Prologue: Great Tree Moon
R:
Right now I'm walking with Edelgard in a forest close to Garreg Mach Monastery. It's currently the 18th of the Great Tree Moon.
"So tell me Richard, was the exam as hard as you thought it was going to be?"
"No it wasn't. You could have told me that I was ready by the time you received Captain Veltus' first letter back at the beginning of the Lone Moon."
"If I told you that you would have stopped studying."
"Exactly!"
She just laughed at my response. I turn to look at her. She is going to be the Emperor of the Empire someday and here I am next to her. I don't know if I deserve such an honor. I don't know if I can live up to her expectations. When I was studying I was scared to fail her because I thought she would execute me. Now that I passed the exam and I'm walking with her, my reasoning has changed. The first time we met was under very stressful conditions for me so I never really talked to her. Our relationship was built on fear. It might have been one-sided but that's how I felt. Now that I have a clear mind, I can actually talk to her and see who she is. She has great ambitions. She has the drive to chase her goals. She probably has a million things that she has to worry about but she took the time to personally come to me.
She recruited me.
I don't want to fail her.
Not because of what will happen to me.
Because of what might happen to her.
I'll probably be some spoke in the great wheel of Edelgard's plan but if that helps her succeed then I will do it. I have never met someone with such drive. With such passion for change. Being a mercenary has shown me the dark side of people. Especially the people who are in power.
Nobles.
When I started off, I thought it would be impossible for me to reject a job. Money is money. Then I met some of the Dukes of Fódlan and they changed my mindset. They disgusted me.
"My son was born without a crest. Could you-"
"Richard?"
I blinked and then I turned my head forward. I realized that I kept staring at Edelgard. She spoke up once again.
"Don't you know it's rude to stare at a lady like that?"
"Sorry about that. I was just thinking about the Academy. I'm kinda excited to meet everyone else in the House. I didn't really socialize with people my age when I was younger. Hopefully I can coexist with them."
"I understand how you feel Richard and I think you'll do fine. You seem pretty good talking with me."
I never really thought about it but she does have a point. Maybe I'm just overthinking things. Edelgard continues to speak.
"Since we started talking today, you never really treated me as a noble."
Something else I just noticed. I have always talked to people the same way. Nobles see that as me being disrespectful but it's just that I was never really taught the difference between nobles and commoners. The Academy is going to be filled with nobles. If I say one wrong thing, it could be my head. Edelgard must have taken my silence as fear since she started to talk to me with a worried tone.
"Richard that's not a bad thing. Honestly I'm glad that you don't treat me different. It feels like you see me as a regular human."
"Sorry to worry you but I'm fine. I just never really thought about it until now. I just have to watch my tongue while I'm there."
"Listen to me Richard. I know that my viewpoint on this subject will differ from other nobles but I want you to understand that, in Garreg Mach, it will be different. They accept Nobles and commoners. Technically there is no nobility when we attend Garreg Mach so just be yourself. Everyone is equal there."
I understood what she was trying to say. There should be no problem but expect it. I can't imagine some of the nobles being okay with losing their status while we are studying at Garreg Mach. I guess I'll just have to learn as I go. I turn to Edelgard and I flashed her a smile.
"Your right. I have nothing to worry about."
She laughs at my answer which is what I didn't expect her to do.
"Sorry for laughing but I didn't expect you to smile like that after you passed the exam. Honestly what changed your mind? I remember you rejecting my offer when we first met."
"I guess you changed my mind Edelgard. I became a mercenary to become strong and to make money. I knew that I couldn't keep living as a mercenary but what else was I going to do? I know Captain Veltus must have told you that she wanted me to become a knight but I always rejected the idea. It's because I didn't want to work for a noble for the rest of my life. I know as a mercenary I would receive jobs from nobles but not always. Plus I could reject any job I wanted. I had more freedom as a mercenary so I just stuck with it. Then I met you. After that day I tried to find out everything about you. I heard many things about you but some just stuck with me. Your goals and your drive. I have met many nobles that spew whatever lies the people want to hear but you were different. Seeing you in person showed that you actually believe in your words. You want change. Now I can be wrong so I am taking this year as an opportunity to see if you are true to your words. So don't fail Edelgard."
