A Slight Change
Byleth quickly paced in front of the infirmary with clear worry on his face. He managed to save his father when Monica attempted to shiv him. A second too late and Jeralt would have been killed, a thought that makes a cold dread wash over him.
Manuela opens the door. "Good news professor, Jeralt should be just fine with a few days of rest. He's pretty lucky actually, that dagger left a nasty cut, but nothing too serious." Byleth sighed in relief. Thanking Manuela, he made his way into the infirmary room and saw his father laying on one of the beds.
"Hey kid, made you worry didn't I?" Jeralt mused. All Byleth could do is tear up and hug him tight. "Woah hey I'm still pretty banged up so be careful." Yet they are both reluctant to let go.
"Lady Rhea, we cannot stand idly by as Jeralt's attackers are out there, possibly scheming a more elaborate assault." Dimitri was attempting to persuade the Archbishop in order to grant him and Byleth permission to squash the enemy before they could do any more harm.
A stern pause was held between them, but Rhea eventually cracked and allowed the Blue Lions to head out into the forest and finish what had started in Remire village. Byleth was more than glad to join Dimitri for the mission. The house leader called upon the rest of the Blue Lions and prepared to head out. Byleth was doing the same until a hand grasped his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Jeralt with concern strewn on his face.
"Hey kid, I know that you're mad about me almost kicking the bucket, but could you act rationally for a sec?" Byleth looked confusedly at his father, does he not want him to bring that woman to justice? "You've been acting on instinct ever since that day. Sooner or later that's gonna get you killed." Pulling away from his father, Byleth gave Jeralt a nod of reassurance and quickly left to join his class. He felt somewhat bad for not hearing his father out, but if defeating his attackers meant bringing closure on this whole chapter, he would take the plunge.
So much had happened during that fight, much of it felt like a dream honestly. He had woken from the lap of Archbishop Rhea with an awkward yet calming aura radiating from her. The fight with Solon seemed so quick, Byleth couldn't make the details clearly either. Massaging his head, Byleth made his way back to the Blue Lion's classroom. There, Dimitri greeted him eagerly. "Professor! How have you been?" Byleth smiled and nodded with content.
"I must say, when you emerged from the sky like that, I honestly thought you were the Goddess herself." Dimitri chuckled. "Yeah, I honestly thought some divine intervention was about to go down." Sylvain chimed in, with Felix close behind. "Don't be ridiculous, the Goddess wouldn't even think of intervening in a fight such as that. You sound like a lunatic." Felix, as always, bashing Sylvain for a minor inquiry. "Oh yeah? So how would you explain that situation then Felix?" The red haired lad demanded.
"Hell if I know. It sure ain't the work of some petty God."
Byleth laughed internally.
After minutes into the argument, a freckled archer came into the room, more than eager to share some information. "Hey guys, Alois said that they were finally able to wake her up." Her? Byleth gave an expression of confusion. "Oh that's right, you don't know. Ashe is talking about that woman we fought last time, the one we thought had perished in that void." Wait, could she actually be alive? Dimitri pondered a bit on what their name was. "What did she go by again? It was… ah yes, I believe it was Kronya."
Byleth followed Alois and Seteth into a hidden passage under the monastery. Byleth marveled at the fact that this was kept so well hidden, especially regarding that mess in Abyss. But his thoughts still raced at the fact that Kronya was still alive. How would that even be possible? He saw her get sucked into the same void that enveloped him. The only way that she would be able to escape was by Sothis herself releasing her. Can it be that she slithered out as soon as he opened that rift? No, the idea itself seemed idiotic. Then how?
"Lost in thought professor?" Byleth perked up. "You should stay focused, we are going to interrogate this individual in the hopes of getting vital information out of them. I don't even understand why Lady Rhea even allowed you to come with us." Seteth started to unlock a door that contextually would lead to where they held Kronya, hinted by all the muffled screaming.
