Chapter Two: Getting to Know You
13th Day of the Harpstring Moon, 1180
The Training Grounds
All the students from their respective houses dutifully arrived at the Training Grounds. Inside, areas for a plethora of training weapons and equipment were set up. The weapons have cleary seen much use before, some were fairly worn, but still usable. All of the students were adorned in athletic outfits bearing colors and symbols representing their respective houses. The Golden Deer class, however, was the odd bunch out with green shirts, green shorts, and dark gold under shirts and leggings.
"Man, these outfits are kinda tight," Hilda complained tugging at her collar so her skin could breathe somewhat.
"And a little itchy. What sorts of materials are they made from?" Lysithea added scratching her back.
"Some kind of cotton, I think," Lorenz answered adjusting his shorts' legs. "I should know, father is particular about what clothing I adorned myself with. Cotton fabric is my personal favorite of our household."
Then, the doors opened. Through the door came Dorothea and Bernadetta. Bernadetta looked at all the students who were gazing right at them and promptly averted them. She hid behind Dorothea in the same manner as a frightened child hiding behind her mother. Some students murmured to themselves, some snickered at Bernadetta's behavior.
"Why is Dorothea hanging around that weirdo?" A female student asked her friend.
"Yeah, I wish she would hang out with me instead," someone added disappointed.
"Dorothea is so pretty today," a young man said fondly. Someone whistled flirtatiously at Dorothea who paid no mind to them.
"Hmm, that girl, Bernadetta, is a noble, yes?" Lorenz pondered with a hand to his chin.
"I think so. Why?" Ignatz asked.
"She doesn't carry herself with the expected poise that a noble should have. She's much too shy and reclusive." Marianne looked down at the ground and clasped her hands. She too was a noble and very much shy herself. "Er, I didn't mean that referring to you, Marianne!" Lorenz said apologetically picking up on Marianne's response. Leonie angrily slugged Lorenz in the shoulder which elicited a pained yelp from him.
"She was the girl who had a total meltdown at the mock battle last month," Hilda changed the subject. "I'm glad to see that she's doing okay now." Bernadetta was still hiding behind Dorothea. Another student approached the two to bid them good morning, but Bernadetta yelped and hid on the opposite side of Dorothea. "Well, compared to last time, at least."
The great doors once again opened. This time Byleth, Princess Edelgard, Hubert, and Professor Hanneman entered. Most of the students didn't pay much attention to the new arrivals, still keen to chat boisterously amongst themselves.
"Your attention, please," Byleth commanded with a raised voice. All students immediately ceased talking and locked eyes on the young professor. "Today, all three classes will be doing a group training session today."
"We thought that some training together would be a good experience for all of us. Get to know one another, learn from one another, you see," the elderly Professor Hanneman continued. "There will be specific areas around the grounds set up for students looking to learn certain skills: Faith magic, reason magic, swordplay, lances, axes, archery, so on and so forth."
"This is an opportunity to explore your interests and skill sets. You may go to and from each station as you wish, but everyone must be doing something," Edelgard followed up as if the two professors and herself rehearsed this speech. "Now then, any questions?" Petra raised her arm to which Edelgard acknowledged.
"Where does Professor Manuela be currently?" She asked trying to sound coherent considering her foreign heritage and unfamiliarity with the Fódlan language. Professor Hanneman sighed exasperated.
"It would appear that Professor Manuela will not be attending class today. For she…" Professor Hanneman pinched the space between his eyes. "She is far too inebriated to teach." Professor Hanneman added under his breath, "I must speak with Seteth about that woman's most unprofessional behavior…"
"In the meantime, I will be your substitute for the day. Now then, let us begin!" Edelgard said with authority.
Immediately, students scrambled to the areas of interest. Dorothea surveyed the space trying to find the reason magic and archery areas. Most of the stations were already surrounded by a sea of bodies, it was hard to discern which station was what. When she found the stations, she turned to Bernadetta.
"Do you want to try archery, Bern?" Dorothea asked smiling. Bernadetta clasped her prized bow in her grasp.
"Okay. It's the only thing that Bernie's okay at," she replied quietly. Dorothea escorted her friend to the bullseyes.
"You stay here and have fun, I'm going to work on my reason magic, 'kay?" Dorothea added waving goodbye to her friend. Bernadetta meekly waved back before Dorothea left.
Bernadetta looked around to see who else was with. She was one of the only few Black Eagle students who decided to study archery besides Petra. Among the other houses were Mercedes and Ashe from the Blue Lion House, and Claude, Ignatz, and Leonie from the Golden Deer House. Bernadetta then felt a presence behind her.
"Show me your archery skills, Bernadetta." It was Edelgard with Hubert following her like a sort of shadow. Edelgard ushered Bernadetta to an unused bullseye.
"Oh yes, Professor Edelgard. Show us how it's done," Claude teased in a loud, sarcastic tone. Edelgard paid him now mind and resumed.
"Ready your arrow." Bernadetta did as she was ordered, bowstring pulled tightly, and arrow having been lined up with the bullseye. "Fire." Bernadetta, not fully prepared for Edelgard's order due to her nervousness, fired the arrow and hit halfway between the center and the lower edge of her target.
Bernadetta laughed uneasily as she looked at Edelgard. Edelgard shook her head disapprovingly.
"You can do better than that," she said crossing her arms. "Fire another arrow." Bernadetta scrambled for another arrow in her quiver and fired. It found its target in almost the same place.
"Maybe if you breathed down her neck harder, her aim will improve!" Claude called out.
"Be silent," Hubert snarled shooting Claude an icy glare.
"Man, if looks could kill I'd be dead three times over," Claude remarked unfazed.
"Again." Edelgard ordered. Bernadetta fired another arrow only a few inches closer to the center. Bernadetta fired several more as Edelgard ordered until the quiver was empty.
"Well? Go get your arrows," Edelgard said expectantly. Bernadetta scurried over to pick up her arrows and returned.
"Lady Edelgard, can I take a break?" Bernadetta asked. "I need some water."
"You've only just started," Edelgard responded. Truth be told, Bernadetta asked this not so much out of thirst but stress.
"But, I really need a drink of water," Bernadetta replied.
"Very well," Edelgard relented. Bernadetta reached for her canteen and opened it. It was empty. Bernadetta sighed.
"I forgot to fill it when I was rushing to get ready…" she whined.
"Maybe if you didn't oversleep, you'd remember to fill it," Edelgard sighed shaking her head.
"She can have some of my water," Professor Byleth said walking up to the two girls.
"Oh, Professor Byleth, you shouldn't have to-" Edelgard began before Byleth cut her off.
"Don't worry about it," Byleth replied simply. Bernadetta handed her canteen to Byleth. He poured half of his water into it.
"Thank you," Bernadetta said giving a quick bow. She quickly took a big sip and sighed contentedly. "How refreshing!" Byleth nodded in response. Bernadetta looked into Byleth's eyes before looking away bashfully and smiling awkwardly.
"Bernadetta seems to be struggling with her lesson," Byleth stated. Bernadetta looked down ashamed.
Just what I get for slacking in my training. What would Uncle Edward think? She wondered.
"She'll get it in time. I'll see to it," Edelgard responded.
"I don't think your methods are working, Edelgard. Allow Claude and I to help," Byleth suggested. Bernadetta immediately snapped back to reality.
"Oh, Professor Byleth, don't you have other students to help?" Edelgard said shaking her head. "I can teach Bernadetta myself."
"Oh yes, Professor Edelgard, that was quite a display of your teaching abilities," Claude said cheekily. Edelgard furrowed her brow at the young man while Hubert glowered. "If I may, Professor Byleth, let an expert show you how it's done."
"By all means. My experience with archery is nonexistent," Byleth granted. Claude stood behind Bernadetta.
"Okay so, Bernadetta, right?" Bernadetta nodded quickly. "Stand upright and keep your feet about shoulder width apart. And turn your feet 90 degrees to the target." Bernadetta followed Claude's instructions with Byleth observing interested. He only knew so much about archery. Jeralt never taught him, and, in preparation for his teaching duties, Byleth only recently began studying up on the subject. "Now, relax your grip on the handle. It'll help you with easing tension in your hand and help you aim better." Bernadetta continued to follow Claude's lead and placed an arrow on the shelf of the bow. "Steady…" Bernadetta aimed for the center of the bullseye. "And fire!" Bernadetta closed her eyes reflexively and sent the arrow flying through the air. The tip sank into the bullseye in one clean shot.
"Good job," Byleth complimented quite pleased despite his stone-like expression. Bernadetta peeked and saw that she made the mark, dead center.
"I-I did it?" Bernadetta said in disbelief. The other students noticed Bernadetta's success.
"Yup! Look at you, you're on your way, Bernadetta!" Claude smiled. "Now, remember to not close your eyes when firing, so you can actually see your target."
"Way to go!" Ashe commented.
"Oh my, what a shot!" Mercedes stated.
Bernadetta couldn't believe what she was hearing - genuine praise. It was not every day that she would be received so warmly by others. Bernadetta could not help but feel anxiety arising within her, however.
Maybe if you did it right the first time, you wouldn't have to have needed help, she thought.
"Why are you wasting your time helping silly old Bernie?" Bernadetta said quietly as she turned away.
"Excuse me?" Claude said blinking.
"Bernadetta?" Edelgard too was staggered by Bernadetta's comment.
"You're wasting your time on me. I want to go train with Dorothea." Bernadetta drifted away from the group to go find her songstress friend.
"What was that about?" Claude said aloud raising an eyebrow
Byleth stood silently gazing at Bernadetta as she reunited with her friend.
"Heh, curiouser and curiouser indeed," Hubert observed. "That girl is deeply troubled."