She looked at me with wide eyes. My face turned slightly red after telling her my reasons. She just remains silent for a second before she opens her mouth.
"Well Richard, I hope I don't disappoint you. Hopefully this year we can work together."
She offers her hand to me and I quickly shake it.
"I hope so too."
We end the hand shake and we return our eyes forward. We walked in silence for a while until Edelgard breaks the silence.
"We are going to arrive soon. You're the last one to arrive from the Black Eagles House so everyone should already be waiting for us. Would you like me to tell you who everyone else in the house is?"
They are all waiting for me. The people who I will spend the year with. I get excited again.
"No it's alright. I mean I would rather them introduce themselves first."
She just smiled at my response and we continued our walk in silence. We soon arrived to Garreg Mach and I was blown away. The place was huge. I can't believe this is going to be my home for the year. Now that I have seen the Academy, I can't waste this opportunity. I won't fail Edelgard. Oh and I guess Captain Veltus too. As we enter Garreg Mach, Edelgard begins the tour.
"This school is centered around training the future generation of Fódlan. Here in the Officer's Academy they teach us the art of warfare. Beside our studies we also have to participate in missions to gain real experience in the field. We are accompanied by the Knight of Seiros for our safety but I also think there is another reason behind it."
There she goes again. She definitely doesn't like the Church of Seiros.
"Anyways, we will also have to participate in various competitions throughout the year. The first one will be at the end of the Great Tree Moon."
I just nod to her explanations. She showed me the dining halls, a fishing pond, the green house, the stables, the courtyards, the reception hall, the knights' hall, and the bridge to the church.
"I would've liked to have showed you the church but it seems like we are running out of time."
I look up and I see the sun slowly setting. I also think she is slightly glad that she doesn't have to enter the church with me. She then offers me two choices.
"Now where would you like to go now: the classroom so that you can introduce yourself to the rest of the Black Eagles or visit your room?"
I felt like this was a test. I can't fail my first one.
"To the classroom."
She nodded to my response and led me to the Black Eagle classroom. Once I walked in I see seven other students in the room. Four guys and three girls. Edelgard started to command the classroom.
"Everyone listen up. This is the latest student to join the Black Eagle House."
She then nodded to me. I let out a sigh before I started my intro.
"Hello. My name is Richard Veltus. I am 18 years old. Nice to meet everyone."
Short and simple. Immediately after I finished talking Edelgard spoke.
"Now everyone introduce yourselves."
The first one to speak was a guy with orange hair.
"I am Ferdinand von Aegier, legitimate son of the Aegir family, the Empire's foremost house. A pleasure to meet you."
I was thankful that his intro was short. It will be easier to remember. From just how he talks I can tell that he is a proper noble with a fancy upbringing. I can't judge much else from him so I'll just have to wait for more info. The next one to speak is a short light blue hair kid.
"Hey, I'm Caspar von Bergliez. I'm the second son of house Bergiez. Nice to meet you."
A little too loud for my liking but he seems to be driven like Edelgard. He kinda reminds me of a little kid. Next one to speak is the second tallest person here not including myself. He has green hair that is is placed in a ponytail but only the lower part of his hair. He looks very tired compared to everyone else so maybe he trains harder than anyone else here.
"Linhardt."
I waited for him to continue but he doesn't. Caspar yells at him while Linhardt just shrugs him off. Edelgard shoots a glare at Linhardt but he just pretends not to see her. Maybe I'm wrong with my guess on him. The next one to speak is a girl who looks like she is from Brigid. I've been to Brigid for some unsavory jobs so maybe I shouldn't bring that up.
