"Wwwhhhoooooaaaaa!" All the student's eyes were sparkling when they saw the inside of the Mages Quarters that would become their home.
The white sheets that once covered the furniture were gone and the windows cleaned till sparkling. The shelves were filled with books that were alphabetically organized and a few scented candles were lit. The kitchen was clean as a whistle and the living room was perfect. The building was built with two floors, 7 bedrooms on the first floor and 7 at the top. Beds and blankets were provided in each room and two separate bathrooms were made like hot springs were. Now, onto the biggest obstacle.
"Alright, everyone!" Sophia clapped her hands to get their attention, "As you all saw the outside of the place, it is an absolute mess of plants. We will use no magic whatsoever to clean the place. And no, Annette, you are not allowed to mix chemicals." The ginger pouted as she put away her potion bottles.
"We're cleaning with our hands?!" Lorenz gasped, "We are nobles! We shouldn't have to get our hands dirty!"
"Lorenz, do want to pay seven silver each month to Lady Martha?" Sophia smiled and the boy instantly shut his mouth, "I thought so." She went into her bag and took out aprons, cloths to tie their hair back, and garden clips, "Off to work we go!"
[—-]
Cut and pull weeds, now throw them in the trash. Mix vinegar, dish soap, and salt, you got your homemade weed killer. Use a net to clean out all the gunk from the old pond and then pour in the magic salt that Miriel made to clean the water. A little cheating never hurt. Next start using Seele's scythe to cut away the tall weeds. The pour girl slumped as she saw her majestic weapon be used as a hoe.
"Teacher, did you have to use my scythe as a hoe?!" Seele whined as she and Hilda were made to chop lumber.
"Now, now, Seele." Dorothea chuckled as she was sweeping the leaves into a pile, "Our Professor is quite the cleaner. And I say that because her office is a disaster." Everyone agreed.
"Before I became a doctor, I used to work as a house cleaner to pay for my education. Add that with a part-time job at a bar and a third job working as a waitress in a restaurant. Kept changing jobs as time went by! Ah!" She turned to them, "When some of you are older, I will make you my signature drink from my homeland. It's called a sangria. I can make you all the non-alcoholic ones when I have time. You will all love it." She smiled and continued to cut.
"Linhardt, get your sleepy butt up!" Liliana whispered yelled as she was carrying a fawn in her arms and Marianne was busy tending the flower garden.
"I'm awake...Yawn." Linhardt yawned as he carefully removed the woolly bugs from himself, "Anyway, I got the ducks to go their pens."
"Yeah but Linhardt, did you also forget what day it is?" Hilda said and Sophia noticed how Aether and Liliana became tense.
"...Don't remind me." The boy muttered and Sophia clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone. That's is enough for today. We will work on cleaning the stables tomorrow. I assume all of you have picked out a riding unit?" She said and everyone nodded.
"Alright. Now go wash up and take this day and tomorrow off. Use it to fix up your rooms and bring in your things. Dismissed." And everyone left but the church group.
"Professor," Linhardt and Hilda walked up with the others, "we wanted to ask permission to head to The Church," Hilda said.
"You don't have to ask me permission." Sophia raised an eyebrow as a nervous chuckle left Hilda's lips.
"We... have to. Since you are our commander now, we need to ask permission." Aether said and the three students flinched because he rarely talks.
"We had to ask permission to do anything when we were part of the church. Today is Prayer Day. The day members of the Church go to pray to the Statue of Naga and give us a supply of Holy Water." He continued to explain and Liliana was mumbling to herself darkly.
"...I'll go with you."
[-]
As much as her students said it wasn't a good idea, Sophia went with them anyway. Of course, not without a few modifications to her appearance.
"Professor...is this a good idea?" Lilian whispered as they looked at the young teen that stood next to her.
"You know, I'm impressed you could do the rejuvenation spell that Lady Martha cast. Though, I can tell you are limited compared to her. You even used some illusion magic to change your hairstyle, clothing, and eye color." Linhardt said as Sophia yawned a bit as they continued to walk on the path that led to the cathedral.
Sophia changed her to a high ponytail, her hair the color black, along with her eyes purple, the clothing she wore was the dress of sage and black boots because she hated the heels.