Alois reassured Seteth's weary mind. "Oh come now Seteth, if anyone would know anything about these hooligans it would be the professor. After all, they were there, up close and personal with them." Seteth exhaled rather loudly, probably not wanting to fight over the situation any longer. As soon as the door opened, the three were pelted with insults and curses called out by a woman bound to the wall, struggling against her chains.
"Filthy vermin! Release me at once or else you'll endure true suffering!" Kronya yelled at the top of her lungs. She quickly looked at Byleth as he caught her attention. He stared deep into her eyes and she did the same.
"Ugh, if it isn't the damn kid. What, have you come to humiliate me even more?!" Byleth was tempted, but for the sake of interrogating her, he couldn't really mess with Kronya. "Quiet! You stand before us now to relay any information you may have on behalf of your cause. We will not allow harm befall on the church or the Archbishop!"
Byleth had never heard Seteth be so stern and commanding, other than when he helped drive off the vandals off of his wife's grave. "Ha! You worms really think I'm gonna talk?! As if. I rather die than do so!" Byleth disregarded the fact that she basically did die that day. "The Archbishop allowed you to live based on the assumption that you have something to share. So care to enlighten us before we discard your worthless carcass?"
A weird unease washed over Byleth. Sure he wanted to kill Kronya in the fight they were going at. But this seemed like merciless killing, even if she did attempt his father's life. "Heh, like I said before. Death would be more favorable than this." She stops struggling and rests against the wall she's bound to.
"Hmph, seems like we've wasted our time with this scoundrel. I'll make arrangements to have her executed off the premises." Alois was taken back by Seteth's quick judgement. "Woah there Seteth! This is how you handle an interrogation?! No no no, you have it all wrong. You need to squeeze the answers outta them, but in a polite and respectful manner," Alois looks at Kronya, "Fear not prisoner, we simply want to know what your people will do next. If you tell us, we might even offer you your freedom."
Turning to Seteth, Alois gave a big ol' wink as if his words actually persuaded the shackled woman. All the green haired man could do is cover his face in disappointment. Byleth was dumbfounded. Sure he never interrogated anyone in his life as a mercenary, but he can sure as hell tell that neither of them have a clue on how to get some answers from their captive.
"Why are you still loyal to that man? He kept you alive only to serve his selfish goals, and even then his plan didn't work. I was able to escape from their trap, so your life was used in vain. Don't you see that you mean nothing to them?"
Byleth heard each of his words echo in his head. They left him feeling...frustrated? Odd enough as it is, this is the first time he could feel the impact of his voice resonate in him. Seteth and Alois just stared in a noticeable interest. Kronya did the same but her gaze was different. Byleth could see, no, feel the emotions she was invoking just by staring right into his eyes. Anger, spite, unease and...hurt. "Hell do you know huh?! It's foolish for you to think that your words hold any meaning to me. You just lie in order to get what you want, you pigs!"
Seteth noticed the change in attitude that Kronya had displayed. He led Byleth to the corner of the room and brought his voice to a whisper. "Professor, it would seem that she only responds to what you have to say. You're the only one that is able to make her emote based on the context you've collected. And since we don't have that context, we will leave the interrogation to you. I do hope that this isn't too sudden." Wait, what? Byleth stared at Seteth in disbelief, he doesn't want to spend anymore time with Kronya than what he already has to.
"I will inform Lady Rhea over the situation. You'll have till the end of the month to gather information on any attacks or assaults that may be conducted on to the monastery. Sorry to pressure you, but I think the Archbishop may have something planned for you at the end of the pegasus moon. Well, we will take our leave, won't we Alois?" The man he directed was already dozing off, Seteth simply grabbed him by the collar and dragged them out the door.
Byleth could barely fathom what had just been placed onto him. He looked at Kronya and resentment fully came over him. He felt regret for even speaking up. "Great, I'm stuck with your idiocy. Dying wouldn't be so bad right about now." Kronya mused. Byleth allowed a groan to escape his mouth.
Byleth stared at the ceiling of his room. Yesterday wasn't the best. All he did was sit there and take the brunt of Kronya's insults. They had him mentally exhausted, even if they were empty threats. Instead of arguing with her, he thought that it would be best for her to blow off some steam. After all, today will now mark the second day that he would endure the filthy words of a sociopath.
