Author's note: Another chapter done. Ended up being a big one again. Byleth's personal reasons for siding with Edelgard was always an interesting topic to me, and it's something I want to explore going forward, as you will see in the chapter. Also, I won't be waiting until the very end of the story for the romance to come to fruition, as it does in game. I just want to tackle my own version of seeing it grow between them. When it will be fully realised, though, well you'll have to see.

This chapter is also heavy on the Byleth and Edelgard. The other characters will be having a lot of prominence going forward, interacting with both Byleth and Edelgard, but I haven't written anything in quite a while and I'm still feeling a bit rusty, so most of my focus is going onto capturing the voices of our main duo before I start seriously tackling the other characters. On that note, Byleth won't be the sole PoV character in this, it's just felt the most appropriate for the current flow of the story, for now at least.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter.


Byleth sat at the desk in his room, reading through the reports that Hubert had given him the night before. He had stayed with Edelgard for a short time in the cemetery, before the pair returned to their rooms. Thankfully, he had drifted to sleep quickly after that, and once again woke before the sun rose in the sky. He had been told a War council would be hosted today to finalise plans for the siege, so the first order of business for the day was memorising the details of the documents. Troop numbers, army equipment, troop placements throughout the continent, and most importantly, the troops that were available to them for the coming siege on the bridge. The Imperial army had certainly taken a beating over the last five years, but from all accounts so had the armies of the Kingdom, the Alliance, and the Knights of Seiros. Byleth exhaled sharply, taking a sip of water from the glass next to him.

Logistics was never his thing, and neither were large scale battles. He had fought in them during his time as a mercenary, taken part in sieges from both sides, but never had he commanded forces quite to this scale before. He focused again on the document listing what troops would be taken into this month's battle.

The Black Eagle Strike Force and it's regulars will be assisted by six divisions of swordsmen, six divisions of spearmen, four divisions of spellcasters, one division of cavalry, one division of pegasus riders….

Byleth kept reading, weighing up his options. They weren't in the position for a long, drawn out siege, but by all accounts the bridge was a glorified garrison, no impenetrable fortress. It was wide, but not wide enough to march a full army in there… He scratched his chin, already trying to formulate a strategy, when a knock came on his door. He glanced over, frowning slightly.

"Who is it?" Byleth asked.

"It's me. Good morning, Professor." Byleth smiled slightly.

"Come in, Edelgard. The doors unlocked." Byleth replied, turning his chair to face the entrance. Edelgard entered the room, greeting Byleth with a warm smile. Her hair was still down, which didn't surprise him. It was incredibly early and he imagined it took her a while to get her hair like that. She did, however, wear her crown. For her clothes, she'd opted for a red gown with gold embroidery as opposed to her imposing battle gear. Even so, he still noted the sword that hung from her waist.

Probably a smart choice Byleth thought to himself. In comparison, the simple cotton shirt and trousers he'd thrown on felt incredibly droll.

"Professor," Edelgard began, "I was wondering if you would like to-" She paused, her eyes moving to his desk.

"Ah, familiarising yourself with the documents early I see. I commend that, your insight will be invaluable in today's meeting, so you knowing our forces inside and out is imperative." Edelgard said, smiling. Byleth glanced back at the documents, running a finger over them.

"I'm not sure I can help much with larger troop movement but…" He paused, briefly drumming his fingers on the paper.

"For the bridge? I've got some ideas." Byleth said. Edelgard nodded.

"I look forward to hearing them this afternoon. But that's not why I'm here. Professor, would you care to get some breakfast with me?" Edelgard asked. His face must've looked surprised, he thought, as Edelgard scowled slightly.

"What, is that a strange thing for me to ask?" She huffed. Byleth shook his head.

"No, of course not, I'd love too. It's just I couldn't ever imagine you knocking on my door to get breakfast before, that's all." Byleth said, smiling. Edelgard ran her fingers through her hair, as if to correct it, despite no hair being out of place.

"Well, we had a more official student, teacher relationship then. It wouldn't have been appropriate. I will always think of you as my teacher, but there's no reason for us to be limited by such formalities anymore, don't you think?" Edelgard said. Byleth considered this, then nodded.

