I'm not done yet! I promise there'll be more to come. Please let me know what you think and if you have any questions. Anyways, hope you enjoy!

"So, you decided to cooperate with Ferdinand," Seteth acknowledged. His trust ran thin, but he seemed to catch on to the implications of the noble's role.

"I was not the only one that joined Edelgard with reservations. After I made my choice, I found allies amongst my comrades in arms. It was not easy. We needed to be extremely mindful, and be wise about who we recruit." Her very choices decided who amongst her friends were friends or foes. She purposefully drew the line, one that she may eventually lament.

Her honesty was rewarded with Seteth's intrigue. The man was willing to entertain her words at least. "When did this all begin?"

Given everything that happened before her defection, her plan was hastily crafted. Her sudden decision invited scrutiny. For someone like Seteth, would he believe her story? "After the Alliance fell by our hands, I began to doubt my role. I don't think Fódlan can be unified like this. Not just with conquest, but Edelgard's actions as the Flame Emperor too. It's villainous. If I were the same mercenary I was years ago, I would have ditched my post. My father always made it clear to avoid jobs that go against one's values." The memory of Jeralt caused her to wince. She failed him. She continued to fail him. She had no doubts that the man would be disappointed in her.

Byleth would not besmirch her father's legacy any longer. She would do the right thing. Her hand clenched in righteous fury. She would right her wrongs. "But now, I have to take responsibility for my actions. Ferdinand was sympathetic to my plight. He too recognized his failings. He knew what our next step was, and he offered to be my trump card. We could work together to undermine her." Or was she his? They both saw one another as an answer to Edelgard's imperial ambitions.

Her story was met with immediate skepticism. Seteth sighed and massaged his brow. "Rather than come alone, you came to Fhirdiad with a suspicious offer. Byleth, do you realize the significant miscalculation that could come from what you're implying? You are asking of me to believe by your word alone that the Empire will fight against itself. Need I remind you that you are still considered an enemy commander?" Given her almost suicidal plan, she did very well know.

"Luckily, Ferdinand had foresight. He suggested that he may make the first move and provide an opportunity for the Church forces to retake Garreg Mach." While the thought would save her in the long run, she did have to convince Seteth first. She needed him to at least believe in her idea.

The seat of the Church was an enticing thought. One that gave Seteth a momentary pause. "While the monastery is one of our objectives, it could easily be a trap to get us encircled."

The Monastery fell for the first time because the Imperials managed to successfully surround the base. The knights and clergy were forced to decide to have their last stand or flee. Byleth did her due diligence in brushing up on recent history. She knew how to make such a gamble come cheap. "Not when he will personally cede the Great Bridge of Myrddin. As soon as we gift the bridge to you, you will have an easy passage from your main forces in the Kingdom to the monastery. Imperial forces are struggling to maintain Alliance territory as is. For us to build a foothold on the border and at Garreg Mach, retaking Leicester too will be childsplay."

"This entire plan hinges on if Ferdinand will really do as you say," Seteth readily pointed out. Even if they shared a crest, the former student still operated under the red banner.

Byleth had no way of proving Ferdinand's sincerity. Years had passed since Seteth last saw the young man. Five years could change a lot for a person's character, none more so than her Black Eagles. So, she needed to continue to stress what little could be lost from such a maneuver. "You will know immediately if my plan is genuine or not. The Empire can hardly stage a large ambush in Ailell. While retreat will be difficult, pursuit would be equally challenging. So long as we watch for the signal at Myrddin and keep our western border secure, the recapture of Garreg Mach could be almost bloodless. With that position, an offensive against Adrestia will be extremely feasible. Whether or not you can trust me, an opportunity like this would be invaluable."

"Retaking Garreg Mach would be costly otherwise," he recognized. A reckless charge to retake it could very well cost him his life. "Your points are all valid. I too can recognize that you seem earnest. However, juggling both our defenses and this attack would place us in a difficult spot. How can you assure that the Empire is not waiting for the chance to strike?"

