White Clouds
Contemplation
Apologies for the delay of this chapter! So much has happened after the last update such as my trip to Japan, me working on Broken Hourglass for Lysithea's birthday and then on the update for The Bubbly and the Surly which sorely needed one.
Also... we have a cover for The Last Scion and it is drawn by mocheekanon, the one who drew the modern AU chibi characters of The Bubbly and the Surly! Do check her pixiv to see the full version! It looks AMAZING!
Horsebow Moon of the Imperial Year 1180
"Lysithea, can you try casting another spell for me?"
Lysithea led out an exasperated sigh as she casted another Miasma spell to the training dummy, unleashing the dark purple sphere of dark magic towards it, hitting it and causing the dummy to bend backwards from the force.
"Still no manifestation." Hanneman said, noting something on his notebook as he observed Lysithea's training in the training grounds. Having been caught by Lysithea half-heartedly staring at her as she tried to keep up with her training.
This has since become a regular occurrence for Lysithea whenever she trains alone, she rarely possesses the luxury of training in solitude in order to further better herself and use her capabilities with no restraint.
But Hanneman's insistent observation has truly been an inconvenience for her, while he doesn't directly interfere with her training in a way, the feeling of being watched was a disturbance in her concentration, concentration that she needs to perform her spells at its absolute peak.
"Hmm…" Hanneman pondered as if in deep thought on whatever was in his aged and experienced mind. "Maybe the magnitude of the spells you're casting doesn't allow your Crests to manifest?"
"Professor Hanneman." Lysithea sighed tiredly. "I have casted Miasma for almost fifteen times now and each growing stronger as I cast it. Surely we can end this today?"
Lysithea simply wanted to just leave the training grounds and Hanneman with it just so she can spend her time elsewhere. She is yet to feed Ordelian today and hasn't touched any of her homework that she needed to do before it's due for submission tomorrow.
"Not yet. I am yet to confirm a fraction of what you have reported to me almost two months ago."
Nearly two months ago… The Blue Sea Moon… Lysithea could still remember the events of those days vividly as if it was yesterday. It was her first time aiding the Black Eagle House on their mission and it was perhaps their most dangerous one yet to the point that a lot of them very nearly met their premature end on that day.
Lysithea herself nearly met her own demise on that day if it weren't for Edelgard taking the arrow that was meant for her. In return, Lysithea saved the life of the Black Eagles' beloved professor when in an act of desperation, she used a spell she hadn't properly tested against the enigmatic Death Knight and it was in that moment that she briefly considered her Crests as a blessing rather than a curse.
"Professor Hanneman, it is foolish to think that I can willfully manifest my Crests in any way… it just happens! Surely there are many cases that manifestation of Crests only occurs quite randomly?" Lysithea asked, getting more and more vexed at Hanneman's insistence but the aged professor wasn't relenting.
"While you are correct in that regard, you must understand that those cases you speak of are mainly holders of minor Crests and your minor Crest that you bear, the Crest of Charon is widely known to activate upon usage of combat arts." Hanneman corrected Lysithea much to the latter's dismay at the prospect of being lectured with Crestology once more as Hanneman tends to do.
The aged professor continued. "Furthermore, the major Crest you bear that is of Gloucester is known to activate from the use of magic which you are adept in."
"What's your point then?" Lysithea asked, her tone getting more and more irritated, feeling uncomfortable with the topic of Crests especially hers while looking around the training grounds to see if there is anyone else other than them.
"My point is: Major Crests are more likely to be activated willfully or at least with a stimulus involved. A psychological one to be precise." Hanneman conjectured. "According to my past research. Heroes of old, possessors of major Crests were also known to willfully activate theirs throughout the historical battles they have been involved in with Loog being most famous for such feats, that is how he defeated the Adrestian Emperor in single combat in Tailtean Plains."
Though largely irritated and uninterested on the subject of Crests, this specific explanation from Hanneman caught Lysithea's attention not because of the story involved but on the matter of major Crests activating due to a stimulus… Lysithea remembered what she felt when she triggered the Crest of Gloucester on activating on two separate occasions.
She felt frustrated and pressed for time when she fought Annette in the mock battle, her Crest activated upon the intense stress she felt which allowed her to completely overwhelm the Dominic noblewoman.
The second and most recent one stemmed from her desire to save Professor Byleth from being killed by the Death Knight, the desperation she felt in that moment could have played a role in triggering the Crest of Gloucester as she casted the Dark Spikes spell. No… there seems to be more than just desperation she felt, there was also the desire to protect the professor and everyone else in the Black Eagles during that moment, she was sure of such feeling.
"Lysithea."
The snow-haired girl looked at Hanneman who seemed like he had finished a series of lecturing while Lysithea was deep in her own thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Were you listening?"
"No." Lysithea bluntly said, prompting Hanneman to sigh.
"I had wished that during our time together you would at least show interest in the field of Crestology. My, the many wonders we could create together considering your intelligence is a cut above the rest of your peers." Hanneman mused, stroking his beard.
Lysithea scoffed, having had enough of talks of Crests and the like. Her already short fused of a temper, getting more and more short as Hanneman spoke.
"Is it my brain you're interested in or rather my Crests?" Lysithea questioned, not bothering to hide her contempt for what Hanneman stands for. Ever since he blackmailed her into aiding him into his research following many stalker-like actions finding out about her Crests, Lysithea had thought little of Hanneman.
Even while Hanneman taught magic, she barely learned anything under his tutelage as he taught the entire class collectively which didn't include any form of coaching especially to students who have studied and learned different types of magic in advance compared to the rest. Lysithea felt like she spent more of her time reading up on other forms of magic she doesn't know rather than learn anything from someone in the academy in the field of magic.
Lysithea felt like even in classes, Hanneman would observe her and it bothered her greatly that she loses concentration in whatever she's doing, Hanneman wasn't even being subtle sometimes as she catches him spying on her during her own training. One such event led to Lysithea snapping at Hanneman and calling him as someone completely lacking in empathy after Hanneman tried to urge her to reveal whatever happened to her in the past no matter how tragic it is. Such a moment sealed Lysithea's opinion against Hanneman, thinking him as only a mad scientist who would most likely experiment on his sister (if he had one) if it meant furthering his research. To her, Hanneman was no better than the scum who experimented on her.
And such thoughts of those people of pale white skin, dark robes and frightening masks angered Lysithea, she was unknowingly radiating dark magic around her hands at the thought of what they did not only to her but to her siblings… her cousins…
"Lysithea, try again." Hanneman said, aware of the anger Lysithea was feeling. Without a word, Lysithea turned around and casted Dark Spikes on the training dummy she had been subjecting her spells on.
Spikes made out of pure dark energy formed around her and impaled the dummy before detonating to create an explosion of dark magic, magical energy could be felt around the training grounds.
