Greyjedi449t: Glad to hear it! I hope you enjoy this chapter too!
YellowHello1: You stay safe as well! Let me know what your thoughts on with this one. I appreciate any feedback.
Zero kami no mu: You won't exactly get your answer from the chapter, but you can infer from it. There's a reason why Byleth is so much more emotional (other than just trying to make her a more likable character).
Thank you for the reviews and interest. I am happy to hear any thoughts!
Without the weight of her father's fate on her shoulders, it was far easier to enjoy the sights. Alois's words did the place justice. The reception hall was immaculate, from the pristine marble tiles to the extravagant chandeliers that lined the ceiling. Byleth had never been anywhere so lavish. What exactly was she doing here? Thinking through the past several hours, how did it come to this? She stuck out like a sore thumb. She donned neither a tailored uniform or opulent robes. Any confidence she had in addressing the leader of the faith vanished.
Despite the building being the size of a field, Byleth felt claustrophobic. Her eyes scanned all directions available. The large gates on both ends of the receptional hall, being used by knights and priests, had her inching toward the nearest corridor. It was not her fault her father had made her uneasy around the clergy. But, it was Rhea's words that had her so shaken up. Why was she also keeping her in the dark?
Her vertigo faded as she spotted a familiar face amongst the crowd. Her expression changed at the sight of that familiar white hair. It did not matter who the girl was, what mattered was that she had someone to talk sense to her. Having an escape route was always her first prerogative in a new setting. Her father's behavior had her needing to mentally prepare for a hasty retreat should Rhea change her mind.
As she approached the younger woman, it dawned on Byleth who exactly she sought out from the crowd. Her presence was soon noted by both the princess and a lanky man beside her. "Ah, you're still here. I hope everything went well with the archbishop," she greeted the mercenary with a small smile. The difference between their stations did not stifle the student's speech.
The reverse was not exactly true. Even if she dodged Rhea's ire, the girl had the power to make Byleth disappear with a snap of her fingers. The dangerous look in her friend's lime eyes only reinforced the idea. She needed to speak carefully, lest she incur the royal's wrath. "You're… Edelgard, erm… Lady Edelgard? Is that correct?" At least the mercenary appeared to be trying.
Her attempts at respect earned a curt chuckle. The princess waved her hand and maintained a positive expression. "Please. I've already told you that formalities are unnecessary. And have you already forgotten my name?" her words alluded to the unorthodox introductions. The poor mercenary was still reeling in shock. It was not everyday that Fódlan's future despots appeared at someone's door. Quite literally.
"True. Also right, I mean… I didn't forget," she was not exactly in the best place to quarrel with her. "Stil, you have to admit it is weird referring to the Empire's heir so casually." The greatest military power in the world was Adrestia. Her father could not hide the sheer strength of the realm. Her mercenary company had a number of run-ins with imperial soldiers, they all tended to leave an impression. There was a reason why the superpower survived for a millennium. The short girl conversing with her would inherit that unmatched might.
Was Byleth nervous? Yes. Was she showing it? Possibly. Her reserved personality was a boon in these rare instances, like when she was required to talk to future monarchs. "For now, I am a student at the Officer's Academy. You can think of me as such for the time being," Edelgard suggested. The idea succeeded in humbling her somewhat. It was a good reminder that the older woman was no longer on Adrestian soil.
"That does make things easier," she conceded. It would make things easier being in even positions, kinda? It was not like she had anything going for herself. If Rhea made her a servant, she would need to be even more formal with the princess. She hoped that the archbishop would give her an assignment that fit her skill set.
"So, how did the talk with the archbishop go?" Edelgard at least looked to catch onto the fact that Byleth was living and not on the verge of tears with her hopeful expression. "What of your father?" Considering her old man's behavior, Byleth imagined all their onlookers to be more than curious.
Unlike herself, she was aware of her father's place at the monastery. "My father will be reinstated as a knight by the Church," she informed the girl. The news had the other blinking in mild bewilderment, somewhat baffled by the turn of events. Not even the imperial princess knew what was going through the archbishop's mind.
Edelgard was fairly candid with her surprise. She even offered a strange look to the black-haired man at her side. "Really now? How strange, will you be joining him?" She redirected her gaze to Byleth. Her lavender eyes flashed some promise. What she was optimistic for was unclear to the older woman.