"If I may interject," Dimitri chimed in. He had been quiet throughout the exchange. It made sense for him to be silent. She had not told him the extent of her plans. "You already were making plans to seize Garreg Mach from the strike force prior to Byleth's arrival." The innocent omission earned an incredulous look.

"I was trying not to leak our plans to the enemy, Your Majesty." Seteth hissed. It would seem he still thought of her as an enemy.

The king did not flinch at the icy tone. He looked composed in the face of his former mentor. "Oh come now, Seteth. Has Byleth ever been this deceitful? She's hardly an actress either." She... could not refute his defense. She could barely fake a laugh.

Still, the older man did not accept it. "I used to think I knew her, but her actions against the Alliance had me rethink my assumptions."

Byleth slumped. She did not have the gall to challenge him. Her actions caused a lot of damage. She did things... that she could not feel proud of. She told herself long ago that she would not turn her blade on a friend. Even when she struggled with her emotions, she held herself to a mercenary's code of honor. Her father raised her to be a good person. Yet, she broke any promises she had to herself. Her friendships with the Golden Deers were forgotten in favor of her kinship with Edelgard.

"She left the Empire because of the Alliance. You cannot be this stubborn. I know the dangers that come with trusting her, but I am confident in her allegiance. I have just as much at stake as you do, if not more." Dimitri's life and kingdom were both Edelgard's aims. The Emperor's conquest would take everything from him. His trust in her was her most valuable asset.

Seteth believed in Dimitri's loyalties, but he could not shake his skepticism. "What makes you so confident in her?"

Dimitri took the question as an invitation. "In the year that we knew one another, I always kept an eye on her. I didn't do so because I distrusted her. I did it because I wanted to understand her. When we first met, I was appalled by her lack of emotion against the bandits. As scum as they were, she did not bat an eye at killing. When I learned her nickname, my assumptions only worsened. But, I did not wish to think of her as some monster. I made an active effort to understand her." This was a surprise for the former mercenary. She had heard him express similar sentiments, even as far back as the academy. However, she did not know that he was wary of her at Remire. He did extend an invitation for her to work for the Kingdom. Why would he ask her when he thought badly of her then?

"I'd like to think that I understood her. What I perceived as indifference, I later learned that she could not even understand her emotions. She also could not project any either," his attention was wholly on the advisor. He spoke of Byleth as if she was not in the room with them. He spoke with sheer vitriol. "She was not some killer for hire. She had values and a heart." His words carried more than confidence. His belief in her felt palpable. He almost made her believe in herself.

"When she reappeared and fought the Alliance, I told myself that she could not condone such evil. She would understand the Emperor's cruelty. She too would turn her blade on that monster. And when she came to the Kingdom, I knew then that I was correct." His earnest tone began to veer toward something... unhealthy. Both Seteth and Byleth seemed to catch on to the sudden change in mood.

His warm disposition transformed into something more uncanny. The light in his eyes dulled. "From the moment we reunited, I understood that she would avenge the fallen. She will bring justice. And she will make her pay for all the crimes she committed. Byleth will give the dead their due." He almost sounded gleeful. Yet, there was nothing kind about his twisted tone. There was deep darkness in his heart, one that she knew all too well. She saw it in him before and in herself.

As his hatred peeked its ugly head, it fell on Seteth to speak up. "I see now," he cut off the royal. "Dimitri, your words have given me ample time to think about." He spoke only diplomatically. He worked to cut away the tension. The older man was doing his best to accommodate the sudden shift in mood.

Byleth thought to say something too. However, she hesitated. She chose to hold her tongue. Not simply because Seteth had more to say, she too froze up at the sight of the king she chose. Much like before they arrived in Fhirdiad, he was experiencing another episode. She struggled to decide on what to say. What right did she have to speak out against him? She was afraid to anger him. The mere idea of enraging the king had her shivering.