"Hello. I am called Petra. I am pleased to be meeting with...no, I am pleased to have met you."
I'm surprised she can speak as good as she is. Every person I have met from Brigid couldn't even speak a single sentence to me let alone be able to correct themselves mid sentence. I am curious on why she is here in Fódlan and specifically in the Officers Academy. I save that question for another time as the next person speaks.
"My name is Dorothea. Before joining the academy, I was a member of an opera company in the Empire."
Ironically I don't need to listen to her intro. She definitely has grown up since I last saw her but I guess she doesn't remember me anymore. I thought that would happen. Once she joined the Mittlefrank Opera Company, I imagined that she would not need me anymore. The next one to introduce themselves seems to be hiding behind a table with a book over her head. Shy. Edelgard started to speak to her.
"Come on Bernadetta. You can't fool anyone here. We can all see you. Just introduce yourself now so you can get it over with."
My guess is that this is not the first time this has happened. She begins to shake from where she is crouching and I feel slightly bad for her. I walked closer to her and I stand next to the table she is trying to use for cover. I slightly bend over to look her in the eyes.
"Look you don't have to force yourself if you don't want to."
Her face explodes from embarrassment and she stands up.
"SorryIcan'ttakethisanymoreI'mgoingtomyroom."
In the blink of an eye she is already gone. Well she is fast I'll give her that. I straighten my back and I look at Edelgard. She has her eyes closed with her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I would like to apologize for her. It was honestly a surprise that she even came here."
"It was hard to get Bernie out of her room but with a little persuasion I got the job done. By the way, remind me to get a cake from the kitchen later."
Edelgard continues to shake her head at what Dorothea just said.
"I can't believe that girl sometimes. Just in case you didn't catch her name, it's Bernadetta von Varley."
I nod my head to her. I look at the last student to introduce themselves. I decide to tease him first.
"Cmon Hubert. It's time for your intro."
I can see him visibly annoyed by me. I just smile at him and I turn to Edelgard. She still seems upset from earlier so she doesn't pay attention to us. I just assume that Hubert isn't going to introduce himself so I began to think about my class.
It slowly dawned on me that most of the people in this class are nobles. I know for a fact that Dorothea is a commoner like me but Petra is still a mystery to me. Linhardt never said his last name so he is a coin toss for me. I begin to feel a little unnerved by this fact but I have to get used to it. This is my home now. Edelgard finally calmed down and looked right at me.
"Now Richard follow me as I take you to your room."
Right before I could move Dorothea speaks up.
"Actually Edie, can I show him to his room? I want a chance to get to know him a little more."
Edelgard gives Dorothea a look of confusion and then looks at me. I just shrug at her.
"If that's what you want then by all means Dorothea go ahead."
Dorothea giggles at Edelgard and looks at me.
"Well follow me Richard."
She used a more seductive voice when she just spoke to me. I make sure she is ahead of me before I roll my eyes at her and I begin to follow her. She leads me outside of the classroom and down a stone path. I choose to keep my mouth closed while she leads me to my room. I thought she would try to 'get to know me better' but she remains silent. We quickly arrive to a two floor building with multiple rooms on both floors. I guess one of these rooms are mine. She walks to the second room at the edge of the building. I look further down at it looks like there are a bunch of rooms further down. The room left to mine, which is the last room of the first floor, is empty. Is there supposed to be another new student or is that just an extra room? Dorothea just remains silent and she is blocking me from entering my room. I get slightly annoyed by this and I try to get her to move.
"Excuse me Dorothea but can I get in my room?"
She doesn't do anything. I begin to worry about her but she finally speaks.
"I guess you don't remember me anymore huh Ric?"
She doesn't turn around to face me. I wished she did since she could see my face now. I decide to make her. I grab her shoulders and I turn her around. She gasps at my action but doesn't attempt to stop me. Her face is red but she avoids looking me in the eyes. I whisper to her.