"Indeed. I swear I am going to get to the bottom of what she's hiding from us," Edelgard stated adamantly. "This is getting troublesome."
"I dunno, Edelgard. Maybe we should just lay off of Bernadetta for awhile, she'll come around and talk when she's ready," Caspar suggested. Sothis then materialized next to Byleth unseen to the others.
"The blue-haired loudmouth has a point, I think," she said. Byleth turned his head towards Sothis not expecting her to interject. "I know what you're thinking, Byleth. You want to help out that girl, but if she's unwilling to talk, then you mustn't force her to do so."
"I understand, but I want to see what I can do for Bernadetta," Byleth said to his ethereal companion. "I don't wish to bother her, I'll just be kind to her and see if she comes around." Sothis shook her head.
"You're certainly a stubborn one. I can at least respect your determination," Sothis shook her head at Byleth's adamancy. "Very well, but don't let this distract you from your duty to your little ones."
16th Day of the Harpstring Moon, 1180
Midday
Today, the Golden Deer House had the training grounds reserved all to themselves. Byleth was there running his students through weapon drills and practices.
Byleth silently watched as Claude, Lorenz, Ignatz and Lysithea practiced swordsmanship. His students' degrees of skill varied. Claude and Lorenz seemed to naturally take to controlling their wooden swords, while Ignatz hesitated to swing unsure when to go for an opening and when to defend. Lysithea in particular was having trouble with her grip and not keeping her feet firmly on the ground. Her sword almost went flying out of her hands.
"Be careful, Lysithea!" Byleth shouted.
"Sorry, Professor!" Lysithea said fumbling with her weapon. "This is harder than I expected. No matter, I must understand this weapon!" She muttered to herself.
Ignatz overextended his swing and fell forward. His glasses fell off of his face eliciting an exclamation from him. Byleth ran over, picked Ignatz up, and handed him his glasses.
"Thank you, Professor," Ignatz said embarrassed. "Oh… I don't know if I can do this. I don't have the skills to fight. On the battlefield, I'm worse than useless."
"I'd suggest fixing your attitude while you're at it. You can't learn with no confidence," Byleth replied bluntly. Ignatz nodded slowly and resumed his training. "Claude, keep an eye on everyone while I go help the others. Keep practicing."
"You got it, Teach," Claude nodded. Byleth ran over to Raphael and Leonie who were busy lifting dumbbells. Raphael's, of course, were far heaver than Leonie's. He was lifting 35 lbs while she was handling 15 lbs. Raphael was quickly swinging his arms up in a curling motion, while Leonie's motions were far more controlled doing chest flies.
"Raphael, that's not the proper lifting technique," Byleth said stopping the muscular youth.
"But Professor, I gotta keep getting stronger!" Rapahel said discouraged. "And it's almost dinner time! I wanna get as much practicing in as possible before we leave."
"Slow down, Raphael. You won't serve any of us with pulled muscles," Byleth reasoned.
"He has a point, Raphael," Leonie said as she wiped sweat from her forehead. "You have to go slower when your arm is going down during a bicep curl." Leonie demonstrated the correct bicep curl motion.
"Yeah, okay! I'll do that! Thanks, Professor, Leonie!" Raphael beamed as he fixed his movements.
"How much can you lift, Professor Byleth?" Leonie asked smugly. "I would imagine that Captain Jeralt's kid would have more meat on his bones. What, Captain Jeralt not feeding you enough meat?"
"I'm perfectly happy with my size, Leonie," Byleth responded. "And I don't have time nor desire to show off to you. So get back to work, I need to tend to Marianne and Hilda." Byleth walked away not seeing Leonie giving him stink eye as she returned to her work.
Byleth soon found Marianne and Hilda off to the side of the training grounds. Hilda was napping in the shade while Marianne was leaning against the wall with a sullen expression.
"Hilda, wake up," Byleth stated. Hilda didn't respond as she was snoring quietly. Byleth then poked her in the ribs gently with his boot. "I said wake up." This elicited a response from Hilda as she groggily sat up.
"Oh Professor, why did you have to wake me up from such a nice nap?" She moaned.
"You two ought to be training," Byleth said. Marianne looked down ashamed. "Why is that you're not participating?"
"I don't think you'd find me useful in a battle, Professor," Hilda said as she stood up. "I'm far too delicate for combat."
"And I…would just get in everyone's way. What if I hurt someone?" Marianne said forlorn.
"But how do you know this for sure if you don't at least give it a try?" Byleth stated. "I'm counting on you to support the class. Now come, you must get some work in today before we leave."
"But Professor…" Hilda said groaning as she followed Byleth and Marianne.
"Or you can stay and clean up the training grounds after everyone else is finished," Byleth said turning his head towards Hilda.
"Fine," Hilda pouted. Byleth pulled Lysithea aside so that she could help Marianne practice her magic. Lysithea was by far the most gifted with the mystic arts. Hilda was placed with Raphael and Leonie. Before he could catch his breath, Byleth heard the door open and two people walking up to him.
"Are the students making the most of their time, Professor Byleth?" An authoritative voice asked. It was Seteth, the Archbishop's advisor. He was wearing his usual blue over shirt, pants, and cape. Behind Seteth was Flayn, his younger sister. She was wearing a black dress with leggings. Her hair was long, emerald green, and curled at the bottom. Her eyes were brimming with curiosity, sweetness, and friendliness contrasting her brother's hard, intimidating expression.
"Yes they are. They're starting to adjust to my teachings," Byleth answered.
"They seem to be a very…unique group," Flayn said her eyes scanning the other students doing their training.
"Hey Raphael, let's see if you can lift this barrel!" Claude called out. Byleth and Seteth turned towards Raphael who was eagerly running towards Claude.
"You got it!" He said smiling a big smile. Raphael looked over the large barrel thinking how he would approach it. He gently nudged it allowing him to grab the bottom. Squatting down, Raphael hoisted the barrel overhead, and, albeit slowly, stood up straight. He let out a loud cry of triumph almost making the task look easy.
"Atta boy, Raphael!" Claude said. "Now, how long can you hold that?"
"For as…long as it takes!" Raphael said through gritted teeth. Whatever was inside it, the barrel's weight was causing Raphael's arms and legs to tremble. Raphael's face turned pink as a peach, before gradually turning a deep red.
"Raphael, put that down!" Byleth ordered. It was too late, Raphael lost his grip and fell forward. The barrel rolled towards racks of armor causing them to fall like a line of dominos causing a cacophony of clashing and clanging sounds. The training grounds were now strewn with pieces of armor and weaponry. Claude and Hilda bursted out laughing while Raphael rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Eh, sorry 'bout that, Professor," Raphael said.
"You buffoons! Look what you've done!" Lorenz yelled agitatedly. "Such childish behavior! You all ought to know better!" Byleth looked at Seteth. Seteth's eye twitched in annoyance. He looked at Byleth out of the corner of his eye, his gaze sharp as a polished sword. Byleth thought he saw a vein pop on his forehead.
"I do hope you all will clean this place up before you leave," Seteth said in a low, angry voice practically gritting his teeth.
"We will. Anyway, what brings you here, Seteth?" Byleth asked. Seteth cleared his throat.
"Right, that. I want you to stop by my office for a meeting tomorrow afternoon," Seteth explained. "Professor Hanneman will be joining us as well. He has his own set of inquiries for you. That won't be a problem, will it?"
"No," Byleth answered.
"Good. Be at my office after lunch. Don't be late," Seteth said firmly. "We must be going now. Come, Flayn." Seteth and Flayn turned to leave. Flayn looked back and waved good-bye.
"Good night, Professor Byleth, and to the rest of you! I do hope we can talk more soon!" Flayn then disappeared through the door with her brother.
"Come Flayn," Seteth commanded. Flayn frowned and disappeared with her brother.
"Sheesh, what a grump," Hilda sneered.
"Let's get this place picked up, then we can leave," Byleth replied.
Dinner time, Dining Hall
The dining hall once again was packed with students fatigued by their studies. The students were all to eager to share meals with friends as a reward for their hard work.
Like clockwork, Raphael had a plate filled with meats of different kinds. And they quickly disappeared from his plate as he wolfed them all down.
"Oh man, the dining hall staff always makes the best meat! I could eat it all day," Raphael said contentedly. "Claude, Leonie, you did a great job cooking this moose meat!"
"Thanks, Raphael," Claude said bowing slightly. "It was a great chance to try out my secret spice blend. It came from home."
"Oh, can I see it?" Ignatz asked inquisitively. Claude handed the spectacled boy a small drawstring pouch. Ignatz opened it up and inhaled deeply. "Wow! This smells absolutely amazing! I've got to know what's in it!"
"Sorry, my lips are sealed," Claude said shaking his head. "It wouldn't be a secret anymore then, would it?" Ignatz passed the spice blend around for others to smell.
"It's pretty strong to me. I don't think I want to know what's in it," Lysithea noted wrinkling her nose.
"I'll leave the contents to your imagination," Claude said with a sly wink. Claude could feel Lorenz's gaze. "What's on your mind, Lorenz? Did the spices smell that abhorrent to you?"
"Speaking of your home, Claude, just where exactly are you from?" The purple-haired young man asked suspiciously narrowing his eyes. "House Riegan was on the brink of collapse until they suddenly revealed you as their legitimate heir. That was only a year ago. Where were you before that? Are you even a true heir to House Reign?" Claude reclined in his chair nonchalantly, not feeling particularly on edge from his classmate's sudden questioning.
"If I weren't truly of House Riegan descent, how do you imagine I acquired my Crest?" Claude questioned in return.
"A Crest is irrelevant!" Lorenz said agitated as he stood up. His behavior was starting to draw gazes from other students and staff in the dining hall. "I am referring to your noble disposition - or lack thereof!" Claude stretched yawning.