Instead of saying her piece, her hand reached for his. She did not know why she thought to react this way. It seemed too informal for a newly appointed knight. Yet, she watched her hand passively grip his. She was only able to muster a weak grip.

He felt cold to the touch, unnaturally so. Her eyes drifted to meet his gaze. She was unsure if she wanted to see his reaction. She did not know if he would lash out at her and continue his earlier tirade.

His expression did change. It was just not in the way she expected. He looked perplexed. He gaped at her, unable to even articulate words. Her innocuous gesture had him looking at her strangely. His earlier madness retreated into the back of his mind, and was replaced by awe.

Byleth soon remembered herself and pulled her hand back. She meekly observed Dimitri stare at where she had touched. "Oh..." he mumbled underneath his breath.

"Your Majesty, please allow me a moment to talk alone with Byleth." Seteth broke the awkwardness between the two of them. The woman felt grateful, almost certain that the older man saved her from an uncomfortable silence.

His words worked to snap Dimitri from his daze. He meekly nodded and stepped away. He seemed eager to vacate the room. "If that will be her case, then I will wait outside." Without any further prompting, Byleth and Seteth were alone.

When Seteth did not have anything to say immediately, Byleth felt obligated to say something. She did not like the thought. Tense conversations were not her forte. She only took the lead earlier out of necessity. Unsure of how to break the ice, she thought to be painfully blunt. It was how she operated. "Are you having a change of heart?"

Her question took a few seconds to register. Seteth stared at her blankly before shaking his head. "Not particularly. But, I know better. I cannot resolve this matter by simply tattling on you. I am sure I can tell you what you both wish to hear and say that your plan has me convinced. However, things are not that simple. I have other reasons to tolerate your presence." His eyes flickered to the doorway. After a long moment, his attention returned to Byleth.

"You saw it too, did you not?"

"I am not blind."

Seteth gave a sardonic chuckle. He was not particularly amused. "Right, anyone would be aware after such an outburst. His words were a reminder that our king is struggling. I can believe that he does trust you completely. And yet... Well, I am foolish to do this, but I would like to speak to you about Dimitri's mental health." The subject was one that seemed to give them both anxiety. He bridged his fingers. He soon slouched in his seat.

Byleth at least jumped on the chance to have a civil discussion. It took some level of belief in her to discuss a more sensitive topic. Seteth would not readily speak about his ally's weakness, especially with his enemy. "I saw one of his episodes on the road to Fhirdiad. I know what you are referring to."

Rather than deny it, Seteth fessed up. "As you surmised, he's been struggling with these incidents for the past few years. From what I've heard, he's been struggling since the incident in Duscur. While his sanity does not always impair his judgment, we rely on his partnership to stay afloat. He relies on our aid too, but his priorities are different from our own." Dimitri's very words revealed his interests. His focus often strayed from the Kingdom. His homeland was sometimes seen as secondary to killing Edelgard. She did not blame him. To end this war, her closest friend needed to die. Unlike her, Dimitri yearned to see Edelgard's execution.

"He may still think of the Kingdom as his priority. But, that is not always the case. His animosity toward Edelgard is consuming him. He's been able to cope thus far with the help of his peers and the Church's counsel. That said, his more frequent episodes threaten our stability." This information was very personal. Should it reach the ears of someone like Hubert, it would be of significant use to the Empire. Seteth was telling her this either because she would be killed or she would be of use to them.

Given the advisor's nature, she knew he was not that sadistic. She said nothing, allowing Seteth to continue his spiel. "His condition is not improving. If anything, he's in a worse spot due to the direction of the war. With Adrestia's focus on the Kingdom, his allies are at risk. Should a grim fate befall someone like Rodrigue or the Blue Lions... he may very well be inconsolable." Byleth understood the feeling. She may be equally distraught over the reality. Another ghost would haunt her.