"I can tell you kids don't exactly have a good relationship with the people of the church." Sophia mumbled, "Well...I'm already too far into this world. Much as well get used to the life. At least I could help these kids not go through what I went through." She thought as they stopped in front of the stairs.
The stairs led up to a beautiful building with the statue of the First Exalt in the front surrounded by a garden of Celica flowers. The field was grand vast, the stained glass windows had images of different Ylisse Saints as well.
"Ugh...I'm already dreading this." Hilda grumbled when they stopped at the doors of the cathedral.
They pushed them open, inside the halls were as grand as the churches in her home, and seeing a statue of Naga at the front where the clerics and priest stood handing out holy water supplies to the members of the church. Sophia made her way with the group and immediately she noticed an arrogant atmosphere on the High Priestesses not to also mention her helpers. Their smiles only seems to grow when Hilda, Linhardt, Aether, and Liliana had beads of sweat on their face as they walked up. The forced smiles, Sophia kept quiet just to see where this was going. She noticed the hostile atmosphere and was about to say something when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw it was Libra. The man went, "Shh..." to her and told her to watch.
"My, if it isn't Lady Goneril and Lord Hevring. Ah, and the Plegain Mutt and the mute girl." The priestess smiled, "I am surprised you all haven't gotten kicked out yet by that foreigner. Not that it matters." She said and Sophia could already feel a headache incoming.
"Well, this Plegain Mutt is much better with the foreigner than the snakes of this place." Aether shot back and the woman glared hatefully at him.
"Just give us our supply please," Linhardt said and the woman just huffed and nodded.
The two helpers walked up and handed them boxes which the students opened to check to see if everything was there.
"Mine is missing Holy Water," Hilda whispered and Lindhart frowned seeing some of his bottles had cracks.
"Mine the water is dirty..." Liliana whispered and Aether gritted his teeth as he saw he had half-filled ones but also low quality.
"Is there a problem?" The high priest smirked and they were about to keep silent but...
"Oh yes...There is."
The atmosphere in the room became chilling as the High priestess and her helpers became white as a sheet as they turned their heads to the right and saw Libra walking up to them with a chilling smile. Sophia kept a blank face as she watched the man walk up to the kids. He looked at each of the boxes and picked up one of the bottles from Liliana's and another from Aether. There were cracks in the bottles as well as half-filled. Some even the water was dirty and the quality of it was low. The other materials in the box were a silk cloth, a holy wand used for white magic, and gold coins used for purification rituals. These boxes were given every six months to recruits for them to be used for training. The holy waters were given each month, a total of 20. 10 were missing from Hilda's, 7 from Linhardt. A few were damaged in Liliana's and Aether's. It was the same case with the other materials. And the god, coins were replaced with fake metal ones.
"Lady Hina..." Libra smiled as he turned to the woman, "what is this? Why are these students not receiving the same quality grade as the others? This will have to be reported to Lord Chrom as well as Lady Sophia." He said and Sophia covered her mouth to hide the vicious smile that was forming on her lips.
"L-Lord Libra." High Priestess Hina's smile wavered, "There is no need for that. The reason the students receive such things is that," she turned her head a bit and covered her mouth, "they have yet to prove their status as heirs to their Houses."
It was like a blanket of ice fell upon the four as the woman continued to speak with a coy look in her eyes as his gaze fell on them.
"Lord Linhardt has yet to awaken his healing abilities even if he possesses the Brand of the Light Dragon. Lady Hilda has been slacking off and is lacking in her abilities compared to her brother, Lord Holst. I wouldn't want to imagine what Lord Holst would say if he saw his precious sister today." Hilda was seething inside but kept her smile yet her fist trembled.
"Lord Aether...well he is Plegain and you already know those people do not have the best reputation. As for Lady Liliana..." there was just something that made the girl flinch and tremble like a newborn baby, "she is...that. A descendent of Velthomer."
"And what does that have to do with their treatment?" Libra spoke coldly, making the woman flinch, "I shall recite Naga's words from the doctrine, chapter 35. "Thou shall treat all equal in my eyes. Thou shall show kindness to all. May thy extend the olive branch and guide the new ones on the path of virtue and justice." You dare mock Naga's words with these treatments?!" The fact that he kept his low voice and facial expressions controlled surprised Sophia.
