"Hey, Byleth," Shez jogged up to the mercenary, "I take it that you heard?"

"About the end of the war? Yes, we were made aware some time ago. We've been making preparations to head out."

Shez felt his mood dampen significantly at the news, "Wow, you don't waste any time, do you?"

"You should know better than most that mercs got to stay moving once the work ends."

"Right. I know that," Shez rubbed his neck awkwardly, "Oh, but that wasn't what I came to tell you. I was letting you know that Dimitri and Marianne announced their plans to marry."

"The king, and the shy girl?"

"Yeah, go figure, but they are apparently quite the pair. Though she was very hush hush about the whole thing. I'm sure you could go. It won't be for a few months though."

"Like I said, we mercs got to keep moving when the work runs out." She eyed him with her typical hard to read manner before continuing, "But if we're in the area, I suppose I could pay a visit."

"Sure thing. Sounds great. Now, unfortunately, I got some work I have to do. Make sure to stop by before you leave."

Byleth nodded, "Will do."

As Shez walked away, he put a hand to his chin and thought, "In the area, huh?"

The castle was bustling with energy as Shez went around making sure that the guards were all in proper position. He was technically captain of the guard which meant he did have work to do at occasions like this. Fortunately, for all the chaos outside, the innards of the castle were filled with a chaos of a bit more controlled variety.

It was in this controlled chaos that he perked up upon seeing a familiar face. One that prompted him to jog forward, duties temporarily forgotten. He did slow down on approach. He had never seen her in proper formal attire, and despite being a monster of the battlefield, she wore the simple pink dress extremely well.

"Hey, good to see you. I'm glad you could make it."

"Yes," He could have sworn he saw her smile, but opted not to get his hopes up, "I have actually been hired as a bit more security. Oddly enough, only I was requested."

"I hope Jeralt wasn't too upset. He actually let you come alone, huh?"

"Yes. He merely laughed and said something about not having too much fun."

"Well, you look great."

"Thank you. It's not the kind of thing I usually wear. Jeralt said I would need to wear something else besides my usual gear, but he refused to help me pick it out. It was…more of an ordeal than I was expecting. Alois eventually had to step in since he had bought some dresses for his wife."

Remembering how that Jeralt had given her the attire she typically wore, Shez decided that may have been a good thing for a formal setting. Plus, he could practically feel the guys looking her way as it was.

"You did great. Though I'm almost surprised you didn't bring a sword."

"I was going to before being told it made me stand out."

Shez laughed in response, "That is very you. Well, with the both of us in the crowd, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. We haven't received any credible threats, but it is a period of turmoil."

"Indeed. Work has been somewhat steady."

"A double edged sword for us mercs."

"Indeed," Byleth nodded, "Though you seem to be adjusting to a more steady lifestyle."

"It has its perks though sometimes I miss the road." Shez then politely offered his arm, "Come on, I'll show you to your seat, or you could come with me as I finish my rounds to make sure security is up to par."

"The latter. I'll feel more at place making myself useful."

"Great. Shouldn't take too long."

The ceremony went off without a hitch. Even with the diametrically opposed best man and maid of honor in Felix and Hilda. Soon enough, they were marching off to the reception hall to celebrate the royal couple.

Among them were Shez and Byleth, arms interlinked.

"So, that was a royal wedding," Byleth mused aloud.

"Yeah. Was really a bit different from the few I've been to. Not that I've been to many. How about you?"

"Not many. Jeralt's band typically recruits the best, and that often means veterans. Typically, if they're going to marry, they're already married. That or they left to be married."

"Guess that makes sense. Either way, I'm happy for them. I know Marianne's pretty shy, but hopefully she got to enjoy it. It's a special occasion after all. What about you? Think you'd like something this grandiose?"

"I hadn't given a ceremony much thought. I honestly do not think my prospects of marriage are good."

"Why not? Think all the guys are afraid of you?"

"I…had not before…"

"Oh! Er," He could practically hear Arval mocking him, "Don't worry about it. Any guy scared of you obviously isn't a good match for you. You're really not that scary."

"Were you not scared of me?"

"Er, I was, but not anymore. I got to know you." Nerve wracking at times, yes, but that was not because he was afraid of her.

"Thank you. But, no, I just do not think I have much to offer a husband. I really can't do much besides fight. I also lack…personality as some have put it."

"Well, you're not the most talkative person around, but I don't believe that you have no personality. You just don't know how to express yourself."

"I suppose I never spent much time on myself. I've always just focused on mercenary work. Fighting is where I feel most comfortable with myself."

"But you try. You don't have to be the most expressive person. You have plenty to offer, and not just to a future husband, but to yourself. Though, it is kind of cute seeing even you worry about these things. Never let anyone say you make no expressions."

"Hehe, thanks," She genuinely smiled and he could even make out the faint hints of blush, "Perhaps I do secretly worry too much at times. I know I'm not great at it, but I do want to make…friends. Most of the people I'm usually around are quite a bit older than me. It makes it all the harder to make friends."

"I can imagine."

"Ah, there you are," Dimtri approached with a wide smile with his lovely bride on his arm, "And Byleth. What a pleasant surprise."

Byleth raised a brow, "I was hired to run security. It had the royal seal. Were you not aware I would be here?"

"Ah, I'm afraid not. Shez here has been in charge of any expenditures when it comes to matters such as that."

Shez stiffened as he motioned for Dimitri to stop, but it was too late. Byleth turned to face him.

"You hired me?"

"Y-yes."

"And just me."

"Yeah, that's…how it went."

If she understood the ramifications, she did not immediately show it, "Well, thank you for the work." Then it came, "But I believe it is generally considered more polite to ask for my company at the wedding."

"You're right, I'm sorry. And I shouldn't have used Kingdom funds either."

"Think nothing of it. I feel quite at ease having my bride's safety in your hands. Er, that said," Dimitri changed course, "We still have guests to greet. I will talk to you later."

After the royal couple made a speedy and awkward retreat, Shez felt about ready to crawl under a nearby table when an arm linked with his much to his surprise.

"I would have said yes, you know."

"What? I thought you needed to be in the area. Your letter had you in the western kingdom."

"Yes, but you had not asked me to be your date. Though perhaps I should have seen the news for what it was. Either way, I am flattered."

"You are?"

"Yes, but next time, please drop the subterfuge when you wish to see me. I am not an escort."

Shez blushed furiously in response, "N-no! Of course not!"

"Good to see that we are in agreement. Now, I am inexperienced, but let us go and enjoy our date."

Shez felt like he may have come close to passing out. Still, it seemed like a success even if it ended up a bit more embarrassing than he had hoped.