As reality sank in, Seteth sought to speak the rest. "Everything hinges on him. He is what holds the Kingdom together. We need him. And by extension, we need you." He sounded ashamed of admitting that.

"Why me? What can I do?" Byleth did not follow. She understood Dimitri's fondness for her, but was she truly necessary?

Her obliviousness earned a scoff. Seteth crossed his arms. "Oh please, you heard my conversation with him earlier. He holds you in very high regard."

She recalled his generous amounts of praise. That sentiment was not shared. "But, you still don't want to believe in me."

"That is true," he confirmed nakedly. "However, I no longer have a real choice in the matter. He will not back down. If I tried to give you up to Rhea, there would be in-fighting. At best, the nobility and the Knights may lose confidence in both the king and the archbishop. We cannot afford relations to get tenuous." The way he spoke hinted at so much more than he said. Byleth remembered her last interaction with Rhea. She too seemed to be afflicted by her emotions. She showed sheer malice to the professor she once fawned over.

If her personality were to clash with Dimitri's other side... that could lead to collapse. Byleth's eyes widened at the thought. Her appearance in Fhirdiad suddenly became a wedge between the two factions. "You're believing in me because it's your safest bet, right?"

Seteth wanted to deny her observation. Yet, he spurred on the thought. He had arrived at the exact same conclusion. "That's correct. My other options are less appealing. And if your proposal has any merit, it will make my plans to win the war easier."

Byleth blinked. Hearing him say all of that meant a lot. She had managed to win over the advisor. She did not even need to expend a time pulse to do so. "This is going a lot better than I thought it would."

Her short burst of elation was promptly shut down by a glare. "Do not start acting like we are on civil terms. I cannot forgive your earlier transgressions. I will not allow you to get near Flayn either," he snapped at her.

"That... might be tricky. I did talk to her first," Byleth remembered her hopes for Flayn. Unlike Seteth, she had convinced the cleric to give her a second chance. Things would remain tenuous but the girl was open to reconciliation.

"Why did you think to implicate her in your scheme?" Seteth's glare remained. When it came to his daughter, he strayed from his usual calm and cool. Byleth felt fortunate that he had not outright threatened her.

"To tell you the truth, I thought you might help convince you if things failed."

He shook his head at the notion. "That's idiotic."

He was not wrong. Despite how old Flayn might be, he treated the girl like she was younger than the other academy students. He too would readily accuse Byleth of manipulating her former student. "You're probably right, but I owed it to her. I disappointed her as her teacher. I also disappointed you as your employee. Alois too. Everyone, honestly." She remembered all her former friends that sided against the Empire. Outside of the other professors and her class, everyone she knew took up arms against her. Many took Byleth's betrayal personally.

"I know I will never be able to mend things with Rhea... but, well, I'm unsure of how I should feel about her." She absently muttered. Rhea had attempted to kill her without a hint of remorse. Though, her mixed feelings toward the woman began much earlier. Byleth's mind wandered to her time in Abyss. It was while she aided the Ashen Wolves that... she uncovered something reprehensible.

Rather than snap at her for disrespecting his leader, Seteth's expression appeared to soften. "That does remind me of something. I had no reason to tell you this sooner, but due to current circumstances... I suppose I can be forthright about this matter."

"Oh?"

"Before the monastery fell, I was able to get a hold of Jeralt's diary." The mention of the tome earned an immediate reaction. She vividly remembered how Sothis reacted to the contents. "I know that you have reasons to suspect her of something nefarious. Given your father's opinions of her too, I can understand your hesitancy towards her.'' Strangely, he sounded understanding. Not a minute earlier, he was giving her a verbal lashing.

His sympathies ended there. His expression hardened once more. "For a time, I had believed you were capable of redemption. You would realize your error in judgment. Unlike Dimitri, I did not readily cling to the thought."

Her eyes no longer met his. Guilt once again ate at her. She deserved his ire. "I've more than involved myself in Edelgard's crimes."