On his way to the secret passage, Byleth stumbles across Mercedes. She takes quick notice and offers him some treats she had baked earlier. "Hello professor, you don't look so well. Do you have something on your mind? If so, I really think some sweets would do you right about now."
He happily accepted and took a few treats off of Mercedes. He's glad to know that people like her exist in the world, making things better and feel alright. Realization hits Byleth once again as he is due a talk with a certain lady. He bids Mercedes farewell and heads to his destination
It's dark, moist, damp and warm. The conditions are awful to keep someone captive. Sure, there is the indifference that is present when fighting brigands and looters. But having a prisoner kind of makes it difficult for Byleth. He always just disregarded any emotion he feels when fighting others, after all, that is how he got the name 'Ashen Demon' from his exploits. Reaching for the door handle, he slowly creeps in with anticipation of death threats looming around the corner.
"So you came back, you disgusting rat. I honestly thought that yesterday would be enough for you to give up and just kill me already." Byleth decides to fully enter the room and pulls up a chair that was nearby. He sits down and stares at Kronya who begins to struggle again.
"Are you going to stare at me again you weirdo? Geez, I can't threaten your life if you don't react in any way to it." Byleth scratches the back of his head and makes a small frown towards Kronya. All he can really do is wonder how to make her spill any information she has and how to do it.
He grabs one of the snacks out of his coat's inner pocket and munches on it. The sweet texture is just as he likes it. Kronya just stares at him, eating the sweet he got from Mercedes. Some discomfort runs through him as he doesn't know how to react to the situation. Out on a whim, Byleth pulls out another sweet. "Want one?" God...damn it. He doesn't know why he offered her a treat, maybe it was because he felt pity towards her.
She'll reject it anyway. A momentary silence was held between them. That is until the silence was broken. "W-why are you… Are you stupid or something? You do remember that I tried to kill your dad right?" He hadn't forgotten. And yet he found himself in this awkward situation. "Yes I remember. But it feels unethical for me to eat while you just watch."
Byleth wrapped the sweet in a cloth and tossed it at Kronya. Her shackles were at a distance in which she would be able to reach it. Yet she just sat there, refusing the treat. "Wow, you really are stupid. Is this some kind of ploy to get me talking? If it is, it's really pathetic." Kronya snorted at Byleth's sympathetic gesture. He wasn't mad, after all, he expected the outcome.
Nevertheless, it was time for him to attempt to question her. But that didn't really work out last time, the outcome was her begging to die, so he tried something else. "Have you put any thought on what I told you?" Kronya scoffs, not really wanting to get into the same dilemma.
"Ugh, this again, why do you even care about that?! My life means nothing to you!" Byleth keeps quiet for a while, not really knowing how to respond. But after a few seconds dwelling on the matter, he voices his disagreement.
"You're wrong. Your life meant nothing to Solon, hence why he senselessly used you in his plan to banish me. It's deplorable to use people's lives as such," Byleth leans in, attempting to make his point across. "I cannot understand how you can defend people with this mentality. Your life is not to be thrown away for anyone else other than your own beliefs. That is what I believe and what you should realize. You're not an asset, you are a living person who should be able to decide her own fate."
Why am I getting so vocal over this?! Byleth was concerned with himself. He felt that he was getting too invested in a person he should be apathetic to. Especially a person as morally flawed as Kronya. The air was tense and yet quiet. It was nauseating waiting for a reaction to break the tension. Byleth looked into Kronya's eyes and a sharp feeling hit his chest. It was warm and very unpleasant in a...comforting way. He could yet again feel the emotional turmoil going in within her head. The confusion, nervousness, hesitation, and understanding. She just remained mute, no longer wanting to discuss with him any longer.