Lysithea breathed heavily after casting her strongest spell, not used to how taxing the spell is to her body, Hanneman marveled at the power of the spell not because of the spell itself but when he saw how the Crest of Gloucester manifested above Lysithea when she casted Dark Spikes. The power of the spell was so strong that the stone wall behind the training cracked from the power of Lysithea's Crest-amplified magic.
"Excellent! It seems when you feel emotional using your magic, your Crest of Gloucester manifests more frequently just like how you saved Professor Byleth from this... Death Knight." Hanneman said with nothing but elation in contrast to the anger and resentment Lysithea was feeling at the moment.
Unknown to Hanneman, Lysithea had half a mind to use her latest spell towards Hanneman while feeling 'emotional'. Emotionally angry at him anyway...
Lysithea mentally calmed herself as she bore witness to what she had just done and just before Hanneman could speak as he scribbled down on his notes, Lysithea was nowhere to be seen.
Lysithea was sullen as she sat alone trying to eat her meal, picking at the leg of chicken with her fork that was served to her with potatoes and carrots. It's not like she didn't like the meal (except for the carrot sticks), she had simply lost her appetite after her emotional outburst with Hanneman, while she did not speak of it, she was clearly angry not just at the aged professor but to the memories of what happened to her and to the perpetrators who have caused it.
Add up to the current problem the Monastery was feeling and the general fear among its students and inhabitants of a rumor of a so-called reaper who was behind the mysterious disappearances of a number of students from different houses as well as Flayn, Seteth's younger sister.
Lysithea deeply sighed. "One problem after another. It never changes." She murmured, her wish for a normal and smooth academic life has been all but shattered ever since she set foot in Garreg Mach. She even morbidly joked to herself that she was the cause of such things. Maybe her Crests causes some sort of weird phenomena of bringing misfortune...
She looked down on her plate, the long strands of her white hair on the side of her head touching the table. She then felt someone's presence sitting in front of her. Lysithea sighed irritably, thinking it was Claude or any of her Golden Deer classmates that she had rejected from their company, wanting to be alone to think and not be bothered. She growled in irritation at the person sitting on the opposite side of the table, mostly thinking it was Claude trying to tease her.
"Look, how many times must I tell you, I want to be left alone!" Lysithea exclaimed, glaring at the person in front of her only to be taken aback by the pair of eyes that looked back at her.
"That's the first time you told me." Byleth said as his blue eyes looked back at the increasingly widening pinkish red eyes of Lysithea. He then wordlessly chewed on the piece of chicken that he cut with his knife, masticating it before taking a bite of the carrot stick he was served with.
"P-Professor!" Lysithea stuttered at the sudden appearance of the stoic man, her surprise and subsequent mortified feeling removing any of the initial thoughts that plagued her mind, if only temporarily.
Byleth nodded at her before swallowing his food. "It seems you wish to be left alone, my apologies." Byleth gave her an apologetic look before preparing to take his plate and glass of water elsewhere.
"Umm wait!" Lysithea called out to stop Byleth from leaving, nearly standing up from her seat as she does so while garnering the attention of the nearby students who were also eating.
Byleth gave her a questioning look. "I thought you wanted to be left alone?" He asked.
"I-I thought you were Claude or any of the people who bothered me earlier!" Lysithea reasoned, feeling like a fool for accidentally lashing out at the esteemed professor of the Black Eagles.
"And what exempts me from Claude or the rest from bothering you?" Byleth further asked, thinking he was also bothering the Ordelia girl when she clearly stated she wanted to be alone.
Lysithea froze for a bit, unable to answer Byleth's question when she was questioning her earlier resolve of being left alone by everyone until the professor came to sit with her for dinner.
"I… uhh…"
Byleth then sat back down, not waiting for Lysithea to answer the question seeing as she didn't truly want him to leave her alone as he continued to eat.
Lysithea sat back down and continued looking at her untouched food, this time embarrassed. The professor kept on eating silently as Lysithea watched him, after what seemed like a long time, Byleth sighed and put his knife and fork down.
"What's bothering you?" He asked, resting his elbows on the table and clenched his hands together in front of his face while looking at Lysithea.
Lysithea regarded Byleth for a bit, still unable to decipher any subtle change in his face to see any trace of concern but his tone sounded sincere in wanting to know what plagues her mind, that is something she could at least decipher.
"Professor… have you ever thought of doing something… thinking it will go smoothly as you wish it would only to be given the opposite?" Lysithea asked.
Byleth remained inscrutable with his expression but looked like he was thinking of an answer, Lysithea patiently waited as Byleth stared at her. After a brief moment of silence, Byleth finally had an answer.
"Many times." Byleth replied, averting his eyes away from Lysithea and looking up at the ceiling of the dining hall. "In my life as a mercenary, not every part of our strategy works as we hoped. My father and his men would have to make contingency and such things can result in casualties in our group."
Lysithea regretted asking Byleth the question, thinking she might have dug up some bad memories for the professor regarding his former career and the lives of the men that served under him and Jeralt.
"I see… I'm sorry for asking such a question…"
Byleth shook his head. "It is nothing to apologize for, I answered your question of my volition." He said, reassuring the young girl.
"Is your life here in Garreg Mach not living up to what you hoped for?" Byleth asked after seeing the apprehension in Lysithea's eyes, a look that he is all too familiar seeing by now towards his students.
Lysithea looked up at him again. "You can always tell huh, professor?"
Byleth merely nodded and gestured to her to continue.
"I came here in Garreg Mach with the intention to just further my studies… when I first heard of it from my parents, I was ecstatic to come but now…" Lysithea looked around her before focusing back on Byleth. "It seems like when things are going fine… it just gets worse. The situation doesn't calm down, it keeps on escalating."
Byleth stayed silent as Lysithea spoke, understanding the frustration of the Ordelia heiress on the recent events, it seems like they fix a problem plaguing the monastery only for two more to take its place, each getting worse as it is.
"First the Death Knight, then the incident regarding Miklan and now this…" Lysithea vented out. "Nothing ever seems to remain fine in this place."
Byleth couldn't help but agree with Lysithea's assessment of the recent events, even he felt unpleasant about what has been going on and the extra attention and expectation projected towards him ever since the Rite of Rebirth had been bothersome for him as well.
"Professor?"
Byleth blinked and looked at Lysithea who looked concerned.
"I'm sorry, I was lost in my own thoughts." Byleth apologized but Lysithea frowned.
"It's not that… you just looked… troubled." Lysithea pointed out and true to what she said, Byleth noticed how scrunched his face was, he was frowning and he didn't even know it.
Byleth then touched his chest, feeling nothing from the nonexistent beating of his heart. "I guess we both feel the same way regarding recent events." Byleth said as Lysithea worriedly looked on.