"That's why I'm here at Garreg Mach Monastery - to hone my skills in the art of snobbery," Claude replied. "When do classes begin on that subject, Professor Lorenz? I'm sure you'd do a fine job at tutoring me there."
"I, for one, think you would do a terrible job at governing the Alliance," Lorenz growled. "The Alliance is chaos and House Riegan is to blame for that. I will be sure to set things right, and I'll expose you for the fraud you are! To be blunt, it would be better if you never showed your face around here." Claude feigned hurt feelings making an exaggerated frown at Lorenz's harshness.
"Stop, both of you," Byleth interjected before the argument could intensify. Lorenz sat down defeated.
"My apologies, Professor," Lorenz mumbled.
"Yeah, sorry…" Claude added.
"You both need to keep it together, you will not work in harmony with one another if you bicker amongst yourselves," Byleth continued. "That goes for all of you."
"Gotta say, it's hard to really get you when you say things so stone-faced," Claude said raising an eyebrow. "Still trying to get used to that."
"All due respect, Professor, you come off as…pretty intimidating at times," Ignatz interjected.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to come off that way," Byleth sighed. "I've been like this for all my life."
"It reminds me of Captain Jeralt, but even then I've seen him crack a smile once in awhile," Leonie shrugged. Sothis groaned.
Captain Jeralt this, Captain Jeralt that! Why don't you marry him already? Sothis snarked. Byleth grunted as if it were a laugh.
"I don't mind it," Marianne spoke up. "People think I'm a little…scary, too."
"Oh, but you're pretty cute, Marianne. I think you'd look even cuter if you tried to smile!" Hilda said cheerily. Marianne blushed and hid her face whining. Hilda giggled. "It's true I tell ya! You'd be a real charmer if you tried to smile more often!" The others at the table laughed at the lighthearted jesting. Byleth felt a warmth in his chest.
That's funny. What's with that sensation in your chest? Sothis asked interest piqued.
Whenever I feel an emotion, I feel different sensations welling up within my chest, Byleth responded in his mind so no one else can hear them.
Most interesting, maybe it's connected to your…unique biology, Sothis speculated.
"Yo, Teach?" Claude called. "You're spacing out. What's up?"
"Nothing, just enjoying the moment," Byleth replied simply as he returned to his lukewarm food. Byleth eyed the pillowy strawberry shortcake and licked his lips as he cut a piece off with his fork. He put the delectable treat in his mouth eliciting a contented moan. "That's good." The warmth in his chest intensified.
"I see you too like sweets," Lysithea said smiling broadly.
"I do, though I'm not particularly picky," Byleth answered.
"Sweets truly are one of life's great joys, especially cake!" Lysithea said joy rising in her voice. "Cake is the divine essence of the heavens!"
"So sugar is where you get your magical powers?" Claude teased. "Don't worry, we won't let our enemies know should they try to eradicate sweets from Fódlan." Lysithea looked at Claude horrified.
"What sort of monster would ever think of such a thing?!" Lysithea screamed. Claude stifled a laugh.
"You get so worked up over sweets!" Claude busted out laughing. Lysithea's face contorted in anger.
"Professor! Tell Claude to stop teasing me!" Lysithea shouted.
"Excuse us," A voice said. It was Dorothea and Bernadetta. "Bern here couldn't help but stare at you from across the room, so I thought it'd be nice for us both to have dinner with you."
"D-Dorothea!" Bernadetta shouted aghast. "B-Bernie wasn't trying to be a creep, honest! I-"
"Of course, make yourselves at home," Byleth said gesturing for the girls to sit. Bernadetta blinked wordlessly stunned at what she heard. She then quickly planted herself in a seat next to Raphael at the end of the table. Dorothea sat next to her smoothing out her skirt.
"It sounded like you all were having fun over here," Dorothea said pleasantly.
"You might say that," Claude said nonchalantly. "I like to think that the Golden Deer is the most fun class to be in. I can't imagine class with Dimitri and Edelgard as leaders is the most fun, too serious."
"Oh, it's more fun than you think. Well, in Edie's class anyway," Dorothea said.
"Edie?" Claude snickered. "How adorable." Unbeknownst to the group, Edelgard covered her blushing face while Hubert glared silently.
"Edie is awfully inspiring to me. She's so strong-willed, fearless, and radiates strength," Dorothea said in awe. "She says that once she's crowned as Empress, she intends to improve the way of life for the downtrodden in Fódlan."
"Do tell, how does she intend to go about that?" Lysithea asked between bites of cake.
"Well, knock those holier than thou nobles down a peg for a start," Dorothea replied.
"I beg your pardon?" Lorenz said raising an eyebrow.
"Man, I'm still hungry. I'll be right back, gotta get seconds!" Raphael stood up and departed for the buffet table.
"Anyway, the nobility has had it too good for too long. The common folk don't get the same opportunities that the nobility does, exploited for labor, and paying outrageous taxes," Dorothea continued.
"Like father does," Bernadetta muttered quietly to herself poking at her food aimlessly.
"Did you say something, Bern?"
"Nope, not a thing!" Bernadetta said quickly.
"With all due respect, Dorothea, not all of the nobility is so cruel. Yes, there are some who don't see the common folk as being human, but the nobility will correct itself," Lorenz responded. Dorothea smiled a tight-lipped smile.
"Of course you'd think that," she said voice subtly laced with sarcasm. "How long can this possibly go on? If no one does anything, nothing will get better!"
"I-I understand but-" Lorenz started. Dorothea was about to continue until Byleth stood up.
"Calm down, both of you. I will not have you making a scene in the dining hall," he said with authority. Raphael returned from his trek empty handed.
"Aww, they're all out of meat," he moaned. "Hey, why's everyone so quiet all of a sudden?" The students glanced at Raphael awkwardly before he sat down looking for scraps of meat he may have overlooked.
"I apologize, Professor Byleth. Guess it's true that you should never discuss politics over dinner," Dorothea said clearing her throat. She then wrapped an arm around Bernadetta surprising her. "Anyway, why don't we let Bern talk, eh?" Bernadetta gulped.
"Uh, I-I dunno. Bernie doesn't have anything interesting to say," Bernadetta deflected.
"Of course you do, Bern. I find you interesting," Dorothea said supportively.
"Yeah, you're among friends," Hilda said resting her hands in her palms. Bernadetta wanted nothing more than to shrink away into nothingness. Would these strangers truly be interested in what she has to say?
"Uh, I guess I can start by, um, saying thank you to Claude and Professor Byleth," Bernadetta said. "So, thank you! I'm sorry for not saying it earlier, Bernie was too shy from getting all that praise."
"Er, is 'Bernie' aware of how much she refers to herself in third-person?" Claude said befuddled. Bernadetta yelped and pulled her hoodie over her head.
"Claude," Lsyithea said sharply. "Don't mind Claude, he's a fool."
"Indeed," Byleth added. Claude stared at Byleth mouth agape. "You're very welcome, Bernadetta. There's no need for apologies." Bernadetta looked at Byleth who stared at her blankly. She looked back at Claude.
"Sure, happy to help," Claude said brushing off Byleth's jab at him. Bernadetta smiled bashfully.
"You ought to be more confident, Bernadetta," Leonie said pointing at her. Bernadetta looked at Leonie taken aback by her forward comment. "I know just the thing to help you build some resilience and grit; Come with me on a hunting trip!"
"H-Hunting trip?!" Bernadetta shouted.
"Yeah, why not? A little time out in the woods will teach you everything you need to know about confidence. And a little sparring too!" Leonie furthered. "I should know! Captain Jeralt's teaching showed me the way towards confidence."
"There she goes again," Sothis sighed quite tired of Leonie's bantering.
"I-I, uh, maybe?" Bernadetta laughed forcefully. "It's just that means…Bernie will have to kill cute little bunnies and deer!"
"Well, people gotta eat, you know," Leonie shrugged. "I won't make you, Bernadetta, but I really think you ought to come with! You can bring a friend if you want." Bernadetta sighed.
"Thank you," she forced a smile.
"How's class Bern? I heard that Professor Manuela is sometimes too drunk to teach," Hilda said. "I'd join the Black Eagles in a heartbeat, but Edelgard…I don't know."
"You're not leaving my class because of that anyway, Hilda," Byleth retorted. Hilda then pouted.
"Professor Byleth is working me so hard. Drills, running, so much running, and a lot of chores," Hilda bemoaned. "I let Marianne take care of sorting books in the library but she couldn't do it for me! I had to do it anyway!"
"What?" Byleth said blinking.
"N-Nothing!" Hilda corrected herself embarrassed at letting her lips flap. Then, a noxious smell filled the air. "Ew, what's that awful smell?"
"Oh, excuse me," Raphael said rubbing his belly. "That meal didn't sit well with my stomach, I guess."
"Egads, Raphael! Next time you need to break wind, go outside!" Lorenz shrieked. Everyone in Raphael's vicinity moved away from him in a flash.
"Raphael, what did you eat?!" Hilda said holding her nose.
"Some beast meat and saghert and cream. Guess I'm lactose intolerant…" Raphael said bashfully. "Come on, guys, I'm-" Raphael walked towards his companions.
"Don't you take another step towards us!" Lorenz and Lysithea yelled. Raphael sat at the table sad and alone.
"So much for not making a scene in the dining hall," Claude laughed and grimaced.
"Ugh, why did I have to be placed in a class full of misfits?" Lorenz lamented.
"It takes one to know one," Leonie teased. Bernadetta giggled to herself.
"Why Bern, I think that was the first time I've heard you laugh! Let alone the first time I've seen you smile!" Dorothea said ecstatically.
"I-It is?"
"Yeah! They're both really cute!" Dorothea said. "Try to do that more often, yeah? It really brightens up the room." Bernadetta blushed bashfully.