"We apologize!" The two attendants quickly lowered their heads, "We will immediately get the correct materials needed."
"Oh, please do that."
Libra sighed as Sophia walked out of the shadows in her true appearance. The two attendants and the priestess looked terrified as the red-haired woman smiled yet her eyes were anything but warm.
"How cute." Sophia held her chin, "I see you speak ill of me because I am a foreigner. I do wonder what will happen should word get out of you ladies speaking ill of me?" She looked up to the statue of Naga.
"Chapter 90 of the doctrine. "Thy who speaks ill of others and shows malice to the young and weak, thou has sinned. Be forgiven, be forgive, oh soul of black. Be forgiven, be forgiven, may your sin of the cruel act." She turned to them with a wicked grin, "Naga's light shall erase the one who sinned."
"WE WILL GET ALL THE MATERIALS RIGHT AWAY!" The three screamed and quickly scurried away to the back of the room.
It was funny seeing them be it in their place. She let out a small sigh and smiled tiredly at the kids, who looked at her stunned.
"I was expecting you to curse them," Libra said and Sophia shook her head as she looked at him.
"Believe me I wish I could cut off their tongues so they never speak again." She chuckled and the kids looked at her like terrified cats while Libra just sighed.
"Lady Sophia, I think I understand now why you and Lady Tharja are friends. You both are vipers ready to strike and defend your eggs." Libra said and there was an awkward silence as Sophia just looked at him flabbergasted.
"Excuse me...What?" Sophia chocked out and both turned to the door once their heard it open, to see the ladies with the proper box of materials and handed them to the students.
"H-Here they are. All the proper materials." Priestess Hina smiled wobbled as she stood up straight, "Is that all?"
"Oh no. Just one more thing." Libra said, "If this repeats, you and your attendants will be hearing a word from Exalt Chrom. You are dismissed." And with that, the woman quickly left while the group walked out of the cathedral.
"I apologize you all had to endure that." Libra bowed politely to them, "I was waiting for the opportunity to catch them in the act." He sighed, "I may not look like it but Exalt Chrom has asked me to keep an eye here. There have been reports lately that Holy Water has not been distributed equally among the recruits." He said and the children bowed their heads.
Liliana felt a warm hand on her head and looked up to see Sophia smiling softly at her.
"You know Libra...You're right." Sophia let her bangs cover her eyes, "I'm a Viper. And Vipers are cunning and manipulative yet they also defend their eggs with their lives. And that is what I will continue to do. Protect my eggs." A weird wording but he understood.
"So that the day they hatch..." she gently wrapped her arms around the group, "they will be strong and blessed. So they may continue to grow. Until then, I will watch the eggs and see them grow." She smiled.
Aether gritted his teeth but he felt his tears welling up in his eyes as Liliana was trembling but not out of fear, but that someone stood up for her. Hilda nodded and Linhardt smiled softly also.
Libra couldn't help but smile a bit and nod in agreement.
"May Naga guide you all."
[—]
"Professor, you and Lord Libra didn't have to do that..." Aether whispered and Sophia stopped them.
"How long?" She turned and they avoided eye contact but Linhardt spoke.
"Miss Sophia...do you know the history of our Houses? Or...at least some idea?" He asked and Sophia was silent for a moment but spoke.
"House Hevring are the descendants of Linhardt von Hevring, one of the Legendary Holy Doctors of Fodlan. Hilda is a descendent of Hilda Valentine Goneril and Balthus von Adalbrecht, thus both House Goneril and House Adalbrecht. Lilliana is from House Apocalypse but it is most likely the name was changed to that because she is a descendent of King Julius and Lady Ishtar, correct...?" The girl nodded solemnly.
"As for Aether...I don't think you belong to a House." She said and the boy nodded.
"I am a commoner." He replied, "But I am also Plegain. I was born in Plegai but my parents came to Ylisse to escape poverty and give me a better life. That is all I will say." He said and Sophia nodded.
"Then why do they treat you such a way?" Sophia said and again they were hesitant.
"My brother...fought in The Plegai-Ylisse war 12 years ago." Hilda said as they stopped and sat down at one of the park tables nearby, the shade of the tree protecting them, "He was an honored Griffon Rider but also a Wyvern Rider. He was respected however he lost his life during the war while protecting Plegain citizens and his squad." The girl muttered.