Lysithea had an idea what the professor was experiencing. The professor had been the subject of discussion and much fanfare ever since word spread out from the Church of Seiros that Byleth possesses the Crest of Flames following the retrieval of the mythical Sword of the Creator that was discovered in the Tomb of Saint Seiros.
The revelation of the newest professor being chosen by the Goddess to bear her divine Crest as well the heavy proof of such claim being his ability to wield her equally divine sword, Byleth became the topic of the Church and the students for the days that followed.
Some, most especially the Black Eagles were ecstatic that they were being taught by a professor that was the Goddess' chosen, adding more prestige to their already great house but some others: be it student, cleric or historians had expressed doubts on the professor.
Doubts stemming from the fact that in history, The King of Liberation Nemesis was also chosen by the Goddess to bear her Crest and her sword to defeat the wicked gods that seeked to bring ruin to the world only to be corrupted by the power he possessed. The people who expressed such doubts towards Byleth thought that with his limited knowledge of the Church and its teachings as well as his previous occupation and reputation as the mercenary they called the Ashen Demon, the power he possessed would corrupt him to become as bloodthirsty as Nemesis has fallen captive to.
Lysithea felt that if her twin Crests were to be exposed, she too would suffer a similar if not lesser kind of exposure which is a distraction she can't afford and also would probably catch the attention of less savory individuals much like how she worried about the professor's safety due to his circumstance.
As for Byleth, he cared not a single thing about the talks around him or any implications. He simply shrugged off any form of questioning from clerics and visiting historians keen to learn more about him, saying he had a job to do as a professor first and foremost, he must tend to his students.
But what annoyed Byleth was how even his own students were questioning him of his nature, possible lineage and even asked him to show off the Sword of the Creator that he kept with him at all times, something Seteth asked him to do lest it gets the chance of being stolen by anyone blasphemous enough to commit such theft to a divine artifact.
It came to the point that Byleth expressed his annoyance at a student for always quizzing him about his Crest and the sword that Byleth put him into detention for disrupting classes, something Lysithea approved of as she was angry at the Tactics class being disturbed repeatedly by foolish questions.
Then, there was another source of annoyance that Lysithea and Byleth now shared: Professor Hanneman.
Byleth and Hanneman had both shared a mutual respect for each other as colleagues, Byleth was thankful for the aged professor's guidance in teaching students but even Lysithea could tell how annoyed the junior professor was to Professor Hanneman when word reached him of his ability to wield the Sword of the Creator and got even worse at the confirmation that Byleth does indeed possessed the Crest of Flames.
Hanneman was keen on observing Byleth about his Crest and his ability to use the Sword of the Creator, something Lysithea had witnessed while she was 'assisting' Hanneman in his research when Byleth was summoned to his office. Hanneman was unaware of it but Lysithea could tell by the subtle change in his face that Byleth was annoyed, she could only be silent sympathetic to what he was feeling.
"Lysithea, how are you feeling after the incident in Conand Tower?" Byleth asked out of concern.
The Ordelian heiress lightly gasped at the mention of such an event that happened merely a week ago, she knew what the professor meant about her well-being.
Conand Tower… again after her critical role in saving the Black Eagles from defeat, Lysithea was once again requested by Byleth if she could assist them for their mission during the Verdant Rain Moon, acknowledged as a reliable ally. This was such a request that Lysithea granted without hesitation, she felt that she still owes the professor and also Edelgard for saving her life in the previous incident.
When they first heard of the mission details, Lysithea and the Black Eagles all thought they could take a break from any strenuous mission following the encounter in the Holy Mausoleum, a thought that was immediately shattered when Byleth told them that the ringleader of the mere bandits that they have to face stole a Heroes' Relic from House Gautier, the Lance of Ruin.
It even became more of a shock that the supposed ringleader of the bandits was Sylvain's older brother that was disinherited and disowned by his own family after he failed to bear a Crest and tried to murder Sylvain for it during their youth.
Lysithea could remember Dimitri arriving with Sylvain, Ingrid and Felix in tow, requesting the Archbishop that the assignment should be given to him and the Blue Lions as it was a former Kingdom noble's actions, Dimitri argued that it's his responsibility as the crown prince of Faerghus that he must deal with Miklan as well it is also Sylvain's desire to confront his wayward brother for his actions.
Again, this request mirrored Dimitri's first attempt to wrest responsibility away from other houses which was the incident regarding Lord Lonato and his ill-fated rebellion as he felt such incidents should be handled by him as it concerned Faerghus. A request that Seteth denied because of how emotionally invested Dimitri and Sylvain are regarding the matter, citing that cooler and impartial heads should prevail in handling Miklan, a statement that Rhea backed up by stating that the Black Eagles has the means to combat a bandit possessing a Heroes' Relic, Byleth himself and the Sword of the Creator that he possessed. Dimitri had no choice but to accept the decision of the Archbishop and left soon.
The mission was simple, they were to defeat Miklan and his group of bandits, besides Lysithea, there was also another person outside of the Black Eagles that would assist the esteemed house on their mission.
It was Gilbert, a high ranking Knight of Seiros who bore a familiar shade of orange hair that Lysithea had a feeling she recognized. Nonetheless, she stayed focused as they went within the tower to confront Miklan. But not before they acquired new allies that they weren't expecting…
Just as they were about to enter the tower, they were alerted by the sudden arrival of Sylvain who had followed them with Felix and Ingrid in tow who were sent by Dimitri to retrieve the Gautier heir after he ran off to join the professor and the Black Eagles.
Despite being pulled away by Ingrid and Felix who were both angry at Sylvain, Sylvain asked the professor to let him join him and the Black Eagles, Sylvain cited he had to see Miklan and confront him to finally end the long standing enmity they both have for each other as well as clean up the mess Miklan made for House Gautier. Sylvain would willingly shoulder any form of punishment after the mission for his defiance of Rhea's orders.
Edelgard sighed at the complication while Gilbert was outraged that Sylvain would willingly defy the Archbishop's orders not to interfere just so Sylvain could gain the satisfaction of ending Miklan's rampage on his own terms. Yet despite this, Edelgard told Byleth that it was his decision.
In the end and much to Gilbert and Ingrid's chagrin, Byleth permitted Sylvain to join them in confronting Miklan, an act that Sylvain vowed he would repay to the professor. Seeing as Byleth permitted Sylvain… Ingrid and Felix also decided to join if only to watch out for Sylvain if he would dare make any reckless move in his confrontation with Miklan.
Not wanting anymore time to waste on rules and technicalities, Byleth and Gilbert then ordered everyone to get in the tower to finally commence their mission.