"Mhm, you're right." He said, standing up. He corrected the documents then placed them in a lockbox that had been gifted to him by Hubert.

If anyone tries to force this open, the contents within will be incinerated. He had told him. Byleth locked the small container and pushed it under his bed.

"I'll change into something, then we can go." Byleth said, turning back to Edelgard. She nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her, as Byleth began to hunt for something appropriate to wear to breakfast with an Emperor.


After deciding on an appropriate set of clothes, the pair made their way to Edelgard's office, which had formerly been in use by Rhea.

"Normally, I'll eat dinner with the soldiers in the dining hall." Edelgard had said. "But Hubert insists that I have a personal cook for all other meals, one hand selected by him." Edelgard had sighed and shifted her voice to try and sound like Hubert. "Your Majesty, you have enemies the world over, who will resort to all manner of underhanded tactics to dispose of you, poison among them. I must insist that you take this person as your personal chef at all times." She had said. Byleth had laughed at the display.

"Have you been working on your Hubert?" Byleth had asked, causing Edelgard to smile coyly.

"Why, do you think it's good?" She had replied. The pair finished the walk to the office, where Edelgard sent a servant to go place their orders with the cook. Edelgard walked over to the the large desk, removing her crown and placing it down. She then motioned at the two chairs and table she had had set up. Byleth found himself slightly amused.

She'd taken my acceptance as a foregone conclusion, then.

The pair sat down, and Edelgard began to speak.

"Professor, I was hoping to ask you more about where you've been these last five years." Edelgard said. Byleth nodded at her.

"What did you mean that you were "sleeping?" Edelgard asked. Byleth leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.

"I know it's not a satisfying answer, but I really can't think of another explanation. The last thing I remember is us facing Rhea, as she took the form of the Immaculate One. I remember a roar, the rush of heat… You calling my name and then…" He trailed off. Edelgard listened intently, but he could tell by the look in her eyes, even though he was back with her now, reliving that day in any capacity pained her.

"Then?" She asked.

"Nothing. For a long time, nothing… But it didn't "feel" like a long time either. It was as if I closed my eyes and no time had passed… But also like I'd been there for ages. It was like…" Byleth unfolded his arms and reached out, as if groping the air for the words. Edelgard was clearly hanging on his every word as she listened, her hands clasping the table and leaning forward.

"I think I started to dream." He said. Edelgard waited for him to continue, before prompting him when he didn't.

"To dream?" She asked.

"Yes. I was dreaming of the others, of my time here at the Monastery. Of the battles we fought, of my time with the students, with the faculty. It was like looking at portraits of moments in time, rather than… Reliving said moments." Byleth paused, frowning slightly. "Does that make sense?" He asked. Edelgard nodded tentatively.

"I think so… I…" Edelgard began. He knew her well enough by know to spot a hint of embarrassment in her features.

"What is it?" Byleth asked.

"I was just wondering if you…" She paused, then shook head head. "Nothing. It's nothing… Please, continue. Did any memories stand out?" She asked.

You. Memories of you. Byleth almost replied, opening his mouth to say the words, but they simply caught in his throat. He clearly left his mouth hanging open too long as Edelgard gave him a curious look.

"Uh, yes… A few. The night of the ball was there." Byleth said. It wasn't necessarily a lie, it did feature in the flurry of dreams, after all. The mention of the ball brought a smile to Edelgard's face.

"Ah, how long ago that feels now. Almost in another lifetime." Edelgard said wistfully. Byleth nodded, smiling at the memories.

"Do you remember our talk by the Goddess Tower?" Edelgard asked.

"Aye, you told me the story of how your parents met." Byleth said, before a grin formed on his face.

"I also remember, to my grief, that there was an incredibly long line of students queuing to dance with me after we returned to the ball. A line you ended up cutting so you could dance with me." Byleth said. Edelgard's cheeks burnt red as she glanced aside.