"Because of this...The Former Exalt saw this as treason and my mother, who was retired Pegasus Knight, defended my brother and spoke out against the former Exalt. She told him that his ways were harming and killing many. At that time...Houses that spoke against the Exalt had their rights taken away." She said and sighed.
"When Exalt Emmeyren was put in rule, she apologized for the wrongs her father did and returns the rights to many House. Ours being one but the damage done would take years. My mother, father and I are the only ones left. And me being now the only Heir to House Goneril, the pressure keeps on piling up." Hilda finished and Sophia listened to them.
"My case is a bit...more...I guess an old tradition." Linhardt sighed, "Herving is a family that has inherited the Brand of the Light Dragon just like how House Goneril has inherited the Brand of the Kalpa Dragon." Hilda grumbled at the reminder of her brand.
"Well, I have the brand but...I haven't awakened...its abilities. Those that do inherit the brand awaken their abilities at age 10. But for me...I'm turning 17 next year and I haven't awakened them at all. I'm worried my father will do something extreme to make me awaken it and that could result in something bad. I'm the lone heir to my house because I'm an only child." He said and again, Sophia listen quietly.
"My case..." Liliana whispered, "is because I am a descendent of Julius and Lady Ishtar. I have inherited her tome but also...because Loptous blood runs through my veins. I-I'm sure you understand the rest. I honestly don't know how those people found out. They are forbidden from looking into the House Records." She whimpered.
"I already said mine," Aether said and Sophia nodded.
"So..." Sophia heard Bryhildr sigh in her mind, "Child affected by war. One who is forcefully made to work. The other a descendent of...the boy and the lost one was born in one land yet raised in another. Oh yes...you will be working alright." She said and Sophia would have smacked her if she could.
"You all been through a lot. Do they do this treatment to only you four?" She asked and they shook their heads.
"They do it especially to recruits or those of Houses that don't have much influence." Aether sighed, "It's even worse for commoners. Ten times worse if you are Plegain. Dorothea was originally a church member but quit two years ago because she had enough of the treatment. The Alchemy and Magic Departments welcomed all those that chose to leave the church with open arms. Others applied to different roles in the military." He crossed his arms and looked up to the sky.
"So basically...they want to establish power." Sophia thought as covered her mouth, "Now I get why Chrom appointment Libra to keep an eye on the church. Not to also mention me. My ways go against everything the Head church wants. They are waiting for the right moment for when that old priest to mess up. I need to provoke them. Then..." the kids raised an eyebrow at the smile she made, "Kids, why don't we start taking in recruits as well?"
Aether for some reason smiled wickedly while Hilda understood what was going through her mind.
"Kids...I think it's time we break some rules. But before anything else," she smiled softly at them, "I want you all to know I am here and will stand by you. I don't tolerate such treatment."
"Professor, I'm curious. We're still fairly new to each other despite a month has passed. Why do so much for us?" Hilda asked and Sophia smiled a bit bitterly.
"Because I know what it's like to be treated lower than an insect." She said and they looked at her shocked, "And another thing...We're gonna need a bigger classroom."
[—]
After dropping off the kids at their dorms, Sophia headed straight to the castle. She need some time to think about what had transpired today. She knows Libra most likely submitted a report of what happened and that those ladies will not be repeating their actions. Still, they will now hold a grudge against her and possibly find other ways to take their out anger on the kids. But what bothered her more is the treatment not just on them but others as well. What about other recruits?
"The fact they are trying to force the recruits to submit to them..." Sophia muttered to herself as she kept walking down the hallways to head to Robin's office.
"I would cut off their tongues if I could." She said as she passed the hallways.
"Who would you cut off their tongues?"
"The High Priestess Hina if I could. Bitch had the nerve to treat my students in such a horrible w—!" And she whipped around once she realized who asked such a question and was met with Frederick crossing his arms, with a scowl.
"Lady Sophia. I assume you know cursing a High Priestess is not a good look?" He said and Sophia looked away, "But rest assured, we know of the situation. No need to cut off anyone's tongues."
"My apologies...I'm just..." she avoided eye contact, "angry that this is how the people are being treated. Then again...it doesn't surprise me. Guess such treatment is common in all countries...no matter what part of the world." She muttered that part to herself and Frederick sighed.
