Imperial Year 1180, Garreg Mach Monastery

Well now, that's unexpected.

"...You want me to teach?" Byleth stared at the Archbishop blankly. Her expression didn't change. "Not serve as a Knight?"

"Of course." Rhea replied simply. "You are Jeralt's son. No doubt that will mean you are both skilled and principled. More so than the previous candidate for the role, who cowardly fled when his students where in danger."

"I see. Might I suggest discussing this more privately?" Byleth offered. "I'm not so foolish as to simply accept without actually...knowing what it is you expect of me."

"A reasonable request." Rhea inclined her head. "One I am inclined to grant you, Master Eisner."

Byleth nodded thankfully, before kneeling down to speak to his daughter. "Amy, go with Grandpa, alright? I'll catch up with you later."

"Okay Papa!" Amy smiled, jumping up to hug her father. "Love you!"

"Love you too, Sweetie."

Byleth stood back up, and watched as his easily excited daughter took Jeralt by the hand and 'dragged' him away, likely to explore. He turned to face Rhea once more. "Let's talk then."


He followed her into what was likely the Archbishop's private study.

When they entered the room, Byleth found that someone was already inside. Sat at the desk was a man dressed in exquisitely tailored clothing, and with curiously green hair. He looked up from his papers, and his smile dimmed as he saw Byleth.

"I am Seteth. I am an advisor to the Archbishop and, at least on paper, the Headmaster of the Officers Academy." The man introduced himself in an even tone.

"Byleth Eisner, good to meet you." Byleth nodded, and stepped forwards with an extended hand. It was only after a few moments of silence that Seteth shook it.

"Master Eisner here is to discuss taking up a teaching position here, given we're lacking a Professor." The Archbishop explained. "His Father is taking up his old post as a Knight."

"His Father being Jeralt Eisner, I assume?" Seteth frowned, his gaze flitted over to Byleth. "The same Jeralt Eisner that vanished in the wake of the great fire over twenty years ago?"

"..I would assume so." Byleth almost grinned. "How many Jeralt Eisner's can there be in the world?"

Seteth's frown didn't fade. Rhea cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the men to her. "Now then Master Eisner. Shall we discuss my offer?"

"...Be honest with me, Your Holiness." Byleth asked after a few moments thought. "..Are you making this offer based solely on the fact that I am Jeralt's son?"

The Archbishop offered a shrug, and smiled. "I will not lie, it is the reason I am offering it so soon. But had that not been the case I would have discussed it with the other teachers, along with my advisors."

"You are aware that I have been nothing but a mercenary for most of my life, yes?" He asked.

"Indeed." Rhea inclined her head. "I am aware of that."

"..And you want to put me in charge of the education of a large number of soon-to-be influential individuals? Despite my lack of educational background?"

"...You would be in charge of one of the three houses, true. But you would not be their only teacher." Rhea explained with a kind smile. "Expecting one person to be able to teach everything is foolish, after all. I would have you instruct 'Strategy and Combat', although the latter would be alongside Professor von Hrym. And as Head of one of the Three Houses, it would be down to you to ensure the well being of your students..as well as informing your fellow Professors who will and will not be in class on any given day."

"Ah, that makes a lot more sense. My apologies."

"You would receive the basic salary, with bonuses depending on your students monthly results." Rhea continued, seemingly ignoring the interruption. "You would have both an office and private quarters, although not in the same building, I'm afraid. Given the presence of your daughter, we would need to prepare a secondary bed for her."

"That is fine." Byleth replied. "It'll give her time to wear herself out exploring."

Seteth cut in now. "Speaking of your daughter..how is it you'll be looking after her during your lessons?"

"One of the Bears will more than suffice." Came the response. "Or a student, should they prove trustworthy enough."

"I would be willing to look after her from time to time, if you wish." Rhea offered. "It would be no trouble."

"Perhaps." Byleth smiled. "But surely as Archbishop, you have duties?"

"Not so many that I do not have free time, Master Eisner." Rhea replied. "Truly, it would be no issue."

"Then I might well take you up on that, Your Holiness."

The Archbishop smiled again. "Then am I to understand you will be accepting the offer?"

"Yes, I am. But...might I add a...condition of my employment?" Byleth asked, seriousness creeping into his voice.

"That would depend on the condition." It was Seteth that replied. "So long as it is reasonable, we should be able to fulfil it."

"I want full and legal legitimisation for Amy."

Seteth raised an eyebrow, and the Archbishop looked on with interest. "...May I ask why?"

"What kind of father would I be if I didn't do my utmost for my daughter?" Byleth fired back. "Aye, I am young. But I doubt that anyone would accept that as an excuse should the worst happen. I am aware of the legalities of inheritance. I am aware that, at least legally, Amy would be entitled to nothing if I died. That is utterly unacceptable, in my mind."

"Well said." A subtle look of approval crossed Seteth's face, before the man turned his gaze towards Rhea. The Archbishop took a calming breath, and closed her eyes in deep thought.

"That can be arranged with little difficulty." She declared after about a minute of silence. "Although it will take a number of weeks for the paperwork to work its way to the appropriate Ministries across the continent."

"That's acceptable, Your Holiness. You have my gratitude." Byleth inclined his head, and after offering a respectful bow to the Head of the Faith, made to depart.

"...May I ask what happened to her Mother?"

Byleth froze, and even Seteth seemed a little startled at the question. Rhea on the other hand merely kept an expectant look on her face.

"...With respect Your Holiness, I do not know you well enough to tell you that yet. Good day to you both." And without another word, the Demon made his exit.

"...May I ask why that question was necessary Rhea?" Seteth questioned. "The answer is sadly obvious."

"I need to know, Seteth." Rhea sighed. "I am aware of the likely truth, but we ought to know for certain."


Byleth found his daughter and father, somewhat unsurprisingly, by the fishing pool. The youngest Eisner was sat on the end of the dock, happily kicking her feet in the cool water and giggling at the fish trying to nip at her toes.

"Amy."

The small girl scrambled up, and dashed over to her father, all but leaping into his arms. "Hello Papa!"

Byleth smiled affectionately. "We're going to be staying here a while, my Precious One."

She gasped in delight. "You mean we're gonna be staying here? In the pretty castle?"

Jeralt cleared his throat. "You've accepted then."

Statement, not a question. Byleth thought, and nodded in response. "I have."

Jeralt let out a sigh, and slowly strode away. "If you're sure, Kid."

The Demon watched his father leave in silence. It worried him, it truly did. Jeralt's attitude was decidedly concerning. The Bears would need to know 'Claws Out when dealing with Rhea.'

"Papa, I'm bored!"

But that can wait for a few hours. He smiled. "Want to write to Mama?"

"Mhm! Yes Papa!"


My Dearest Helga,

You must forgive me, for I will not have many tales of far off territories for you for some time. I have accepted a position at the Officers Academy of Garreg Mach as a Teacher. It is only for a single year right now, but it will give myself and our little one some much needed stability.

Plus, the salary is surprisingly decent.

Yours Always,

-B


Hi Mama!

We're staying at a pretty castle! But Grandpapa Jerry calls it a Mona's Tree….


Apologies for the wait, and Happy New Year!

So, as most of you can tell, we're reaching the part of the story where the House Byleth will teach is picked. Whilst this is still going to happen, it doesn't necessarily mean that that will be the story-line DDaEP will follow.

That said, I welcome opinions and ideas, both for this, and for Demons, Daughter and Side Stories.

Until next time..