The thought of being a knight never registered with Byleth. She never saw herself as the noble and gallant type. Her mercenary lifestyle corrupted her father's teachings. She was not above throwing dirt and taunting her opponents, not that she really needed the underhanded tactics against most of her opponents. "I can't say. Lady Rhea was vague."
"You know my offer still stands," Edelgard remarked. Her words earned some intrigue. Byleth's mind reeled back to earlier that morning. She received offers from the highest authorities of Leicester, Faerghus, and Adrestia within seconds of each other. And considering the archbishop suggested taking her on too, all major factions in the continent hoped to recruit her. Why was she so sought after? What made her talents so enticing? Dispatching bandits was child's play for a competent soldier.
"You mean being your subordinate?" The term was not exactly glamorous, but it appeared to be a habit of all Fódlan's leaders to speak ambiguously. In order to keep all options available, it was best not to get too presumptuous. In her life as a mercenary, the more promising mercenary companies tended to use their own method of haggling. When everyone wants the Bladebreakers most of all, they would get desperate to make their offer the most enticing. She crossed her arms and let the other better clarify herself, giving the girl the chance to convince her why she would be better off with the Empire over the Church.
Edelgard sure enough went ahead to expand on her thoughts. "If you do not feel comfortable here, you can work in the Empire, either as a royal guard or an officer in the army." Both tempting premises even if Byleth had no interest in either. Her friend's outward reaction told of his sudden interest in the mercenary.
Byleth hid her thoughts behind her stoic visage, wanting neither to offend or announce her intent. "Is that truly wise? You've only seen me fight once," she gladly spelled out the issue with the rash proposal. Bodyguards would gladly line up to serve the princess if that was how she operated. Saving Edelgard's life was a small glimpse of her abilities.
"I am more than impressed by what you've shown. Your quick reaction and superb skill were what drove off the bandits, remember?" The expression on the princess's face told her confidence in Byleth, and perhaps an eagerness to see more of her abilities.
"You are right," she accepted the compliment gladly. The praise was apt, proving that the princess was not looking for a pretty face in her ranks. "By the way, who is your friend?" Her eyes met his. Throughout the conversation, he was flagrantly giving her glances. His apparent apprehension had her thinking he was trying not to ogle her, not that she knew the first thing about romance. Her father was very protective.
The princess motioned to her peer. "This is Hubert, my retainer." The man said nothing to the attention, merely standing tall and likely relishing in his title. The small smirk on his pale face communicated to the mercenary his pride. The princess frowned as her peer said nothing. "Hubert, you can speak for yourself too," the girl nudged him soon after.
Adorned in a similar black and gold uniform, Byleth assumed he too was her highness's classmate. He provided a polite smile, willing to show that he acknowledged the other's company, before his attention returned to his charge. "It would be unbecoming of me to interrupt your conversation, Lady Edelgard. You cannot expect me to mingle with everyone that approaches you." Edelgard maintained her frown at his words. The black-haired man sighed and fixated on the mercenary once more. "I have heard your deeds from her highness. I am in your debt."
Even if the dastard… the student did not seem interested in conversing, he at least appeared sincere in his sentiments. "Think nothing of it. I merely acted on my instincts," Byleth supplied back. She did not want to say anything to rile up the retainer's pride.
"Instincts? Interesting," Hubert's speech was already getting under the mercenary's skin. What was that supposed to mean? Interesting? The princess sure knew how to pick them.
The princess pinched the bridge of her nose at her retainer's words. Her cheeks were a shade pinker. "No need to scare her," she chided him in a small voice. "I must apologize for Hubert's words. Impressions aside, he is a vigilant and earnest person. I can assure you that he means well." Considering the devilish smirk on the man's lips, Byleth genuinely hoped the princess was being absolutely truthful.
Hubert's expression told that he thought nothing of the implications behind his liege's words. It was like he accepted his reputation. No. He embraced the reputation. He took pride in being unapproachable to anyone but the princess. "You flatter me, Lady Edelgard. I am honored to serve you so dutifully," he apparently never missed a beat to kiss her rear either. "Consider her highness's words," he said to the mercenary unprompted, "you will be rewarded well, regardless of your birth or background." Was that a piece of advice or a flagrant threat? Byleth struggled to determine which was the case.