"W-well! The night was getting late, and at that rate we'd never have gotten to dance! Even Claude got to dance with you, it would have been absurd if the house leader of the group you were tutoring didn't get a dance whilst the leader of another house did!" Edelgard said, clearly flustered. Byleth leaned back in his chair, chuckling.

"As the Imperial Princess, I must insist that you step aside and allow me t-" Byleth began, trying to mimic Edelgard's voice.

"M-my Teacher!" Edelgard interrupted, clearly appalled.

"I've never known you to throw your Imperial authority around like that, so it was quite a shock." Byleth continued. Edelgard covered her face with one hand.

"W-well, as I said! Time was running out. At least we got to dance in the end." Edelgard said. Byleth let out another soft chuckle.

"My inexperience was on full display. I've had less trouble navigating battlefields." Byleth said. Now it was Edelgard's turn to laugh.

"It was a wonderful dance, My Teacher… You did well." A brief pause "All things considered, of course."

Byleth smirked slightly at her small, teasing insult, the smirk widening still as Edelgard beamed happily at him. They continued to reminisce for a time. Talking about particular lessons, of the celebration after their victory at the Battle of the Eagle and the Lion, of how Dorothea had snuck a few bottles of wine to the celebration and nearly gave Ferdinand a heart attack.

They focused on the lighter, happier memories. There was no mention of Remire, no mention of Flayn's kidnapping, or the events in the Holy Tomb. For that, Byleth was glad. He had no desire to dampen this moment in any way, not just for himself, but for Edelgard, too. He thought back to what she had said to him, the night before they sieged Garreg Mach.

"With you by my side, I'm somehow free to be not only a leader but… simply Edelgard."

When had she last had a moment like this, he wondered? To simply be herself, to remove the mask of the Emperor and relax. He watched her closely as she talked about the time they were cornered by an incredibly large group of cats on one of their night time walks. Her bright smile and happy eyes were a world apart from how she'd looked when he first saw her in the Goddess Tower yesterday.

Tell her. Tell her how much you dreamt of her. Byleth inhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. Why was it so damn hard for him to just speak what was on his mind?

Now, don't waste this chance.

"Edelgard, I-" He was cut off by a knock on the door. "Your Majesty, your breakfast is ready."

"Ah, wonderful, please come in." Edelgard said, repositioning herself to be ready to dine. Byleth closed his eyes and exhaled sharply, letting the tension leave his body.

Another time. He thought. The servant placed the plates on the table. Toast, boiled ham and poached eggs. The pair gave their thanks to the servant and ate their breakfast in silence, albeit a comfortable one. After they finished, the topic returned to Byleth's disappearance.

"It's all still foggy but, wherever I was, it felt like something pulled me out of it. Have you ever been close to sleep and suddenly just… jolted awake, almost as if you felt like you were falling, but catch yourself?" Byleth asked. Edelgard nodded.

"Next thing I knew, my head broke through water and I was tumbling down a river." Byleth said.

"A river? But how?" Edelgard asked, perplexed. Byleth shook his head.

"I don't know. It was the river near the town just outside the Monastery. I managed to pull myself to the banking and spotted the Sword of the Creator there, too. How we both ended up there, I don't know." Byleth said. Edelgard paused, thinking deeply on the matter.

"You know, Professor, you don't seem to have aged at all since that day, either." Edelgard said. Byleth nodded.

"I noticed that, too. It only adds to the mystery. If I was stuck in some sort of hibernation as I healed, you think my body would show signs of it but…" Byleth said. Edelgard let out a "hmm" noise, then looked at Byleth curiously.

"I wonder… We might be the same age now, Professor. Or I might even be older." Edelgard said, an amused look on her face. Byleth couldn't help but laugh at that.

"All of my students, now older than me." He said, smiling. "What an odd thought."

Eventually the conversation turned to other topics, before finally settling on the upcoming strategy meeting. By the time they were done, the meeting was only a short time away, and the pair parted ways to make their preparations. Byleth returned to him room, donned his more battle appropriate clothing, and retrieved the documents from the lockbox for a final review, before heading to the cardinal room.


