Shez locked eyes with Byleth. It had been six long months since they last fought one another. On that night, Byleth and Jeralt's Mercenaries wiped out Berling's Mercenaries. Shez wanted to have this revenge match with the Ashen Demon, simply to show how much stronger she'd gotten in the time between then and now. "You're not gonna walk away from me this time!" Shez lunged at Byleth and swung her sword at the Ashen Demon, while Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri could only watch.
Byleth swung her sword to clash with Shez, sparks flying from steel colliding against steel. Her expression unchanging. "Oh. It's you again." She vaguely recalled Shez. The only standout thing the purple haired mercenary had going for her was those strange powers.
"What is the meaning of this?" Dimitri asked.
"Who is that? Friend of yours?" Claude asked Dimitri, since the two of them arrived together.
"She's the one who helped me." Dimitri said.
"And now she's attacking our other savior?" Edelgard quirked a brow. They were clearly missing a few details here, but they all knew better than to try and step in. They'd only try if things looked fatal on one end.
But in this exchange, Shez was still on the back foot, even with her two swords. She had gotten better at using two blades, but not enough to where she could come close to overpowering the Ashen Demon. She swung both swords down, only for Byleth to block them and push her back. "Ngh…!"
"You've made incredible strides in this last half year, and yet the Ashen Demon is still a force to be reckoned with…" Arval commented, as Shez was the only one who could hear him.
"I hope we aren't interrupting something…" Dimitri said.
"Nothing at all." Byleth replied.
"Nothing!?" Shez grit her teeth. She'd be damned if she was dismissed a second time! She was getting ready to strike again when…
"Hold! The Knights of Seiros are here…!" That voice belonged to Alois Rangeld, a captain of the Knights of Seiros. He approached with a few other knights, rushing onto the scene. He took one quick look around, noticing the corpses of the bandits that assaulted Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri. "…The battle is already over? The students seem to be unharmed. And…who are they?"
Jeralt groaned lowly. Of all people to be found by… "Ugh…not him…"
"Captain Jeralt! It is you! Goodness, it's been ages!" Alois let out a hearty laugh. "Don't you recognize me? It's Alois! Your old right hand man! At least, that's how I thought of myself. It's been 20 years since you vanished without a race."
"What…is happening right now…?" Shez thought to herself. She thought about slipping away, but the other two knights were watching her like hawks. They probably wanted to make sure she didn't try anything funny. So…it looked like she was stuck.
Jeralt let out a heavy sigh. "Hello, Alois. I see you're just as loud as ever. And drop the 'captain' nonsense. I'm not your captain anymore. These days I'm just a wandering mercenary who ahs work to do. So goodbye, old friend."
"Goodbye, captain." Alois quickly snapped back. "Wait! This isn't how this ends! I insist you return to the monastery with me!"
That was the last thing Jeralt wanted to hear. He let out the heaviest sigh a human could give." Garreg Mach Monsatery. I suppose this was inevitable…"
"And how about you, kid?" Alois looked to Byleth. "Are you the captain's child? And…who is this? A fellow mercenary in your company?" He looked at Shez.
"Yeah, Jeralt is my father." Byleth replied. "And I don't know who she is. A random merc."
There was a lot for Shez to take in at this moment. The Ashen Demon was the daughter of Jeralt the Blade Breaker?! No wonder this chick was so damn strong. "I'm Shez. Just a lone mercenary. No affiliation. I helped out Dimitri over there for some coin. You know how it is."
Oh. Jeralt was something that could easily be explained away. But Shez? "I see…that's not something that bodes well." Alois had to scratch his head at this one. Losing sight of students, who were followed and attacked by bandits, and aided by a lone mercenary? Nope. That wouldn't look good at all. "You'll have to give me a few moments, young mercenary. Please do not attempt to go anywhere in that time." Despite the hearty tone Alois had with Jeralt only moments earlier, the one he took with Shez was different, dripping with hints of authority.
"Looks like you're not going anywhere." Arval told Shez. Great.
"Even I wouldn't run from the Knights of Seiros." Jeralt said aloud. Yet it felt like he was speaking to Shez as well. If this was something not even the Blade Breaker would run from, it was highly likely Shez wanted to stay put as well.
"The Knights of Seiros…they do seem rather skilled…" Sothis hummed. "Oh. It seems your presence is requested. Go along now."
"Ah…" Okay. Byleth was going to need some time getting used to that. Sothis in her head. Sure.
.
The air was a bit tense. Shez was instructed not to leave by Alois, and she didn't exactly feel comfortable with hanging around Byleth like this. But they stood side by side while approaching the three house leaders who introduced themselves; Edelgard, the Imperial Princess and next in line of the Empire of Adrestia; Dimitri, the future ruler of the Kingdom of Faerghus, and Claude, the future leader of the Alliance. "Your experience as a mercenary is a marvel to witness. And your father is Jeralt the Blade Breaker?" Edelgard was in awe. "Former captain of the Knight of Seiros. Oft praised as the strongest knight to ever live. Have I missed anything?"
"I dunno." Byleth replied with a shrug. "I didn't even know he was a captain."