The fight went off well for them, defeating and capturing the bandits linked to Miklan and as Miklan entered the battle, Byleth stepped in to confront him as he wanted to make sure none of his students are harmed in fighting someone who possesses a Heroes' Relic.
Lysithea watched in nervous anticipation as Byleth and Miklan fought one another, the clash of their respective weapons of legendary power resonating. As the fight progressed, Byleth gained the upper hand as Miklan let his rage over Sylvain who was behind Byleth (after being ordered by Byleth not to interfere) began to cloud his judgment and as such led to an opening for Byleth that he was quick to exploit.
Wounded but still fueled by his resentment and the thirst for battle, Miklan wasn't willing to surrender when Byleth ordered him to as well as Sylvain calling him out. Even Edelgard told him it was foolish to continue fighting as most of his men had been defeated.
Miklan merely called them children and just as he was about to resume the fight, the unthinkable happened. It was a sight that Lysithea and the others wouldn't be forgetting for a long period of time.
The grotesque transformation that Miklan went through as the Lance of Ruin steadily consumed him via a black mass of tendrils originating from the Crest Stone horrified everyone within the tower, even Byleth froze on his spot upon witnessing Miklan screaming in terror from what was happening to him until he ceased to be nothing but a towering black monster with red eyes that looked like it came straight out of a horror story meant to scare children.
Byleth only had a short moment to defend himself when Miklan attacked him viciously, sending the professor crashing on a pile of rubble prompting the Black Eagles as well as Gilbert and the other students to attack Miklan.
While they all did their part to try to overwhelm and wound the monster before them, they were mostly swatted away and knocked unconscious by the transformed Miklan until it was only Sylvain, Lysithea and Edelgard who stood before him.
With Byleth still knocked within the rubble, Sylvain and Edelgard tried to attack Miklan to some success, distracting the hulking beast long enough for Lysithea to bombard him with every spell she knew, especially her Dark Spikes spell that proved effective in defeating the Death Knight.
While Miklan was wounded by their attacks, it didn't take long for him to overwhelm Sylvain and Edelgard, hitting both of them down to the ground until he managed to come to Lysithea and grabbed her with one of his enormous hands, his strength threatening to crush her as Lysithea looked on in fear as the red eyes of Miklan glared towards her, enraged over the various wounds she had caused him.
Miklan opened his maw to reveal a pitch black abyss within it as well as razor sharp teeth threatening to tear her flesh and crunch her bones, Lysithea was nearly in tears as her apparent doom approached until a whip with sharp fragments wrapped around the wrist of the arm that was gripping Lysithea.
"Let her go." Were the only words that escaped Byleth's lips that time but Lysithea could see and hear the anger in his eyes and voice, enraged at seeing his students harmed as well as being angered that he allowed a monster ample time to nearly devour Lysithea.
Without another word, Byleth pulled the whip form of the Sword of the Creator to slice through the wrapped wrist of Miklan's arm, cutting it into multiple pieces as blood sprayed out from the monster's wrist, coating Lysithea's white hair, face and clothes with it as she managed to break free from Miklan's now severed arm.
Miklan wailed in pain at his severed hand, this led an opening for Sylvain to throw his lance over Miklan's red eye, piercing it as more blood sprayed out. Lastly, Edelgard managed to climb up on top of Miklan's head and raised her axe, with a loud cry she cleaved Miklan's skull open, her axe caving into his brain which proved to be the fatal blow to the rampaging beast.
As Miklan's enormous body became lifeless, Lysithea watched in abject horror at the realization that she was about to be crushed by his weight until she was swept away by Byleth who had grabbed her and both narrowly avoided being crushed by the dead monster.
"Professor… if it weren't for you… I would have died that day." Lysithea said, recalling her second near death experience that continued to haunt her.
Byleth didn't appear to look graced at Lysithea's credit to him, instead he looked on his half-eaten meal with regret.
"Professor?"
"I still allowed that monster to do harm to all of you that badly." Byleth said, tightly clenching his hands.
Lysithea's surprised look turned to sadness, she was surprised at the show of emotion from the usually stone-faced professor and she was saddened because she felt that Byleth felt responsible for the injuries they incurred that day.
"Professor… I feel like you are being too hard on yourself." Lysithea tried to console him.
"I know. I simply don't want to see any of you be seriously harmed while under my tutelage… it would be poor form for someone like me if one of you perishes in battle."
Lysithea remained quiet but nonetheless extended her right arm to touch Byleth's clenched hands in an effort to comfort him.
"Professor, in the end you still saved us… you still saved me and that is something you should take comfort in. As a mercenary, surely you know that being hurt in battle is inevitable? So why are you so… protective of us?"
Byleth looked at her straight in the eye. "It's because all of you are yet to experience what your lives could be, what your chosen path is and all of you haven't reached the future that you want."
The moment Byleth said those words, Lysithea's entire body froze.
What your lives could be… what your chosen path is… and the future that you want…
Those words… phrases… sentences stung Lysithea greatly, her heart hurt at the thought of what Byleth wanted for them. He didn't want them to die until they realized what they wanted with the path they chose to walk and he wanted them to be able to live out their futures and not die in a battlefield.
Yet… how can that apply to her? How can such a thing apply to her when she herself believed she had no future? That her days are numbered? That wishful thinking of such a thing would only hurt her?
"Lysithea?"
Lysithea buried the feelings that were welling up in her, she doesn't need to involve the professor with such things, he doesn't need to see this side of her, she must hold it in… Nobody must know what it is that plagues her to spare them the pain when the appointed time comes for her.
"I'm sorry professor… I was just…" Lysithea tried to think of something to change the course of their conversation until she recalled another important moment after Miklan's defeat. "Are you alright?"
Byleth gave her a confused look. "Yes, Lysithea. You asked that earlier after class."
Lysithea wanted to hit herself on how bad she was hiding something.
"More like, how are you? You told me you were still uneasy on what happened that day." Byleth reversed the question towards her.
Lysithea looked down, while she physically seemed fine. The experience left her shaken, coming so close to a stuff of nightmares face to face and nearly being devoured by such would wake her up in the middle of the night nearly screaming to the point that Leonie and Mercedes would come knocking at her door, awoken by her screams, to check if she was okay.
"I'm…. getting to terms with it." Lysithea replied hesitantly, she didn't want the professor to fuss over her well-being all too much, he had already done so much for her by this point that adding more to his burdens would be shameless of her.
Unknown to her, Byleth shot her a look of doubt but decided not to push the topic, deeming that she wasn't comfortable relating such a thing for now.
"Professor… I am curious, what happened to Sylvain, Ingrid and Felix when you reported?" Lysithea asked, wanting to divert the current topic away on something else not centering on her though she was curious on what became of Sylvain for defying strict orders from Rhea.
