"Professor Eisner, do you really think this will help with my knowledge of tactics?" Annette asked as she watched Byleth place down the pieces on the chess board.

"Of course." He replied. "But also, I just enjoy chess."

Annette giggled. This was certainly not what she had expected when she asked her professor to spend some extra time after class tutoring her in military strategy.

"How long are we playing for?"

"Only until you beat me."


"Check mate. Again."

Annette huffed as her teacher began to reset the board, preparing for yet another game of chess.

"You are being cruel. How many times now have you bested that poor girl?" Asked Sothis.

"You're getting better." Byleth said to his student, ignoring the indignant little voice in his head.

"I am not indignant!" He continued to ignore it.

"I really don't get how this is supposed to help me learn tactics." Annette said, motioning down to the game board.

"Try to think of it this way," Byleth began. "Imagine that each chess piece is a battalion."

"How will that..." Annette trailed off, looking at the board intently. After a moment she said, "Let's play again. I think I get it this time."

Byleth nodded. "I believe in you."

Annette's cheeks flushed red. "Thank you, Professor."