One year after the war—

"If people didn't know better, they'd call me your date to the party," she teased, playfully elbowing him.

Sylvain rolled his eyes. "Good thing they all know better."

August laughed, shaking her head. Her loosely hanging red hair blew in the wind as they walked past the dining hall to the ballroom. "I jest, my friend. Felix has already arrived?"

"Yeah," Sylvain said, pausing to look up at the cathedral at Garreg Mach, still under repair. "I told them we'd be late."

August turned to Sylvain as they got to the door to the ballroom. "Go enjoy the party. I'll go speak to Lord Riegan."

Sylvain frowned. "We're here on business, August."

"No, I am." The woman smiled. "You're here for a party. Your friends and husband are all here. Go, celebrate. Take a break you so sorely need."

"But—"

"I'll find you if I need you," August said, swishing her hand in dismissal. "Go, Sylvain. I mean it. Enjoy yourself." She opened the door for him and flinched in surprise at who waited in the doorway.

"Well, seems like my sister finally showed up," Yuri grinned, embracing her. "Fashionably late doesn't suit you, August."

Sylvain, not one to miss an opportunity, leaned in and said, "Yuri, do me a favor and help August relax for once in her life. Claude can wait until tomorrow."

August squawked in anger while Yuri grinned wider. "I'd never turn down more time with my dear sibling."

"Sylvain! You bastard!" August said through laughter, not meaning a word of it. Her smile was far too radiant for that, returning Yuri's hug.

He laughed, stepping in through the door. As soon as he entered, memories of the Millennium Ball washed over him. It was the last time he'd stood in this room before the battle. Fires were lit, the chandeliers ablaze with light. It was warm, inviting, and that didn't even take into account all his friends locked in various conversations throughout the room.

Their class reunion, at long last.

"Well, the king finally arrives!" Ferdinand called, slinging an arm around his shoulder.

"Hello to you too, Ferdie," Sylvain said. "And you know I'm not a king."

Ferdinand stepped back, arms up in mock surrender. "Pardon me, Lord Speaker! I'd never want to infringe on your many titles." His eyes were alight with humor.

Sylvain groaned. "Don't even start, Ferdie."

"Jests aside, congratulations," Ferdinand said. "Takes a hell of a man to cede power, then immediately be voted into the highest office in the land."

Lord Speaker Sylvain Gautier of the Republic of Faerghus. Scion, Margrave, King, Sylvain had enough of these constantly changing titles. But it seemed his lot in life to never be able to step away from leading.

"Thank you," Sylvain said, honestly. "It was incredibly flattering."

"I shouldn't speak on it, but Claude's very impressed by what you and your people have set up," Ferdinand said. "This House of Lords and Commons is an idea that I feel he will pursue as well."

"I look forward to it," Sylvain said. "I originally came here to speak with him about the Unified Fódlan proposal, but August has decreed I actually try to enjoy myself tonight."

"Myself and others worried you might not make an appearance," Ferdinand said. "Leave the politics aside for a night. They'll still be there tomorrow."

Sylvain's reply was cut off as someone shouted. "Ferdie! Your sister is bullying me!" He glanced to the side to see Hapi run up and grab his arm, a laughing Murphy in her wake. Not far behind, an exasperated Cleo and Constance, shaking their heads in unison.

Ferdinand grinned an apology. "Sorry, looks like I'm needed—" He didn't get to finish his sentence as Hapi dragged him away.

"It's like he said, we're glad you could make it."

Sylvain turned to see Ignatz offering him a flute of champagne. He took it, giving a grin in return. "Work or no work, I never would have missed this."

Ignatz leaned on his cane as he laughed. "We've all become so busy, it seems. That's why it's important to have moments like these."

"I like the new piece," Sylvain complimented, pointing to the sleek black cane. At its head, a doe's head.

"A gift from Petra," Ignatz said. "Something more durable than the last few. Seems it takes a lot to keep up with me."

"Things going well?" Sylvain cocked his head, teasing.

Ignatz blushed. "Yes, yes they are. She'll be happy to see you here tonight, though I think Dorothea's stolen her away for some scheme or another."

"Gonna settle down?" Sylvain teased.

