With the help of Luke, Shez was able to find her way around the gigantic area known as Garreg Mach. Because a few areas were currently under maintenance, he wasn't able to show her around the whole place. But hopefully the purple haired woman wouldn't get lost after getting a feel for the area. As they walked, Shez noticed numerous students engaging in various activities, be it sparring, studying, or eating. The next stop for the two of them was the mess hall. "This place sure is big, isn't it?" Shez said, letting out an impressed exhale.
"Without this guy, you'd be wandering around here for an eternity just trying to figure out where to sleep." Arval pointed out. He wasn't wrong, but Shez simply chose not to acknowledge it verbally. She'd look weird if she started responding to a statement only she could hear.
"Yeah. It's built like a fortress too." Luke said, hands behind his head. "Placed smack dab in the middle of Fodlan. You can go anywhere from this location."
"And where are you from?" Shez said. Aside from explaining to her the various facilities, he was quiet about himself. "Or I guess I should be asking…which class are you in?" She was still wrapping her head around the concept, but she understood it. Those from the Empire were the Black Eagles, those from the Kingdom were the Blue Lions, and those from the Alliance were the Golden Deer.
"I'm from the Kingdom." Luke responded, leading Shez into the mess hall. It was pretty busy, but he simply ordered the day's special for the both of them and it was just a matter of waiting at a table now. "My father is a Baron in the Western Kingdom. He thought it would be best if I expanded my horizons or whatever. I think he just wanted to get rid of me."
"Eh?" Shez blinked, confused.
"But that's enough about me. If you're going to pry into someone else's live, it's only fair you share about yourself." Luke said, arms crossed. "Where are you from? It's not every day the Knights personally escort people inside of the Monastery."
"Oh, you saw that?" Shez asked. Their food arrived and Shez could use the meal. She was used to cooking her own meals, so having something made for her was a nice change of pain. "Well, I think I can say that I'm from Alliance territory."
"You think?" Luke quirked a brow. That was a vague non answer.
"I mean, my mom and I lived close to a village in Ordelia territory, but not in the village itself. Oh, and she wasn't my mom by blood or anything. She just…adopted me, I guess." Shez scratched the back of her head. Recalling anything related to the woman who raised her was difficult since she was so young. "As for why I'm here? Well, I can't exactly share the details. Rhea hasn't exactly said what she wants me to do, meanwhile the other woman I came here with is going to be a teacher here…"
"Oh, Byleth is going to be a teacher?" That voice came from Dimitri. He was just finished sparring with his childhood friend Felix Hugo Fraldarius, and his vassal Dedue Molinaro.
"Oh, hey Dimitri." Shez said. "Yeah. The Ashen Demon's gonna be a teacher here thanks to Alois's suggestion."
"It would be a wonderful opportunity to learn from someone so skilled…" That's all Dimitri could think about. "Perhaps you'll be a student? If so, it would be nice to have you in the Blue Lion House. But I suppose I'm getting a little ahead of myself there."
"As you tend to." Luke replied to Dimitri with a roll of his eyes. "Anyway. I'm gonna head out now. See you guys later." Luke left, leaving a bit of awkward tension in the air.
"Huh. That was weird." Shez shrugged.
"Apologies for Luke. I have reason to believe it isn't too fond of my presence for one reason or another." Dimitri said. "Regardless, I do hope to see you around more often in these coming days."
"Yeah, well…that's not up to me yet." Shez said. "Though if I were a student…"
"I might be in your head, but I have no idea what you're thinking. That thought worries me." Arval said.
.
Edelgard was speaking with Hubert von Vestra, her most loyal aid. Recent events did have her grumbling. They were in the Officer's Academy area of the Monastery, just outside of their classroom. "This is a bit worrisome…" She would only admit such words to Hubert and Hubert alone. "The situation in the forest got a bit out of hand…"
"Those bandits were simply nothing more than trouble." Hubert said. "But something else weighs on your mind, doesn't it, Lady Edelgard?"
"The professor who fled during the bandit attack could've been useful, but that's not an avenue we can pursue right now." Edelgard said. "If the cards play in our favor, we might be able to rescue her…"
"Such an action would be akin to burning more than just a few bridges." Hubert stated out of caution. "It would be unwise to act without at least knowing what will happen with the Professor situation. And even then, our hands may be tied one way or another. I cannot advise anything too risky at this juncture."
"I suppose you have a point…" Edelgard hated the idea of her hands being tied. She had ideas, she had plans…but as it stood right now, there wasn't anything she could do about it. Not yet…
"Curious about the teacher situation?" Claude casually approached the two of them. He didn't hear any of the conversation prior, just the professor part. "Word along the grapevine says we'll be getting a new one soon, you know."