"Anyhow, I was just about to go looking for you. Today is Lord Chrom's and Lady Robin's portraits paintings. We are to remain on standby should they need assistance." He said and Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"Just go." Bryhildr snarked and Sophia nodded, following the man as he led them to the throne room.
Maids were scurrying around getting the curtains and floors clean as a few butlers brought tables and chairs to have set up for the painters to sit and paint. There was a table with fruits, crackers, honey, a few dried slices of meat, and drinks so that when the couple and painters needed a break, they could have something to eat. Near the throne stood Chrom, dressed in his Legendary Unit costume. A long light blue tailcoat with blue and gold. Under it, he wore a black-style military long-tail uniform adorned with gold and silver. On his head, he wore the Exalt crown, a bright blue gem. And of course, the sliver shoulder armor. As for Robin, wore a gray-colored dress with silver, purple, and gold, her cape similar to Chrom's but color purple. Her hair was not in pigtails, but combed neatly and styled loose. Her crown was also a red jewel that matched her eyes, her armor breastplate, and her famous gloves.
"Hmmm...A Warrior King and his Warrior Queen. Fitting." Bryhildr chuckled and the couple smiled when they saw them.
"Thank you, Frederick." Robin smiled and Sophia looked at them, stunned.
"You both...look amazing." Sophia grinned and Chrom chuckled.
"Thank you, my friend. As much as we don't like clothing like this, it is necessary. Also, a bit of practice for the wedding next month." Chrom said and Robin smiled fondly at him.
"We're just waiting for our painters," Robin said and right at that moment, the doors slammed open as came two individuals running as if there were being chased.
"We apologize for being late!" Both bowed and the couple chuckled.
"It is alright. You both made it on time, Lady Edelgard and Sir Ignatz." Frederick said and Sophia looked at the two shocked as they raised their heads.
"G-Good evening! It is an honor to be chosen by The Exalt and Future Queen to paint your portraits!" Choppy green colored hair and eyes, round glasses, a button-up white shirt with black pants, a suitcase filled with painting supplies, and wearing an artist hat, Ignatz Victor stood before Exalt Chrom and Future Queen Robin with an excited grin.
"We swear on our Houses of Victor and Hersvleg, we will make your paintings the most beautiful! You won't be disappointed!" Brown-colored hair curled in two buns, violet-colored eyes, a white button-up short puffy sleeve shirt, with a long red skirt, Edelgard von Hersvelg was brimming with excitement.
Sophia just couldn't believe her eyes as the two painters were speaking to Chrom and Robin about the setup and how long it would take for the portraits to be finished. From what she learned from Frederick, those two are descendants of the original Houses from Fodlan. That their ancestor's grandchildren eventually chose to leave Fodlan and travel the world. Eventually, some of those descendants chose to settle down in Old Archanea during the time it was still recovering from Grima's disaster. It was strange, to say the least. She was curious to ask about Fodlan's history and who won the war but she chose not to.
"Oh!" Edelgard turned her way along with Ignatz, "You two must be Sir Frederick and Lady Sophia. The right hands of the Royal Couple! We will be doing a portrait of you two together with this commission." She said and Sophia's mind went blank.
"Excuse me, what?"
"Sigh, allow me to explain." Frederick sighed as he turned to her, "It is a tradition of Ylisse that the right hands of The Exalt and Queen. In this case, me being My Lord's retainer and knight, and you being Robin's Lady-in-Waiting, we will both stand together for the portrait." He explained and Sophia looked like a frightened cat.
"Is this your first time doing something like this, Miss Sophia?" Edelgard asked and the woman quickly went to her and whispered nervously.
"Won't people get the wrong idea if Sir Frederick and I are painted together?!" Sophia said and Edelgard gasped, finally understanding what she meant.
"Ah, well..." Both women looked back to the knight and then back to each other, "it is a common thought. But I don't believe rumors would start. Unless..." is that a mischievous glint in Edelgard's eyes?
"Robin, when did you declare me your Lady-in Waiting?!" Sophia quickly said as Queen just smiled at her with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
"About a month ago. It's in your contract with us. You did read the contract correct?" Sophia ran her fingers through her hair as she tried to think back to the contract.