Regardless, she felt it necessary not to question the man's words. "Duly noted. I'll keep that in mind," her words appeared to placate the student. Byleth internally took a sigh of relief at what she thought was Hubert's approval.
"Anyways," Edelgard breathed life back into the conversation, "if you are going to work for the Church, we will be seeing each other throughout the year. Don't be shy to approach me on anything." Another appreciated offer. It reminded Byleth of her current conundrum. Looking around the hall, she did not know how to even return to the archbishop's office. The sight of the knights and clergy swarming in and exiting the building was overwhelming too, going back to her earlier dilemma. What should she think of the Church?
Why not ask the student that was glad to return any favors? "I would like that. Truthfully, I am lost. Not even sure where the front gate is," her honest response had Edelgard and Hubert both raising an eyebrow. They did not exactly catch on to her predicament. Byleth externally showed little reaction. Internally, she was pouting.
Edelgard remembered her manners and ceased looking at the other woman with disbelief. "Lost…? Well, it's a straight walk back to the gate." That would explain somewhat why they were baffled by her comment.
"I see. Thank you," Byleth responded almost sardonically. She nearly forgot that she was chatting with the imperial princess. It was not wise to show sass to the nobility her father always said. Though, her father also lied by omission by never telling her about his identity.
"You have a good eye for character," Hubert relayed to Edelgard in an audible whisper. Byleth's sensitive ears picked up on the slight with ease. She suppressed any quip, willing to swallow her momentary annoyance. Bear with it she told herself. Even if he was her faithful servant, he did not seem above teasing her.
Much to the woman's relief, the princess did not take kindly to his words. "Quiet, Hubert." The retainer nodded respectfully to the order. "Where exactly are you going?" The pair of lavender eyes fell on the mercenary once again. Edelgard looked eager to move away from the other student's rudeness.
Byleth shrugged, not sure how to vocalize her plight. "Somewhere to be alone I guess," her eyes wandered her setting over and over. The monastery was bustling with people from all directions. What she would give for a minute of complete silence. She needed all the time in the world to think over what she learned earlier that day.
"I thought everything went well with the archbishop," Edelgard knitted her eyebrows. She glanced to where Byleth presumed was the direction of Rhea's chambers.
Byleth cared little about divulging her personal struggles to the foreign royal. The conversation so far had her able to be somewhat informal, even with Hubert's less than encouraging remarks. "It is strange, going from living as a mercenary to a knight's daughter. I don't really know who I am."
Despite her cool tone, the sympathy in Edelgard's eyes was not lost on the mercenary. She appreciated the princess's attempts at consoling her without creating a scene. "I can imagine that it could take some getting used to. I overheard your conversation with your father earlier this morning. He never told you about the monastery, right?"
"Yes," she responded sullenly. Her distress for once was noticeable. All the secrets and mysteries were burdensome. Her father's quiet nature had her rarely thinking of what she knew of him was true. She had no reason not to see him as a gruff mercenary that could never pay his bar tabs.
Edelgard tapped a finger to cheek. "Why not distract yourself with something? The food here is exquisite," the mention of food reminded Byleth that she missed breakfast due to the bandits. She was already salivating at whatever morsel the pious institution would provide. She was sure her father would be willing to share his plate after the grief he gave her earlier.
It was hard not to salivate at the prospect of quality cuisine. "Really now?" She imagined the food had to be good if it was receiving praise from the Empire's heir. She glanced at Hubert too, wanting more confirmation. The sudden attention had the black-haired man blink incredulously.
The white-haired woman hummed, likely gladdened to see the abrupt shift in mood. "The peach sorbet is to die for," Byleth was quick to take a mental note of the other's words.
Hubert did not share her tastes based on how he wrinkled his nose at the recommendation. "Not my personal choice, but Lady Edelgard is correct. The meals here are nothing to scoff at," he confirmed Byleth's hopes. The second opinion had her over the moon. A high-class meal sounded divine.
The princess clearly latched onto the topic still. It was all that seemed to keep the other woman from slinking back into despair. "Why not visit the dining hall? A little food could help."
"Do they serve fish?" Byleth had a particular soft spot for seafood. It was always a treat for her when her father set up camp near a lake or river. Fishing was a personal hobby for her. One that she and her father shared.