"M-Maybe it wouldn't hurt…"
17th Day of the Harpstring Moon, 1180
Seteth's Office
A knock came from Seteth's office door. Seteth murmured to himself as he walked to the door. Seteth opened the door and was greeted by both Byleth and Professor Hanneman.
"Ah, right on time," Seteth nodded smiling slightly.
"Good afternoon, Seteth," Professor Hanneman said. The two entered and took a seat at the round table.
"Now, Professor Byleth, there are matters we would like to discuss with you," Seteth said clasping his hands together. "You're aware that I am tasked with helping Archbishop Rhea in all her duties, correct?"
"What are these duties?" Byleth asked.
"Spiritual instruction, ceremony oversight, donation management-all of the church's administrative tasks," Seteth elaborated. I oversee not only the priesthood, but the Knights of Seiros and the Officers Academy. I'm honored by the Archbishop's trust and confidence in my ability to oversee these groups. Normally, she seeks my guidance in all her decision making. And yet… Your appointment to a teaching position at the Officers Academy was a complete surprise to me. Though you are skilled in instruction and war, you were not fully investigated."
"So you don't trust me," Byleth said flatly.
"All due respect, Professor Byleth, that is precisely what it comes down to," Seteth said. "That's why I called you here, so I can know just how much you know about yourself."
"And I wanted to participate as well," Professor Hanneman added adjusting his glasses. "I myself have been talking to your fellow mercenaries from your father's stable." A rising heat spread from Byleth's chest.
"You've been poking your nose into my past?" Byleth asked accusatorially.
"Come now, Professor Byleth, I mean you no harm," Professor Hanneman raised his hand to calm the young mercenary. "No need to feel so on edge. Now then, may we continue?" Byleth nodded silently but nonetheless bothered by the spectacled old man and the advisor's words.
"You are Captain Jeralt's child, correct?" Seteth began.
"I think so," Byleth answered.
"That is quite a vague reply for such a basic question," Seteth said raising an eyebrow. "I would advise you to answer such queries with confidence. Jeralt was the captain of the Knights of Seiros. He was renowned throughout Fódlan for his skill in war. If you really are his child, then no one would voice any complaint about you joining the knights. How long has it been since you became a mercenary?" During this, Hanneman was dutifully taking notes.
"About ten years, I think," Byleth answered.
"Given your youth, that hardly seems likely," Seteth said shaking his head disbelieving.
"How old are you exactly, Professor?" Hanneman asked. Byleth paused. He didn't know how to answer.
"Well, um…" Byleth replied, a feeling of anxiety continuing to grow inside him.
"You truly don't know?" Seteth said astounded at Byleth's lack of knowledge of his own age. He put his hand to his head shaking it. "Just what was Jeralt thinking raising you this way?" Seteth sighed and turned to Professor Hanneman. "Have you anything to add, Professor Hanneman?"
"Yes, actually. As I've said, I interviewed your father and some of his mercenaries," the professor's eyes glinted with intrigue. "I found some particularly interesting information. There was a woman at the monastery with whom Jeralt was quite close. At first, it seemed obvious this mystery woman was your mother. Alas, that cannot be the case. The timing is all wrong. As it was told to me, the woman in question passed away shortly before Jeralt left the monastery…" Hanneman read the paper more closely bringing it up to his face. "Yet your birth occurred sometime later, while Jeralt was taking work as a mercenary. This, of course, presumes your age is accurately reported. If you were born sooner, the story would be quite different, would it not?"
"My father was always one for secrets," Byleth said. Now he was starting to become more curious of his father's past.
"Oh, I am aware. You two were certainly enigmatic as far as mercenaries go," Hanneman went on. "Jeralt not saying a word of his work as captain of the knights, for instance. Quite a secret to keep for all those years. Your acquaintances had little to say about either of you. But, they confirmed that you and your father were quite the pair in battle. You were actually given the nickname of "Ashen Demon" due to how you slayed your enemies without a hint of emotion. You were revered as a living legend among your peers." Byleth stared intensely at Hanneman for several seconds. "What's wrong?"
"That name, I don't like it. It's dehumanizing. Please, do not refer to me as that," Byleth requested.
"Oh, er, my apologies, Professor Byleth," Hanneman apologized bowing slightly. "I was merely recounting what I was told. I meant no offense."
"None taken."
"Given your responses thus far, I see no point in further questions," Seteth finally spoke up. "However, permit me to make one thing clear. Whatever her reasons, the archbishop has placed great faith in you. Do not betray that trust. That is all."
"I understand," Byleth said. He then stood up and walked out. Sothis then appeared beside Byleth.
"You seemed pretty uncomfortable in there," Sothis remarked.
"My past is my business," Byleth replied annoyed as he walked down the stairs. "Seteth clearly doesn't trust me."
"To be fair, it is rather fishy that the archbishop hired you on the spot not knowing you on any deeper level," Sothis countered. "I can understand his concerns."
"It could just be nepotism. People assuming that I'm as great as my father in war," Byleth said.
"I wouldn't be so sure just yet. Lady Rhea seems rather enigmatic herself," Sothis said ponderously. "I can't help but feel like I know her from somewhere. Seteth, too."
"Is that so?" Byleth perked up.
"I don't understand it. My memory is so foggy," Sothis said frustrated by her spotty memory.
"And you thought I was full of mysteries. The same can be said of you," Byleth commented. Sothis humphed at Byleth's reply.
"Anyway, I would advise you to be on your guard. We're going to get to the bottom of whatever secrets the Church and your father are keeping."
Later that evening
Byleth's sleeping quarters
Byleth sat at his desk dutifully grading his students' essays. The students were tasked with writing about battalions. Lysithea and Claude turned in complete papers, Leonie and Lorenz also turning in good work, while the others were less satisfactory. Hilda's paper was only half finished. Sothis appeared behind Byleth looking over his shoulder. She uttered a snicker.
"What?" Byleth asked.
"Upper right corner," Sothis answered pointing at the paper. Byleth looked and saw a crude cartoon of Seteth looking exaggeratedly grumpy. Byleth wrote, "See me after class," underneath it.
"It's not funny," he said. Sothis grunted and crossed her arms in annoyance.
"You're not much fun," she pouted. "It's boring around here!" Byleth ignored the ghostly girl's complaints and kept grading. Then, there was a knock at the door. Byleth opened the door and was greeted by Alois, a large man who always seemed to be positive and upbeat. His face was adorned in an almost complete horseshoe mustache that doesn't meet under his nose.
"Good evening, Byleth-I mean, Professor Byleth!" Alois said jovially.
"You can just call me Byleth," Byleth corrected. "No need to be so formal with me."
"As you wish. I thought I'd stop by and invite you to come share a drink with your father and me," Alois said. "Your father finally had some spare time to catch-up with his old pal. What do you say?"
"Okay, I happened to finish grading my students' homework just now," Byleth replied.
"Great! Let's go!" Alois said happily.
The three men arrived at a tavern called The Old Sheepdog, a small, but popular tavern in the village outside the grounds of the monastery. The men found a seat at the bar and settled into the noisy establishment.
"I hope you don't mind the noise," Alois said with a raised voice.
"Not at all," Jeralt said.
"It's fine," Byleth answered. The men looked over the drink menu. Having eaten earlier, the three were more interested in the beverages. The bartender arrived to take their orders.
"I'll have some spiced rum," Alois said.
"Whiskey, the hardest one you have," Jeralt added.
"I think I'll just have some water," Byleth said.
"Come on, don't have the nerve to drink some good whiskey?" Jeralt chuckled. "You're a man now, Byleth. Bartender, get us a second glass of hard whiskey."
"The whiskey you order smells awful, father," Byleth objected.
"Just wash it down with some water, kid," Jeralt retorted. Alois looked around Jeralt to make eye contact with Byleth.
"So, Byleth, how's it been now that you're a professor? Your students aren't giving you much of a hard time are they?" Alois guffawed.
"Not really, they're good kids. They're certainly a… unique bunch," Byleth answered. "That girl, Leonie, is quite fond of you, father."
"I know, when she's not in class or whatever, she's asking me to train her," Jeralt said shaking his head. "It's almost like she wants to be my second child."
"She's been badgering me about you, trying to prove herself worthy as your 'apprentice,'" Byleth continued. "But she certainly is a capable fighter. You must've taught her well."
"I only showed her a couple of techniques, nothing special," Jeralt said. The bartender arrived with their drinks.
"Enjoy," he said in a friendly tone before walking away. Jeralt smelled his liquor and gulped it down.
"Not bad, I've tasted better," he said to no one in particular.
"Let's see how you handle your liquor, Byleth," Alois said expectantly. Byleth lifted the shot glass, and took a whiff. His nose wrinkled at the strong, bitter smell. He swallowed the warm drink as to not have it linger in his mouth.
"Ugh, that's terrible. Tastes like crap," Byleth groaned though his expression remained the same. Jeralt and Alois guffawed heartily.
"Your voice betrays your expression, kid," Jeralt said clapping his son on the back. Byleth swallowed some water to wash the remnants of the whiskey out of his mouth.
"That's the Jeralt I remember!" Alois said happily. Jeralt and Byleth turned to face their cohort. "Forgive me for this observation, it's just that you seem so…gloomy nowadays. I remember you being far more upbeat when I was your squire!" Jeralt sighed and looked down at his empty glass.
"People change, Alois. I…needed to move on from the Monastery," Jeralt replied.
"I understand you left when your wife died, but why didn't you stay in touch with me? Or Lady Rhea?" Alois asked placing a hand on Jeralt's shoulder. Jeralt's expression turned pensive.
"I don't want to discuss that here, sorry," Jeralt responded with a hint of agitation and sadness. Jeralt flagged down the bartender and ordered a second shot of whiskey.