Byleth fell into an anxious state. He didn't mean for there to be any hostility between him and Kronya. "Excuse me...I have to be elsewhere." Byleth gets up and exits the room. As he closes the door, he thinks over the spiel he gave. Do I really believe that? He allowed the thought to fade as he remembered he had a class to teach. He also needs to make that monthly report to Rhea.
Dimitri, Claude and Edelgard were standing outside, chatting over whatever they usually do. The Blue Lion's leader looked over to Byleth and called him over. "Professor! Have you made any progress on your interrogation?" He had hoped Dimitri wouldn't have asked.
A simple shrug was all he could muster. "Interrogation you say?" He shifted his gaze to Claude. "I must admit, you are the persuasive type, but you aren't the most intimidating. If you'd like, I can offer you some tips on how to effectively break your hostage." Byleth let himself laugh for a change. It really helped to have a charismatic yet mysterious fellow to raise his spirits.
"Who are you interrogating, professor? They seem to be important." Edelgard showed interest in this individual. Why would that matter? Byleth simply explained that it was a person they fought a while ago. "Hmm, that's a wide array of people to take into account." She shared. "Edelgard, Seteth called for privacy in this matter. I wish for you to respect that." Dimitri instructed. She apologized and the four kept a conversation up for a while, until it was time for instruction.
There was certainly a pressure present. Byleth had to dwell on the fact that he was going to the holy tomb at the end of the month, had to teach his students during said month and interrogate a woman to get vital information out of her by the end of it. He knows people think of him as a prodigy and what not. But it was weighing him down to know that people will expect only the best from him. Still, Dimitri and the rest of the Blue Lions make the work bearable. He wasn't going to let them down; he hoped to depend on them to do the same.
What should I do for her? Byleth was hesitant to head to his captive, instead he made his way to the dining hall. He needed to ease the nerves before confronting Kronya again. There was no plan, no sure way to get her to talk but there was sure a lot of anxiety. He put wine in a flask and grabbed a loaf of bread; keeping it all in his coat to take to her. He stalled for long enough anyway, he needed to complete the third day of questioning.
Stepping down the passageway, the sheathing of a blade rang out loudly. Byleth quickly made his way to Kronya's room, finding Hubert at the door, obviously surprised. "Ah, professor... Seteth did say I'd find you here. He believed that you'd need a motivator in your endeavors." Hubert extended his hand and revealed a dagger. Byleth was skeptical, he thought Seteth wanted complete anonymity over this situation.
Yet here he found himself with the suspicious Black Eagle. He took the dagger and made way for Hubert to leave and he did so. Some fear had instilled him, looking at the dagger with anticipation. He slowly unsheathed it, hoping not to see any blood. There was none. With a sigh of relief, Byleth placed it in his pocket. I-I already have a dagger… was he trying to kill her? Or am I looking too much into this?
Byleth didn't want to assume, but he made a mental note on Hubert. He opened the door and found Kronya, somewhat stressed out. "Who...who was that outside the door?!" He was taken by surprise, he didn't take her for the worrisome type. "It was just a student, they aren't a threat to you." Her loud response blasted his ear drums. "I'll be the judge of that you degenerate! There is no way in hell a lowlife you teach would be down here just for the hell of it! Tell me who it was!"
Byleth was enveloped by her fear, it was potent and miserable. He felt as if he had no choice but to give in. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you, just relax yourself. Their name is Hubert, I believe you two… talked once…"
Kronya could only stare at Byleth with a face of anguish and despair. He himself was getting assaulted with all the horrible feelings she was displaying. It was like he was experiencing them himself. What is going on?! I feel like I'm in her shoes, attacked by all of the horror she is taking in. It was as if he could feel his heart skip a beat. Kronya's voice brought his attention to the matter at hand. "N-no, it just had to be that excuse of a person. He was planning on killing me, wasn't he?! I heard him unsheath that dagger, I-I thought it was you trying out a new lousy tactic." She was getting more and more scared with each word she spoke.
Byleth carefully approached Kronya, not wanting to spook her any more than what she already is. "Kronya. I need you to explain what is going on. I…I want to help you resolve this inner conflict you have. Please confide in me." The words slipped from his mouth.