"You should like you don't know the first thing about your own father." Shez scoffed. Like she was really in any position to talk…but she'd settle for this instead.
"I don't." Byleth replied so casually. It was a bit shocking to everyone around her. "He doesn't talk much about his past. I don't ask. It's that simple."
"I'm sure the explanation for that is fascinating indeed…" Edelgard said.
"And…who're you?" Claude had his hands behind his head, glancing at Shez. "Based on that conversation earlier, you really are just a bit of a loner, huh?"
"I'm Shez. A lone mercenary." Shez replied. "I was going to leave, but it doesn't look like that Alois guy is going to let me go. He doesn't seem like a bad person, but…"
"I understand, don't worry." Claude said with a faint chuckle. "Oh, I should mention. The three of us are students of the Officers Academy in Garreg Mach Monastery. The rest of our classes are nearby. We were doing some training exercises when those bandits attacked us. I definitely got the worst of it, and I was the first to make a tactical retreat. But then Edelgard and Dimitri had to ruin it and follow me. Because of that, those bandits chased us down, and Edelgard and I got separated from Dimitri. We did have a nice chat along the way, but I suppose that's where you come in, friend." He winked at Shez, who just stared at him, bewildered.
"Ah. And here I thought you were acting as a decoy for the sake of the rest of us." Dimitri said.
Edelgard sighed heavily and shook her head. "His intentions are as clear as day. You will prove a lacking ruler if you do not see truth behind a person's words."
"Hm. And you will prove a lacking ruler if yourself if you look for deceit behind every word and fail to trust those whom you rely on." Dimitri shot back.
"…Are you done trading insults?" Byleth asked.
"It's more like…advice." Claude's hands went behind his back.
"Pardon me." Alois returned to the scene, gesturing for Shez to come with him. "A moment of your time, young mercenary?"
"Sure." Shez preferred that to standing and listening to whatever the hell was going on. So she and Alois walked off while the three lords introduced themselves to Byleth properly. "What's up? Is this about my payment?"
"Yes, well…" Alois did a quick bow. "Apologies for asking this of you, but are you heading anywhere? Because I would like to ask you to come back to the Monastery instead."
"And…why would I do that, exactly?" Shez asked.
"Because you've done us a great service and we don't have the means out here to properly reward you!" Alois replied. "We can repay your kindness in full there. Also, between you and me, this evening's turn of events was quite an embarrassment for the church. We allowed students of the Officers Academy out of our sight – and house leaders of great political consequence at that. And then they crossed swords with bandits! While we can excuse it for the case of the Captain, you still had a hand in it and you are an unaffiliated party…and if news of that got out, well, let's just say it would sit poorly for everyone. So you see why we must ensure you are well – compensated. Also, there may be some papers for you to sign…perhaps in blood."
"This sounds more like hush money than a reward…" Shez grumbled. There was a lot of political issues surrounding her actions tonight. She never really kept up with that stuff, so her ignorance on the issue is really biting her in the ass right now.
"Yes, that's exactly what I told the fool knight who suggested it!" Alois said with a big smile. But it wasn't exactly a friendly one despite its appearance. "I'd just as soon send you on your way, but I fear I'm obligated to escort you back." The wording shifted ever so slightly. This wasn't a humble request. It was a kind demand. "Anyway, the whole thing will be much easier if you simply agree to come along. Just as a formality, of course.
"What in the…" Shez thought to herself.
"I think that was a threat!" Arval exclaimed. Honestly, he was pretty impressed with Alois's attitude. "And here I thought this guy came across as some big softy. But hey, think about this. The Ashen Demon and Jeralt appear to be going there as well. This might be a trip worth your time."
"I suppose it could be worth it…" Shez thought to herself, responding to Arval in the process. "You make a poor case, Alois. But I think it'll be worth my time to join you as is."
"Wonderful! I'm glad to hear it. I'd say you saved my bacon, but that would be a little…hammy." Alois couldn't fight the smile from his own joke.
"…." Dead silence. Shez just stared. That joke did not fly over well. "Alois, has anyone told you that your…"
"Don't. Some truths are too painful to bear." Arval advised. Alois seemed like the type to get sad when a joke fell flat.
.
.
The next day began the awkward trek to Garreg Mach. Alois, Jeralt, Byleth, Shez, Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri made their way to the Monastery. There was a hint of tension in the air, but it was mostly from Shez's attitude towards Byleth. "…So. What'd you think of the three of them?" She asked Byleth. She couldn't stand this awkward tension the silence brought about, even if it was mostly her doing.
"Why do you care to know what I think?" Byleth replied, but she didn't even so much as glance in Shez's direction as they walked. Naturally, this only irritated the purple haired woman more.
"Do you have to be so dismissive?" Shez groaned. "Fine, I'll share and maybe you can just reply to that. I think they're all going to be good rulers. I can see every bright side about them; Dimitri's nobility, Edelgard's determination, and Claude's smarts will all lead their respective countries to greatness."
"Is that all you see? Hm." Byleth replied, still looking ahead. "I wonder how you've gotten this far only seeing sunny side of people."
"The purple one doesn't seem to be very attentive." Sothis said to Byleth casually.