"I see," Alois said turning away from his friend and former mentor. Alois paused for a moment thinking, then smiled. "Have you told Byleth about your exploits?"
"You never did talk about the Church of Seiros or your time as captain of the knights," Byleth said interest piqued.
"I suppose I could tell you a thing or two," Jeralt acquiesced. "I met Alois when he was just 11 years old, and I indeed took him on as a squire."
"That's right, I was the second born son of a merchant family," Alois said nodding before his expression turned melancholic. "My family died in a bandit raid, we were ambushed when traveling between territories in the Kingdom. Jeralt just so happened to find me wandering the woods, and brought me to Garreg mach Monastery." Alois' face relaxed and he sighed fondly. "Let me tell you, Byleth, everyone adored your father. He was an honorable knight without peer! Lady Rhea was especially fond of him."
"Indeed," Jeralt snorted flatly. "Anyway, Alois was eager to learn the tools of the trade. He was a good squire, though he could've stood to lessen the amount of puns he told." Alois smiled and rolled his eyes.
"And I recall your fondness for bars and taverns, captain," he countered playfully. "You amassed much debt in your days. You drank like a horse, and I had to rein you in!" Alois laughed heartily in response. Jeralt simply groaned and drank the second shot as soon as it arrived. Byleth stared at Alois blankly. "Get it, Byleth? …Rein in? Horse reins?"
"That was not funny," Byleth finally said. Alois chuckled nervously.
"I see you inherited your dislike of puns from your father, too," he replied discouraged. "Moving on, I was officially knighted at 24 years old by Lady Rhea once Jeralt deemed me ready to become a knight. I'm so grateful to her and Captain Jeralt. I wouldn't be the man I am now without them!"
"Don't mention it," Jeralt said. "Think I'll order another drink."
"Father, I think you've had enough," Byleth interjected.
"It's fine kid, I-" Byleth then placed a hand on his father's shoulder and looked into his eyes.
"You've had enough," he said again more firmly. Jeralt looked down and sighed.
"All right, kid, all right. Let's go," Jeralt relented standing up. The bartender noticed and came up to him.
"Do you intend on paying for those drinks, bud?" He said crossing his arms. Byleth quickly dropped some gold pieces in front of the bartender.
"Keep the change," he said. The bartender nodded in affirmation and walked away. The three men then left the bar.
As they walked back towards the knights' quarters, Alois broke the silence.
"That was very nice, glad I could pull you away from work for a short while," Alois said smiling broadly.
"Heh, yeah. I don't know when we'll be able to do it again, Lady Rhea's already been keeping my plate full," Jeralt responded. "Say kid, what task did you and the brats get saddled with this month?"
"We're going somewhere called 'The Red Canyon' to deal with those bandits from Remire Village," Byleth answered.
"Ah right, I remember them. They got away after you defended the Imperial Princess from their leader," Jeralt acknowledged. "Take care to not let the brats get themselves killed. You wouldn't want their deaths on your conscience, after all. You got some pretty important people under your wing, kid."
"I'll see to it they return safely," Byleth replied. The trio arrived at the knights' quarters, there were but a few windows lit by candle light. They then saw a man in a white mask walking towards them. It was Professor Jeritza, assistant professor of the Black Eagle house.
"Good evening, Professor Jeritza," Alois greeted. "A lovely night for a walk, no?" Jeritza grunted in response.
"Indeed. I must go to meet with someone, so excuse me," the man said in a deep voice.
"Who would that be?" Alois inquired further.
"That is not your concern," Jeritza answered before taking his leave.
"He seems friendly," Jeralt said sarcastically.
"What does Jeritza do?" Byleth asked.
"I believe he's supposed to be the assistant teacher to the Black Eagle House," Alois answered.
"I don't think I saw him when the houses did a group training session," Byleth said curiously.
"Maybe he's a vampire. That's why he's not around during the day," Jeralt chuckled. A shiver ran up Alois' spine as his smile faltered.
"Y-You don't think that's true, do you Captain?!" He shouted.
"Yup, still scared of that supernatural crap," Jeralt smirked. He then let out a big yawn. "All right, I'd better hit the hay." Jeralt hugged his son tightly. "G'night, kid." Byleth reciprocated the hug. "You can do better than that, give your old man a bigger hug!" Byleth wrapped his arms around his father a little wider and squeezed him as hard as he could.
"Good night, father," Byleth said. Jeralt laughed clapping his son on the back smiling a small smile before turning to leave. Byleth stared at the door Jeralt left through. Seteth's words came back to mind.
"Something bothering you, Byleth?" Alois said.
"It's nothing, I'm fine," Byleth replied. Alois placed a hand on Byleth's shoulder.
"Hey, if you ever need my help with anything, like helping to teach or just a sympathetic ear, come find me," Alois said reassuringly. "The way I see it, you're like a brother to me. I'd be honored to help you out."
"I appreciate it, Alois. I'll think about it," Byleth said. Alois looked into Byleth's eyes fondly and sighed, smiling.
"Good night, Byleth," Alois finally said. "He's practically Jeralt's spitting image!" He said as he left Byleth. Sothis then appeared beside Byleth as he walked back to his quarters.
"He's right, something's on your mind. Out with it," Sothis prodded.
"What Seteth said bothers me," Byleth admitted. "I suppose my father didn't do the best job raising me. I recall nights where he drunk himself into a coma. I thought I heard him sobbing and even angrily yelling about something. He has let his weakness for alcohol get the better of him, starting fights on occasion. I remember dragging him out of bars just to get him away from others." Sothis nodded.
"If you don't want to talk about it, then you don't have to," Sothis said sympathetically. "Have you thought of talking to him about this?"
"He's not one to talk about what bothers him, I think it's better to just let him come to me when he's ready," Byleth answered.
"If that's what you wish. At least your father clearly cares about you," Sothis said. "And you might have a friend Alois. I just hope he keeps puns to an absolute minimum."
"No guarantees on the latter…" Byleth said with a trace of irreverence.
20th Day of the Harpstring Moon, 1180
Black Eagle Homeroom
Students filed into the classroom for a new day of education. Dorothea settled herself into her seat, smoothing out the backside of her skirt beforehand. Bernadetta, who usually sat next to her, was missing again. Caspar too was not present.
"Oh Bern," she lamented. "What am I going to do with you?" Everyone else quieted down as Professor Manuela and Professor Jeritza entered.
"Good morning, everyone," Manuela said groggily. She scanned the room and looked at the two empty seats for Caspar and Bernadetta. "Caspar is oddly missing, he's usually here on time. Bernadetta is gone, no surprise."
"Caspar, put me down!" Everyone heard Bernadetta shout. Then, the door was kicked open. In came Caspar with Bernadetta slung over his shoulder wildly flailing her limbs.
"We're here, Professor Manuela!" Caspar said proudly. Bernadetta screamed and struggled even more. Edelgard placed a hand over her face and groaned.
"I said put me down! Everyone is staring at me!" Bernadetta covered her face flushed with shame.
"Caspar, please put Bernadetta down!" Manuela ordered. Caspar placed Bernadetta in her seat beside Dorothea. "It's nice of you two to join us…" Bernadetta peeked through her fingers to see everyone still staring at her. Some were smirking amused at her behavior.
"Good morning, Bern," Dorothea said sweetly placing a hand on her back. Bernadetta took a deep breath and tried to calm herself, though her heart was still rattling inside her chest.
"Now then, you recall that we have our exams today, yes?" Manuela said as she and Jeritza picked up stacks of papers. Bernadetta face drained of color as her heart sank.
"I completely forgot…" she whined pulling out a quill pen and ink.
"No talking among your peers, no looking at others' papers, and turn in your work when done. But stay until everyone has finished," Jeritza added.
"You have until this hourglass has run out. Now, begin," Manuela flipped the rather large object and the sand began to fall through the hole.
Everyone earnestly began their work. Bernadetta looked over her test.
"If your captain gave orders that go against your personal beliefs, should you disobey them?" "Which territory in the Empire provides armor materials?" "How do you prepare a catapult before firing it?"
Her brow began to sweat. There were many questions, most of them she could not answer.
If only I attended more classes, and I didn't screw around in my room! Mother's not going to like Bernie's grades when she sees them!
Professor Jeritza walked slowly across the room to make sure that no students were breaking the rules. Professor Manuela, meanwhile, was reclining in her chair reading a romance novel.
Bernie will…just have to wing it, then. Bernadetta wrote the best sounding answers that she could think of. She at least knew that her territory, Varley, provided armor materials for Imperial soldiers. In the foothills, there are mines that are rich in ore and iron. Bernadetta thought she could hear footsteps scurrying across the floor, but she paid no mind to them.
"Psst, Bernadetta!" A voice whispered. It was Caspar. Bernadetta jolted and covered her paper.
"What is it?!" She hissed.
"What did you put down for question 4? I don't know a thing about cavalry," Caspar asked.
"Caspar, please leave Bernie alone! Bernie is trying to finish!" Bernie said trying to shoo her classmate away.
"C'mon Bernadetta, help me out here!" Caspar pleaded.
"I said, 'No talking among your peers,'" Jeritza said in a low, cold voice between the two students.
"Crap!" Caspar said under his breath.
Bernadetta quietly shrieked as to not disturb the other students. Jeritza grabbed Caspar by the back of his collar and dragged him back to his seat.
"Back to work,' he said placing Caspar back in his seat. Caspar humphed and resumed writing. Bernadetta sighed relieved that she wasn't going to get in trouble.
About half an hour passed, students gave their tests to Professor Manuela and returned to their seats quietly. Bernadetta was the last of the students to turn in their papers in. A bell then chimed across the monastery grounds.
