Just smile. Be polite. Keep out of trouble.

Those were the words of Claude's grandfather just a few days ago before he sent his grandson off to Garreg Mach Monastery. Of course, Claude promised him to do just that, but really, where was the fun in following such trivial formalities constantly? It wasn't like he couldn't do it – he was good at it – but they were dull. Dry. Silly. That behavior typically kept the proper and pompous at arm's length, while feeling too much like a leash and collar all in the same breath.

That wasn't to say rudeness was Claude's style, of course. It just meant that Claude knew how to easily bend the rules. When he'd arrived at the monastery, he'd followed his grandfather's advice. He was polite to the Archbishop, Rhea, and her Advisor, Seteth. He smiled at the knights and the two professors he'd met. He kept to himself up until the moment he'd introduced himself to the other students of the Golden Deer House. It wasn't until then that he'd wanted to break from the pleasantries.

That wasn't to say he didn't enjoy making their acquaintance. They all seemed nice, after all, and they were all around the same age as he. They were each unique too. Some were nobles, and some were commoners. It was a pleasant blend of students, but Claude couldn't help but question their reliability. Not to say he thought they were weak. He just feared their unity, or their lack thereof. He wasn't surprised upon their first meeting that there would be questions amongst his peers, but the same topics were brought up with every new face he met since arriving in Fódlan. 'Who are you,' and 'where'd you come from,' were questions he'd already grown sick of. Of course it was no surprise the questions would only continue to come his way, yet the repetition of said questions were quite suffocating.

"So, you're really the next Duke, huh?" Hilda cooed as she twirled a lock of her pink pigtail around her perfectly polished finger. "How crazy."

"Eh, not really," Claude said with a shrug. "It's really not something to fuss about."

"But it is!" Hilda replied with a quick shake of her head. "Being Duke is such an honor. You're going to be responsible for the entire Alliance someday."

"It is an honor indeed," Lorenz scoffed across the room. His eyes were locked onto the pair. "The likes of someone such as yourself should be ever so grateful for having received such a title to begin with."

"Lorenz," Hilda whined. "Getting mad about it isn't going to get rid of his title, you know?"

"Is that remark supposed to change my mind?" Lorenz hissed as he rose a thin eyebrow. "I stand by what I said. If one is not grateful for such a prestigious title, they do not deserve to bear it."

"Hey, Hilda's got a point," Leonie said as she stepped forward and placed her hand on her hip. "Getting upset isn't going to get you anywhere. Besides, we're here to become knights, not dukes. So take it easy, will ya?"

Lorenz rolled his eyes as he brought his porcelain teacup to his thin lips. It hadn't even been an hour since Claude's arrival, but somehow, he'd already made an enemy. Nothing he wasn't familiar with, but this one was different. Lorenz was from House Gloucester, for one. Having met Count Gloucester a few months into Claude's arrival, it was no wonder the treatment he received then mirrored now. The Count was vile and livid, and he made it quite obvious Claude's residence in Derdiru was unwelcomed. Clearly, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Lorenz's purple eyes flashed up from his teacup then, and it was difficult for Claude to bite his tongue. How easy it would be to tear that kid a new asshole, but causing such a fuss so early in the year left a bad taste in his mouth. Afterall, he made a promise to his grandfather. A sort of half-promise, but it was a promise regardless.

"Well, I'm sure you'll be a great duke, Claude," Raphael's voice tore Claude's eyes away from Lorenz. "Honestly, that whole thing sounds hard, but I'm sure you'll pull through."

"Of course, he will," Leonie said as she threw an arm around Claude's shoulders. "But that's a long while from now. Right now, you're just Claude, right?"

Claude looked at her for a moment before he flashed her a smile. Just Claude. For the time being, that was true. He was just Claude. In other words, a nobody. A nobody who'd only arrived in Fódlan a year ago and was appointed future heir to the Leicester Alliance. Sure, he was nobody, but he wouldn't bear that title long.

"Leonie," Lysithea's voice chimed in the room. "Don't strangle him, now. He won't be given the chance of being duke if he's dead."

