R:

"Richard!"

"Richard, I know you're in there!"

"Open the door!"

"Maybe Ingrid can help me break this down. It doesn't look that sturdy."

"I'm up!"

I slowly got out of my bed and opened the door. I couldn't recognize the voice since I'm still sleepy but I could already assume who it was.

"Took you long enough. I can't believe you kept a girl waiting like that."

"And a morning to you Hilda."

"It's the afternoon Richard."

My eyes shot open and I looked at the sun's position.

"Damn, I overslept. Why didn't anyone wake me up?"

"How am I supposed to know? Anyways, I didn't come here to talk to you in your sleepwear so go change. I'll wait."

I looked down and I saw that I still had my one piece on. I mumbled something to Hilda before going back into my room and changing. After a few minutes, I came out looking like I normally do.

"Wow that was fast. Is that how long it takes for a guy to get ready in the morning?"

"I'll repeat something you said, how am I supposed to know?"

To be honest, I might change faster than most since back in my days as a mercenary, there were days when I didn't have the luxury to wake up and change. Sometimes the enemy might attack us while we sleep.

"Anyways, why are you here Hilda? If someone sees you waiting outside my room, they might get the wrong idea."

I had a smug smile on my face as I was trying to tease her. Sadly she just shot me a death glare that almost made me flinch.

"Would you like to repeat yourself Richard?"

"No ma'am."

For some odd reason I saluted her when I spoke. Her look went from anger to disgust.

"Ew, don't ever call me that again."

We then stood in silence for a few seconds before I asked her the same question again.

"Why are you here Hilda?"

"Are you serious? You said you were going to learn everything about Leo and tell me about it. How could you forget that? That was literally yesterday!"

I can't believe I forgot that. That was the whole reason I went to talk to Leo. I didn't even learn anything that I could tell Hilda. I guess I messed up.

"Hey are you hungry, cause I am. Let's go to the dining hall and we can chat there."

I started to walk towards the dining hall slowly as I was trying to figure out what to say to her. Hilda quickly ran towards my side and gave me a glare.

"What do you even have to say to me since you obviously forgot what I told you to do?"

"Actually I have a lot to say. First off, I have a question to ask. Why are you and Leo acting so weird even though you two did the forbidden dance under the covers?"

She gave me a look of confusion after I spoke. I tried to think of a better analogy.

"You know, placed his white chip cookie dough into your oven."

No response.

"Placed his greatsword into your personal sheath."

Still the same face. Tough crowd.

"You two had s#x."

She got that one.

"H...ilda...ca...n't….br...ea...th."

"That's the point!"

Her grip on me was ironclad so I had no chance of escape.

"How do you know that!?"

I tapped her arms so she could understand that I couldn't answer her question. People were staring at us since Hilda was yelling loudly.

"Answer me!"

I can't. I looked up into the sky and I spoke to it. Mom, dad, I guess we are having a reunion faster than I thought. Damn, I didn't even get to say goodbye to Captain Veltus. She'll probably understand.

"Uh, fine."

Hilda let go of her grip and I went down like a sack of rocks. I tried to regain some oxygen into my lungs which took a few seconds. After that I stood up and I looked Hilda in the eye with a smug look.

"So it was you who he slept with."

Hilda's face exploded like a bomb and she went to strangle me again but this time she placed her hands onto her face. She was too embarrassed to look at me anymore. Maybe I went too far.

"Okay, sorry about that. I realize that maybe I went a little too far. Maybe."

Her face was still red when she finally removed her hands and glared at me.

"A little?"

"Sorry."

I waited for her to regain her composure so I could have an actual conversation.

"Look I'll say it again, sorry."

"Whatever. You already know about it so there's no point in lying. Yeah Leo and I, we-."

She couldn't finish her sentence which I found slightly funny. I would have never guessed that she would be too embarrassed to talk about adult things. I tried to not let it show on my face.

"I get it, you don't have to say it. My question is why do you two seem like just regular friends even though you two did 'it'."

"Well, I told him that we should just forget about it since I assumed that he would regret it."

Her reasoning caught me off guard. I would never have thought she would say something like that. I let her continue.

"After that, we all got punished by Byleth and that whole thing with the Blue Lions happened. I realized that he was still uncomfortable with me so I confronted him again. I told him that I didn't mean for that night to happen like that and if we could please revert back to normal. He agreed and that's how it ended."