The war council had not taken too long. The general plan had been decided some time ago, though some adjustments were made both from Byleth's own input, and factoring his own considerable strength into the plan. With the plan now agreed upon, preparations would be made. Within the next few days, supplies would be loaded up onto carriages, weapons would be sharpened, armour polished and mended, siege weapons disassembled and made ready for transport, and the Black Eagle Strike Force would march to battle. Over the next few days, Byleth did his part helping load up wagons, discussing tactics with the others, and catching up with his former students.

By the time the sun rose on the third morning, the march to the Great Bridge of Myrddin began.

After nearly three more days of uneventful marching, the Imperial army set up camp a short ride away from the bridge. Scouts reported that the defenders knew the attack was coming and had shored up their defences, as much as they could.

"This was to be expected." Edelgard had said. "But it won't be enough. That bridge was designed for the passage of wagons and merchants, not to withstand a siege." She had finished. As the sun set, Edelgard called for a meeting in the Commander's tent to go over the plan one last time.

"Imperial Troops led by Markus and Ludwig will lead the vanguard." Edelgard said, pointing at the map. "They will rout the defenders who have sallied out to meet us. During this time, our siege weapons will rain down on their fortifications, taking out their archers and spell casters on the makeshift battlements they've built. They haven't had much time to prepare for this, so they've made them from wood. They won't last long against our catapults and ballista." Byleth, and the rest of the students listened intently. They all knew the plan by now, but the pre-battle tension, and the reality of being here, kept them all highly alert and focused.

"When the pathway is clear and the initial defenders are defeated, the vanguard will capture the market square at the entrance, a large commerce area where caravans stop to rest and restock. After that area is under our control, that's where the Black Eagle Strike Force comes in. The bridge is wide, but still too narrow for a large scale conflict. We'll need our most elite soldiers, and none are more skilled than those gathered here." Edelgard said, leaning forward to point once again at the bridge.

"The nine generals of the Strike Force, along with the battalions under their command, will push through onto the bridge itself. All in all, our numbers should be just over a hundred, but numbers won't count for too much when fighting in such an enclosed space." Edelgard said.

"Hubert, would you brief them on who we face?" She asked. Hubert nodded.

"Our opponent is Judith, the so called "hero of Daphnel." Hubert said. "From all accounts, the forces stationed there are not too numerous. They were expecting an attack, but not this soon. We can be sure that Claude has sent reinforcements the moment he caught wind of our approach, so when the battle begins we must crush the enemy as quickly as possible." He said. He paused for a moment, frowning.

"This close to the Alliance capital, there is a real possibility that among our foe's numbers will be those who we once called our classmates." Hubert said. Byleth swallowed hard, but his face betrayed no particular feeling. He had been fighting and killing all his life. He knew this would be coming since the moment Edelgard started this war. He briefly scanned the faces of the others, and saw similar sentiments on their faces too. He did note, however, that Dorothea seemed far more openly pained than the rest.

"Do not hesitate to kill them if it comes to it, as they will not hesitate to kill you." Hubert said. He glanced to Edelgard.

"Anything else, Your Majesty?" He asked. Edelgard shook her head.

"That is all. Thank you, Hubert. Get some rest, everyone. The siege begins at first light." Edelgard said, dismissing the assembled forces. As everyone cleared out of the tent, everyone but Edelgard and Hubert, Byleth turned to leave with them, until Edelgard called to him.

"Professor, can I talk to you for a moment?" Edelgard asked. Byleth turned around and nodded.

"Thank you. Hubert, you may leave us." Edelgard said. Hubert nodded his affirmation, bowed, then left. Edelgard stayed silent for a few moments after he left, before speaking.

"How are you feeling about tomorrow?" Edelgard asked.

"Confident. So long as we stick to the plan, I can't see us losing this battle, or taking any significant casualties." Byleth said. Edelgard nodded slightly, before continuing.

"That's good but… I mean about the possibility of fighting the others… The former students." She asked. Byleth looked at her quietly. From her face, her voice, he could tell that, even if it pained her, she had completely accepted this inevitability. It didn't surprise him, or even upset him. This was war, after all.