"Oh, calm down, will ya," Leonie replied as Lorenz cleared his throat. Leonie uncoiled her arm from Claude's neck as she looked over to Lysithea seated at one of the large lecture tables. "A hug won't kill him, you know?"

"Hug?" Lysithea echoed, but her eyes remained fixed upon the book she read in her hands. "Clearly, you and I have a different understanding of the word."

"Come on," Hilda chimed in. "Let's get along, okay? We've got a whole year together. We should make the best of it. Right, Marianne?"

Marianne, who was seated upon the floor in the corner of the classroom, shuttered at the sound of her name.

"Y-yes," her eyes set upon the ground as she replied.

"What about you, Ignatz?" Hilda's question made him jump as well.

"M-me?" He replied as he adjusted his glasses. "Getting along? Yes…yes, that sounds nice."

"It's settled, then," Hilda sang as she walked to the middle of the classroom. "From now on, we will all get along, and no more fighting. We're the Golden Deer. We've gotta show the other two houses what we're made of. How are we supposed to do that if we don't get along?"

"Hilda's right," Leonie responded as she stood beside her. "We're a team. We can't tear each other apart. We've got to build each other up."

Raphael hollered where he stood as Lorenz rolled his eyes once again. Before Claude could join in on the merriment, there came a light knock near the entrance of the classroom. Claude averted his eyes and found a boy around his age standing under the doorframe. His golden hair was chopped short and hung at ear's length. A stray chunk lay between his cerulean eyes. He wore a dark tunic with a matching dark breast plate. Sleek silver gauntlets wrapped around his hands and arms. Upon his shins lay a pair of shining greaves. An identical set of boots rested upon his feet. A vibrant blue cape draped over his left shoulder and an accompanying class insignia pinned the cape to his breast.

"My apologies for intruding," the tenor of his voice was deep and calm. "I am looking for the house leader."

It took Claude a moment to process the request when he felt tugging on his sleeve. He turned to find Hilda's bright pink eyes locked onto his.

"Hello?" she said with another tug. "You there, Claude?"

"Ah, right!" Claude replied as he rubbed the back of his neck and proceeded towards the doorway. "You're the leader of the Blue Lions, right?"

"Precisely," the boy said with a bow. "Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd. You're Claude?"

"Claude von Riegan," he said as he held out a hand.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Dimitri replied as he took Claude's hand.

His grip was stronger than Claude expected, yet unexpectedly delicate. It was as though he feared breaking Claude's hand, but also feared too soft a hold would deter the welcoming gesture.

"Would you mind accompanying me to the Black Eagle's room?" Dimitri said with a smile. "I have yet to acquaint myself with their leader."

"Sure. Familiarizing myself would probably be beneficial, as well. Hey, Hilda. Hold the fort while I'm gone, okay?"

"Aye aye, Mister Leaderman." Hilda replied as Claude followed Dimitri outside.

A gentle breeze brushed across his nose as he took in a deep breath. The weather in Fódlan always seemed so pleasant. He released a long exhale as he looked across the courtyard. Birds chirruped in the trees across the yard, and a pair of cats sunbathed upon the crisp verdant grass a few feet away. The pair followed the cobblestone walkway towards the other end of the hall where the Black Eagles room resided. Various house members mingled across the courtyard near the entrance towards the Reception Hall. Smiles spread across their lips as their laughter fluttered with the breeze.

Claude stole a quick glance at Dimitri as they passed the Blue Lion's classroom. Dimitri's eyes were fixed forward as he strode. His light hair bounced against his cheekbones with each step he took. His complexion was glowing and radiant even from under the shade of the arched roof above. His lips were delicate and a soft shade of pink. He was beautiful and unlike anyone Claude had met back home, or even within the city of Derdriu.

As the pair approached the open classroom door of the Black Eagles, Dimitri's eyes met Claude's. The depths of those blue pools sucked the breath out of Claude's lungs. Those eyes mirrored his voice. Cool. Refreshing. It was like jumping from cliff tops and plunging into a vast sea, and sinking further and further into the depths yet having no fear of drowning.

Dimitri smiled then. His rosy lips lightly pressed together as the corners of his eyes creased, and Claude's heartbeat pounded within his chest. In all his life, he'd never experienced such a feeling. It was so exciting, but also so terrifying.