I looked into her eyes and I saw sadness in them. This has happened to a lot of young people that I have known. Communication is important. If you never voice what you want from someone else, then how are they supposed to know what you want, what you feel. Leo was confusioned too but it seems that Hilda wasn't. She was more scared that Leo would reject her, so she did what she did. Poor Leo.

"Look Hilda, you can't change the past so don't live in it. What happened, happened. No ways around it. All you can do is try to become closer to Leo more naturally. Sometimes people think that just by doing 'it', then two people could jump from friends to lovers quickly. Sadly that has the opposite effect without the proper communication. Obviously you two haven't talked about it like you should have but I digress. Just talk to Leo, try the things that he enjoys doing, and show that you see him as someone special. Leo is a simple guy. What you see is what you get with Leo so don't try to think about it too much with him."

Hilda looked at me with wide eyes.

"Wow, Richard I had no idea that you were so wise."

"What did you take me for, an idiot?"

I have no idea what Leo's thoughts are all about being with a woman since he has bigger problems to handle so I will just give her advice as a friend. Even though I wish I could help Leo get some women. I closed my eyes and spoke once again.

"That's all I have to say so let's go eat some fo-"

I didn't get a chance to finish my sentence since something small tackled me onto the ground. As I laid on the ground I looked at the small child on my chest. The child looked up with fear in it's eyes. I quickly figured out that the small child was someone I knew.

"Bernadetta, can you get off of me?"

"No! He's going to kill me!"

I looked towards the direction to where she came from and I saw Felix walk towards us. I was very confused.

"Hilda can you help me with Bernadetta?"

"Have fun. Man I'm starving."

I just stared at Hilda in despair. I thought she would at least help me since I gave her advice. Felix arrived a few feet from the soles of my boots.

"My business isn't with you Richard."

I tried to get up but Bernadetta stopped that from happening. I tried to figure out what was happening between the two of them but with Bernadetta clinging onto me for dear life and Felix not one to show emotion on his face, I was lost.

"Bernadetta, please can you get off?"

"No, I don't want to die yet!"

What was going on?

Rs:

I had a lot of people I had to talk to today. All of them were apologies. I had to first figure out where Claude was. I doubt he was still in his room. He may act lazy but I doubt he would waste his day sleeping. I could ask around until someone tells me. Luckily I saw Marianne walking out of her room.

It was perfect. She could tell me where Claude was and I could apologize to her for yesterday. I walked towards her and she looked scared. As I got closer to her I spoke.

"Marianne, are you okay?"

"I'm...fine."

She didn't look fine. It looks like she is scared of someone. Maybe it's a bully. I placed my hand on her shoulder. She jumped at my touch. That's the way a victim would react.

"Tell me Marianne who is bullying you? I will stomp them into the ground."

"I'm not being bullied."

Her voice sounded so weak. I knew it. Poor girl.

"Just point the person who is causing this and I will end them."

She didn't react for a second but then she lifted her hand meekly. She finally pointed at the culprit.

"Me?!"

She nodded her head.

"What?!"

She got more scared as I yelled. I forgot she was a shy girl. Like that Black Eagles girl except less energetic. I felt depressed as I turned around.

"I'm sorry Marianne. I'll just leave."

Maybe she saw how I acted yesterday and got scared that I would hurt her. Maybe it's better if I just leave her alone until Claude explains the misunderstanding. I'm just a normal girl.

As I walked away, Marianne grabbed my sleeve which made me turn my head towards her.

"Marianne?"

"You're...friends with...Richard, right?"

"Friends?"

I turned fully around this time and I looked at her before answering with a big smile.

"More like best friends!"

Just saying that made me feel better. I had two new best friends in my life that I could be proud of. Not only did I have my childhood friends, I had become close to most of my friends and now two people who were outside my house. Take that Sylvain.

Marianne was trying to speak but I kept laughing in joy after speaking.

"Rosaline?"

Her weak voice snapped me back into reality.

"Oh, sorry about that. Anyways, yeah I'm friends with Ric. Why do you ask?"

"Well-."

She opened her bag and pulled out a book.

"You see, Richard helped me in the stables yesterday. I didn't ask him to help but he insisted that he stayed. Once he left a book fell out of his pocket. I couldn't find him today so I was hoping to ask you to hand it to him."

She gave me the book which was small enough to fit inside someone's pocket. I looked at the cover and I realized that it was a mini-notebook. I opened the first page and it read,

Guide on how to take care of a stable and horse stuff

I was confused about why he had a notebook on maintaining a stable until I looked up and I saw Marianne's face. She had a small smile while her cheeks were slightly red.