"Dorie."
I sound utterly stupid saying that but I know that will make her look at me. Her eyes widen and she finally looks at me. She can see the red hue that is covering my face. She covers her mouth and I hear her whisper something. I couldn't make out what she said but she quickly embraces me.
"I've missed you so much Ric."
I can hear her start to lightly sob.
"It's okay Dorothea I'm here."
I release my grip on her which confuses her but I then open the door to my room. I gestured to her to go in and she quickly follows my orders. I walk in and I close the door behind me. I look around the room and it's smaller than I thought it would be. It looks nicer than my old room. I didn't take too long to admire my room since I have to attend to the girl currently in it. She talks first.
"I thought you forgot all about me since you didn't say anything when you introduced yourself to everyone."
"Well my mind was racing when I came in. I really didn't notice you until you started to talk. Plus I can say the same thing to you."
"I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of everyone if you didn't remember me."
"I guess you have a point."
"Of course I do. Plus why is your last name different? When I heard you say it I began to doubt if it was really you."
"Edelgard said it would be less suspicious for me to have a more recognizable name. A captain I know volunteered to be my adopted mother so while I attend Garreg Mach, I'm Richard Veltus."
She gave me a look of confusion but she shook her head.
"Whatever. Forget about that. Now tell me why did you run away from me? Why have you avoided me for all these years?"
I stopped looking at her eyes. I felt embarrassed about my actions from the past. I thought I would never see her again so I decided to just forget about it. Sadly I never could.
"I...Once you joined the Mittlefrank Opera Company I went to your first show. I saw you up on stage and I was mesmerized by you. I also realized that you belong up there on stage not with me. Not with the commoners. You rose up on your own accord and I didn't want you to be held down by me. I thought it would be better for you if I just left. It seems like I wa-"
The sharp pain on my cheek made me stop talking. Dorothea lowered her hand and I saw her hands tremble.
"Are you kidding me? What do you know what was better for me? Do you know how lonely I was without you? Sure I became friends with some of the singers but they were never as close to me as you were. I would never think that you would drag me down. In fact I would have prospered more if you were by my side. I nee…"
She didn't finish her sentence but I knew what she wanted to say. She stopped looking at me again. I felt terrible. Maybe I was just being selfish back then. Maybe I was a coward. I was a lot of things back then but now I'm different. I have changed.
"Dorothea. Please look at me."
She didn't move for a second but she finally moved her eyes toward me.
"I don't think a sorry will make you forgive me but I want you to listen to me. I know you were lonely without me but you succeeded as an opera singer, right? I mean not only did you join the Mittlefrank Opera Company but you actually stayed there for years. You didn't really need me. I don't mean that I'm useless to you but that you are talented enough to accomplish what you wanted to do. I didn't get you into Mittlefrank. You did. I'm proud of the Dorothea that is standing in front of me. I don't think you would have become so strong with me by your side. I wouldn't change the past if I could. Sure I was sad without you but I became stronger and somehow that got me into the Officer's Academy. You also got into the Officer's Academy without me. You are strong with or without me. I understand if you can't forgive me but I will always be happy with how you turned out."
She didn't utter another word after my little speech to her. She just hugged me again and cried into my uniform.
After a while Edelgard came by my room to check up on me since neither Dorothea and I ever came back. Luckily by the time she arrived Dorothea had already composed herself. She just walked away while taking Edelgard with her. I left my door open and I laid on my bed. I don't know if we can ever return to how we were when we were younger but I was glad that I finally got that off my chest. It really was nice to see her again. My eyes began to fight to stay open. I was drained emotionally after just happened plus I did a whole tour of the academy. I gave in to my fight with my eyes and I fell asleep.