"Before you leave, I just thought I'd inform you of what we're doing at the end of the month. In addition, her highness, Edelgard, has an announcement," Manuela announced. "Our class is to patrol the Monastery grounds on the night of the 30th day. There have been reports of someone sneaking food out of the Monastery." Manuela looked towards Edelgard who nodded and stood up in response.
"I'm afraid that Hubert and I will not be able to join you all in the patrol. We have business in the western area of the Empire, so we must leave a day before then," Edelgard explained. "We will return a few days afterwards. Ferdinand will be the substitute house leader in my absence. Listen well to him, that is all."
All the students then poured out of the classroom for break. Bernadetta collected her things and went outside. The Blue Lion and Golden Deer students joined the Black Eagle students in the merriment of break time.
"How'd you feel about that test, Bern?" Dorothea asked as she caught up to her friend.
"Not good… Bernie didn't study," Bernadetta replied defeated.
"Don't worry, you'll do better next time!" Dorothea said trying to cheer up her friend.
"That's not good enough! It doesn't matter, mother's going to be so upset with Bernie!" Bernadetta responded.
"What do you mean?" Dorothea asked.
"Dorotheaaaa!" A young, female voice called. Before the girls knew what was happening, Dorothea was surrounded by a crowd of students from the various houses. "Dorothea, I simply must know how you style your hair to look so luscious and soft!" The blonde Black Eagle girl almost demanded.
"Yeah, tell me, too please!" Said a redheaded Golden Deer girl.
"Are you doing anything later this weekend?" Asked a white-haired boy from the Blue Lion class. Bernadetta was sandwiched between Dorothea and the student body.
I gotta get out of here! She thought. She got down on her hands and knees and crawled through the forest of legs before achieving freedom. Bernadetta looked back and Dorothea was completely obscured by students. "Dorothea! Dorothea, let's go!"
One purple-haired girl from the Black Eagles, annoyed, turned towards Bernadetta.
"Will you shut it, you little freak? No one's paying attention to you, we want Dorothea," she sneered.
"Okay…" Bernadetta said frowning. Bernadetta then took her leave making haste. "I'll just go to the Greenhouse." As Bernadetta walked down the stairs, Dorothea managed to break free of the crowd.
"Bern?" She looked around but her acquaintance was nowhere to be found.
"Dorothea, you didn't answer my question!" The blonde girl pouted.
"Look, we can discuss things later, I need to go find Bern!" Dorothea responded having more than enough of all the fussing.
The Greenhouse
Bernadetta opened the doors to the greenhouse. It was practically a jungle inside. Plants of various species, from all across Fódlan covered the plant beds and pots. From flowers of a rainbow of colors, to ferns, to grasses, to small trees. Inside was the greenhouse's caretaker, a middle-aged woman.
"Oh, welcome!" She said smiling a warm smile.
"Uh, hi. Is it okay if I hide out-I mean, peruse the plants here?" Bernadetta asked.
"Of course, the greenhouse is open for all to enjoy. You can plant something, too, if you wish," the caretaker said. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
"Th-Thank you!" Bernadetta shouted relieved. The caretaker was not expecting such a loud answer and her eyes were wide with surprise. "Er, thank you." The caretaker went back to her duties of tending to the plants. Bernadetta walked by the plants. One particular plant caught her eye. Its leaves were open giving it a similar appearance to an open clam. Tooth-like filaments adorned the rim of it.
"A Venus flytrap!" She squealed in delight.
"Oh yes, we just added some of these to help deal with the insect problem," the caretaker said. "You're familiar with them?"
"Yes, I have some at home!" Bernadetta said nostalgically. "Oh, I hope someone is caring for them while I'm here." The carnivorous plants dredged up memories of a different sort.
"Guess what your dear uncle brought you from his travels today," a male voice said with anticipation.
"A new teddy?" A younger Bernadetta asked eagerly.
"No, my dear. I brought this remarkable, exotic plant," the middle-aged man then revealed a Venus flytrap. His face was starting to show its age. Grey hairs peppered his violet hair and the moderate stubble on his face. His eyes were kind and sweet, a deep grey color. "This is a Venus flytrap! It eats insects in order to get its nutrients. I brought them from my trip to Brigid, they're quite common there."
"It's so pretty!" Bernadetta squealed. She poked the inside of it and the plant immediately closed up. Bernadetta pulled her finger away frightfully.
"Be careful, they're delicate plants," the man cautioned. "What say we go find a bug and feed it?"
"Yeah, I bet it's starving!" Bernadetta said excitedly.
"Uncle Edward…" Bernadetta said sadly to herself.
"Pardon?" The caretaker asked.
"Oh, nothing!" Bernadetta said deflecting. "Yeah, they're really interesting plants! They can just stay in one spot and food comes to them! If only I could do that."
"I-I see…" the caretaker said nervously. "Yes, they're a most interesting species. Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of the flora here." The caretaker went about the rest of her business.
"Flowers are so calming. Just looking at these, it's like all the terrible parts of the day just disappear," Bernadetta said to herself. "If only people could be more like flowers…" Bernadetta resumed looking at the rest of the plants humming a little ditty to herself. She heard the door open but did not notice who it was. "All these nobles are just terrifying, and the commoners… Just look at Dorothea. So pretty, popular, dazzling… There's no way someone like me could ever be close with someone like that."
"Bern, are you okay?" Dorothea asked.
"Dorothea! Did you hear all of that?" Bernadetta screamed.
"Just the part about you wishing you could get along with someone," Dorothea replied. "So Bern, who've you got a crush on? Seriously now, you have to tell me. Who are they? Do I know them? I'm so excited for you Bern!" Dorothea grabbed Bernadetta's hands excitedly.
"N-No," Bernadetta said pulling her hands away. "I was…actually thinking about…being friends with you."
"Me? I thought we were already friends," Dorothea said puzzled. Bernadetta shrank away.
"That's n-not what I mean," Bernadetta replied. "Oh, I'm such a coward! I thought it would be great if we could be closer. But old memories just get in the way for me." A more serious, but friendly, expression appeared on Dorothea's face. She placed a hand on Bernadetta's shoulder.
"Bern, whatever happened in the past, you know you have my full support," she said reassuringly. "I'm here for you. I thought we'd already been friends since we met last month. Please…" Bernadetta backed away from Dorothea towards the door.
"Just forget it. We'll never be close friends," Bernadetta said. "Father would just… He would just…" Unpleasant memories began to flood Bernadetta's mind.
"Commoner garbage! Get away from her, now!" An enraged voice roared.
"Dad, no!" A younger Bernadetta protested.
"Nooooo!" Bernadetta yelled feeling a surge of adrenaline.
"Wait! I…" Dorothea called out, but Bernadetta was already out of earshot. "Father? What did she mean by that."
31st Day of the Harpstring Moon
Red Canyon
Byleth and the Golden Deer class finished their mission within the Red Canyon. The bandits were routed, and Kostas' dead body laid before Byelth's feet. A hole in his chest from being impaled on Byleth's sword bled profusely. Marianne was tending to some wounds sustained by some of her peers.
"Ouch! Careful about touching that wound!" Lysithea said wincing as Marianne wiped blood from a cut on her forearm with a cloth.
"I'm sorry," Marianne said quietly. "I'm going to pour this vulnerary onto your wound now. It might sting." Marianne poured the clear liquid over the wound. Lysithea howled in pain.
"Take it easy, Lysie. If you're a good girl, you can get a lollipop as a reward," Claude teased. Lysithea glared at Claude pouting.
Ignatz was getting bandaged up by Leonie, his face had a small scratch. Ignatz was looking down at the ground somberly, clenching his metal bow tightly in his grip.
"What's wrong?" Leonie asked.
"I-I can't believe it. I killed someone," Ignatz said quietly.
"Ignatz, you had to do it. It was life or death," Leonie reasoned. "It can't be helped."
"Did you see the way the life left his eyes?" Ignatz countered quickly, visibly agitated. "It was so…haunting."
"I know, it's hard. You'll…have to come to accept it sooner or later," Leonie said sympathetically.
Marianne looked out towards the area where she and her class came from. The corpses of the bandits were strewn about still fresh. Buzzards were beginning to circle overhead. She clasped her hands together and prayed:
"Dear Goddess, please save their souls."
Byleth looked out towards the canyon walls, staring at the sheer cliffs that rose to the heavens, lost in thought.
"I remember this being a peaceful place…" Byleth mused to himself as he scanned the canyon walls.
"Hmm… I wonder why it is that you recall this place," Sothis said as she materialized into existence beside her companion. Byleth gasped quietly in reaction to the sudden appearance of his ghostly acquaintance. "You must be weak of heart. Each time I speak, it scares you so."
"You surprised me," Byleth responded.
"Although the battle is at an end, do not feel too at ease," Sothis cautioned. "Well, anyhow… I am quite fascinated by this place. As far as I can tell, this is your first time here…"
"Still, it feels familiar," Byleth said still feeling confused by his feelings.
"How very odd," Sothis placed a finger on the side of her cheek. "I wonder if somehow, my memories have…" Sothis shook her head. "I must admit I am unsure. Beyond the name and this strange feeling of familiarity, I can't seem to remember anything about this place. And yet…" Sothis placed a hand on her chest. "…a great depth of emotion is tied to that sense of familiarity. Like joy and sorrow. Pain and love. And all things in between…" Byleth continued looking around.
"Yeah…I feel that, too."
"If I was somehow here before, I wonder what took place…" Sothis continued to ponder. Claude then walked up to Byleth passing through Sothis' ethereal form.
"Teach? What are you doing here? We should get back to the academy," Claude said pointing back to the group with his thumb. Byleth nodded and followed with Sothis gliding slowly behind him unseen.