I understood now. Ric, you player.

"No problem Marianne. I'll get him his book back."

I flashed her a smile while giving her a thumbs up.

"Thank you."

I assumed that was the only reason she stopped me so I was going to leave.

"Rosaline."

This time her voice had more volume than normal so I quickly turned around.

"Yes, Marianne?"

"Can I ask you something else?"

"Of course Marianne."

Marianne paused for a second then her face got red.

"Never mind."

She quickly bowed and walked back into her room. I was going to stop her but I decided that she probably pushed herself more than usual.

I then realized that I never asked her where Claude was or even attempted to apologize to her. I sighed and started to walk towards the dining hall. Maybe Claude was there. To my surprise I saw someone else I needed to see.

"Ric!"

I waved at him as I yelled his name. He looked me in the eye and I could see emptiness in them.

"What happened to you Ric?"

"I had a run in with your friend, Felix."

"I understand."

He didn't have to say anymore. I know all too well how Felix is. I was surprised to learn that Felix had taken a liking to Ric and Leo after the tournament we had last moon. I don't know if that's a good thing for them.

"Also I haven't had any food yet."

"I'm sorry."

Confronting Felix and being on an empty stomach. My sympathies Ric.

He shook his head and his usual look returned to his face before speaking.

"So what's up?"

"You see someone asked me to return this to you."

As I was lifting the notebook to show him, I realized that I didn't have it in my hand anymore. I thought I lost it but then my eyes wandered towards Ric's hands and I saw that he already had it in his hands.

"Did you read it?"

His voice didn't sound normal. I raised my eyes to see his face. Before he spoke I saw something I didn't recognize.

"Well, did you?"

I finally made eye contact with him and he quickly averted his. His face was slightly red.

Richard was so embarrassed that he was blushing. I never knew he could make a face like that. I then understood why he was embarrassed by me reading it. It's contents must be for his eyes only. I gave him a smug smile similar to what he would do when he teases me.

"Maybe I did."

Ric closed his eyes and placed the book back into his pocket.

"Whatever. Where did you get it anyways?"

I was surprised that he went from embarrassed to normal so quickly. I guess it's rare for a reason.

"Marianne gave to me. She said that you left it back in the stables."

"That explains it."

He sighed and for a split second, I saw his hands shake.

"Well I'm starving so I'm going to go eat."

He started to walk away before I stopped him.

"Wait, Ric. Do you know where Claude is?"

"Claude?"

Ric kept his back towards me as he was deep in thought.

"He should be with Leo at the training grounds."

After he spoke, Ric walked away. I guess he must be starving if he didn't say anything else.

As I made my way towards the training grounds, a voice stopped me.

"Rosaline."

My heart did a backflip when I heard Dimitri's voice.

"D-Dimitri. What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Why are you speaking so strange Rosaline?"

"No reason."

"Well alright then. May I ask where you're going in such a hurry?"

"I have to see Claude so I'm going to the training ground."

"Don't tell me Rosaline. Are you planning to leave the Blue Lions for the Golden Deer?"

I waved my hands in front of me so quickly that I was scared I would cause a strong wind to blow by.

"Of course not Dimitri! I would never do that! I will always be loyal to you! I mean the Blue Lions! Well you too but not like that! I would never betray the Holy Kingdom of-"

Dimitri placed his hand on my shoulder which made me jump.

"Breath Rosaline. It was merely a joke. You can relax. I know you would never betray me or the Kingdom. I would never doubt your loyalty to Farhgus."

I tried to control my breathing but then I saw Dedue walking towards us.

"Your majesty."

"Dedue, I told you to enjoy your meal with the others. Why are you here?"

"I finished my meal like you asked."

"But I wanted you to stay and talk with the others while you ate."

"There was no need for that. I finished my food and I left like you just did."

I zooned out of Dedue and Dimitri's conversation. Seeing Dedue made me feel uneasy. I might have gone slightly overboard yesterday but I wasn't planning on apologizing to him. Now that Dimitri is here, I bet Dedue already told him what had happened. Now I can't leave without saying something.

"Dimitri, I'm sorry."

I bowed to him which confused Dimitri.

"What are you apologizing for Rosaline?"

"Dedue probably already told you what happened yesterday so I'm apologizing."

"What happened yesterday?"

I looked at Dimitri in confusion then at Dedue.