She read it all. She did! She was made sure to read every word! Sophia took a deep breath and looked back at her with a fake smile.
"You added it last minute, didn't you?" a pin could be heard dropping as the silence that befell the place.
"It's part of the contract." Smiled Robin and Sophia slumped but nodded.
"Fine. I'll be your Lady-in-Waiting. And just to let you know, I won't let you escape work!" Sophia said and Robin just smiled a bit sorry.
"Also, we will be painted with the clothing we are wearing, right?" She was received with silence, "Right?!"
"Oh, Sophia, Sophia, Sophia. Tut, tut, tut." Robin smiled as she walked up to her with a grin, "You too, will also go into the fitting."
"But your paintings won't be done till after the wedding. That will be in August, so you have plenty of time to design your armor." Said Ignatz as he place his suitcase on a table, "For now, Miss Edelgard, shall we get our materials ready?"
"Of course!" Edelgard said and walked over to her table to her ready.
Sophia let go of a tired sigh as she stood by Frederick as the couple went to take their seats at the thrones. With a flick of her wrist, she pulled out the romance novel, Song of Sothis, based on the opera of Dimitri and Byleth that Dorothea lent her. It was going to be a long 5 hours and she did not want to be just sitting down.
[—-]
Two hours had gone by and she was one chapter 20 of the book, using magic to flip the page. She sat with her legs crossed and the fact she kept a composed face throughout the whole time made it worth it. The chapter she currently was on was...very different from what she remembered from the original Three Houses stories. This was the chapter of Edelgard revealing her identity but was, even more…. Byleth was screaming and thrashing around as holy chains bided her. That Sothis kept rejecting Rhea's will to return to the world of the living and was trying to bring Byleth back from the abyss of the River of Time.
"Ooohhh...This is more interesting. I like this." Bryhildr awed in her mind but chuckled as she looked across the table, "Look across."
Sophia let out a small sigh and looked only to be met with the sight of Frederick sleeping. The woman smiled softly and looked back to the couple and the pairings. They looked about halfway done.
"Alright." Edelgard said as she placed her brush down, "Let us all take a 30-minute break. I think we all could use it." Everyone nodded.
"Hmmm!" Chrom hummed as he stretched along with Robin, rolling her neck, "Ah, I need to stretch more."
"Mama...Mama!"
Sophia nearly jumped when she felt a tug on her sleeve and looked down to see Yune grinning and Morgan sat next to her, his head leaning on her shoulder, asleep.
"When did you two get here?" She asked and Yune giggled softly as she carefully moved the boy's head to rest on her lap.
None of them were aware of how fast Ignatz took out his sketchbook and began sketching the children while Edelgard sketched Sophia and Frederick.
"About an hour ago. Didn't want to disturb anyone. Plus, you were really into the book Big Sis Dorothea lent you. I remember you used to read it a lot." Yune said as she referred to her mother's future self, "Anyway, you should wake up Sir Frederick." And Sophia looked back to the knight.
"But he looks so peaceful." Sophia whispered and Chrom chuckled softly and did an "Shhh." To let him sleep.
"He's been overworking a lot lately. I think some rest should do." Robin whispered while the others chuckled softly.
"Pardon, Lady Sophia?" Edelgard said as she walked up to her, "Is...the girl you daughter?"
"Yes." Sophia said softly as she patted Yune's head, "She's my daughter. Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just...Her brown eyes, they remind me of Sir Frederick." Lady Edelgard said and Sophia would have choked if she wasn't aware that her grandfather had brown eyes.
"Ah, she inherited the brown eyes from my Grandfather's side..." she said and Edelgard quickly apologized, "It's alright."
Sophia sighed and nodded as she let Yune know she was going to her a few snacks for them and Morgan woke up with a start. He covered his face in embarrassment and Yune just patted his head, giggling.
"How are you both faring?" Sophia asked as she walked to the table of snacks, Chrom, Robin, Edelgard, and Ignatz already there.
"I think with some food we should be well." Chrom said, "Ah, I nearly forgot. We never properly introduced you to these two amazing artists." He grinned and Ignatz laughed a bit nervously while Edelgard smiled.
"This is Edelgard von Hresvelg of House Hresvelg. A famous painter among the women and Ylisse and for her amazing portraits." Edelgard smiled and bowed politely.