"Many kinds of fish," the student clearly enjoyed being the bearer of good news. "The pond outside has a fine selection." The mention of the water source had Byleth's mouth agape. Since they climbed up the mountain to reach the monastery. The mercenary assumed that the best fishing spot was a steep trek down to the nearby river. The tiniest of creases showed on her lips. This was her silver lining.
She wanted badly to see the spot, monks or soldiers be damned. Whatever her father or Rhea were thinking did not matter. Byleth's almost one-track mind had her focused on the fishing spot. "I will think about grabbing a bite after seeing this pond," Her interest earned a giggle from Edelgard. It may have been presumptuous to assume, but it seemed like the two women were becoming quick friends. Hubert less so.
The partially visible glee on the mercenary's face looked to please the white-haired woman. "That sounds like a good idea. Just exit out this corridor, turn left, and head straight through the dining hall." She readily supplied the directions.
"Thank you both," Byleth had both to thank for her higher spirits. She felt a spring in her step as she rounded the corner with haste. Her hobby and her stomach were two ways to her heart.
Anyone that saw her expression as approached the body of water would know her excitement. Her usual stoicism was betrayed by jubilance radiating in her mint eyes and her unyielding sprint. Without a smile on her face, she was still delighted.
Her eyes widened after taking notice of the rickety pier that jutted from the cobblestone floor. A wooden shack stood right beside it. The kiosk had it with a good collection of fishing poles and a good arrangement of bait. To a normal lady, they would faint at the sight of earthworms and insects wriggling from their displays. To Byleth, she saw the perfect lure to catch a fine carp.
"Do you also fancy fish?" A kind voice snapped Byleth from her thoughts. Her eyes shot to a young girl at her side. Byleth's mint eyes looked into a similar pair once again. Her gaze softened as the question processed. Her usual stoicism remained, but the topic was one that she did not mind.
She nodded to the question, not at all willing to deny her interest. It was what had her rushing over to the pound. There was no point lying when she was almost drooling over the shadows in the water. "Yes. I do."
Her simple answer generally had her conversation partners uneasy. They tended to think she was uninterested. The young girl happily betrayed her expectations with the sheer glee on her face. Her smile was from ear to ear. "That is most spectacular! I could tell by where your eyes hovered. It is gladenning to see another fish enthusiast. Are you any good at the practice?" The younger one spoke oddly. It took a few more seconds for Byleth to properly process the query.
She scratched her head. How long has it been since she last went fishing? Her mind painted a vivid scene of a younger version of herself and her father beside a cliff overlooking the Airmid River. While it was several years ago, Byleth felt it was only days ago. She managed to bag a wiley trout, a few inches shorter than her father's pike. He reassured her that her catch was more than worthy to be their dinner. It was a fond moment between her and her father. The sweet memory had her unknowingly beaming. "I would like to think so."
Byleth's positivity gestured with her current company. The girl looked stoked by the answer. "Marvelous! To be honest, I lack the patience to catch any big fish. My fishing skills have proven a few times to be lacking," she confessed sheepishly.
"It is not that difficult," Byleth shook her head at the other's glum response. "I would not mind teaching you." Whether or not she was all that qualified, the mercenary always sought to be a mentor. Though, she rarely showed her interest in most things. To many, she was unapproachable. People immediately assumed her uncaring from first interactions. Why bother offering proper advice when no one would listen?
"No, no, I could not impose on you." The rejection was different from the usual replies. There was a level of respect in the girl's voice. It was strange to be treated so well despite her status. She was a mercenary, below soldiers and guards in the social hierarchy. The girl she spoke to wore a similar black and gold uniform. It was an unmistakable design when compared to Edelgard's, Hubert's, and the other lords.
Byleth cocked her head, confused by why a student would have issues imposing on a common sellsword. "You're a student here, no?"
Unexpectedly, the girl shook her head. "Not quite. I am staying at the monastery with my brother," she attempted to explain. All the while, the mercenary was wrapping her head around whether or not everyone in the black and gold uniforms were pupils at the Officer's Academy. "Have you met Seteth? Tall, seaweed hair, and too strict for his own good," the younger one asked with consistent enthusiasm.
It was her brother's name that gave the mercenary some clarity. Considering the clergyman's importance to the Church, his sister would be allowed to wear the same clothes as students. The woman acknowledged her recognition. "He was with Lady Rhea. They are currently talking with my father."