"Really? Isn't that convenient." Hubert found that too timely to be true.
"It's true. I heard it myself." Claude replied. As to who it was, clearly he had no intention of answering that question. The look on his face said he didn't want to spoil the surprise. "The real question is…I wonder which House they'll want to teach."
Edelgard sighed. "You always do this. I'm not entirely in the mood to search for the truth within your words this time around. I have a sneaking suspicion you don't intend to share either."
"Maaaybe if you say pretty please." Claude gave a playful wink.
"I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. Come on, Hubert." Edelgard wasn't going to bite. She and Hubert just turned and walked off.
"Yeesh. Someone's got some stiff shoulders." Claude said to himself.
"What was that about?" Byleth approached Claude. She was doing the rounds on the Houses to get to know them better.
"Oh, Teach." Claude smiled. "I was just going to tell Edelgard that you were the new Professor. But it seems like she was a little too preoccupied, so I never had the chance."
"You know about that?" Byleth blinked.
"I overheard." Claude said. "And if you're doing the rounds, let me introduce you to the Golden Deer first and foremost." He motioned for Byleth to follow and she did, right into the Golden Deer classroom. There, all eyes were on the new Teacher. "Hey guys. This is the new Professor on the block. Say hello, don't be shy."
"Hello." Byleth waved her hand. She felt….awkward. She wasn't used to being around a group of people like this.
"You're the one who helped out Claude, right? Nice to meetcha!" The first one to greet Byleth was Raphael Kirsten. "I'm Raphael! And this is my buddy, Ignatz!" Ignatz was a bit quiet, but Raphael had no problems dragging him into the introductions.
Ignatz Victor was a bit surprised at his sudden inclusion. But he adjusted his glasses and gave a simple nod. "Oh, hello. It's nice to meet you. Thank you for helping Claude."
"You look reliable." That came from the youngest in the class, Lysithea von Ordelia. She was the youngest and the smallest, but people often tried to avoid the subject of her age to avoid her ire. "I'm Lysitha von Ordelia."
"And I…" The moment the young man with purple hair opened his mouth, there was silence. But not for the reason of his introduction. A self-proclaimed icon of nobility. "Am Lorenz Hellman Gloucester! A pleasure it is to meet one such as yourself."
"Hey, you're captain Jeralt's kid, right?" Ignoring Lorenz was Leonie Pinelli. She approached Byleth and looked her over, scrutinizing her with her gaze.
"Yes. Jeralt is my father." Byleth replied. "You know him?"
"You bet I do!" Leonie said. "I'm Leonie Pinelli! And the Captain trained me himself when I was younger. I don't remember seeing you around but…just know that I was his best student! So I won't be losing to you, you got that!"
"She's quite competitive…" Sothis said.
"Oh…okay, well." Byleth shrugged. She wasn't entirely sure how to feel about Leonie.
"Leonie, don't be so rude. You're going to make her not want to be our Teacher." That came from Hilda Valentine Goneril. The lazy girl was sitting beside another girl with blue hair. "I'm Hilda, it's so nice to meet you! Marianne, you should say hello too."
"H-Huh?" Marianne von Edmund was a little taken aback at first. But it was probably rude not to introduce herself, so she looked to Byleth a bit shyly. "I-It's nice to meet you. My name is Marianne, and, um…" She…didn't know what to say after that. So she just went quiet.
"And that's everyone in our little crazy house." Claude said, arms behind his head. "If you do end up teaching us, I hope you're up for the wild ride."
"I'll think about it." Byleth said. Truthfully she had no idea if she'd be teaching this class or not. But it helped to get to know them. "I have to look at the other classes now. But I'm sure I'll see you around." With that, Byleth made her exit.
"Nobody let me finish my statement." Lorenz grumbled. He had more to say!
.
Next was the Blue Lion house. Dimitri went ahead and greeted Byleth, introducing her to the others in the class. "This is the new Professor that may be teaching us." Dimitri said.
"Hello. I'm Byleth." Byleth introduced herself. This didn't feel any less awkward than before, but due to her unchanging expression, nobody could tell.
"Well! I didn't realize that a new professor would be such a beauty…My name is Sylvain, and…" Sylvain Jose Gautier spoke. But before he could even say anything else, Ingrid stepped in front of him.
"Please forgive his indecency. He just doesn't seem to learn." Ingrid Brandl Galatea glared at Sylvain. "My name is Ingrid. This is Sylvain…"
"He just doesn't learn." Felix said with a groan. Every day he had to witness Sylvain's headache inducing behavior. "I'm Felix. Word is you're pretty strong…I'm looking forward to crossing blades with you."