"After you," Dimitri's voice drifted into Claude's ears, and his heart continued to thump.

He played it off with a quick smile as he walked into the room. He hoped the flush that burned upon his cheeks would go unnoticed. Upon entering the room, a small group of students were clustered beside a large chalkboard. There stood a tall boy with fire-orange hair and a slight tanned complexion, and a girl with long curls of chocolate brown hair and porcelain skin. Beside her stood another tall boy with ravenous-black hair and pallid skin. The last was a smaller girl with glistening straight silver hair. Her skin a similar shade to the raven-haired boy at her side. A crimson red cape hung over her left shoulder, and her tights donned a much similar hue. Quite striking her attire was. Wouldn't be so hard to distinguish her within a crowd, that's for sure.

At first neither she nor the rest of the group noticed the pair that had entered. They were each immersed within the buzz of their conversation. However, as Dimitri strode beside Claude, the silver-haired girl's bright eyes flashed towards them. The conversation halted as the other three averted their gaze to the duo that approached.

"Greetings," Dimitri's voice made Claude's heart flutter yet again. "Apologies for the intrusion. The two of us were seeking council with the leader of this house."

"That's right," Claude continued as he gave the silver-haired girl a quick wink.

"Ah, yes," the girl replied, seemingly unfazed by Claude's gesture. "I had yet to acquaint myself with the other house leaders. I am Edelgard von Hresvelg. This is my vassal, Hubert von Vestra."

"Pleasure," the raven-haired boy replied in a tone that bore an uncanny resemblance to his mysterious appearance. He gave a quick bow to the pair, but as he rose, his chartreuse eyes scanned between the two of them. Observing their movements. Watching each breath they took.

"This is—"

"I am Ferdinand von Aegir," the other boy interrupted as he flashed a bright smile. "What an honor it is to make your acquaintance."

"...And Dorothea Arnault." Edelgard continued as the other girl grinned, "The other members have been wandering the grounds, so I do apologize for not having the opportunity of introducing them."

"Not to worry, Princess," Claude said with a grin. "We'll meet the others soon enough. Name's Claude von Riegan. Pleasure meeting each of you."

"A pleasure, indeed," Dimitri chimed in with a small smile. "I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd. I am looking forward to knowing each of you as this year progresses."

"So am I," Dorothea's voice sang as she bat her long eyelashes at Dimitri. "My, who'd have thought the future prince was so attractive."

Dimitri's cheeks flushed at the remark as Claude let out a laugh.

"And you, Claude," Dorothea continued. "Word has it that you're the next heir of the Alliance. You're quite striking yourself."

"Oh, but nothing could compare to your beauty and radiance," Claude replied with another wink. "Lovely, Miss Dorothea."

"Oh, my," Dorothea giggled as Edelgard shook her head. "Quite the charmer too, I see."

"Dorothea," Ferdinand said with a frown. "Must you be so forward with each man you see?"

"Ferdie," she replied as she shot Ferdinand a quick look. "Have I been forward with you?"

"Well, no, but—"

"Then I have not been forward with each man, now have I?"

"No, I suppose not, but—"

"Enough," Edelgard interrupted as Hubert chuckled. "Please, both of you. There is no need for such bickering so early in the year."

"Fun classmates you have, Princess," Claude laughed. "Makes me eager to meet the others."

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" Edelgard said with a slight scowl.

"Not at all," Claude said with a grin. "I just get the feeling that this year's going to be a blast."

Edelgard sighed as a low clank sounded from the doorway. The cluster averted their eyes and found one of the knights standing just outside of the door's frame. If Claude recalled correctly, he believed his name was Alois. He was one of the Knights of Seiros who talked…well, a lot was a bit of an understatement. He was a boisterous man who seemed to have a smile chiseled to his face at all times. The man stuck out like a sore thumb beside the other knights. Odd to think someone so jolly would be a knight of all things, but Claude figured Alois was just a special case. Perhaps the Archbishop enjoyed his…personality?

"Ah," Alois's booming voice echoed in the room. "There you all are. I've been looking for you. Well, the house leaders, I mean. Not all of you. There'd be too many of you if we had all of you. Might as well bring every student at that rate. But if we brought everyone, we'd be a bit outnumbered."