Both of them were aware that their relationship was wholly professional. Byleth and Seteth would not let go of the past. "Correct. Your role in the Alliance as an Imperial commander precludes you from innocence. If you were capable of putting your former friends to the sword for the sake of conquest, then you are too dangerous to be left alive." His words harkened back to her battles against the Alliance students. Her commands led to the death of Ignatz, Leonie, Hilda, and Claude at least. Who knows if her actions too claimed the lives of Raphael or Marianne? All of the deer mattered to her. She had partied, shared meals, and chatted with them.

And she killed them.

"I... am not going to dispute that," she stuttered. "You're right. I'm worse than scum. I just... wanted to help El. Who was I to follow the woman that my father could not trust or my best friend?" That moment defined everything for her. Why was she forced to choose between the life she knew and the person she treasured most? After her dad's death, Edelgard became the closest thing she had to family.

"Your misgivings were not misplaced. But, your actions cannot be ignored." Seteth would at least concede Rhea's dubious nature. From the diary, he likely knew that Byleth was more than a miracle child.

She had no intention of denying her role in the events. "I agree. I want to make things. I'll do everything I can to help the Kingdom and Church. I cannot bring back the dead... but I can stop her." If it came down to it, she would personally slay El.

Seteth scratched the back of his head. He could hardly lambast her when she readily owned up to her failings. "Your plan has its issues, but it may be a necessary gamble. I will need more time to think it over."

"You mean it?" She asked, almost afraid that he was merely telling her what she wanted to hear.

"I still need to think it through thoroughly," he warned her first. He would need the time to mull over the details. She had only given him the basic gist. They had some time to plan at least. After the failed offensive at Arianrhod, Adrestia would be licking its wounds. "And, nothing has changed between us. I merely am putting forward an arrangement. In exchange for my silence, I ask that you keep Dimitri on the best path. We cannot strike Edelgard until the monastery is seized and Enbarr is vulnerable. I too would prefer to keep Dimitri from the battlefield."

"I won't let you down."

He obviously did not believe her. His skepticism was plain to see. However, he lost much of his earlier steam. "Hm. I have much to think about now. You may leave."

"Seteth?" She absentmindedly called out his name.

"What is it?" He wearily responded.

"I... hope to restore your trust in me. I don't deserve it, but... it would be nice to be your friend again." Obviously, it would take a long time for him to change his stance on her. Maybe, it was impossible. She would never be so presumptuous to think he would change his mind. She only wanted to convey her feelings.

"I have lost a number of friends already, some taken by your own hands." He bitterly replied. He was not in the mood to accept her gesture.

Afraid of worsening his mood any further, Byleth chose not to overstay her welcome. "Sorry," she mumbled as she left. She obscured her face before rejoining Dimitri. He had been patiently waiting outside for her. His mood had changed considerably from his earlier episode. He lit up at the sight of her.

"Ah, Pr- you're back." He nearly slipped up. Luckily, there was no one else around. No one would have questioned why the King of Faerghus was waiting on a mere knight. "How did everything go?"

Byleth took a small amount of glee in delivering the good news. "Seteth agreed to hide my identity and think about my proposal."

Dimitri beamed at their success. Somehow, their impromptu visit succeeded. How? Byleth did not care. She was one step closer to saving Fódlan. "That is wonderful. I had not expected things to be this easy. I should have known better. I have you at my side."

His comment had her almost blushing. All his adoration toward her was starting to get to her. She was struggling to brush it off or deflect it. "W-well, you did play a big part. I don't think I could've done this without you."

Dimitri chuckled at how she flagrantly redirected his praise. "I am happy to do my part. However, it was your idea. If anyone deserves the credit, it's you."

"Your Majesty," she stressed his title, "I am the one who works for you. I only followed your lead."

"Ha, no need to be modest." He did not back down, much to his former professor's chagrin. "Would you want to celebrate this triumph?"