"Your father?" The girl's curiosity appeared to be roused. Byleth did not know how much she should say on matters pertaining to her dad. He was no longer in hot water, she assumed, but there were still a lot of uncertainties. Jeralt and Rhea also had yet to finish their talk.
Seeing as how the girl was Seteth's family, there would not be too much harm in divulging the information. She knew that there was some chance that the other would tattle on her for even mentioning the precarious state of the former knight captain. "Yes, he was once a knight for the Garreg Mach."
Her answer earned intrigue. "Has he come to rejoin the Church?" She ooed. Being Seteth's sibling, the girl was bound to have a favorable opinion of the institution. It would be worth talking more in depth about the monastery with her.
"Not really. Lady Rhea wanted him to rejoin," She continued to spill out the truth. The innocent appearance and playful personality was disarming. She saw herself in the girl. Not nearly as expressive as her, but people never could decide if she was a cute face or an enigma. Despite her welcoming visage, there was something about her eyes. The mint pair that matched her own almost perfectly.
"Did she now? How curious," The enigmatic girl retreated into her thoughts. A hand rested on her cheek as she said nothing at first. "What is his name?"
The question raised an eyebrow. What had her so personally invested? Considering her age, there was no way she could have met her father at the monastery. Seteth did not seem all that delighted to see her old man either. Would he really speak of the AWOL knight captain with his younger sibling? "Jeralt."
"Jeralt…" There was a flash of recognition. A split second of complete clarity. Before Byleth could interject, the girl's surprise was hidden. "What would your name be? Forgive me for not asking sooner." Behind her childish innocence, there was something more. Byleth's instincts were screaming at her to back away. Her mind and body both shrugged off the innate uneasiness. Her mouth moved before she was able to clamp it down.
"Byleth." Rather than be met with a dagger or something inexplicably terrifying, she was met with a twinkle in the other's eyes.
"That makes sense," the girl muttered. She spoke softly, loud enough for only the most sensitive ears to pick up on. The mercenary frowned at the words, thrown off by the hint. "Byleth, you are most intriguing. I would hope you stay at the monastery. That would make me most happy," her suspicious behavior vanished instantly. Her almost sickly sweet smile returned dutifully.
She outwardly blinked at the warm words. "Thank you?" Her instincts relaxed at the calmer disposition. How did a child alert a battle-tested warrior? Seteth's little sister was not someone to judge on appearances alone.
"Aha, there I go again with my rambling," she giggled. Byleth knew better… she believed. She truthfully did not know what to make of her present company. She at least deemed the girl not a threat.
"Excuse me?" The woman gave up on trying to make sense of the other's words. She already had Rhea and her father in her sights. Those two owed her answers. Chasing after every suspicious behavior would get her killed. Putting pressure on Rhea was already risky enough. She sighed and soothed her nerves by focusing on the waves. The clear water of the pond had her in a lull.
"Byleth, you have such pretty eyes." The compliment had her staring into the familiar set of orbs. Her confusion was stowed away by her usual stoicism. She was better off not making sense of every comment.
She sighed, unsure of what more to say. "You as well?" The silence between the two of them did not last long. The sound of running coming in their direction had both females glancing back. The mercenary took in the sight of a boy. His fiery orange eyes and olive skin were unique. She rarely met anyone with those physical traits. Her mind went back to a mission she was on in Goneril territory.
"Miss Byleth, there you are," the youth seemed to know her. Her finger pointed to herself. Was he really referring to her?
There had to be a reason he sought her out. She noticed his heavier breathing, remembering that he did not simply walk over to her. He ran at a full sprint. "Have we met?"
The boy shook his head at her question. "Not at all. My name is Cyril. I'm on a mission from Lady Rhea to bring ya back to her." Ah. That explained it. The archbishop mentioned calling her back after she finished talking with her father. She blinked. That talk did not take long.
Returning to reality, the woman offered him a nod. "I see. I was just…" To her delayed surprise, the girl she spoke to moments prior was gone. Well, not gone. Byleth spotted her scurrying off in another direction. Her ears picked up on the other's movements already. Sneaking away from her was not an easy feat. She just did not process the fact until glancing in her direction. Was the girl trying to come off as mysterious? "Never mind."