"As if you're one to ask that," Ignatz said. "I heard the news. Lord Speaker, you must be proud."

"May I cut in?" a new voice said. Ashe stepped into view. "I need to steal Ig for a bit, actually. Petra sent me."

"You're popular tonight," Sylvain said to Ignatz, while nodding.

"Just you wait until more people realize you've arrived," Ignatz said, letting Ashe steer him away.

Sylvain felt like all the worries that plagued him vanished. Goddess, it felt good to be among friends and family again. Not that his work wasn't fulfilling, but these people were a balm on his soul.

"Hilda!" he called, seeing the woman pass.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite philanderer!" she said, changing direction and wrapping him in a tight hug.

"I thought that was Holst," he teased.

"Oh please, people are crawling over him, not the other way around. Sends his congratulations, by the way. Couldn't be here, lovebird's off with Indy on some trip." Hilda batted her hand in disinterest.

"Indy?" Sylvain asked. "Ah, Indech."

"Figure he shouldn't go around yapping about who he is, so Indy it is," Hilda said. "Just him left, now that Aubin's passed."

"August told me it was a nice ceremony. Was Yuri pleased with it?" he asked.

"Yeah, they had time before the end to talk. Age catches up with everyone, you know? Especially when it's some thousand years." Hilda sighed. "Really feels like we're inheriting the world, now. Seteth's stepping down from his position too. Just us children to look after things."

"We're adults, Hilda," he reminded.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," she said. "Don't need to remind me. My dumbass brother decided I should watch Goneril in his stead. Me!"

"If Seteth is stepping down, then it means he's confident in us," Sylvain said.

"Or he just wants to be with Anna." Hilda snorted.

He began to respond as the sound of silverware tapping on glass resounded through the room. Leonie had climbed onto a table, addressing the thirty or so people in the room.

"Now that we're all here," she said, glancing at Sylvain. "A toast." She raised her glass and everyone else mirrored her. "We're here today because of the people we lost. We've all got people we lost. Death's brought us together. Let's never forget that. But, let's live. For them." She swallowed emotion. "To the fallen."

"To the fallen," echoed the room, some saying specific names. He heard Hanneman's on Lysithea's lips, not far from them.

Leonie jumped down from the table, walking towards Sylvain. She hugged him, and Hilda turned it into a group hug.

"Glad you made it," Leonie said, pulling back.

"That was a nice toast," Sylvain said.

"It was either that or to toast in congratulations for our new Lord Speaker," she teased.

He groaned. This was getting old. At least he could fire back. "And not to Mayor Pinelli?"

She flushed, shoe on the other foot. "Don't remind me."

Hilda laughed. "She's being modest. Haven's a town of her people. She was so speechless when they elected her."

Despite her embarrassment, Leonie positively glowed. "They've come so far from a refugee camp. It's such an inspirational sight. I couldn't be prouder."

"I'll visit sometime," Sylvain promised. Quirking a grin, he said, "Heard the mayor's something special there."

Leonie huffed. "I came here to tease you! We all agreed to give you shit for being so busy, don't you dare turn it around."

Of course they did. He wouldn't have it any other way. "Guess you just have to bear the burden of a title now, Leonie."

"Ugh, how do you manage," Leonie groaned, shoulders sagging. "I just want people to call me by name!"

Shamir tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned to her. "Hey, Shamir, long time no see."

She nodded. "Your husband's challenged Catherine to a bout."

He shook his head, unsurprised. "You want me to break it up?"

"Are you kidding?" Shamir began to grin. "I thought you'd want to watch your husband get his ass kicked."

"Hey!" Sylvain protested.

"No way am I missing this," Hilda said, pushing by Sylvain.

Leonie sighed. "Somehow, we should have expected this." She followed Hilda.

Shamir continued to grin. "Coming?"

Sylvain laughed, nodding. "Don't you think for a second my man will lose to your woman."

The party continued into the night, not a single person leaving early. The energy of everyone being all together, finally having their full class reunion. It was exhilarating, a memory he'd never forget.

Truly, there was nowhere he'd rather be than here, with these people.


Author Notes: No Sylvain in the finale meant we got this chapter.


Editing Notes:
4/19/2022: Minor grammatical adjustments.