A nervous laugh comes back as a response. "Help me?! HELP ME?! You don't want to help me, you're just looking out for yourself! A person like myself can't be helped! I just serve as collateral. If I open my mouth, then there would be death not just for me, but for everyone else in this god-forsaken place! And if I keep my mouth shut, the outcome is the DAMN same! So to hell with it, just kill me! I thought I was understanding the utter lunacy you were spouting on about, but it serves no purpose. Just get on with it, I can't stand just waiting for the inevitability of dying at the whims of this imprudent fate!"
Nothing... Nothing but silence violating the room. Neither Byleth nor Kronya dared break it. They wait there, hoping something would interrupt the turbulent static that they found themselves in. Until finally, the loud frightening sound that the Sword of the Creator made drew their attention. She hesitantly accepted her fate, to simply perish. He rejected it. Without hesitation, Byleth cleaved through the air, breaking the chains that kept Kronya restrained. Shock was all she could muster while he held a firm gaze.
Kronya forcefully pinned Byleth to the ground, placing both hands on his throat. She squeezed tightly, her emotions running rampant. All she could do is stare deep into his trusting eyes, finding understanding and solemn embedded in them. She quickly stops as regret washes over her, allowing him to breathe once more. Their eyes never wander, they stay fixated, unwavering. "Why? Why are you doing this?! You are the most braindead worm I have ever come across…" Byleth could see what appears to be tears forming around her eyes, the shine and gloss that radiate from them is hard to watch. "I don't want you to suffer from this delusion any longer. Please...allow me to help you." He could feel his cold heart pulsating, as if it were aching, and she knew it.
The night was calm and serene, only the noise of the bugs chirping and the wind humming was present. Byleth made his way into the hidden entrance that led to Abyss. Water ran down the passage as he continued to the inner depths of the place. The voice behind him curiously commented.
"What the hell? You vermin have an underground labyrinth?!" Kronya looks in surprise at the lively market that she found herself in. "Astonishing isn't it? I have to speak to someone real quick, don't antagonize anyone while I'm gone." Byleth left her to wander. He knew it was somewhat of a bad idea, but it'll only be momentarily.
He made his way to Yuri, who frivolously greeted him. "Ah, back again old' friend? Well, old isn't the right word for it, how about new? Makes you sound younger and a lot more fancy."
Byleth tells Yuri about the Kronya situation. The enigmatic lad chuckles and gives his honest response. "Haha! Sounds like trouble to me, pal. Yet you seem to forget why Abyss exists in the first place. Of course she can stay here, she fits right in...more or less." With a pleased demeanor, Byleth thanks his underground friend. Heading back to Kronya, he sees the sociopath indulging herself in a brawl. He knew what he got himself into, yet he couldn't help but see the great potential in this crazed woman. The potential to change, to prosper, to grow...to live.
After the brawl, Byleth took Kronya to the tavern to discuss matters. The humane conditions finally removed the stress and tension that was between them. Sitting at a table, they both put their attention on the problem at hand.
"You're a fool, I know that now. I can easily kill you and escape this sad mess." She attempts to make him wary of the situation, making him think on what he is getting into. "Will you? You can't go back. If you do, I'd hate to know what they'd do to you." He leaned closer to Kronya, accidentally making it awkward. "You don't have to tell me who these people are if you're going to die for it."
She interrupts. "Even if I wanted to talk, I no longer have a clue on what they plan to do next." That somewhat reassures Byleth, knowing that he didn't need to worry over an attack...for now at least. "That is relieving to hear. Since you don't have a place to go, you can stay here, in Abyss. These people hide here for similar reasons to why I took you here." He takes out the flask and bread he got earlier.
"Here, I'll be here tomorrow to check on you." Getting up, he gets stopped by her. "How do you know that I'll even stay put, huh? That I won't leave?" Byleth simply looks at her and responds to her in a serious but tender manner.. "I trust you."