Byleth sighed, remembering the fuming anger Seteth had when Byleth along with Gilbert and Edelgard reported what happened to Miklan. Seteth chastised both Byleth and Gilbert for their leniency on allowing the three students from the Blue Lions on joining them on a mission that they were ordered not to take part in.
Having summoned Sylvain, Seteth unleashed a verbal tirade towards Sylvain, reprimanding him for his actions and telling him that such behavior isn't to be tolerated, all while Rhea watched, not speaking a word.
Just as Sylvain was to explain himself and bear responsibility, Byleth stepped forward and took the blame by claiming he had given Sylvain word that he could join them, a lie to spare Sylvain of any punishment and Byleth claimed that in the end, he did allow the Gautier heir to come to him.
Seteth wasn't in any way amused by the professor's protectiveness towards Sylvain but Rhea calmed him down, telling him that in the end and if the report is to be believed, Sylvain played an integral role in saving Lysithea's life. Byleth remained silent as Rhea gave praise to him and the Black Eagles for defeating Miklan before asking him to hand over the Lance of Ruin that they retrieved from Miklan's monstrous corpse.
After passing such a relic, Rhea went on to lecture that what turned Miklan into a monster was the Goddess' punishment to him for using a sacred relic without the appropriate Crest to bear. That it was blasphemy.
"Then right after that, no punishments were given and Sylvain thanked me for covering for him."
Lysithea sighed at the professor's willingness to be blamed for the action of others that he had no hand in.
"Professor, that wasn't appropriate to do. You were willing to be punished for something you have no control in." Lysithea reprimanded him though she knew inside that she owed Sylvain a debt of gratitude as well, she almost felt guilty that she berated the Gautier heir once when he tried to compliment her.
Byleth simply sighed at her before asking her what would seem to be his final question for her.
"Lysithea, have you given yourself time to think on what I asked you?"
The snow-haired Ordelia girl gasped at the mention of what the professor had asked her days after the incident involving Miklan. It came all too much of a surprise for her when the professor had asked her of such.
"I… professor…"
"Lysithea, you don't have to force yourself to give me an answer right now. You can even refuse me if you wish it so."
There was another moment of silence between the two until Lysithea noticed that her right hand was still holding the professor's clenched hands. Before she could have a mind to take her hand off of him…
"My oh my!" A delighted voice spoke up, prompting Byleth and Lysithea to look at Hilda who had her eyes on their hands while she was carrying her plate, apparently finished eating.
"I see why you didn't want anyone to share a table with you, Lysithea!" Hilda teasingly smirked, getting more and more amused as Lysithea's face turned more red.
"You were waiting for the professor~"
Lysithea didn't say anything, she quickly withdrew her hand from Byleth and left the dining hall in a hurry before Byleth could even react, leaving behind her untouched meal.
"Ooops… I think I teased her too much." Hilda giggled as she watched Lysithea leave the dining hall before turning her attention to Byleth with a smirk. Having the urge to tease the enigmatic professor of the Black Eagles.
"Honestly professor! If I know any better, it seems like you're trying to poach away our star pupil!" She quipped only to be met by the stoic expression ever present in Byleth. Hilda then tried to get a rise out of the professor by teasing him more but Byleth didn't comprehend anything else she said, he simply stared at where Lysithea used to sit and the untouched food.
With a sigh, Byleth resolved to send her food to her room later on, he was concerned on Lysithea's well-being considering what she went through and how badly she lied about such thing. Though, one thing keeps on bugging his mind that even Sothis began to wonder it herself.
"Why are you so drawn to that girl, I wonder?"
Byleth wished he could provide the entity in his mind an answer but even he couldn't answer, there were only questions. Why does it seem he cares for Lysithea despite not being his student?
Following days later...
Lysithea found herself reading more to herself than listening to anything Hanneman was discussing in front of the class that he teaches magic with. Finding his lessons again to be something below her as she had thoroughly read and studied such things in advance. Not even the demonstration Hanneman provided showed any significant interests to her as she simply just read a book regarding the nature of dark magic, a branch of reasoning magic she specializes in.
"And that is how Sagittae should be casted, now as usual, this spell would have to be cast with the necessary incantations be it verbally or mentally but given in time like all spells, it can be done with minimal or no incantation as well-"
Lysithea shook her head. "Another day in Hanneman's class, another hour wasted…" She murmured, jotting down notes in her notebook regarding information she found interesting from the book she was reading.
"Psst.."
Lysithea ignored the noise, it was probably one of her classmates trying to call another to gossip or pass notes, she shook her head at the behavior and continued writing.
"Psst… Lysithea."
Sucking in her teeth, Lysithea turned to her side to see Annette.
"What?" She asked irritably.
"Why aren't you taking notes?" Annette asked out of genuine concern after she noticed that Lysithea was doing something else rather than follow Hanneman's lessons.
"I know this spell already." Lysithea dismissively said as she continued taking notes, Annette regarded her for a brief moment before she continued listening to Hanneman.
As she wrote down notes, Lysithea's thoughts strayed to her previous encounter with the professor back in the dining hall days ago. They have met afterwards but that is simply because of classes where they only talked about the subject in tactics and also when she was tasked by him and Edelgard to conduct an investigation to find out what had happened to Flayn which is still fruitless.
Lysithea thought of the past few days during the time she and the Golden Deer were waiting for homeroom to begin. Claude approached her, seemingly to test her patience again, an irritant Lysithea immediately rebuffed him before he could even speak until Claude had asked how the search for Flayn was going. Lysithea couldn't give him an answer as her own search was in vain although she mentioned that Professor Byleth had noted Jeritza's absence and Professor Manuela's frequent absences as if she had her own agenda.
Claude praised the professor for his observation as if he was there before making a remark that Lysithea seemed to be more and more involved with the Black Eagles considering how she has been requested by Professor Byleth to aid his house. Claude then teased if Lysithea is truly considering wanting to change houses which prompted Lysithea to tell him to knock it off just as Hanneman arrived.
Lysithea shook her head, wanting to focus back on writing her notes to study on later as Hanneman lectured the class.
As class ended and as such was the final class for the day, Lysithea fixed her things, closing her books and notes as her classmates left the classroom with talk of what they should be doing after dinner.
'Study then.' Lysithea mentally thought before checking her notes one last time to see if everything was in order.
"Hi hi, Lysithea!" An upbeat voice spoke from behind her, Lysithea didn't need to turn around to see who spoke to her, she could immediately tell who it was.
"What is it?" Lysithea asked before turning around to meet Annette's blue eyes.
"When are you going to teach me magic? Is now good?" Annette asked with one of her usual cheery smiles.
Lysithea brows rose and looked like she had no idea what the girl from the Blue Lions was talking about.