Alois began to ramble nonsense as Claude and Dimitri exchanged confused glances. Claude shrugged while Dimitri heaved a sigh.

"Alois, correct?" Dimitri spoke as he caught the knight's attention. "What can we assist you with?"

"Ah, yes! Back to the subject at hand! A few of the knights will be accompanying you three on a quick field exercise. I'd explained this earlier to Miss Edelgard, but I couldn't seem to find the two of you until now."

"Wow, Princess. You get special treatment here?"

"Of course not," Edelgard sighed as she shook her head. "We had just happened to cross paths. However, I was under the impression that I was to go alone."

"So was I," Alois laughed. "The plan keeps changing on me."

"A field exercise," Dimitri said as he brought a hand to his chin. "When shall we depart?"

"The sooner the better. We'll need to get to our destination before sundown."

"Still got a few hours of daylight left," Claude chimed in. "I'm ready. How about you, Princess?"

Claude turned to find Edelgard standing beside him. Her lilac eyes met his as she pushed a stray lock of hair. Her eyelashes seemed much longer with her being so close. Her skin seemed to shine in the muted light of the classroom, much like Dimitri's had. She was much shorter than she appeared beside her classmates, but something about her seemed that where she lacked in height she made up for in strength. She probably wasn't the type to let others walk all over her. A great quality for such a pretty face.

"I am as well," she replied as her gaze shifted towards Alois.

Claude stared at her a moment before turning to Dimitri whose eyes were already upon him. Claude's heart once again betrayed him as he flashed a quick smile. He hoped Edelgard couldn't hear how fast it thumped within his chest.

"And what of you, Your Princeliness?"

Dimitri chuckled as he replied, "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Perfect!" Alois said with a loud laugh. "Let us make haste!"

Alois spun around and proceeded towards the other end of the hall. As the trio followed after, Claude couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. Being placed between Edelgard and Dimitri made him feel as though he was walking upon the clouds. Who'd have thought the two would be so good looking? Resisting the urge to flirt with them for the rest of the year was going to be a challenge he wasn't quite sure he'd win. But really, what was a little flirting? It wasn't as though he'd have a chance with either of them to begin with. Fódlan had strange rules that would probably prohibit that kind of behavior anyways, so no need to step on too many toes.

"One of the professors will accompany us," Alois shouted. "He'll go over a few of the basics and whatnot once we're out on the field."

"Basics to what, may I ask?" Dimitri's voice caught Claude's attention.

"Good question," Alois said as he looked over his shoulder. "I'm not so sure myself, actually. He didn't give very many details, but neither did Seteth, now that I think of it. Regardless, myself and the other knights will be accompanying you, so no need to fret."

Claude rested his hands behind his head as they continued through the Dining Hall, and out towards the fishing pond near the front of the Monastery. He turned to Edelgard then who heeded no mind to him. She seemed well able to ignore anything she didn't want contact with. He turned toward Dimitri then who had his eyes forward. A moment passed before he met Claude's gaze.

"Yes, Claude?"

Claude blinked a few times as he tried to think of some sort of response. He wasn't expecting any response from Dimitri, just as he wasn't expecting to be so tongue-tied. How could one boy make his thoughts flutter so easily? That couldn't be normal especially coming from someone so seemingly reserved and maybe even a bit naïve. Perhaps it was his naiveté that was so damned charming?

"Faerghus," Claude spat out. "Is it really as cold up there as people say?"

"Indeed, it is. Most months the land is covered in snow. Even now, the weather is still quite bitter, but those of us from Faerghus have grown accustomed to the cold."

"Interesting," Claude said with a smile. "Maybe after we graduate, you can give me the grand tour of the kingdom?"

Dimitri's eyes lit up as he replied, "I would love to. The kingdom is quite lovely. Surly, you would enjoy your time there."

Claude's cheeks burned at the enthusiasm. Dimitri was much like a dog in a strange way. Not in a drooling, shedding mess kind of way, but in a playful and excitable companion way. Claude had to resist the urge to give him a congratulatory pat on the head. Dimitri's uncanny charm and kindness seemed so foreign that Claude wasn't sure if it was all just some sort of ruse.

