem. You deserve to go out and enjoy yourself. Actually, I believe a new movie comes out Friday. I can go see that with a friend and eat dinner out for the night."

"Just a friend?" he frowned.

"If you're that concerned, I can ask a boy, one who is not likely to flirt with us, to go with us. Would that make you feel better?"

"And who are you thinking? Your list of your classmates had a few questionable ones."

"There are quite a few that are nice. Though I would have to talk with Lysithea. This is all assuming she even wants to go Friday. Otherwise, I'll stay home."

"Fair enough. Just promise me you won't invite that Sylvain boy."

"Brother I am looking to enjoy myself, not annoy myself."

"I'm glad we're of the same opinion."

6th Day of The Harpstring Moon, 1999-Tuesday

"The movies?"

"Only if you want to."

"That sounds like fun. There's that new movie, Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light."

Flayn resisted flinching outwardly. "I'm not fond of war movies." Or war anything. Too many negative memories associated with it.

"Okay that's fine. What then?"

"The Soldier's Daughter. A girl dies in her world and wakes up in the body of weak sickly child in another world. It sounded like an interesting concept."

"Sure, that sounds fine."

"Also, I told my brother we would ask boys with non-romantic interests to go with us…"

"Seteth is really overprotective isn't he."

"Too much. I've learned to make compromises when he's like this."

"Then who should we ask that would be willing to go with us. I know that Shadow Dragon movie is really popular. I have a feeling a lot are wanting to go see that. And those likely not to be trying to see it this weekend are people like Sylvain."

They sighed.

"Maybe we can just toss out the offer tomorrow?" Lysithea suggested.

"And risk Sylvain or Lorenz offering?"

"Yeah, good point."

Flayn poked at her food thinking, seeing out the corner of her as someone sat next to her. While they weren't so close that they were touching, they were still uncomfortably close. She looked up to see blond.

"Did the professor speak a different language when talking to you?" Lysithea's harsh voice came through.

"No," Jeritza responded, sounding as though he was bored.

"Then why are you sitting here?"

Flayn paled at the sudden realization. Lysithea had reported Jeritza to Professor Byleth, and she knew that what Lysithea had reported, was what Flayn herself had been too afraid to. She couldn't even be made, since being mad meant explaining what would happen if her father found out.

"The professor merely said to stop staring. I'm not staring."

"…"

"…"

"…"

Maybe the risk was worth it. "I'm telling Professor Byleth."

"For sitting and enjoying lunch?" though he was responding to Flayn, he didn't look at her. He was taking what he was told literally. Flayn was completely baffled. What was wrong with him?

"What is your problem?" Lysithea asked him.

"You currently."

"Then why are you sitting here."

"Not for you."

Flayn just slipped away as the two began arguing. She would find a chance to speak to Professor Byleth about Jeritza. He made it clear that he was sitting there to sit by her. She didn't understand his obsession with her, but it made her uncomfortable, with no sign of it stopping easily. If it continued, then she would take the risk of telling her father.

"No way! Why would anyone want to sit through that?" she heard Sylvain's loud voice.

"Right because a crowded theater is so much better than a non-crowded one," came the sarcastic voice of Felix.

"I agree with Sylvain. One sounds like a simple drama, while the other is drama and action-"

"And heroes," Felix cut off Ingrid. "The exact thing I hate."

"And you're the only one. And to prove it to you, Flayn!" Sighing at Sylvain calling her, she decided to humor him, walking over to the threesome. "Flayn what movie sounds better. A Soldier's Daughter or Shadow Dragon and-"

"A Soldier's Daughter."

"Really?" Ingrid stared at her like she lost her mind.

"I do not like war movies."

"Well looks like you're wrong again Sylvain," Felix grinned.

"Well Sylvain being wrong doesn't change the majority. Dimitri said the same as us."

"Then you three go enjoy your movie. I have no interest in it. I said what I'm willing to see."

"You do not wish to see that Shadow Dragon movie?" Flayn asked him.

"Nah, I hate martyr hero stories."

"Lysithea and I were planning on seeing A Soldier's Daughter, would you like to join us?"

"Sure, why not. Glad to see someone has taste here."

"Wait you're ditching us for kids?" Sylvain asked in shock.

"I am most definitely not a child, despite my youthful appearance," Flayn spat.

"Okay. Before Sylvain says something dumb again, why don't we leave them to gape at our backs and discuss plans," Felix gently pushed her away from the shocked duo. "So those guys were planning on going Friday. Is that when you guys planned it?"

"Yes, that was the plan. Dinner and then the movie, hopefully avoiding the long concession lines."

"People need that popcorn for all those bloody scenes," he rolled his eyes.

"I must admit I expected you to prefer a movie about war."

"I like action movies, but not when they're about knights and heroes. Chivalry is a load of… dung."

"I cannot say I dislike heroes, but war in general. I truly cannot stand it."

"Guess our homeroom class must be rough on you."

"A little, but I like how the professor teaches it."

"Yeah, she doesn't make war seem like something cool or anything. When she talks about it, it's…horrid."

"Movies and stories center on main characters, so when they survive a war, and no one you know about dies, it makes it seem less horrible. But the actual thing, whether you know someone or not…" she could say no more as flashes of bodies and destroyed land flashed through her mind.

"You sound like you've seen war."

"Just pictures. My parents died in a horrible car accident, so I imagine war as looking much like that. The sight of that will never leave my mind."

"I get it. I've never seen anything like that in person, but I know a bit about losing family…" She wondered if it was both his parents or just one. Or someone else. "Anyways I'll look up movie times. We can decide on one tomorrow with Lysithea."

"Okay. I look forward to it. Thank you!"

Flayn was happy as they went their separate ways. Now her father wouldn't worry about her safety. Felix unlike Sylvain was not a troublemaker. She could not wait for Friday.