I'm supposed to be retired, but I was aching to write something involving Three Houses. Since I don't fully understand everything and everyone, I'm only gonna focus on small and simple interactions between the characters. Even with that intention, I'm still a little anxious, worrying about "out of character" moments, even if it's okay(ish) to take some liberties. I'll leave a warning, just in case.
WARNING: OOC
Anyways, please enjoy. Let me know what you think, if you wish.
It is not often that the the three future leaders of Fódlan - Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude - spend quality time with one another. Whenever they are gathered together, it is either to discuss Fódlan's future under their leadership, briefly discuss anything interesting happening in their respective houses, or to endure Claude's childish sense of humor. Dimitri has often expressed interest in socializing with his fellow soon-to-be leaders, but the other two have not given him the time for length and friendly conversation. Edelgard claims to be busy every time they run into each other... well, that and Hubert is often by her side with his threatening glare whenever Dimitri requests her company. Claude is more open to exchanging words between acquaintances, but he seems to find some sort of excuse to wander the monastery with this scheming look in his eyes.
Today, though, it was different. Edelgard was sitting at a table outdoors all by herself, sipping tea with a troubled expression on her face. Noticing her distress from afar, Dimitri walked up to her and offered to join her. Before Edelgard could accept or deny his company, the two noticed Claude watching them from the distance. And so, the three decided to sit down and have tea together.
"This is quite pleasant, I must say," Dimitri started. "The three of us, taking the time to pour tea for one another."
"Well, I will not say that it is unpleasant," said Edelgard.
"You know, Dimitri, if you wanted some alone time with Edelgard, you could've just waved me off," Claude teased.
"Claude, there are many things wrong with your insinuation, I don't even know where to begin," Dimitri replied, annoyed.
"Okay, okay, just making sure," Claude replied flippantly. "So, while we're here, what do we chat about? After the incident at Remire, I guess we could use some lively conversation."
"Don't even remind me, Claude," Dimitri said as he shook his head. "Those dastards... killers, all of them..."
"Calm yourself, Dimitri," said Edelgard. "We were all there to witness the madness. As much as we would like to punish those responsible as soon as possible, it will have to wait."
"I gotta say, though, seeing Teach in action again, it brings me back to the day we first met him," said Claude. "Up until Remire, that was the only time that Dimitri and myself saw him on the battlefield. They call him the Ashen Demon. He looks like a man possessed when in battle."
"I know he was a mercenary, but it still perplexes me that a generous and honorable soul like him would have such a menacing title," said Dimitri.
"You are referring to his behavior towards our classmates, correct?" Edelgard questioned.
"I mean, he chose to teach the Black Eagles, Princess," said Claude. "You've gotten to know him better than the two of us, but it sounds like his charming personality still surprises you."
"I will admit, there have not been many opportunities for casual chatter between me and my teacher," Edelgard admitted. "But I am not blind to his compassion towards everyone. I have seen it with my own eyes and heard it from others."
"The guy's face was almost as blank as an unwritten scroll when we first met him," said Claude. "And while that is still mostly true, the way he talks to us is... how do I say it?"
"Strange but endearing?" Edelgard replied.
"Endearing, huh?" Claude teased.
"Oh, stop it, Claude," Edelgard said, annoyed.
"I cannot say I disagree with you, Edelgard," said Dimitri. "For someone like him to be raised in a world full of people who kill for coin, to see him adjust so quickly to his teaching position, surrounded by so many different people, it is extraordinary."
"It doesn't even matter that he's the Black Eagles' professor. He treats us all like we're all his own students," said Claude. "I mean, Raphael has been using his brain a little more lately, whether he's studying or fighting. When I asked him why, he said it was because of Teach."
"Ingrid's swordsmanship has gotten so much better in such a short time. She's getting closer to beating me. Even Felix was impressed," Dimitri mentioned. "I asked her how she improved so quickly. Her answer is, well, the Professor. Her words of praise towards him, it's as if she wishes to leave the Blue Lions and join the Black Eagles."
"And I have noticed that Bernadetta has been outside of her room more often than usual," said Edelgard. "I went to ask her. She said that she felt compelled to leave her room because of the Professor. I expressed my amazement... before she screamed and ran away from me, again."
"One way or another, Teach has really helped everyone better themselves, all with that stone cold look on his face," said Claude. "It's inspiring, really. I tried acting stone cold to Lysithea. She just accused me of, and I quote, a sad and sorry emulation of a far more respectable person. And then I said, ouch."
"..."
Dimitri hid his amusement.
"..."
Edelgard sipped her tea peacefully.
"..."
Claude just cleared his throat.
"You know, I was bummed at first when he chose the Black Eagles," said Claude. "But to see him make time for every single one of us, regardless of house, I couldn't stay mad at the guy."
"I suppose that's good to hear," said Edelgard. "I could've sworn you were trying to change his mind, Claude."
"I was just telling him the best and worst qualities of the Golden Deer, I swear," Claude claimed. "I was thinking about something, though. He may have chosen the Black Eagles, but are you certain that mean he'll follow you to Adrestia when you're ascend the throne, my dear Empress?"
"I would hope to convince him, that is for certain," said Edelgard.
"Let me guess, Claude. You are hoping to persuade him to considering the Leicester Alliance," Dimitri suspected.
"Hey, don't tell me you also haven't been thinking about talking him into joining the knights of Faerghus," Claude accused.
"At least I am being patient," said Dimitri. "Let him enjoy his first year as a teacher without the worries of fighting for one of us."