I quickly got up as I realized that I left my door open. But then I saw that my door was already closed. I also saw a note on my door. I quickly read it. Edelgard wrote it. It says that she let me sleep since I had a long day but to remember that I have to wake up early for training tomorrow. I put the note on my desk and I opened my door. The quiet and dark night greeted me as I walked out of my room. I know that I won't be able to sleep again after waking up so quickly so I decided to do what I always do when I can't sleep.
Walk.
I start to sneak around since there are guards around the area. I know I won't get in massive trouble if I just walk outside my room but I have a specific target in my head. I quietly walk around the guards and I cross the bridge that connected the church to the Academy. I'm not much of a religious man but I know that a church is the quietest place here. I doubt there will be guards and I can freely walk around in peace. I also want to see how the church looks on the inside. Luckily the doors seems to be already open as I sneak in. To my surprise, I'm not alone. The church is currently being used by one person. She is standing close to the giant window on the other side of the door. She has her head down which makes me assume she is praying. She has blue hair and it's in a weird braid. She fits in perfectly with the scenariy. It feels like a crime to interrupt her. I completely forgot the reason of me coming here as I try to quietly leave but the door makes a loud noise which can easily be heard throughout the church. I turn to see if the girl is looking at me. She is looking right at me and I start to feel guilty. Before any words could be exchanged a loud knight starts to walk towards the door.
"Hey! Who is in there?"
I quickly move away from the door. I move closer to the girl and I motioned to her to follow me. Either she is ignoring me or she is frozen in place. Whatever the reason I don't want her to get in trouble because of me. I walked over to her and I grabbed her wrist. She looks at me with a scared look on her face but I don't have time to worry about it. I dragged her towards a small room with four statues. The room is dark which should prevent the guards to be able to see us. I let go of the girl's wrist and I then put my finger over my mouth. Luckily she understands and just meekly nods her head. I crouch down to avoid the guards view and the girl does the same. One lone guard walks around the church looking for anyone who could be here this late at night. The guard quickly gives up probably cause he wants to just go to sleep already. He leaves the church and now we are in the clear. I let out a sigh and I stand up.
"Jeez that was nerve racking."
I offer my hand to the girl but she doesn't take it. She just stares at it. I raise an eyebrow to her as to ask her why she won't take it. She gets up on her own accord and dusts off her uniform. I retreat my hand back to my side and I try to talk to her.
"So why were you here so late anyways?"
Silence. She doesn't respond to me. I can assume she is a student since she has a uniform but I don't know which house she is from. She just tries to avoid eye contact with me and she just stands there quietly. I realize that she is kinda like Bernadetta but not as eccentric. I decided to avoid asking anymore questions.
"I get it. You don't have to say anything. I'm going to leave so you don't have to feel so scared."
I turn around and I begin to walk away.
"By the way, my name is Richard Veltus and I'm from the Black Eagle House."
I don't know why I told her that but I don't regret it. I start to walk again. Halfway through the church I barely heard a weak voice behind me.
"...Marianne..."
I turned around towards the voice but she already left through the side door. I just stood in the church alone for a bit. I wanted to wait for my stupid smile to leave my face before I return to my room.
AN:
Hello it's me again. I know that the ending is pretty OOC. I will try from this point onward to try to be faithful to the characters. This ends the prologue and know we will enter familiar territory. Don't worry, the next chapter will include the two other OCs so get pumped. I don't know how long each chapter will be or how frequent I will write them. The length of it (hehe) is random for me. If you guys want the chapters to be a certain length then tell me otherwise it will be maybe this length on average. The frequencies of the chapters is different because it's not all on me. I have someone read through it and it can take a couple of days to get back. I will try to write as much as I can while not burning myself out. So maybe weekly? On a separate note, I obliviously have to make the dormitory bigger to fit the three new students. Just to clarify, Richard's room is in between Dedue and Byleth. But will that be Byleth's room? I was going to write more but seeing the AN, it seems long so I'll end it here. Thank you for reading this story and the AN. Be well and stay safe.-Omas125