There was a loud knocking on his door. Byleth jolts awake and gets out of his bed. Opening the door, he finds Seteth making a furious expression. "I presume you know the reason for my visit," Byleth makes a nervous nod, "how could you allow that woman to escape! Do you have any idea what sort of plans our enemies had?! The details she could've covered!"
Seteth continued on his rant for what seemed like hours, only stopping to berate Byleth and the manner he conducted the interrogation. He had to sit through it, it's the best he can do to at least make up for releasing Kronya after all.
Exhausted from the harassment done by his superior, Byleth continued his day as normal trying to get his mind off it. He instructed his class, checked on the green house, mandated meals, stocked up on weapons, up until he met up with his father. "Nice to see you out and about. I heard of the ritual that Rhea is going to put you through, sounds like high and mighty stuff. Not to mention you having to handle the brats. You sure you can manage all of that this month?"
It was nice to hear Jeralt voice concern for him, especially in times that he thinks that the world might collapse right on top of him. Byleth assured his dad that it's nothing he can't handle. He was a bit skeptical, but Jeralt took his word and bid his son farewell.
It was getting dark and around the time to make sure Kronya put faith into this new spin on her life. Byleth once again traveled to Abyss, hoping to see his fiendish acquaintance still there.
Sure enough, he found her, trying to step on a cat. "You furry little cretin! Stop so I can get a good stomp in!" Byleth immediately grabbed her by the arm, taking her by complete surprise. She made an attempt to swing at him until she realized it was him. "God damn it! You spooked the hell outta me! Don't sneak up like that." He didn't mean to of course. "I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention. Why are you attacking that cat?"
"It scratched me when I grabbed it! I'm not gonna let some furball get away with that." Kronya tried to get back to killing the cat, but Byleth still wouldn't let her. "Hey c'mon, you don't have to kill everything that upsets you. Like what you did with me."
She turns to him wanting to say something, yet nothing does leave her mouth. Byleth gets nervous, but it feels different. The nerves really mess with his judgement, making him feel as if he is doing wrong for stopping Kronya's actions. He snaps out of his thoughts by her speaking up . "Uh...how long do you plan on grabbing me? What, you took a liking to me or something."
He hadn't taken notice of the duration of time he had been holding her. Letting go of her arm, he profusely apologized. "I-I am so sorry. I was lost in our conversation, I didn't mean to be so intrusive." Why didn't I realize sooner?! And why do I lose myself whenever I'm around her? This is developing into a serious problem. I can clearly visualize my thoughts and the livid episodes I withstand in her presence...Is this normal?
Byleth exhales slowly. "Do you know that it makes me happy to see that you're still here?" Kronya makes a low chuckle in response. "Yeah right. You're only happy because my death is washed from your hands. You don't have to feel guilt if I happen to die now." He shook his head at the notion.
"No Kronya, you made me feel emotions like I've never experienced before in my life. They're potent and can't be denied, I've tried to suppress these thoughts but it ends up in utter failure. I want to be able to see you at your best, making life changing choices, creating new possibilities and really finding a reason to live." That really sounded like a confession, but I mean it and I hope she can see that.
Kronya stares with a dumbfounded expression. She doesn't know what to make of what Byleth had told her. Nobody has shown real sympathy like he has, really messing with her cognition of what is stupidity and what is honest compassion. "Y-you really mean that you fool? I can't make a distinction between an act of unselfish resolve or ludicrous misconception."
Byleth grabs her by the shoulders and gazes into her eyes. She gets put off by the amount of confidence he displays in doing so. "I promise you, I don't want to let you down now that I've put all of this pressure on you. Everyone deserves a chance at a real life, including you." They both stand there, relishing in the broad new view that has presented itself to them.
The day has arrived for him to receive the message from the goddess at the holy tomb. During the month, days passed like a blur, no real substance being gained from any of it. The only real moments Byleth strongly remembers are the ones with Kronya. The social struggle she faced, the moral understanding of the world, even matters in ethics and what not. All of it pretty much fell flat, but he didn't want to reform or rehabilitate her anyway. He just wanted her to find a sense of purpose and not to just throw that away as if it were a flimsy piece of paper. Her murderous tendencies would hold up, but now her fits of rage now seem to be more controlled, especially in his presence. The process was taking time, but Byleth would not give up, not this far anyway. He more or less just spent time with her, attempting to find some interests she may have and investigate them. But he's happy with the progress.