"Speaking of enjoying, Garreg Mach is hosting a grand ball for the students," said Claude. "Hey, Edelgard, if you wanna really convince Teach to serve under your rule, maybe offer him a dance."
"Claude, the mere thought that I would use the ball as a method of recruitment is despicable," Edelgard responded, offended.
"Whatever you say, Edelgard," Claude teased. "But if not Teach, then... hey, Dimitri, you're here now. Why not ask her Majesty for the first dance?"
"Claude!" Dimitri and Edelgard scolded.
"Sheesh," Claude replied with widened eyes.
Dimitri and Edelgard sigh and pinch the bridge of their noses at the exact same time. This spooked and amused Claude.
After a sip of his tea, Claude says, "Well, back to the topic of dancing, if Edelgard won't fight for the honor of being Teach's first dance, I'm sure there are plenty of girls who would just love to get their hands on him."
"Claude," Edelgard scolded.
"I'm just saying, you've all noticed, right?" Claude said.
"Claude," Edelgard scolded again.
"Hey, he's our age, right?" Claude said. "Of course he's gonna attract the eyes and hearts of many around here. Question is, does he have his eyes on someone?"
"Claude, he is a professor!" Dimitri reminded. He sounded really annoyed. "Even if his heart beats for someone, he must respect the boundaries of his profession."
"He may respect the boundaries, but his students probably won't," said Claude. "And I'm not just talking about Dorothea and Hilda."
"We are not having this discussion, Claude," said Edelgard.
Claude does not say another word as he casually shrugs and shakes his head. He goes back to drinking his tea. Dimitri and Edelgard sigh at the same time, feeling irritated by the heir of House Riegan. They do have their own curiosities concerning their young professor, sure, but there are certain personal matters that they would rather leave alone.
"Hey, Teach!" Claude called out suddenly.
Dimitri and Edelgard react quickly to Claude's words. They turn around and face the direction where Claude looks. And there he is, looking at them from a not-too-far distance.
Byleth.
Professor Byleth.
"Hey, come join us," said Claude. "You like sharing tea with company, right? Well, no finer company than here."
After a brief pause, Byleth walks towards the three house leaders. Just his presence alone seems to lift the spirits of Claude, Dimitri, and Edelgard. The Faerghus prince and the Adrestian princess almost forget that they were irritated by Claude's curiosities a few seconds ago.
"Hresvelg Blend," Claude said as he poured tea for the professor. "Courtesy of our lovely future emperor."
"Knock it off, Claude," said Edelgard.
"Thank you," said Byleth.
Byleth starts drinking his tea with the etiquette that would make nobles proud. Over the past several moons, Byleth has invited students for tea as a means to talk to them, get to know them, and even help them when they have troubles. It's not just the students whom he has extended this courtesy to. He has also invited his fellow professors Manuela and Hanemman, as well the knights - Catherine, Shamir, and Alois. Everyone has nothing to say but positive things about sipping tea with former mercenary.
"So, Teach, we were just talking about the upcoming ball," Claude started.
"Claude," Edelgard warned.
"I'm just wondering if there's someone special you'd wish to ask for a dance," said Claude.
"I cannot say I have thought about it," Byleth responded. "I have not indulged in such festivities myself, and yet almost everyone in the monastery seem overjoyed at the mention of the ball."
Tales of the Ashen Demon would say that he rarely spoke. When he did speak, he sounded cold and unfeeling. Even when he raised his voice to command mercenaries assigned to him, almost no emotion could be heard. Yet, the people at Garreg Mach Monastery have grown accustomed to the tone of his voice. It's almost comforting, in a way. When he spoke with care and confidence towards his students, many find the subtle change in his tone very interesting.
"Okay, but what if, say, someone asked you for a dance?" Claude asked. "Would you say yes?"
The blank expression on Byleth's face shifts a little as he drinks his tea. The very idea that someone would ask him for a dance at the ball, it was not surprising but a little concerning for him.
"You don't have to tell me," said Claude. "Your face says it all. I won't pry, but people will be talking if you make yourself obvious."
"Claude, please, let's not inconvenience the professor with such trivialities," said Edelgard.
"I am not inconvenienced. I just did not expect this to be our primary topic of discussion," said Byleth.
"Well, allow us to change the subject," said Dimitri. "We've asked this before, but how do you feel about your time at the monastery?"
"It has been an... interesting experience, to be honest," Byleth answered.
"For some reason, that answer is both surprising and not surprising," said Edelgard. "The students have expressed such gratitude for all your help. Some of the Blue Lions and the Golden Deer have even considered transferring to the Black Eagles just to learn more from you."
"Man, don't remind me. I can sense betrayal from Raphael and Marianne already," said Claude.
"You give me too much credit," Byleth said with modesty. "I just listen."
"You're being too modest, Professor," said Dimitri. "Many of our friends would not have made so much progress in their personal development if not for you."
"And that's why many girls are eager to dance with you at the ball," said Claude.
"Claude!" Dimitri and Edelgard scolded.
While Claude was surprised by the sudden shouting, Byleth drinks his tea with that stoic expression on his face that everyone is so familiar with. It is an admittedly unsettling sight for most people in the monastery, but right now, his calm demeanor is what Dimitri and Edelgard need to remain calm themselves.
"So, uh, I would hope our behavior does not dissuade you from having tea with all three of us next time, Professor," Dimitri hoped.
"I do not mind, actually," Byleth said calmly.
"You are always so composed under such noisy conditions. It is strange but impressive at the same time," a voice in the young professor's mind said.
And so, that ends the first chapter. I'm hoping to keep this story simple with small moments like these.