"It is time to depart. But know that time reveals all things. One day, I will remember that which I have lost… Oh, by the way. It seems you've earned my gratitude. The thieves who came here are no more."
"Why are you grateful?" Byleth communicated with his thoughts.
"I am not sure myself, yet I am grateful all the same," Sothis then frowned. "In any case… You must become accustomed to my voice! If you fall down with shock each time I speak, that just won't do."
Unbeknownst to the group, a person in a black cloak, a red-and-white mask, and a crested helmet, was watching from the shadows.
"Hmph, fools. They failed to kill them," they said in a distorted, eerie voice. "Byleth could well be a bigger threat than I imagined."
Meanwhile, at Garreg Mach Monastery
Night, Courtyard
Bernadetta and Caspar were tasked with patrolling the Monastery grounds along with their classmates. They were ordered to patrol the area from the training grounds to the sleeping quarters to the classrooms and dining hall.
"Why'd I have to be partnered up with Caspar?" Bernadetta complained to herself. "I don't want him to carry me around again!"
"Hey Bernadetta!" Caspar said aloud behind her eliciting a shriek.
"Caspar! Don't be so loud!" Bernadetta hissed failing to remain quiet herself. "We're supposed to be stealthy! Silent! Not let anyone know we're here!"
"Hey, sorry! Didn't mean to make you jump out of your skin like that," Caspar said holding his hands up. "I just wanted to say something to ya." Bernadetta gulped.
"Wh-What is it? Is Bernie cramping your style? I can go somewhere else if you prefer," Bernadetta asked presumptuously.
"Er, no, it's not that," Caspar said raising an eyebrow. "I wanted to apologize for picking you up and taking you to class." Bernadetta perked up at hearing this.
"Oh, uh, thank you! Bernie accepts your apology," Bernadetta replied happily.
"Right… You seem to be pretty on-edge around everyone, why's that?" Caspar enquired. Bernadetta fidgeted in place.
"I-" Bernadetta began. Then, Ferdinand and Petra walked up to them. Bernadetta was relived to have an interruption for once.
"Caspar, Bernadetta, have you seen anything suspect?" The noble, young man asked.
"Nope, not a thing. Other than the local owls and an occasional cat," Caspar said resting his hands behind his head. "How about you?"
"We do not be seeing anything of the strange," Petra answered. "Monastery be quiet like the church mice."
"Well…no news is good news, I guess," Bernadetta shrugged. "Can I go back to my room now?"
"Not yet, we still have a couple of hours before we're done," Ferdinand responded. "Why don't you two head down towards the dining hall? Petra and I will take over this area."
"Got it! Let's go, Bernadetta," Caspar said gesturing for his companion to follow. Bernadetta sighed disappointed.
"Coming…" she said dejected. As she followed the blue-haired scrapper, Bernadetta's stomach rumbled. This sparked an epiphany. "Hey Caspar, I have a suggestion! You can watch over the area near the pond, and I'll watch over the dining hall and courtyard!"
"Are you sure? I think it'd be better for us to stick together in case something bad happens," Caspar said.
"No, I'll be fine! Trust me!" Bernadetta said pushing harder. "Don't want any bad guys to slip by you, right? That way, you can show them what you're made of, Caspar!" Caspar considered the proposition and then nodded.
"Yeah, you're right! Look out, villains! Caspar is on the lookout for you!" Caspar proclaimed puffing out his chest proudly. He then darted through the dining hall down to the pond.
"It worked! Bernie, you're a genius!" Bernadetta entered the dining hall and picked a lit torch off of the wall. "Now, let's see if there are any tasty treats left over from dinner." Much to Bernadetta's dismay, there was nothing set out on the tables. "Maybe they're in the pantry?" Bernadetta grabbed a step stool and opened a cabinet. She found a dark cake encased in a glass cake stand. "Ooh, chocolate!" She grabbed the cake and placed it gently down onto the table. She helped herself to the still moist pastry which elicited a pleased moan. "Too bad Bernie can't enjoy dessert inside her room. There's nothing like enjoying cake in solitude."
Bernadetta finished the piece of cake and reached for another piece when she heard a rattle. She at first didn't see anything, but then a floor tile in the middle of the dining hall jostled in place. Bernadetta took cover beneath a table.
She peered out from under a table cloth and saw, first, a head peeking from under the tile. Though Bernadetta could not discern any facial features, the figure's head appeared to have smooth hair reaching behind his neck.
"Coast's clear," a voice said. The figure rose up revealing the form of a lean, male body. Following behind it were three additional figures; a muscular male figure, and two female figures.
"Do you really think this is a good idea, Yuri-bird?" a female asked in a whisper.
"Hey, sometimes you gotta go off the beaten path for the greater good," the lean male replied quietly in a cool voice. "We'll pay the church back with interest when we can."
"I dunno, boss, the knights are probably going to catch onto us sooner or later," the big male said a little too loudly.
"Balthus, shush! Someone could hear us!" The other female hissed. Bernadetta couldn't help but feel that she knew the first male that appeared before her, and she did not like it at all. It brought up…painful, unpleasant memories. Bernadetta couldn't hold back her fright any longer. She shrieked at the top of her lungs and scrambled out from under cover bounding out the door.
"Crap! Get back down there!" The first male said as he and his companions disappeared.
Bernadetta ran and ran screaming incessantly. Suddenly, her body slammed into someone causing both to fall to the ground with a thud.
"Bernadetta?" Bernadetta's head was still spinning so she could not immediately process whom she was talking to. "Bernadetta, whatever is the matter?" Bernadetta snapped out of her doldrum and realized who the voice belonged to; Edelgard. Hubert helped her to her feet never removing his scornful gaze from Bernadetta.
"Lady Edelgard?! You're back so soon?" Bernadetta asked in genuine shock.
"The Princess asked you a question, answer her," Hubert ordered. Edelgard gave him a look prompting him to ease himself.
"R-Right! Lady Edelgard there were these four weirdos who rose up from under the dining hall floor! Please, come see!" Bernadetta gestured for Edelgard and Hubert to follow her. The three went to the dining hall but no one was there. Practically left as it was. Save for the cake.
"I don't see anyone," Edelgard said plainly.
"But…but there were people here! Bernie saw them with her own eyes!" Bernadetta objected. Hubert chuckled sinisterly which never ceased to make Bernadetta shudder.
"It seems that Bernadetta helped herself to a midnight snack," he observed pointing to the cake and empty, crumb-filled plate on the table. Edelgard scowled at Bernadetta.
"Bernadetta, did you eat the cake?" She asked sternly.
"Um…no?" Bernadetta shrugged nervously.
"The crumbs on your face say otherwise," Hubert added. Bernadetta touched her face and felt some frosting and crumbs on her fingertips. Then, Caspar came into the room.
"Oh hey, Edelgard, Hubert. When did you get here?" He asked nonplused. "I heard Bernadetta screaming from down by the main entrance. She sure has some pipes, eh?"
8th Day of the Garland Moon
Garreg Mach Monastery
Summer had arrived at Garreg Mach Monastery. An ample, warmth bathed the monastery grounds. It was mid afternoon, and the heat was enough to bring Bernadetta out of her room and find solitude in the shade. Though, that would be difficult considering almost everyone was outside of their rooms and classes were not held on Sundays.
Bernadetta walked by the horse stables. Almost all of the horses were out to pasture for grazing and exercise. A tempting place to hide in Bernadetta's opinion if it weren't for the strong, musky smell.
"Maybe I could hide behind one of the barns, the shade looks big enough to conceal me," Bernadetta pondered aloud. Then, Bernadetta heard the sound of someone talking.
"Good boy, Dorte," a soft voice cooed. She looked around a corner and saw it was Marianne gently scratching underneath the chin of a horse. In her hand was a bundle of carrots. "I feel like you truly understand me, Dorte. What it's like to want to be alone, not burden others with your presence." Dorte snorted and craned its neck towards the juicy, orange treats in Marianne's grasp. Marianne giggled and gave Dorte another carrot.
"She…likes being alone, too?" Bernadetta whispered to herself. Marianne then looked out of the corner of her eye and turned her head towards the source of the whispering. Bernadetta reactively hid from view. "But her eyes look so terrifying!" She thought.
"Hello? Is someone-" Marianne was about to round the corner causing Bernadetta to panic.
"I'm sorry I bothered you and your horse friend! Please don't hurt me, ghost girl!" Bernadetta screamed as she ran from Marianne and bounded down the stairs. Marianne just stared confused at what transpired.
"…Ghost girl?" She asked herself.
Marianne leapt through the main entrance to the entry hall and whizzed past the Gatekeepr before he could greet her. Taking cover behind a column, Bernadetta caught her breathe as her lungs burned.
"I…think I lost her," Bernadetta wheezed.
"Yoo-hoo! Bernadetta, can you help me?" Hilda's voice called out. Bernadetta looked up and saw Hilda walking towards her.
"Wh-What? Wh-What is it?" Bernadetta said rising to her feet and her breath returning to her.
"Have you seen Marianne anywhere?" Hilda asked cheerfully.
"Who?" Bernadetta asked.
"Oh, you can't possibly miss her. Blue, messy hair, kinda sullen looking?" Hilda explained playfully mimicking Marianne's expression.
"Oh! Ghost girl! She's at the stables! She thought she'd catch Bernie but Bernie gave her the slip!" Bernadetta said proudly. Hilda stared at Bernadetta confused for several seconds.
"Umm…thank you? You don't have to be afraid of Marianne, she wouldn't hurt a fly. She'd be more likely to befriend it instead!" Hilda turned to leave. "Catch you later, Bernadetta!"
"Oh good. Bye! Um, good bye!" Bernadetta waved frantically as Hilda left. She sighed. "That was terrifying." Unbeknownst to her, Byleth was walking up to her.