Cyril scratched his head at the response. He soon motioned for her to follow. "We shouldn't keep her waiting for too long," he said, already walking back to the reception hall. His impatience had her raise an eyebrow, but she was not about to ignore Rhea's summon. No matter how she saw the religious leader, the monastery was her territory. Her power was equivalent to a duke's, king's, or emperor's.
Byleth sighed and followed along passively. It was not too difficult keeping pace with the boy. His impatience was slowed by his stamina. He likely needed some time to regain his energy after coming all this way to find her. The distance between the pond and the office was a good distance for a jog. "Yeh, yeh, I'm coming."
This time around, Byleth took the entrance hall to get back. She could see why Edelgard and Hubert seemed to react when she mentioned getting lost. The monastery was huge, but it was no maze. There were a lot of recognizable landmarks. Still, she was willing to let the boy lead. "What is it about ya that's so fascinating?" He asked with no prompting. Without any proper context, his words made no sense. Who said anything about her being fascinating?
"What do you mean by that?" Byleth tilted her head. Her confusion was visible on her face.
Cyril did not respond immediately. He likely did not mean to vocalize his thoughts. Byleth's intrigue had her unable to back down. Her stare had him concede. "I'm just confused on why Lady Rhea seemed to speak so warmly of you. You don't really strike me as anyone too special." They were not exactly the kindest of words from a stranger. Granted, it was not the first time the mercenary was called off putting or outright creepy. Though, his comment did not seem as malicious. He seemed more focused on the archbishop's behavior more than hers. To that point, she had not the faintest clue.
The topic had her interest piqued. She wanted to do some digging. Everyone at the monastery had her wanting more answers than she had actual questions. "Speak warmly of me? I only met her earlier today," she understood somewhat where the other was coming from. Rhea showed her the utmost respect. Was she not normally so cordial?
"I've never seen ya around or heard about ya before. It's not often that I see Lady Rhea so... unlike herself," Cyril further clarified himself. His comment added to her thought. Who exactly was the archbishop? Alois spoke fondly of her. Her father told her she needed to be careful around her. Her father also lied to her.
Byleth wanted another opinion. "How is she normally?" She asked, her interest registering past her stoic expression. The duo soon exited the first hall and ventured toward the next one. The woman remembered back to how the archbishop reacted to her and her father's arrival. Her eyes lingered on the balcony, almost expecting to see her again.
The boy took a few seconds to collect his thoughts. "She's well… She's so magnificent. She's so great, powerful, and wise." The way he spoke of her gave Byleth the impression he thought similarly to Alois, if not more so. "But when she called me over, she acted very... quiet I guess? It was kinda weird." Quiet? Byleth's mind peeled back to her conversation. That was not exactly the impression she got while speaking. She appeared more uncomfortable in the mercenary's eyes above all else.
"Do you think I caused that?" She wondered if her behavior changed all that much in the short amount of time she spent away from her father.
Cyril did not deny the idea. His hand remained on his chin as they neared the end of the reception hall. "Maybe. She seemed the most off when she was describing you to me. It was not too hard finding ya from what she told me." The comment explained how he recognized her so easily. There was no hesitancy when he called her out. He did not even confirm her identity first before approaching.
Why the archbishop spoke so intently about her was hard to say without any answers. Byleth imagined that the woman was far more connected to her father's past than she may have assumed. Beyond a shred of a doubt, she held the answers the young woman needed. "I see. You seem to think highly of the archbishop. Can you tell me anything about her?" Any information on her father's employer would be more than valuable.
Cyril was practically bouncing as they climbed the stairs. "Lady Rhea is amazing. I don't think that there is anyone else like her. She's so benevolent and strong. She helped me when I needed her most. I owe everything to her," he said, saying nothing but kind words of Rhea.
She was inclined to believe him for the time being. Not that she really did. Her suspicions of the other woman had her unwilling to think of her as majestically as Cyril. "She sounds great. Maybe that is why she forgave my father."
"You can trust her words. I trust her wholly myself," there was no doubt in his voice. His blind faith in Rhea was unquestionable. His infatuation for her was obvious.
"I'll try to trust her too," she said to placate him. Though, her half-hearted response earned a frown. He paused before they reached the doors. Did she say something wrong?