"And this is Ignatz of House Victor. House Victor has been known for its generations of those talented in the arts. Ignatz here is famous for his landscape paintings." Ignatz laughed a bit nervously but smiled.
"You're too kind, Lord Exalt." Ignatz chuckled, "I just really love traveling around the world. My friend Ashe, Caspar, and I travel when we get the chance." Sophia almost choked on her drink.
"How are they doing these days?" Chrom asked and Ignatz beamed.
"They are doing well! Ashe has been working with Lord Viron in his archery and Caspar has been working in Ferox. As for me, as an artist and bow knight, I like to practice my archery when I have the chance." He grinned.
"Oh, if we ever get the chance, we hope to drop by Ashe's restaurant! I heard the Duscur dishes he makes are amazing!" Edelgard grinned and Sophia smiled softly to herself as she took a sip of her drink.
She is happy to see these people live happy lives compared to their counterparts.
"Oh! Miss Sophia! I am curious, where do you hail from?" Edelgard's voice made her snap out of it and Sophia blinked a bit.
"Ah...I come from beyond Ylisse." She says and Ignatz nodded.
"Are you Valmise? Or are Fodlan? Oh! There is also Almyra, Sreng, Duscur, Albinea, and many other countries!" Ignatz said and Sophia chuckled nervously.
"No, I come...much much farther away from there." She said with a small smile.
"Ah, I understand." They nodded, "Out of curiosity, have you decided who your partner will be for the wedding?"
"Excuse me, what?" Sophia looked at them surprised.
"I'm taking Morgan!" Yune yelled out, sending the blue head to turn red but also waking up Frederick at the same time.
Chrom and Robin covered their mouths to keep their laughter hidden when the man looked around and groaned once he realized he fell asleep.
"Did you have a good rest, my friend?" Chrom chuckled and Frederick rubbed his eyes, giving him a weak glare.
"If I may, why didn't you wake me up?" Frederick said as Sophia walked up to him with a glass of water.
"A little birdy told me you have been overworking so we thought a nice rest would do you good." She said and noticed that the kids had excused themselves after getting snacks.
"Thank you." Frederick thanked her and she nodded, "You will also be working as much as me soon."
"Yes, but the only difference is I know when to take breaks and instead of coffee," Robin and Chrom looked away as her gaze was on them for a moment and then back to him, "I drink tea."
"That's a lie." Frederick argued back, "I heard from Martha you hadn't had a proper sleep lately."
"Hoooo? That traitor." Sophia mused as she crossed her arms no then looked back to him, "Then back at you. You need to sleep also. Look," she huffed as she took his unfinished cup from him, "I'll make you some lavender tea to help you out. And a proper meal." She shook her head and smiled softly at him.
Robin, Chrom, Edelgard, and Ignatz just stared at each other, then at the two bickerings, and then back at each other.
"So about the wedding."
[—]
After another two hours, the paintings were finally done. With all the little details set, the portraits of the Exalt and Future Queen were done. Edelgard and Ignatz had their chins up and chest puffed out, sparkles surrounding them as the couple awed at how amazing the portraits came out. Both used some pearl dust to bring out the color of Robin's silver hair and Chrom's armor along with silver paint on their capes. Gold leaf was used on the golden embroidery along with the crowns. The amazing details with the pigments, composition, lines, and such were perfect.
"They are amazing!" Chrom grinned, "This is beyond my expectations! Lady Edelgard and Lord Ignatz, thank you for taking on these commissions. We are beyond grateful for this." He said and the two smiled.
"We are honored!" Both bowed.
"The paintings are amazing." Sophia awed as she took a closer look, "Lady Edelgard and Sir Ignatz," the two turned to her, "are...your commissions still open?"
"As of right now, no. But we will be opening them again in September. Is there a painting you would like to commission us?" They asked Sophia looked back to the portraits but nodded.
"Yes, but I'll wait till that time to inform you." She smiled and looked back at the portraits.
"They look amazing." She whispered and took out her wallet.
She still carried it because it contains pictures of her family. The one she looked at, was a picture of grandfather and grandmother sitting together on the couch, behind them were her father and uncle. And sitting in the front were her half-siblings, her, and Iris. She bit her lip, looking at the small photo, and sighed, closing her wallet, putting it away.