"You could accompany us as well, Edelgard," Dimitri continued.

"Perhaps," Edelgard replied as she continued to look ahead. "This coming year may bring quite the challenge to the three of us. Who knows? Perhaps we won't be able to stomach each other once we do graduate."

"Truly?" Dimitri said as a concerned expression fell upon his countenance. "You think ill of us in the short time of our meeting?"

"Harsh, Princess."

"I'm joking," she shook her head with a smile. "Perhaps, Dimitri. The invitation sounds lovely, but let us grow familiar this coming year, and talk of the future once it has arrived."

"Very well," Dimitri said with his eyes still upon her.

There seemed to be more words that filled his mouth, but his lips remained silent. The look in his eyes seemed unlike anything Claude could truly pinpoint. Confusion and concern. Familiarity and foreignness. It was a strange expression, but there was no real telling as to why. It was as though the two shared a past with each other, but they'd only just met.

"Here we are," Alois said as the group stopped just before the Market Square.

The knights present were seated upon their horses as the group approached. Beside them stood a scrawny gentleman with short chestnut hair. He wore a dark tunic that matched his dark eyes. He stared at the group in a manner that challenged even Lorenz's condescending gaze. He said nothing to them, but his eyes spoke paragraphs. He started with Edelgard, then Dimitri, then finally with Claude. An eyebrow rose as his vulturous gaze pierced into Claude. He must have been the professor Alois spoke of. What a gem he seemed to be.

Claude flashed him a smug grin then. If the Golden Deer had the misfortune of this man leading their house, the coming year would turn out more than interesting.

"All right, you three," Alois's voice boomed against the bustling patrons nearby. "This is Professor Bernard. He'll be accompanying us on our mission. With the students o-fish-ally here, I'm glad to say that they are quite eager to tread the waters, Professor."

All eyes fell upon Alois who cackled aloud. Claude pursed his lips as he heard light chuckles sound from Dimitri as well. Claude turned to him and smiled as Dimitri let out a few quick coughs.

"Very well," Professor Bernard spoke. "Children. The three of you will accompany us on a simple mission. I will be examining your skills over a handful of tactical tasks to ensure each of you are well able to lead your house this coming year. The tasks will be challenging, as they should be, and your results will be recorded. If you should fail any of the tasks, I will be taking note of each occurrence. Remember: a lacking leader is no leader at all."

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Claude spoke as the Professor's eyes fell upon him.

"Pardon me?"

"You're judging our merit over a series of silly tasks to prove our abilities to lead? Would that not be better suited if, oh, I don't know, we were leading our classes, then? Rather than just the three of us, a professor, and a handful of knights?"

The professor's fair skin reddened as he spoke, "Young man, what is your name?"

"Oh, right," Claude said with a bow. "Claude von Riegan. House leader of the Golden Deer, appointed by Lady Rhea herself. You know, she didn't test my worth before she appointed me as House leader. Guess my dashing good looks must have landed me on her good list, huh?"

The redness spread upon Professor Bernard's skin as his dark eyes remained fixed upon Claude. Yet Claude returned to him a wide smile.

"He is right," Dimitri intervened as the Professor opened his mouth to speak. "Lady Rhea did not assess us so thoroughly. Now, I doubt my appearance has anything to do with her decision, but she made the choice, regardless. Let us tackle these tasks of yours, Professor. I can assure you we will not disappoint your expertise."

"Precisely," Edelgard chimed. "The three of us can surely handle anything you should throw at us."

"That's the spirit," Alois joined in. "Come now, Professor. We've only so many hours of daylight left."

Alois and the knights proceeded through the market then. Professor Bernard eyed the trio before he followed after. Claude watched as the group proceeded towards the front gates of the Monastery.

"He seems pleasant," Dimitri spoke as he crossed his arms. "I was unaware the Officer's Academy permitted instructor's with such a sour demeanor."

"Maybe they're used to it?" Claude replied.

"That very well could be the case," Edelgard said. "Though he is not renowned, Professor Bernard has been teaching here for a few years, or so I have been told. So it is likely that his attitude is to be expected."