"Why do I have to?" Lysithea asked. "And first of all, what gave you the idea I'm willing to teach you anyway?"
Annette looked at her, perplexed. "Why? Because you're way better at it then me, silly!" She giggled before continuing on. "Remember when I was having a super hard time with a magic lesson and you helped me? You told me if I need anymore help, I can ask you..."
Lysithea tried to recall, thinking of her previous interactions with Annette. So many things have happened that her memory of specific people and events have been mixed up in her head, she could barely recall any minor interactions she has had.
"I mean I do try not to bother you too much especially with lessons that I can handle but this particular lesson regarding today got me in a bit of bind…" Annette continued as Lysithea finally recalled what the former has been talking about.
She also recalled some of Annette's background that she had heard of when Annette introduced herself in class during the first few days.
"Is that so. I thought you were something of an honors student at the school of sorcery? Fhirdiad right?" Lysithea asked, pondering if she got her information right, she knew Fhirdiad had a school of sorcery since Lorenz boasted studying there but she is unaware if there were other schools in Faerghus that Annette might have attended to.
Annette looked down on the floor, her hands together. "Well, sure... But I wouldn't say I've got any kind of natural talent for it." She said modestly before looking up at Lysithea with a glint of admiration towards her. "I'm going to have to try very hard to become as good of a mage as you are!"
Despite the sincerity of Annette's admiration for Lysithea's prowess, such words didn't sit well within Lysithea's mind especially with the implication that her 'natural talent' has something to do with her success in magic.
Annette's hopeful look fell down when she saw a frown form on Lysithea's face with the latter folding her arms below her chest.
"What is that supposed to mean? Are you implying that I don't work hard too?" Lysithea asked, clearly expressing her disapproval of Annette's praise towards her. "If you think my skills are inherent, you are sorely mistaken."
Many people had indeed praised Lysithea for her magical prowess but such praise often fell to the credit of her 'natural talent' as they said rather than the effort she pumped in her pursuit. Hanneman had once expressed his praise to the credit of her Crests which infuriated her, Lorenz had praised her due to the perceived inherent natural talent of the Ordelia family and even Ferdinand praised her prowess to the same degree as Lorenz placed her.
Suffice to say, she grew tired of such praises. She wanted to be validated for her own efforts, not her Crests and not this natural talent they keep on pushing to her credit.
"No! I wasn't saying that at all! Everyone knows how hard you work." Annette reasoned, not wanting to risk the temper of the Ordelia heiress. "I just meant that if I want to be as good as you, I'll have to work really, incredibly hard!" Annette reasoned, hoping to assuage the tinge of annoyance Lysithea felt towards her.
Lysithea decided to drop it and go straight to the subject.
"Hm. And what is it you want to learn about?" Lysithea asked before adding. "I can only afford to give you some time, I have to meet up with someone later."
Annette looked delighted at Lysithea acquiescing to her request. "Oh! So you'll teach me?! Thank you so much! Um, actually…"
As Annette asked her for advice concerning spells and incantations, especially the Sagittae spell that Hanneman thought, Lysithea felt something she hasn't experienced… she felt the thrill of teaching others with what she knows… fulfilling in a way. A break from the constant praises she gets for her accomplishments and especially a break from people treating her like a child, she felt like she was someone to be relied on for knowledge and during the course of her teaching Annette, she smiled as she enjoyed it.
After a brief moment together, Lysithea looked on as Annette easily grasped what she taught, she felt pride as Annette excitedly tested what she was tutored by Lysithea.
"Oh, I get it now! I never thought about it that way before!" Annette expressed her surprise while smiling brightly.
"Look at how quickly you're picking this up. You're clearly very skilled already." Lysithea remarked, impressed at the pace of how Annette learns, she even thought that with such attentiveness, she wouldn't have needed her help.
Annette shook her head, still trying to be modest despite the praises of Lysithea.
"Don't be silly. You're just that good of a teacher! Kind of reminds me of how Professor Byleth teaches… always considering other situations for his students to adapt…" Annette reminisced, thinking fondly of the tactics class that the enigmatic professor teaches before looking back to Lysithea. "Your way of looking at the world is so fundamentally different from mine."
Any trace of Lysithea's impression faded once more at the implication of Annette's words.
"Do you insist on taking the conversation in that direction?" She asked her, irritated while folding her arms again.
The Dominic heiress noticed her error, mentally cursing herself for her blunder.
"Oh no, I'm sorry! I wasn't doing that!" Annette reasoned before sighing. "There I go saying the wrong thing again."
Lysithea inwardly sighed. "It's fine. Let's just drop it." She said in finality before addressing Annette's issue that she picked up.
"A bit more self-confidence would go a long way for you, Annette." Lysithea remarked.
Annette looked puzzled at what Lysithea meant.
Lysithea then shook her head, she had done what Annette had requested of her in such a short time as she had to meet up with someone in a while.
"That's all I've got for you today. I need to get going now. Lots to do." Lysithea said as she prepared to leave, taking her books and notebook into her arms.
Lysithea didn't wait for Annette to say her farewells as she began to take her first steps into leaving the classroom.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to take up your time! Thanks again for teaching me!" Annette spoke out as she looked at the departing Lysithea with a grateful smile.
"And if you ever need help on something, please don't hesitate to come to me!"
Unknown to her, Lysithea smiled at how she was compared to Professor Byleth for how he's been considerate to his students' various situations when he teaches them. She couldn't help but feel happy…
After doing some tweaks of her appearance such as brushing her silky white hair and washing her face, Lysithea went towards the gazebo in the specific courtyard of Garreg Mach where she and the professor had tea.
Lysithea also had tea with Edelgard days before the incident with Miklan, having finally tasted the delectable treats that Edelgard had promised as well as some sweet honeyed-fruit tea for her taste. While little of note was discussed besides topics from different sweets, tactics and their studies… Lysithea learned that Edelgard was almost the same as her in terms of their fondness for sweets. She also learned that Edelgard also has some fondness for cats to the point that the Imperial Princess seems to boast about her own pet cat.
Such time was the first such event that Lysithea could recall; that was their first time of being… normal. There was no room for doubts towards Edelgard, she just enjoyed the stories from Edelgard more specifically regarding the professor's first weeks as their house professor. But, all smiles and laughter changed when Lysithea became curious on what Edelgard wants to do when she becomes the Emperor, what would set her apart from her predecessors?
It was simply just a curious question but the look on Edelgard's face meant something, she became solemn and her eyes were on fire by how intensely she looked at Lysithea. For a brief moment, Lysithea thought she might have offended Edelgard for poking in too much with her political plans.
The matter wasn't addressed when Edelgard had to excuse herself to go off somewhere, apologizing to Lysithea for having to leave and promising her that next time would end on a better and concluding note.