"Try? You don't seem to think much of Lady Rhea," he commented pointedly. His devotion to the archbishop proved to be cumbersome in casual conversation. The teachings of the Church and the influence of the clergy never affected the mercenary. All her life her father mostly shielded her from the faith. Her only exposure was from her fellow mercenaries. Their demure belief in the Goddess was not enough for her to learn about Rhea or the Knights of Seiros, however.
Byleth shrugged at his words, unsure of what to say. Rhea was an enigma to her. Her father's words and her short chat with the other barely gave her much to work with. Her respect was similar to that of a generous client. "She's grand, but she's hiding something."
Her words perturbed Cyril further. "You'll learn that she's only doing the best for everyone," he muttered before turning his back to her and returning to the staircase. Without much of a goodbye, the boy was gone. It might be prudent to at least appear appreciative of Rhea, lest she incur scrutiny from her subordinates. Considering she may be in a similar position to the boy, it was best to show her respect and try to be a little more patient.
Letting go was not easy, but she would try. She pushed open the doors almost reluctantly. She was greeted by the sight of her father, Rhea, and Seteth. Her old man looked to be in one piece. His dour from earlier was mostly gone. "Ah, Byleth, how was your walk?"
"I went to the pond. It was very nice," She replied. Her awkwardness did not seem to faze the archbishop. The older woman continued to beam. Whether she was truly in good spirits or not, she appeared interested in whatever the mercenary had to say. It was disconcerting, but her behavior also affirmed the high praise she received. Her warmth was likely what inspired such fervor from those like Cyril.
Rhea continued to prove that point. "That is splendid. It gladdens me to see you happy," she sounded so genuine with her words. She did not come off as magnificent, but her jubilant reply once again had lulled Byleth. It felt like the woman cared for her. Still, it was hard to say whether or not she acted quiet too. Byleth opted to stow away the thought and go along with the conversation.
Rather than the archbishop continuing, it was Seteth that gave clarity on her sudden summon. He cleared his throat and pointed his gaze on the newcomer. "We have decided now on a position for you. Due to one of our professors being chased by the bandits you routed, we thought it pertinent to fill the vacancy. While this may be different from your background, learning from Jeralt means you should be more than qualified to mentor students in combat. You will henceforth be a teacher at our Officer's Academy," the advisor succinctly proposed. The offer earned a rare double take from Byleth. To say that she was expecting such a position would be grossly wrong. She imagined a role as a ceremonial guard or a commissioned mercenary.
"You mean I'll teach the very students I saved?" Her reserved voice hid her disbelief. She was most baffled by the mere thought of a mercenary mentoring royalty. It seemed like sheer fantasy, something that could only occur in a story. Her stomach churned at what was being left unsaid. What were they thinking giving her that role?
Seteth began to nod to the question before he paused the motion. "Almost. You will be representing one of three classes. Each is led by a house leader, Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude. You will instruct the class and serve as combat instructor to the other two. It may sound daunting, but you may rely on me as a resource." The explanation left a lot to be desired. Still, the little that was said had her head spinning. It was not the role itself that had her apprehensive. Rather, it was why the Church permitted her, a young mercenary, to instruct an heir apparent to one of the three great nations.
Considering how he left little room for questions and how neither gave her clarity earlier, she felt no point in voicing her concerns. They did not even expressly ask if she wanted to be a professor. They already decided. "That is reasonable. Is that all?"
The advisor blinked at the curt response. He sighed and massaged his brow. "Yes… Is there anything more you wished to discuss? We have set aside one of the vacant dorm rooms to serve as your bedroom. You will be permitted full access to the dining hall and other amenities. You will be provided a teacher's salary at the start of every month alongside an allowance to purchase weapons or equipment." It appeared that arrangements were made before she could vocalize her reservations.
Seeing as how Seteth gave her the chance to speak, Byleth felt inclined to try her luck. Her impatience got the better of her. "There is one more thing."
"Oh? What would you like to know?" Her words earned the green-haired man's immediate attention.
Byleth reminded herself to be polite and less demanding. She was speaking with her boss and a respected member of the clergy. "I would like to know why I'm being allowed such an important role. Pardon my rudeness, but it doesn't make sense to me." Her practiced speech was a habit picked up from serving as a point of contact with noble clients. They demanded obedience first and foremost, even if their lands were being plundered by cutthroats.