Her talk with Seteth felt far tenser than any of her mock battles as a professor. She had celebrated for far less. However, it again felt a bit premature to do so. Seteth was a major boon. However, he did not have ultimate authority. That privilege extended only to Rhea. She had the final say. Byleth needed to make sure she had enough people surrounding her to push her in the right direction. "It's too soon," she answered.

"That is fine by me. Is it back to business or would you like the rest of the day to yourself?"

Byleth had her options. She could use her momentum and reveal herself to Alois. Though, that came with many risks. Getting so many people involved in her plan so quickly could be troublesome. If she was discovered by Rhea, she would be uncertain of who ratted her out. Her divine pulses could only be used so often.

Her next option was to attempt to regain her divine pulses. Sleeping tended to do the trick. Her guilt, however, made the option unviable. She struggled to get even an extra hour of sleep.

Her third option was to follow Seteth's agreement. If she could not help her predicament, she could help Dimitri's. The advisor said nothing of providing counseling or assisting with his recovery. However, he seemed confident that she could provide some level of guidance. She had already hoped to aid her king emotionally.

Her mind was made up. Behind her visor, her eyes honed in on his. The brilliant sapphires remained trained on her. He looked transfixed by her. "On second thought, maybe a small celebration would not hurt."

"What would a small celebration entail?" Dimitri asked eagerly.

Unlike Edelgard, Yuri, or Claude, Byleth did not particularly know how to cheer up the house leader without training. Most of the students responded well to a chance to spar with her or receive tutelage. She, however, knew everyone had other interests. Edelgard enjoyed board games. Yuri liked cooking. Claude preferred a little mischief. As for Dimitri... he always responded best to anything to do with his studies or combat.

A celebration should not be her trading blows with him. It could be fun, but it also could attract attention. Despite the need for a bodyguard, Dimitri could easily outshine anyone in raw physical might. Only Byleth at times seemed capable of besting him. Rumors would spread very fast. And if they chose somewhere remote, there was a good chance of getting spotted by a spy or any of the clergy around the city.

She could try to coordinate with the other Blue Lions. Mercedes and Annette would love the chance to all have tea together. Though, that idea required her to plan ahead. She wanted to do something at the moment.

Perhaps, she could think about how she usually celebrated. She recalled what her father used to do after a long day of work. He would-

"Hello?" Dimitri snapped her from her thoughts. She had been quiet for an embarrassing moment of time. "Are you there?"

"How about we have a drink?"

Smooth, Byleth. Very smooth. This idea definitely will not end well. She lamented her choice. The words already left her mouth. Before she had the opportunity to backtrack, Dimitri already had his answer.

"I wouldn't mind."

Too late now. Byleth contained her sigh. Sharing a drink did not sound like a great idea. For one, she still sometimes thought of Dimitri as younger than her. Her father only started to get more lax about her drinking after she turned around… twenty? "I take it there are no taverns that the king can visit in secret."

"None that I am aware of," Dimitri responded awkwardly. He probably understood how tricky it would be to go to a wateringhole and order two pints of mead. The mere thought was amusing. She pictured every patron gawking at their king.

Since this was their first time sharing a drink together, Byleth had to wonder what she was getting herself into. She had dealt with her father often and Manuela on a few occasions. She knew how to deal with drunks. However, this was Dimitri. His crest of Blaiddyd could be quite scary. She already imagined him accidentally breaking a glass of wine in his hand.

The more she thought about it, the more she hated this idea. Why did Dimitri so readily agree to do this with her? "Well, we can drink together in your room. I take it that the castle has something lying around for us." She recalled her father bemoaning how Leicester and Adrestian households had nothing on the royal palace in Fhirdiad.

"Not to worry, I can find a crate or two." Dimitri reassured her. Weirdly, he sounded almost distracted.

Byleth shrugged it off. She was more concerned with how he suggested literal crates over bottles. She hoped dearly that the king did not think she was as terrible as her father. "Great. Just promise me you'll let me pour the glasses."