Lysithea arrived at the courtyard where the gazebo is as the sky began to acquire the color of orange due to the setting sun giving way for the moon to take its place.
The smell of tea tickled her nose, it was a sweet and enticing fruity scent but different from what the professor usually prepares when they have tea.
'He must have taken to heart what I said last time about testing something different…' Lysithea thought as she saw the professor arrange the tableware on the table as well as a three-layer dessert stand that consisted of various sweets, such a sight made Lysithea's eyes sparkle and her mouth watering.
It wasn't long when the professor spotted the Ordelia heiress, giving her a nod and gesturing for her to come as he finished laying down spoons and forks that they would use.
Lysithea smiled and gave him a gracious vow. "Thank you for inviting me, professor."
"And I thank you for accepting as well." Byleth responded with his usual expression but unlike the previous times, Lysithea could actually feel some warmth from him.
"Take a seat."
Lysithea did so and just like previous times, Byleth held the teapot containing the piping hot tea and carefully filled Lysithea's cup with it, as the liquid flowed from the nozzle, Lysithea caught in the full brunt of the tea's aroma.
Despite the sweet aroma, Lysithea knew she would need one such component to make the experience of drinking it more pleasant.
"Do you-"
As if expecting what Lysithea would ask for, Byleth gently pushed the small jar containing the sugar cubes that Lysithea wanted towards her. Lysithea found herself giggling at how the professor knew her ritual in teatime is.
"You know me so well, professor."
Without a mind on what the professor would think, Lysithea started taking spoons of sugar cubes in her tea before stirring it with her teaspoon as Byleth watched with some mild amusement hidden within his solemn look.
Finally, she raised her cup up to relish the smell of the tea one last time before taking a sip of it, being careful of the hot temperature of the liquid as to not sear her the insides of her mouth.
"Mmmmm!" Lysithea hummed at the sweet taste of the tea as more small sips began to unravel the small mystery of the fruity scent.
Upon taking one more sip, Lysithea laid down her cup on the saucer just as Byleth finished taking his own sip from his cup.
"How did you like it?" Byleth asked her.
Lysithea smiled. "I quite like it, professor… it's different from the honeyed-fruit blend you usually serve… it is much simpler but…" She looked up towards the professor with widened eyes, realizing what she could mean if she chose the wrong set of words just like Annette had earlier with her.
"But that doesn't mean it's bad! I quite appreciate the much simpler taste of the..." Lysithea reasoned, not wanting to commit a mistake in her choice of words especially considering how Edelgard reacted back then who she still thinks may have offended.
"Apple." Byleth finished, looking at the teapot. "It is a blend they call sweet-apple, I have Ferdinand to thank for recommending it."
Lysithea briefly thought of the said student from the Black Eagles, in her interactions with him, Ferdinand had been nothing but courteous to her yet she was still annoyed by his overbearing words of preaching how the nobility should act for the common good and how they behave themselves, something that Lysithea detested from Lorenz who was more pompous in his demeanor.
"Help yourself with these." Byleth invited her, gesturing at the dessert stand in the middle of the table.
Lysithea's eyes sparkled at the permission of taking whatever she desired on the dessert stand, she reached out her right hand but was unable to quickly decide what to take until she decided on taking an oblong shaped pastry they call the eclair.
Taking a bite of the delicacy, Lysithea nearly squealed at the explosion of sweet flavors in her mouth from the taste of the chocolate icing on top of the pastry, the eggy flavor of the dough used and finally the sweet vanilla cream within. Lysithea couldn't help but touch her cheek with her free hand to express her love for what she's eating.
Unknown to her as she enjoyed the eclair, the edges of Byleth's lips slightly curled upwards due to the infectious rare smile the Ordelia heiress was showing. For him, Lysithea's smile was quite a rare sight to everyone due to how she's so short tempered and impatient that she easily gets annoyed, mostly showing it with her frowns or at worst, her sharp tongue.
Without a word, Byleth took a macaron from the dessert stand and ate it, enjoying the crumbly colored shell as well as the flavored cream within it.
After both enjoyed the confections they respectively ate, both turned to look at each other.
"Thank you so much for that delectable sweet, professor! It's been so long since I ate an eclair!" Lysithea said with all smiles.
Byleth tilted his head down in acknowledgement of her thanks.
"I am glad you like it."
"I love it!" Lysithea immediately corrected him before licking the tips of her fingers to taste whatever remained of the chocolate icing or the vanilla cream, a behavior she quickly stopped when she realized what she was doing in front of the professor.
"I'm sorry… that was improper." Lysithea apologized as she wiped her finger clean with the white folded napkin provided to her.
Byleth shook his head. "I know little nor care for what proper decorum is on the table. If you enjoy what it is you eat, then feel free to appreciate and relish it."
Lysithea shook her head. "But it's still bad manners… no matter how you look at it and no matter the status." She said, feeling embarrassed that she may have acted a bit out of her age to what she did.
The professor of the Black Eagles shrugged. "Fair enough, I suppose."
Silence dawned between the two of them as Lysithea watched Byleth take a sip of his tea, noticing some changes in how he holds the cup and his body language indicating he may have picked up on some mannerisms from either Edelgard, Ferdinand and perhaps… even her…
The professor seemed so much more formal now…
But that was enough observation right now, she knew why the professor had invited her for today or perhaps this was just one of his social calls that he does from time to time just so he could relax from any stress he might be concealing beneath his stoic exterior, the professor is still human after all despite how he looked.
If it was the former… then…
"Professor…"
"Lysithea." Byleth spoke up nearly at the same time as her, there was silence for a bit between them, both waiting for the other to speak up until Byleth gestured to her to go first.
"Very well then…" Lysithea began. "Professor, if I may ask… What reason did you invite me here for today?" She asked. "Not to be rude, mind you…"
Byleth shook his head at her latter words. "It's alright." He reassured her before taking in a deep breath to ready himself for his next words.
"Lysithea… have you decided on what I asked you days ago?"
She knew it, of course the professor would ask her about his surprising question days after the incident with Miklan, it was more of a proposal than a simple question and it took her by surprise that day that she was unable to formulate an answer.
The proposal to transfer from the Golden Deer house to the Black Eagle house.
She had heard of the concept many times but to change houses was unheard of in her batch, everyone seemed comfortable with what their house had to offer yet…
Can the same thing be said for Lysithea?
While she does admit that she has nothing against her known classmates in the Golden Deer besides Claude's incessant teasing and Lorenz' pompous attitude… She enjoyed their company and even found herself smiling at their interactions and antics.
Enjoy their company as she does… The more important thing is… Is she learning something under the house professor, Hanneman's guidance?