"What's terrifying?" He asked. Bernadetta jumped turning around.
"What now?!" Bernadetta then eased herself seeing it was just Byleth. "Oh, Professor Byleth, it's you. Sorry…"
"It's okay, I was just thinking about you. It's been awhile since we've talked last," Byleth said.
"Th-Thinking about me? Why would you think about Bernie," Bernadetta responded.
"Sheesh, self-deprecating much?" Sothis said annoyed.
"Because even though I don't have you in my class, I still think of you as my student all the same," Byleth's sincere comment belied his blank expression.
"O-Oh, um, thank you, Professor," Bernadetta said blushing slightly.
"Care to walk with me?" Byleth offered.
"Okay!" Bernadetta followed the mercenary.
Byleth and Bernadetta walked through the courtyard admiring the topiary and flowers.
"How's class been for you, Bernadetta?" Byleth asked.
"Um, fine, I guess," Bernadetta said. "But it's scary to be in class with a bunch of strangers. Being expected to participate in classes, drills, and all that."
"Do you like anyone in your classes?" Byleth enquired further.
"Well, there's Dorothea. She's pretty nice," Bernadetta admitted. "I'm not very fond of the others so far. Lady Edelgard and Hubert are especially intimidating. And yet, Edelgard has this…presence about her that I wish I had."
"I can see that," Byleth said. "Admittedly, when I first met her in Remire Village, I felt like she was evaluating everything I did."
"That's it! That's exactly what it is!" Bernadetta exclaimed. "Oh, Bernie can't possibly be like Lady Edelgard. Not in a million years!"
"Don't try to emulate Edelgard," Byleth said. Bernadetta looked to Byleth confused.
"What do you mean?" Bernadetta asked.
"If you try, you can uncover your own strengths," Byleth elaborated.
"But…I'm not sure what I have to offer," Bernadetta whined.
"Think about what I said, Bernadetta. It'll make sense in time," Bernadetta smiled a small smile.
"Okay. You know what, Professor?" Byleth looked at Bernadetta. "You're so easy to talk to. You're pretty nice, too." Byleth nodded acknowledging. He looked lost in thought, staring out at nothing in particular. Bernadetta cocked her head curiously. "Professor?"
"It's nothing. I just remembered, I was going to go fishing today before dinner. Would you care to come with me?" Byleth offered. Bernadetta clasped her hands nervously.
"Um, sorry Professor, Bernie's gotta go," Bernadetta then made off like a bolt of lightning before Byleth could say anything. Byleth sighed quietly.
"Told you! If you smiled, maybe you'd get a warmer reception!" Sothis chided.
Bernadetta scampered down the stairs making a b line toward her sanctuary, her room.
"Professor Byleth wouldn't really want to hang around Bernie! Besides, what if mother and father found out? What if they take it the wrong-" Bernadetta then smacked into a large man's back eliciting a grunt from him.
"Hey, who did that?" Bernadetta looked up and saw Captain Jeralt, his scarred face and gloomy eyes illuminated by the sunlight. "Oh, just a girl. Are you-?" Bernadetta then screamed put off by Jeralt's intimidating features.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to run into you!" Bernadetta apologized profusely before running away once again. Jeralt raised an eyebrow confused.
"I…suppose she's okay," he said trying to put together what just occurred.
31st Day of the Garland Moon
Garreg Mach Monastery
Today was the day of the Golden Deer House's next mission. Lord Lonato, a minor Kingdom noble, has started a rebellion against the Church of Seiros with help from the Western Church. Tagging along with them in the mission was Catherine, a loyal knight of the Knights of Seiros. In her possession was the legendary hero's relic, Thunderbrand. The weapon appeared worn, but still more than capable of cutting down any unfortunate fool it sunk into. It appeared to be carved from a bone-like object, three spiky projections jutting out on each side.
Byleth, Catherine, the students, and a selection of knights from the church's stable met out front of Garage Mach early in the morning.
"Greetings, Professor Byleth. I trust that the students and yourself are prepared for the journey?" Catherine asked. Byleth nodded. "Good, then let's move out!" The group began their march when someone yelling interrupted them.
"Wait! Please, wait!" It was Ashe Ubert, a freckled, grey-haired young man from the Blue Lion house. He was carrying a bow and a full quiver. "Professor, Catherine, I'd like to come along."
"Ashe, this isn't a mission for you to get involved in. It's not up to you whether you can come with us," Catherine said sternly.
"Hold on, let's hear him out," Byleth said.
"Thank you. Lord Lonato is my adoptive father. I don't understand why he's starting this revolt, but perhaps I can talk him down," Ashe reasoned.
"Ashe…I wouldn't be so sure that you can just 'talk him down,'" Catherine challenged. "It's our job to punish, not to negotiate. Lord Lonato seems to have his heart set on conflict."
"No, I know Lord Lonato. He'll listen to me, I assure you! There's got to be a reason for why he's doing this!" Ashe objected. "Please, just give me, and him, a chance."
"What do you think, Professor?" Catherine asked Byleth.
"Okay, Ashe. You can come with us," Byleth said. "But, don't do anything foolish. If we must put Lord Lonato down, then that's what we must do."
"Thank you so much!" Ashe said giving a deep bow and moving in with the other group of students.
"I do hope you know what you're doing, Professor…" Catherine said somewhat warily. She turned towards the entourage. "All right, everyone, let's move!"
Magdred
The troops passed through a dense forest. The dense foliage made it hard for anyone to see anything at all. It was still fairly early in the morning, so there was still a noticeable chill in the air. Ashe pulled his hood over his head to try and preserve some body warmth.
Claude and Byleth were marching behind Catherine. Byleth noticed that Claude's eyes were fixed onto Catherine's weapon still in its sheathe.
"Hey Teach, you see that?" Claude pointed to the sword. "I think that's one of the Heroes' Relics. Thunderbrand, if I recall correctly."
"What's a 'Heroes' Relic'?" Byleth asked.
"They're said to be Relics that can harness tremendous power for those with a compatible Crest," Claude explained. "Though you can technically use one as long as you have a Crest at all."
"What if you use one and you don't have a Crest?" Byleth asked further. Claude shrugged.
"Dunno. Maybe no one even tried to use one without a Crest. Anyway, there's a legend that an ancient Relic once cut a mountain in half with a single swing," Claude put a hand to his chin ponderously. "We'll probably see Catherine here give Thunderbrand a proper demonstration." Hilda walked up to Byleth and Claude.
"Ooh! Are you talking about Relics? You'll be able to wield one soon, Claude! I just know it!" Hilda said cheerfully.
"Well, yes, as heir to House Riegan, I will eventually," Claude replied. "But I don't know how apt 'soon' is. My grandfather is unbearably healthy."
"What are you talking about?" Byleth asked.
"Is this news to you, Teach? Yours truly was recently recognized as a legitimate child of House Riegan. They possess one of the Heroes' Relics too, though, I've yet to see it."
"You haven't seen it?" Byleth went on.
"I was raised by my father. House Riegan is on my mother's side of the family," Claude explained. "When I learned that my mother was the daughter of an Alliance noble, I was so surprised I thought the whole world was pulling a fast one on me for a week."
"So that means your mother is Duke Riegan's daughter right? Where is she now?" Hilda asked.
"I can't say. My mother's currently living in a different world than the one she grew up in and has no desire to return home," Claude said. Hilda looked disappointed at Claude's sealed lips.
"You're full of secrets, aren't you?" Byleth said.
"I'm just keeping a promise to my parents. Make of it whatever you will," Claude replied. "In exchange for my so-called secrecy, I'm free to do as I please, which is why I decided to see what the other side of my family was like." Claude held open his hand, closed his eyes momentarily, and manifested a projection of an object shaped like a crescent moon. "That's how I found out about this strange Crest I bear…"
"Whoa," Hilda said in awe. The other students walked up equally intrigued.
"So, you do have a claim to your House," Lorenz snorted. "But you had best prove yourself a competent leader in battle and politics."
"Hey, keep it down back there. You could give away our position to the enemy," Catherine scolded.
"Sorry about that," Claude said.
As everyone progressed further into the forest, a light fog descended upon the land.
"Oh dear, I can hardly see a thing," Marianne said squinting through the haze.
"Stay close, everyone. Don't get lost," Byleth called out.
"Say Professor Byleth, shouldn't we turn back around? The fog is too thick to see through," Ignatz asked.
"No, give it some time. The fog may dissipate soon," Byleth answered.
Catherine tried looking through the fog. She was lost in her thoughts pondering the fog's sudden appearance.
"Something isn't right. This can't be normal fog. It appeared so suddenly."
"Maybe we should hold hands," Lysithea suggested. "That way we don't get lost?"
"Well, buy me dinner first, Lysithea," Claude said playing it cool not fazed much by the strange occurrence. Lysithea growled in response and clenched Claude's hand in hers giving it a very tight squeeze. This caused Claude to wince in pain before adjusting his grip to something more comfortable. The students formed a line linked hand to hand.
Marianne found herself grabbing Ashe's hand by happenstance. Ashe was astonished by this, his heart picked up in pace and looked away bashfully.
"M-Marianne, you're gripping my hand awfully tight," he stuttered. Marianne gasped quietly.
"I-I'm sorry, I hope I didn't hurt you." Marianne loosened her grip somewhat but didn't fully let go.
"Not at all! It's nice. Your hands feel so…dainty." Hilda giggled overhearing the conversation causing Marianne to blush slightly.
Catherine suddenly raised her hand prompting everyone to stop.
"Do you hear that?" She asked. There was the sound of people running, horses galloping, and ferocious yelling.
"Everyone, ready your weapons!" Byleth commanded. "Stick together! We're going to have to fight our way through!"