"In September, I will ask if they can make a portrait of the picture." She thought and excused herself, bowing politely to everyone.
[—]
As the doors closed, Robin was the first to turn to Frederick.
"Are you going to ask her to be your partner?" The man choked on his drink and Chrom gave him a few hard pats on the back to help him recover.
"Where is this suddenly coming from?!" The knight looked at her shocked while Chrom just smirked.
"Don't think we weren't watching how you two interact. Besides, you need a partner for the wedding. You're my best man and the only one of the groomsmen that don't have a partner. Robin here already has chosen Lysithea, Sumia, Tharja, Martha, and Lissa to be her bridesmaids. As for her maid of honor...well..." he looked to the door while running the back of his neck.
"Lady Robin, please do not tell me you want to ask Sophia to be your Maid of Honor?" Robin smiled while the knight pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Excuse us?"
The trio turned to Edelgard and Ignatz, all their supplies packed away.
"We are done. Our next appointment will be during the wedding for the Royal Couple portrait and Group Portrait." Edelgard said and bowed along with Ignatz.
"Thank you once again for this honor. And congratulations to you your majesties! May the Divine Dragons watch over you." They said and waved goodbye as they closed the doors.
With tables being clean up and put away, the maids quickly escorting Robin away to have her costume removed. Frederick accompanied Chrom to his room and waited outside as his Lord changed.
"My Lord, will Lady Emmyren and Phila be coming to the wedding as well?" He asked as he waited patiently.
"They will! Martha already has a pendant ready for Emmyren to wear to hide her identity. I also spoke with Phila the other day and Emmeryn has recovered some of her memories." Chrom said as he removed his cape.
"That is good news." Frederick said, "I am glad they are both doing well."
"Frederick, I have a question for you." Chrom chimed and already Frederick dreaded where it was heading.
"Did you...ever think about confessing to my sister?" He asked softly and Frederick sighed as he looked up to the ceiling.
"I did. But I saw how happy she was with Phila. I could never destroy that. I am glad that Emmyren has found her happiness once more and will now live a normal life. I have accepted that. The reason I was so angry about her death faked was because of how much pain we all went through. I do not wish for any of us to go that again. Especially you and Lissa after you all went through." He explained and heard the door open.
Chrom was dressed back to his usual clothing and smiled sadly at him.
"I understand. And, thank you, my friend." Chrom smiled and Frederick smiled softly with a nod.
"I came to terms with my emotions long ago. I wish her the best." He said and both walked down the hallways.
"But I am curious." Chrom held his chin, "Do you fancy Sophia or not?"
"Lord Chrom..." Frederick took a deep breath and the prince frowned, "Sigh...I guess...I do tolerate her."
"Tolerance is a strange word, my friend." Chrom sighed because knowing how stubborn Frederick is, the knight won't admit to anything.
"Ah! Now I remember." Chrom clapped his hands together, "I think she mentioned she was going with her daughter to the wedding along with Anna." He said and Frederick nodded.
"I spoke with Robin and she had decided to make Morgan and Yune the flower girl and boy." Frederick chuckled along with Chrom.
"I always get this strange feeling with Yune. It's a similar feeling to when we first met Alm." He said and both stopped at one of the nearby balconies.
Out at the garden, Robin sat on a blanket with Morgan next to her under the shade of a maple tree while Yune and Sophia were on the blanket next to them, fast asleep. Not too far, the two-spotted Marth and Alm watching silently before turning their backs and leaving.
"Marth strangely reminds me of you along with Morgan," Frederick commented while Chrom raised an eyebrow at him.
"Alm reminds me of you when we were teenagers and Yune surprisingly reminds me of Martha," Chrom said and both went silent then looked at each other and then back to the boy and females.
"10 copper that your first child will be a son," Frederick said and Chrom snorted.
"20 copper your first child is a daughter," Chrom said back and Frederick raised an eyebrow.
"I have no plans to settle down yet," Frederick said and Chrom just gave him a blank look.
"I know how you look at Sophia. Gaius has set up a bet." He said and Frederick took a deep breath before he goes find the former thief to end him.
"I need some time to think about it."
"So you're considering it?"
Did Chrom choose violence today as revenge for not letting him escape his paperwork?