What she's learning is more paramount than anything and she felt her growth is stunted with Hanneman's guidance as the man is more vested in his research to invest more time for his students. While Hanneman isn't neglectful per se, his teaching method and his inclination in his research especially concerning her hasn't done her any favor in terms of her growth.
Often, she would think that all she had learned throughout the months since her enrollment were mostly self-taught due to her own efforts. The one and only time that Lysithea had truly felt challenged that suited her preferences were Professor Byleth's class.
From what she had heard from the Black Eagles, he truly does take into account what the strength and weakness of his students are in order to assess what to do to make them better. She herself had experienced such work ethic when the professor took into account that her line of thinking is far too advanced compared to the others in class and as such, gave her different sets of assignments to work on.
Yet… she was hesitant before probably due to the lingering feeling of loyalty and camaraderie she shared with the Golden Deer. But if such sentiments are her only reason…
She thought of the Black Eagles and how they seem to be no different than the ragtag bunch that is the Golden Deer. Their house members also have their own quirks like that of the Golden Deer but what sets them apart was the professor's guidance… There was a reason why Archbishop Rhea favored using them for the more challenging and dangerous assignments and while faith didn't amount much to Lysithea, she herself saw how capable the professor and Edelgard are in performing their assignments.
She couldn't help but admire them both for their character and their work ethic.
She was hesitant…
But could she still think the same right now?
As she pondered, Byleth patiently waited for her answer but what she didn't know is that the professor was nervously anticipating Lysithea's answer. At first, he wasn't sure how Lysithea would react to his proposal when he asked for the first time.
But if the signs she showed were any indication, she seemed to enjoy the company he and Edelgard provides. Byleth also did take it into consideration any feeling of attachment to her current house but there was only one way for him to be sure… he had to ask her.
He realized how he had come to rely on Lysithea ever since she saved him from the Death Knight, he initially thought that he only needed her because they needed the extra manpower to conduct their own plan and he thought of her because of how advanced she is compared to the other students.
He had truly come to respect what Lysithea was capable of after and his perception of her had changed. Yet there was also another factor and that was how he felt drawn to her… her determination to improve… her hard work… and… that smile… that infectious smile…
"Professor…"
Byleth looked up to meet Lysithea's solemn gaze.
"Professor, please be truthful to me on my next question." She almost sounded like she was begging him, Byleth merely gave a nod to continue.
"Are the stories you heard about my talent a factor why you want to recruit me in your house?" Lysithea asked, her heart beating faster than it should. She wanted to hear from the professor himself and she wanted to seek validation on what she had achieved.
If the professor merely wanted her for this… natural talent she possesses that people keep crediting her to then…
"I do not fully believe in the notion that just because a person was born with a talent for something, he or she would most likely excel on it." Byleth responded, his tone firm and resolute.
"What I do believe is that even a frail girl can develop into one of the strongest warriors Fodlan has ever witnessed given time and dedication to such an aspiration. This is why I am drawn to you and as such, you're not who you are right now just because you were lucky to be born with talent. Even 'talented' individuals can be the worst if they didn't temper it with effort."
Byleth was met with an unsettling silence, Lysithea neither moved nor spoke as she looked on to him owl-eyed.
She didn't know if the person before her noticed but she was flushed red after hearing Byleth's answer to her question, she could even swear her heart skip a beat before beating even more rapidly than it used to.
"Lysithea? Are you alright?" Byleth asked her out of worry after almost a minute of silence.
The Ordelia heir snapped out of her silence.
"I-I'm sorry professor." She apologized quickly. "It's just that… I never thought I would hear those words from someone while I am enrolled in the Officer's Academy."
Just before Byleth could speak more, Lysithea continued.
"Everyone I had known in here who would praise me for my performance in class would often attribute my 'natural talent' as an Ordelia as the reason why, they won't even bother looking beyond to see how much I've been working and studying hard to reach that point!"
"Lysithea…"
"I-It just makes me happy to know that you've noticed how I've gotten to this point." Lysithea said while smiling brightly, a blush creeping on her cheeks while being unable to keep looking at the professor in the eyes.
"And I feel like I am so indebted to you for all that you've done for me… You've been kind to me… considerate to my situation and you saved me…"
Byleth's mouth opened, no words initially came out as he was stunned by the endorsement Lysithea had given him, never had she heard her speak with such passion and joy and he appreciated it. In truth, he also felt the same way as her… often his fighting skills and ability to lead was often attributed to him being Jeralt's child, a renowned Captain of the Knights of Seiros.
Normally, he would ignore such comments but when he heard from Lysithea, her frustrations of not being recognized for her efforts… he felt some sort of connection with her sentiment.
Byleth then swallowed, preparing himself for the final question he would ask her.
"Then would you?"
Lysithea finally raised her head up and nodded enthusiastically, her face brimming with joy and excitement at the prospect of learning under his direct guidance.
"As long as you keep pushing me to the most challenging assignments you could give me then yes! I would love to join your class professor!"
For the first time in Lysithea's eyes… Byleth's face softened and gave her a smile of joy.
Unknown to both, behind a stone fence near the courtyard where the gazebo is, Edelgard was smiling at what she had just witnessed.
She looked up at the darkening sky as Ordelian sat beside her, curiously looking up at her, having snuck out of Lysithea's room again.
"Excellent job, professor." Edelgard mused to herself as she left, followed by Ordelian, letting Lysithea and Byleth have their moment.
Deleted 'scene'
As the conversation between Lysithea and Byleth intensified (in a good way), Edelgard and Hubert along with Ordelian hid within the bushes. Watching the development between the two.
"Interesting… it seems the professor is finally going to recruit Lysithea into our house."
"I still do not see why she is essential, Lady Edelgard." Hubert murmured in disapproval.
"Shush now, Hubert. You know we need her. Especially because she's needed to join in order to progress the plot forward."
Hubert scoffed. "Move the plot forward? Isn't this supposed to be a story about the Black Eagles? About your journey? She has no importance there."
Ordelian hissed at Hubert for the implication that his master was irrelevant, hissing at the raven haired man while brandishing his claws.
"Meow meow meow! Hissssss (Say that again and I'll make sure you have a legit excuse to hide your other eye with your hair)!"
Edelgard sighed and left the two.
"I have my role to attend to by mysteriously leaning my back on the stone fence and show the readers I've been coolly and shadily eavesdropping. Come Ordelian, I need you by my side."
Everyone, I would just like to say be careful of the global pandemic that is occurring in every corner of the world. Stay in your homes unless needed to go out and always practice proper precautions when outside.
As for me, we are currently practicing self quarantine and I have been imprisoning myself in my room these past few days chilling or writing.
I'll probably take a few days of break from writing this chapter before writing the next chapter! Gotta make use of the free time I have during the quarantine! Stay safe everyone!
As usual, reviews are very much appreciated! Thank you!