"I'll do what I must." He said. Edelgard frowned slightly.

"Are you just giving the answer you think will please me?" She asked. Byleth shook his head.

"I've been killing people for money for as long as I can remember, Edelgard. Thieves, bandits, rebels, enemy soldiers. Every single one of them was their own person, with their own past, their own dreams. Every single one of them was fighting that day for a cause. Be it their own beliefs, their own loyalties, their own survival."

Byleth said, looking down at his hand.

"The other students are no different. Yes, I knew them once. Yes, I liked them, and called them friends. But every person we killed before now had a history too. They had family, friends. Just because we know the person wielding the weapon, it doesn't mean we can fight with any less conviction than if they were strangers." Byleth said. Edelgard regarded him calmly, then nodded.

"I see." She said. Byleth looked up from his hand, meeting her eyes.

"Does that make you feel better?" He asked.

"I…" She paused.

"I'm sorry I asked you such a thing." She said, smiling softly. Byleth studied her face carefully, eyes narrowing.

She's worried about me. Worried how it may affect me… She has hardened her heart to the reality of this war, but…

"I've spent my life killing others simply because I was told to. My father taught me how to fight, put a blade in my hand, and that's… All I've ever known. When I came to the Monastery, for the first time, I had people to fight for. To protect." He said.

"And now I have a cause to fight for, too. You've given me that, Edelgard. A purpose. I'll fight tomorrow with that conviction in my heart. So, thank you." He said. Edelgard smiled warmly at him, the worry on her face melting away in an instant.

"No… Thank you, My Teacher. With you here, it really feels like our goal is just within reach. That there's an end in sight to all this bloodshed." The two quietly regarded each other for a moment, before Edelgard glanced aside.

"Now… Go get some rest, My Teacher. We'll both need it for tomorrow." She said. Byleth nodded and left the tent, walking to his own. As happy as it had made him to see her smile like that… Had he really told the truth?

Did I side with her because I believe in her ideals… Because I support the change she wants to bring to Fodlan?

Or did I simply side with her because she's… Her.

Byleth shook his head. It's not like he disagreed with her, or her cause. His own father mistrusted the Church. He had seen with his own eyes the stranglehold they have on the continent. Just as well as he had seen how the fixation on Crests had ruined the lives of so many, Edelgard herself chief amongst them.

Even in his own travels he had seen the state of the land. Villages living in utter poverty, crushed under the heel of brutal taxes and cruel Nobles. People, destined to be born and die in the village of their birth, never having a chance to escape their cruel circumstances, all because they had been born unlucky. He had met so many wonderful, talented people, all destined to die having achieved nothing, after living a life of hunger and fear, whilst fat, pompous nobles lived in utter decadence, hoarding more wealth and resources than they could ever use up, but refusing to use it for the people.

Edelgard would change that. The price for it was steep, but Byleth, sheltered as he was, had seen enough of the world to know, it couldn't come any other way. He had met and worked for many a noble in his time. He couldn't imagine they would ever willingly bend to Edelgard's vision for Fodlan, just as the Church would never relinquish its stranglehold on the continent. This was the only path forward for Edelgard's dream to become a reality.

But… Did he really care about any of that? When he defended Edelgard, and had sworn to fight beside her, he had only one thing in his mind. He hadn't thought about the Church, or the common people, or Fodlan, or anyone else. He had only thought about how he could never harm her.

Protect her, keep her safe.

He paused a moment, letting the cold night air blow against his skin. He focused on the rustle of the leaves and the distant sounds of activity from the camp. He inhaled sharply, trying to steady himself.

No use thinking about this now. "The battlefield is no place for idle thoughts" as his father used to say.

"Father… What would you have done…?" He wondered aloud. He lingered for a few moments longer, before returning to his tent.

He needed rest.


The sounds of battle cries, screams, and metal clashing against metal could be heard from even here. Byleth stood atop a hill, surrounded by trees, along with the rest of the Black Eagle Strike Force. The siege began around an hour ago and the fighting was in full swing. Catapults and ballista battered against the wooden fortifications built around the entrance to the bridge, as the Imperial army crashed against the initial defenders.