"Hey!" Shez growled.
"It appears the Ashen Demon is more perceptive of people than at first glance. You might want to take a lesson from her if you wish to strike her down in the future." Arval said.
"You're siding with her now!?" Shez groaned. "I don't understand how anyone is supposed to get a read on that demon? I've been watching her since last night and her expression hasn't changed at all."
"She doesn't show her weaknesses that easily either. Killing the Ashen Demon won't be an easy task…" Arval had to concede.
"I hope you two like it at the monastery." Dimitri's voice suddenly snapped the two out of their thoughts. "I'd be happy to show you both around."
"It really is Fodlan in a nutshell." Claude said, his arms behind his back. "The good and the bad." He said it with a joking tone, but his words were quite heavy in a way only one other person picked up on….
"Indeed." Edelgard nodded slowly. "But like it or not, we'll be there soon." Once they made their way past the trees, Garreg Mach was visible in the distance. "And there it is…"
"…It's big." Byleth said. It was practically a fortress.
"…" Shez was speechless. Never before had she laid eyes upon a building that was this big.
After making their way through the front entrance, Jeralt, Byleth, and Shez were guided to the courtyard. Jeralt's eyes glanced up and he saw her immediately… "Rhea's here."
"Rhea…?" Byleth mumbled the name. She glanced up, only to see a beautiful woman with green hair and green eyes looking down at them. Her expression didn't budge at all. Those eyes…it felt like she was being studied and examined from afar…
.
.
Byleth, Jeralt, and Shez met with Rhea and her advisor Seteth on the second floor. "Thank you for your patience, Jeralt. My name is Seteth. I am an advisor to the archbishop." Seteth introduced himself to those present.
"It has been a long time, Jeralt. I wonder…was it the will of the goddess that we have another meeting like this?" Rhea said. Her voice was soft and welcoming. Fitting for one with her position.
"Forgive my silence all these years." Jeralt said with a respectful bow. "Much has happened since we last spoke."
"So I see." Rhea smiled. "The miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. This is your child, is she not?" She glanced at Byleth. Something about her….
"Yes. Born many years after I left this place. I wish I could introduce you to the mother of my child…but I'm afraid we lost her to illness." Jeralt said with a small sigh.
"…" Shez furrowed her brows a bit. Byleth lost her mother? Why was that something she could relate to...
"I see…my condolences." Rhea gave a small nod of acknowledgment before turning to Byleth again. "I've heard of your brave exploits from Alois. What is your name?"
"Byleth." Byleth replied simply.
"And you?" Rhea acknowledged Shez at last.
"Huh? Oh. I'm Shez." Shez replied. She was a little stuck thinking about Byleth's lack of a mother, but she shook that off quickly.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank you a;; for saving the students of the Officers Academy." Rhea said. Jeralt didn't seem so impressed…in fact, he was anticipating what was coming next… "Jeralt. You already know what I wish to say, don't you?"
"You want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros." Jeralt replied. With his tone, it was clear that this was the one thing in the world he was trying to avoid, and yet…he was dragged back into it. "I won't say no, but…."
Rhea's lips curved down to a slight frown. "Your apprehension stings. I suspected Alois already asked this of you. I must step away for now, but I expect they will desire a word with you soon. Please listen carefully to what they have to say." Rhea told Byleth. "As for you, Shez, feel free to look around the Monastery to your liking. I have already made sleeping arrangements for you as well. Just tell one of the monks here your name, and they will have it taken care of. Until tomorrow…farewell." With that, Rhea and Seteth made her exist.
Once the coast was clear, Jeralt let out a groan. "Forced back into the Knights of Seiros. Sorry for dragging you into this, kid. But it looks like your services will be needed too."
"Er. I have to work here…as a servant? Or a mercenary?" Byleth scratched her head. Shez was already starting to make her exist, not really wanting to linger around for too long. It was clear she wasn't exactly allowed to leave right now anyway.
"Nothing like that." Jeralt waved his hand. "It seems like the Academy is down a Professor, so they want you to work here."
"…I have to be a teacher?" Byleth blinked.
"She's going to be a teacher?!" Shez turned around with wide eyes. The Ashen Demon, one of the most feared and infamous mercenaries in Fodlan…was going to be a teacher? No. Way. "This place can't be real. I have to get some fresh air."
.
.
Well. Getting fresh air was the place. But Shez immediately found herself getting lost within the interior of the monastery. But in the worst possible place. "How did you get lost…in a stairwell!?"
"I don't know!" Shez complained out into what felt like an endless abyss. Between navigating the second floor and making her way down to the first, she had absolutely no idea where she was going.
Shez's shouting wasn't exactly subtle. A young man with short brown hair and brown eyes approached her. He was wearing a student uniform, and extended a friendly hand towards the struggling woman. "Hey there. You look like you're having a hard time. Need a tour guide?"
"Huh?" Shez snapped out of her thoughts and stared at the person before her. "…Uh. Who're you?"
"Luke von Mateus." The young man responded. "I prefer Luke Cloud, but everyone just calls me Luke for short. Nice to meetcha."