When Byleth visited Kronya, he sensed the troubled thoughts she manifested on the new spin on her life. He doesn't know if she is happy over the change or unsure. If he had left her alone, it would feel as if he had abandoned some humanity by shamelessly leaving a stray like that. So there he was, given her company, buying food and beverages, giving her insight. It felt...good, showing compassion to someone in need of it. But as of today, he won't know what the future has in store for him. Sothis is gone. How is this going to work? He still had to go through with this ritual anyway, to see if he would be able to see her again.
This is what she was talking about. Revealing Edelgard would have gotten Kronya killed, just because she was being interrogated. He felt sick in his stomach. The realization of what Kronya said, that she made no difference, really hit home. This war was inevitable, and she knew that. The only thing that would have changed would be if they killed her for it.
Now Byleth had to prepare for the assault the Empire would make on the monastery. The Blue Lions were anxious, the only exception would be Dimitri. He had a sneaking suspicion ever since he had recovered that dagger, the prince only needed to confirm it. Byleth felt as if he was responsible for the change for not looking out for him enough. He needed to make up for it, to make things right for Dimitri. So he'll support him in killing Edelgard, no matter how loose he looks. Remembering the orange haired assassin, Byleth pondered on what her fate could lead to now, he wanted to try something new with Kronya. He feels like she trusts him enough for her to hear out his proposition.
In Abyss, Byleth looks around for Kronya, excited to share the news. He shouldn't be, afterall, the news relies on the war that she detested this whole time. After walking around a bit, he sees her, sitting in the tavern.
One glance was all she needed to make her smile, comforting Byleth. "Hey, how'd that stupid ritual go? Hopefully you found out that your goddess is just a big fad." Byleth nervously chuckled. "Well, it didn't go as planned, nothing really did." She leans in, showing interest in what he has to say. "An attack happened in the tomb. It showed me who had a grasp on your life. It was the empire's princess, Edelgard." Byleth looked to find what reaction she would make to act accordingly. But after seeing the relief and respite she emotes, he just leaves her be. "She actually instigated this war of hers...good. I was getting sick of being taken hostage by her political agenda."
Byleth gives her a warm smile which she happily eats up. He felt as if it was time to tell her what he came for. "Kronya, I want to ask something of you." "Hm…you sound serious." He nods. "Have you...put thought on what you'll do now? Now that this war frees you from any judgement." She thinks for a few seconds, then offers her honest opinion. "Don't know. Before everything that you did for me, I served as a disciple, well more like an expendable now, I don't serve anything anymore, I'm clueless at the moment." Byleth placed a hand on the table they were sitting at, making her jolt. "Then please, join me and my house. I would make me more than happy to have you." she shakes her head.
"Listen, Byleth. I know you have no problem inviting some sociopath into your house. But your brats and the vermin in the church wouldn't greet me with open arms. I've murdered innocent people, killed for nefarious purposes." It makes him sad to hear her say that, but he won't just leave it at that. "So what? That won't define what you'll do next; you shouldn't let your past chain you down and not allow yourself to open up. You don't have to prove anything to anyone if you stand by your principles and show them how people like you can make them see a new perspective. So don't reject me over the fear of being judged, do it only if you don't want to."
Fear and anticipation instills Byleth, awaiting the answer from his friend. Kronya stares in some warped confusion, not from being scared, but from a weird warm sensation. After a literal minute of silence, she breaks the tension. "Alright...I'll take you up on your offer, Byleth. You've put your faith in someone as deranged as me. I want to do the same with you."