"They're breaking through." Edelgard said, her expression utterly emotionless. Hubert nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. It'll be our turn, soon enough." He said. Byleth glanced around, taking another look at their assembled forces. Numbering near a hundred, he was certain it would be enough to take the bridge when they assaulted it. Here was the best of the best, after all, quite possibly the most elite fighting force on Fodlan, if he did say so himself.

"Alright, if we win here, it'll be one step closer to complete victory, right?" Caspar yelled, hoisting his axe in anticipation.

"Indeed," Agreed Ferdinand, "With this bridge under our control, not only will we have a solid forward base for the rest of the campaign into Alliance territory, we'll also have a new trade route to use in our dealings with our Alliance supporters. It's utterly invaluable, for economic purposes, as well as military." He finished.

"Yeah, yeah, we were all there at the brief, Ferdinand." Caspar said, rolling his eyes. Byleth looked away from the pair, focusing now on Dorothea, who stood only a few steps behind him. Her hands were clasped tightly together, and she stared at them vacantly.

"Dorothea, are you alright?" Byleth asked. The singer gave a sudden start, looking up at Byleth.

"Oh, Professor. Yes… I'm fine." She said, the apprehension clear in her voice. Byleth gave her a small, sympathetic smile.

"After this, we'll be one step closer to peace." Byleth said, trying to sound reassuring. Dorothea could only reply with a small, strained smile, and a look in her eyes that said "I've been hearing that for years." Byleth winced slightly, and went to speak more, before he was cut off by Edelgard.

"The Adrestian flag has been raised in the Merchant Square! That's the signal!" Edelgard shouted. She hoisted Aymr above her head.

"We go forward now, to claim yet another victory! This battle is the beginning of the end, my friends! Our triumph here shall pave the path for our complete victory in this conflict! The end of this war, and of this bloodshed, is in sight! Come with me, fight with me, win with me, and we'll be one step closer to forging a better world for all! For Fodlan!" She cried. The cheer was taken up by the soldiers most of the soldiers, as well as Caspar and Petra, but the rest seemed to only have grim determination on their face. Byleth took a deep breath, and readied himself.

"Forward!" Edelgard cried, and the Black Eagle Strike Force began to race down the hill.


"Judith, they've taken the outer defences and occupied the Merchant Square!" The scout yelled, clearly frantic. Judith, the hero of Daphnel, pursed her lips.

"They'll be on the bridge itself soon enough, then." She said, sighing.

"Reports from the front said the Emperor has yet to take the field." She said out loud, earning a look of hope from a nearby soldier.

"Is it possible she isn't with them?" He asked. Judith shook her head.

"No, it just means she's been conserving her strength for the real battle. It's likely she'll be leading her Strike Force as they assault the bridge. We can't beat them as we are, we simply need to hold the line and wait for Claude's reinforcements." Judith said. She began to bark orders at the soldiers around her, getting them into defensive positions.

"Ignatz, you're with me. Support my soldiers with that bow of yours if they get too close." She said. The bespectacled soldier bowed.

"Of course, Miss Judith." At his confirmation, Judith turned to the last remaining soldier.

"My orders?" The grizzled man asked.

"Take the third, fifth, and sixth battalions and lead the vanguard. You'll meet them as they break through." She said. He nodded and took off.

It was less than a minute later when she heard the peel of a warhorn, a soldier running up to her moments later.

"Lady Judith! They've broken through, fighting has already started on the bridge!" He shouted. Judith nodded solemnly.

Until reinforcements arrive… We just have to hold.


"Faster!"

The yell came from the captain at the front of the group, whipping frantically at the reigns of his horse.

"They've likely attacked the bridge by now, and if we don't get there, we're gonna lose it!" He yelled. Leonie narrowed her eyes. If the reports were right, then Edelgard was amongst the forces assaulting the bridge. She gripped her horse's reins so tightly her knuckles were turning white.

Edelgard… For the part you played in Jeralt's death. For getting Byleth caught up in your madness and getting him killed, too… I'm going to end you today. I swear it.