"If that's what you want, I don't see why not." Byleth said.
"You don't have to humor him." Luke said from the back of the class. "He's just like this. He'll fight a tree if there was a sword stuck in its branch."
"Tsk, quiet." Felix grunted. It wasn't an incorrect assessment.
"I heard you and the purple haired mercenary were responsible for aiding His Majesty." Dedue said. "For that, you have my gratitude."
"Hello. I'm Ashe! I hope you're considering teaching our class." Ashe Ubert said.
"We made these for you!" Two girls approached Byleth. The first was Annette Fantine Dominque, and the second was Mercedes von Martrinz. Annette was holding out a tray of baked treats. "As a welcome! My name is Annette by the way."
"And I'm Mercedes." Mercedes said with a sweet smile. "When Dimitri told us we might have a new professor, Annie and I wanted to make these for you."
"Well, it was mostly all you. I just helped." Annette said bashfully.
Byleth took one of the sweets and bit into it. It was delicious. Although her expression failed to show it, the way she consumed the treat said enough. "…It's delicious. I like sweets."
It was a hit! Mercedes's smile widened. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Feel free to have the rest if you want."
Byleth did indeed take the tray as it was handed to her. "…I'll bring this back. I have to go to the other class left." She started to leave, scarfing down the treats as she did.
"I did not take her for a sweet lover." Dimitri found it amusing though.
.
Last but not least, the Black Eagles. By the time Byleth arrived, she finished the treats Mercedes and Annette gave her. So she was just carrying around an empty tray, and the Black Eagles classroom was right next door to the Blue Lions! She ate them fast. When she stepped inside, she was curious to see Edelgard wasn't present. "…Huh. I thought she'd be in here."
"ACK! STRANGER!" The first person to noticed Byleth was Bernadetta von Varley, known recluse. If she didn't have to come to class today, she absolutely wouldn't have.
"…?" Byleth stared at Bernadetta. There was absolute no malice here, but she could see that the girl was very, very skittish. And that was putting it lightly.
"Oh, I'm very sorry for her. It's okay, Bernie. She's not gonna hurt you." Dorothea Arnault said, trying to ease Bernie's worries. "Oh, are you possibly that new professor I've been hearing about? I didn't know it would be someone so slim and attractive…"
"…Huh?" Byleth didn't know how to respond. Was that…a compliment?
"Oh, where are my manners. I'm Dorothea. This is Bernadetta. She's a little…just be patient with her." Dorothea said with a smile.
"Unfortunately, it seems that Edelgard and Hubert have scampered off somewhere." A young man with orange hair stepped up. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ferdinand von Aegir, future Prime Minister. Nobility is…"
"Please spare her your speech." Dorothea said. She shut that down fast.
"We've heard it many times already." Linhardt von Hvering said. "But anyway…it's nice to meet you."
"Come on, Linhardt! You could greet her with some more enthusiasm, you know!" Caspar von Bergliz said with his loud voice.
"Not everyone has as much energy as you, Caspar." Linhart sighed. Caspar was tiresome as always.
"It is a pleasure to be meeting you!" Petra Macneary said with a polite bow. "I am hoping that we will be getting along. Ah, though…please do forgive me. I have not been mastering this language well."
"That's alright." Byleth said. Somehow, the Black Eagles felt more chaotic than the other classes she's observed thus far. "I guess I won't be meeting this 'Hubert' character just yet…but that's fine."
.
Meanwhile. Seteth and Rhea were alone. This was Seteth's chance to voice his disapproval at Rhea's actions. "Have you no intention of changing your mind, Rhea? Appointing a stranger- a child no less – as a professor at our esteemed Academy is…!"
"I have made my decision, Seteth." Rhea said, refusing to budge on the matter. "I know worrying comes naturally to you, but there truly is no need. That 'stranger' is Jeralt's flesh and blood, after all."
"I can't say that's all too comforting." Seteth rebuked. "How trustworthy is this Jeralt character? Is he not the man who went missing after the great fire 21 years ago? And what of the other mercenary? There is no affiliation between her and this Jeralt, not to mention there is no guarantee they won't hold the scandal against us. And Flayn is here with as well…"
"I have it taken care of." Rhea said. "They have my trust, so please let that be enough for you for now. More importantly, I have received a report from Shamir…"
.
.
The next day came around. Byleth and Shez were to meet with Rhea and Seteth, along with the other two teachers of the Officers Academy: Manuela Cassagranda and Hanneman von Essar. "How have you two enjoying your time at the academy thus far? I hope you've found our halls brimming with the vitality of well-intentioned souls."
"It is very lively." Byleth said. She made the rounds on her own the previous day.