An urge to hug her grabs a hold of him, but he wishes not to ruin the moment. With a calm facade, he thanks her for accepting his request. "Thank you, Kronya. You wouldn't believe how happy I am to hear that. I hope you can rely on me for any concerns you have leading up in the future." A warmth wells within him, putting him a bit on edge as he never really feels anything in his chest. "Hmph, since I'm part of your house now, should I take it upon myself to call you professor?" He snorts while she laughs, both enjoying the other's company.
Kronya was nervous about her joining the Blue Lions. Nonetheless, Byleth reassuringly made a gesture for her to follow him. Murmurs and whispers were all they heard from the students and staff that passed them by. Even if he was vouching for her, she still held to some distain and prejudice towards the church, hating the notion of serving their brainless worship. But she truly felt relaxed being guided by this irresponsible and warmhearted moron.
She accidentally bumps into Byleth's back by contemplating all of the information she was processing. "Alright, wait out here. I'm going to speak to the Archbishop for her to know that you'll be joining me and my class." Worry instills her.
"Hey...what if she rejects it? It would really suck if you had to face the consequences of aiding an escapee. You sure you want to go through with it?" He pauses for a moment. Light concern tugs at her chest, she thought she finally applied some reason into her faithful companion. She was wrong however.
Byleth grabs a hold of Kronya's hand, making her quietly inhale sharply through her nose. "Kronya, I am more than sure. Do you really think I'd back away from this? I fully intend on making Seteth and Rhea see your worth, to allow you to stand with me based on your judgement. And if it doesn't work out, I wont stop looking out for you." Those words struck her like an arrow, making her shudder. Wrapping her hand around his, she looked him straight in the eyes. "Okay. Then let me come with you."
A loud sound of surprise was what greeted them as the door opened. Seteth gawked at Kronya, discontent clear as day while Rhea did so in a certain curiosity. Byleth although a bit anxious, walked up to the Archbishop and firmly comforts their nerves, explaining why he brought along his friend. Rhea makes a modest frown. "Would you elaborate further, I can't seem to grasp the benefit gained from her...kind."
"Lady Rhea, I don't want you to see her as lowly. 'She' has shown to be trust worthy beyond a shadow of a doubt. I know Kronya to you and to Seteth may seem dangerous and treacherous, but that's purely based on your assumptions. I implore you to please look beyond that and see that this is for her benefit, to prove my claim and for you to trust her." Byleth's muscles tense up, not knowing the outcome of his emotional spurt.
Seteth attempts to speak his refusal, but his superior hushes him and directs her attention to the professor. "I would voice my disapproval if anyone else had come in here with such broad and ludicrous expectations. But, if you really see something in this vile individual, then so be it." "L-lady Rhea, please reconsid-" with the raise of her hand, Seteth's words fell silent, making the man flustered.
Thanking Rhea, Byleth led Kronya out of the Archbishop's chamber, hiding an outburst of delight from them. When they've made enough distance, he happily cheered the success from his efforts. Turning to his partner, Byleth notices the lack of expression she is demonstrating. "Hey, what's wrong? We did it, you don't have to worry about the ethical matters imposed on you. Are...you not happy?"
Kronya slowly creeps closer and closer to him, chest throbbing at her approach. He instinctively backed away at the same pace she imposed, up until he reached the wall. She stops, realizing her unintentional scare. "You're so...compassionate. It still baffles me how you go above and beyond for me. But it really feels nice to be appreciated, y'know that...right?" Byleth nods assuredly wanting to prove it somehow.
Everyone got in position for the empire's attack. Byleth was more or less put in charge of commanding the defensive front of the monastery. He had all this time to enact a strategy to counter the offensive by Edelgard. Glancing at all of his students, Byleth gave them a nod of understanding and confidence. He wasn't going to allow any harm befall any of them. The last person he looked at was his new comrade in arms. Kronya stood with a battle ready stance, prepared to give the Empire a good challenge. They both stared at each other, looking for some kind of comfort in each other's eyes. After easing their nerves, they shared a moment of clarity. Neither of them knows for sure what'll happen next. All they can do is wish the other luck from a distance. Byleth could only hope. Hope that nothing goes terribly wrong...