"You didn't tell him anything?"

"I didn't think it was relevant to tell our majesty about it. I assumed you didn't want him knowing."

My eyes widen by Dedue's words. I couldn't believe them. I then remembered something Ric told me yesterday.

"Hey Rosaline?"

"Yeah, Ric?"

"Can you do me a favor? I heard about what happened with Dedue. Leo told me since Claude told him about it. Don't try to blame him for what happened to your family. I say that if he wasn't the culprit then he's not at fault. I mean what if someone stole money from me and I met their son. I'm not going to attack their son since he is innocent. He doesn't carry his parents' sins with him. I can't begin to imagine what you feel at all but from an outsider's perspective, that's my advice."

Dedue didn't kill my family. I know that.

"Well I apologized. If you want to hear the story you can ask Dedue if you want."

I bowed again towards Dimitri.

"I must be going."

I quickly left. I still can't look at Dedue's face.

Because when I see his face, all I see is my family's corpses.


L:

I was with Claude and Lysithea in the training grounds when Rosaline walked in. She looked upset which made Claude jump.

"Not again."

"What?"

Lysithea and I spoke at the same time in confusion. Claude who looked nervous spoke.

"H-Hey Rosaline. Need something?"

Rosaline looked at Claude and then at me. Her face changed into her normal expression. She then bowed to Claude.

"I'm sorry Claude, for yesterday. I said some things that I shouldn't have and I hurt you. I lashed out at you for no reason even though you were just trying to help."

"What?"

Once again, Lysithea and I spoke at the same time. We both looked at Claude who looked relieved when he spoke.

"Oh, that's why you're here. Trust me Rosaline, that is all water under the bridge for me."

Rosaline straightened her back and spoke again.

"Still, that was wrong of me so please forgive me."

"Sure I forgive you. We can close this entire debacle with a hug."

Claude opened his arms and Lysithea and I gave Claude a glare. To our surprise, Rosaline hugged him. Claude had a more surprised expression on his face then we did. After their hug ended she gave a smile to Claude.

"Thank you Claude."

She then turned to leave the training halls but before she left she turned around and waved at me.

"See ya Leo."

I waved back.

"Bye, Rosa."

She left and Claude slowly turned towards me.

"Wow. Do you think she likes me Leo?"

I hit Claude in the head while answering him.

"Of course not. She's just a nice person. And again, stop with calling me Leo."

I realized that I fell into Claude's trap.

"Interesting. I can't call you Leo but Rosaline can. Plus you called her Rosa which last I heard, she isn't fond of."

Claude was eyeing me suspiciously as he spoke. I just rolled my eyes at him.

"Claude, you overthink things too much. We are just friends."

"Suuure."

He turned back around to grab a bow and continue practicing his shooting. I know Claude means well most of the time but his snooping gets on my nerves sometimes. Before I was going to continue my swordsmanship I felt a tug on my jacket. I turned to see Lysithea looking at me.

"Is what you say true Leonardo?"

"About what?"

"About you and Rosaline."

I was confused as to why she was questioning me. Maybe she has been hanging out with Claude too much. Not maybe, I know I have.

"Yeah it's true."

"You don't think it's more than that?"

"Of course not. I'm pretty sure she has room for one man in her heart, and that's Prince Dimitri."

I smiled at the thought of watching Rosaline trying to talk to Dimitri. I then realized that maybe I'm hanging out with Ric too much since that's something he would do.

"Well that's good."

I then return my attention towards Lysithea and I give her a confused look.

"Why's that?"

She avoided eye contact with me when I asked her.

"None of your business. Shouldn't you be practicing like Claude is. I have to practice my magic so if you'll excuse me."

She then walked away from me and went to practice her magic on a wooden dummy. I was going to talk to her more but she obviously doesn't want to. Ric told me if a woman leaves you with those kinds of words, then that means they like me. For some reason I find it difficult to believe him. I think that sort of thing only happens to him.

AN:

Yahello! Another quick upload for you all. I was honestly surprised on how fast I got the last chapter out which was why I didn't write much on the AN last chapter. Sadly I have a lot I wanted to say this time but my laptop broke again and I'm posting this on my friend's computer. When my laptop is fixed I'll either change this AN or just write what I wanted to write here on the next chapter. I don't have a time table for my laptop so who knows when I'll post again. I say this, thanks to Metal Flash for giving me the nice motivation for writing this chapter. That's it so have a great day and thank you for reading.-Omas125