Seteth scratched the back of his head. He knitted his eyebrows and thought to himself before saying anything more. "Your question is warranted. Circumstances are… peculiar. We want to fill the vacancy immediately and recognize your skill set. Someone with your training is rare to come by on short notice." His explanation articulated some of her suspicions. Being the daughter of the famed knight captain catapulted any real qualifications.
Though, his words were not enough to satisfy her skepticism. Regardless of her parentage, she was an outsider. She never took a step into a place of worship until that morning. Having an agnostic professor sounded almost blasphemous. She struggled at understanding their logic. Did they completely absolve her father of his offense too? "But I know nothing of the Church," Byleth mentioned.
"That shouldn't be a problem," he was quick to counter with a small smile. "You will be instructing the students on tactics and combat, not religious doctrine." It was reassuring to know that her capacity as a professor would not have her go too far out of her comfort zone. Preaching sermons and singing hymns did not seem possible for her to do.
However, his answer did not do enough. Each response failed to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Jeralt. "But what about my father? He left without notice, right?" The older man's sulking earlier had her convinced he would receive a punishment or be watched with suspicion.
She was his daughter. She clung to that fact desperately. In the back of her mind, she wondered if it were still the case. She remembered him telling Alois she was born a year after he left. That had to be the truth, right?
Her worries were starting to show. Jeralt moved to place a hand on her shoulder. She stared at him warily. What was he hiding from her? "By, it's fine. I get what you're feeling. It's okay, everything will work itself out." As much as she wanted to deny that, the calming tone convinced her into letting go of her disbelief, for now. She would have to accept that the Church chose her based on her father's name and her abridged history, and that her father was readily welcomed back into the knight order.
"I… Fine. I'll stop," Byleth surrendered. The defeat in her voice was obvious. These extraneous circumstances took their toll on her mind. Even if she generally failed to be expressive, she was able to be emotional from time to time.
Rhea notably frowned at her pathetic reply. Her father backed away as the archbishop moved in closer. Her gaze was level with Byleth's. The clergywoman allowed the other to see her sympathetic demeanor. Truthfully, the mercenary felt almost placated by the kind act alone before any words were shared. "Dear child, you must understand that you truly are perfect for this role. I have heard from your father. You're gifted, disciplined, and honest. And while you may feel uneasy, I vow to give you a haven here."
Even with all her doubts, the amiable tone had her wanting to believe Rhea. She wanted the woman to be right. "And why me, Lady Rhea?" She mustered only a small voice, no longer feeling hard pressed to actively counter her.
Rhea did not scoff or deride her for the question. Instead, she continued to smile favorably. Byleth understood then why everyone spoke so fondly of the archbishop. Her father's words came to mind as well. The archbishop was not someone she could hate. "It is because I see something great in you. I wish to give you the opportunity to prove yourself. I swear on the goddess herself that you will make me proud." Her speech felt so personalized, more earnest than the offers by any of the three lords. She could not turn down this offer, because her feelings could not bear to disappoint Rhea. "Does that satiate your worries?"
"It will do… Lady Rhea," She muttered. The hurt and concern in her voice was gone. Aside from the thoughts still lingered in the back of her head, she felt at ease.
Byleth's satisfaction appeared to elate the archbishop even more. "Perfect. You may seek me out if you have any concerns. I can make time for you," Rhea gladly offered. Despite the offer coming from one of the most powerful people within the continent, the mercenary did not bat an eye. She accepted the prospect with no difficulty.
"I'd like that," the younger woman answered with a small smile. There would be a time to ask her questions later. She trusted that her father and Rhea would fess up in due time.
With nothing left to be said between teacher and archbishop, Seteth took the invitation to speak. "Now, we should discuss your class arrangements. There are three classes. The Black Eagles led by Edelgard. The Blue Lions led by Dimitri. The Golden Deers led by Claude. You're free to pick whichever class you would like. I will give you the time to decide before making any decisions." Byleth remembered back to the implications behind being a teacher at the esteemed Officer's Academy. Mentoring royalty and nobility was bound to be a herculean task. Rhea's assurances had her willing to overlook the daunting implications of the task. Instead, Byleth was able to think on who she would prefer to instruct.
The decision was a simple one. From the short interaction she had with one class leader already, she felt confident in her choice. "No need, I choose the Black Eagles."
Seteth sheepishly nodded to the hasty decision. "... Very well then."