"How unfortunate," Dimitri sighed. "Even if he has taught here for some time, that should not pardon him for being disrespectful."

"What are you implying?" Edelgard asked. "That he places himself at a lower caliber than the three of us because our status is greater than his own?"

"That's not what I'm saying at all. Did you not see the way he looked at us? How he looked at Claude? He didn't view us as 'students,' but something more similar to pests."

Claude looked at Dimitri who seemed quite worked up over the ordeal. It was strange watching those once calm blue eyes grow angry and cold. It was strange seeing him upset over something so trivial. It was strange that he was upset over the Professor's treatment of Claude himself. It was strange that this odd boy was...trying to defend him.

"Hey, don't worry about it," Claude said. "He's probably just not used to backtalk,"

"Regardless of the reason, that sort of behavior is unprofessional."

"But it is common," Claude said with a nod. "Can't change everyone, you know?"

"It does no damage to try."

"Come, you two," Edelgard said then. "We will lose sight of them if we continue this conversation here."

The trio made their way through the bustling market. There were vendors on either side of them with stalls filled with different wares and trinkets. From meat and fish, to accessories and blades, the market was lively and buzzing. Up ahead marched Alois and the others. Alois glanced over his shoulder and a grin formed on his lips as he saw the nearing trio. He turned back then to say something to Professor Bernard, but they were too far to understand.

Claude eyed the stalls for a moment before he turned to Dimitri. His eyes were fixed forward and his expression remained irritated. Claude pursed his lips as he continued to stare. This time he wanted Dimitri's attention. Needed it. Though it took a few moments, Dimitri's gaze did shift towards Claude. His expression fell a moment when he did. His eyebrows furrowed and a slight pout formed upon his lips.

"Dark expressions don't suit you, your Highness."

"I..." Dimitri started before he sighed. "My apologies."

"What are you apologizing for?" Claude said with a weak smirk.

Dimitri opened his mouth to say something, but shut it a second later. His gaze remained on Claude's, almost as though the words on his tongue were being blocked by Claude himself.

"Boys," Edelgard's voice caught both of their attention. "Were we not discussing Professor Bernard but a moment ago, or have we moved past that?"

"Right," Claude replied as he turned to her. "I was coming back to that, Princess. No need to rush me."

"Rush you?" Edelgard stared at him. "Oh, no, Claude. I simply assumed that flirting with Dimitri provided much more entertainment for you. My mistake."

Claude's cheeks burned as Dimitri cleared his throat. Claude forced out a laugh then as he watched a grin form upon Edelgard's lips. Pretty and witty. What a lady.

"Assumptions are dangerous, Princess."

"As is trying to court a man you've only just met."

"Who said anything about courtship?" Claude forced another laugh as the heat smothered his face. She was good, that's for sure, but Claude wasn't ready to back down. "Wait, do I detect a hint of jealousy?"

"Me? Jealous?" A stern expression fell upon Edelgard's face. "Don't deceive yourself, Claude. I will not so easily allow you to toy with me."

"Alright, Princess." Claude said with a shrug. "But just remember this: I have two hands."

"How dare you," Edelgard said as she sent a quick look.

"I'm kidding," Claude laughed. "Princess, you need to lighten up."

"And you need to hold your tongue. It's no wonder Professor Bernard singled you out as he did. He must have realized how incapable you are to keep your foolish behavior to yourself."

"I think you give him way too much credit," Claude said with a shrug as the trio followed the knights passed the front gates of Garreg Mach.

The open field was strewn with trees and plains of green as far as the eye could see. A slight breeze brushed past as a flock of birds soared overhead. The knights ahead of them mingled amongst themselves as the trio walked in silence. It seemed that Edelgard had no more wit to spit back. It wasn't often Claude found himself arguing with another woman who wasn't his mother, or Judith for that matter. It was quite invigorating.

"I do wonder which of our houses he'll have the privilege of teaching," Dimitri's voice broke the silence.

"Perhaps the Golden Deer, if we are so fortunate," Edelgard replied with a smile.

"Let him teach us," Claude said with a grin. "We'll give him a reason to fear the deer."