"I must make it clear that I am against entrusting someone as lacking in trackable history as yourself with being in charge of one of our three houses, but it is as the archbishop desires." Seteth stated.
"…Thanks?" Byleth wasn't sure how to reply to that.
"And, uh…what am I here for exactly?" Shez asked.
"Simple. I also want you to join the Officers Academy, but as a student." Rhea explained.
"W-What?" Shez blinked. "A student?" This was an interesting situation. It was something mentioned briefly yesterday, but she never considered it. "Well…actually. If it is to get stronger…" Plus, if Byleth was going to stay as a teacher here, this would mean Shez knew her whereabouts at all times…
"The Black Eagles, Blue Lions, and Golden Deer are all very different classes. I hope you make it a point to get to know them." Manuela said with care.
"Since you are new here, we have decided to allow you first pick." Hanneman told Byleth. "Manuela and I will take care of the remaining two houses."
"Oh, thank you." Byleth gave an appreciated nod. She closed her eyes and thought long and hard about which class she wanted to teach. Being a teacher was completely different to being a mercenary. Considering she made the rounds quickly the day before, she did put some thought into this decision. "Hm…I think…I'll choose the Black Eagle house." She didn't have a particular reason….or maybe she did. It was hard to say.
"Is that what your heart is set on?" Rhea asked.
"There's no need to make it sound so heavy." Byleth said, unaware of the irony this statement would hold later. But for the time being, she thought it a simple choice. "But yes, that's the class I'd like to teach, if that's alright."
"But of course. They are promising children with Fodlan's future in their hands." Rhea nodded, before turning to Shez. "Which class would you like to be a student of?"
"…." Shez thought for a moment. "Black Eagles."
"What!?" Arval couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Why would you want to go to the same class the Ashen Demon is teaching!? Isn't that counterproductive?"
"Relax! I know what I'm doing. I used to read stories all the time where the student surpasses the master eventually! It's going to be just like that! I'll learn what makes the Ashen Demon tick, then I'll take her out!" Shez thought her logic was sound.
Arval, on the other hand, didn't like the idea of Shez getting her ideas from stories. "Ugh. I can't help but feel like this is a bad idea. But it is your decision, so I will support you."
"You want to be my student?" Byleth was surprised by this, blinking a few times. Her expression didn't match at all how she felt, though.
"Psh, yeah." Shez said while flexing her arm.
"Huh. Okay." Byleth thought it a bit odd, but she shrugged it off.
"They are all promising youths who bear the weight of Fodlan's future upon their shoulders. I hope you appreciate what an honor it is to lead them." Seteth told Byleth.
"I'll do my best. You have my word." Byleth nodded. It was a firm nod. Granted, she could tell that earning Seteth's trust was not going to be an easy matter…but she would simply take this job seriously and to the best of her ability. She was still unsure if she had what it took to be a teacher…
"Brother?" A petite girl with green hair walked in. The moment she saw the small gathering, she immediately realized she was intruding. "Oh! I am so sincerely sorry! I did not mean to interrupt."
"I am in the middle of something, Flayn. Is it urgent?" Seteth immediately turned to Flayn.
"No, no…it's nothing." Flayn shook her head. "More importantly, who are they?" She gestured to Byleth and Shez.
"These are new additions to the Officer's Academy. A new teacher and student." Seteth explained.
"Oh!" Flayn gave a polite smile. "I am Seteth's little sister, Flayn. I am so happy to make your acquaintances."
"Getting back to the matter at hand…" Seteth began. "In a few days time, there will be a mock battle between the three houses, intended to gauge the current progress of the students. We will be using this battle as an opportunity to ascertain your own abilities as well. Do not disappoint the archbishop. That is all."
.
.
It was a swift dismissal after that. Byleth and Shez were making their way to the Black Eagle classroom. Byleth turned to Shez, brows furrowed in faint curiosity. "…And you're sure you want to be my student? I can tell you don't like me, so I don't understand why you want to learn from me. Unless the Black Eagles just interested you." Somehow, she felt that wasn't the case, though.
"Oh. No reason." Shez replied. "I mean, you are technically one of Fodlan's strongest…" She replied. It was a basic reason, but she wasn't going to spill the beans about her plan to use Byleth's teachings to try and finish her one day. That would be a fun little surprise. "But if we're asking questions, why did you choose the Black Eagles, huh?"
"No reason." Byleth replied. Shez felt a little annoyed because she was unsure if the Ashen Demon was just parroting her answer or not.
"…You don't talk much, do you?" Shez grumbled.
"Don't need to." Byleth replied, before staring at a book in her hands. "Although, I guess that's about to change. I don't know how to do this teaching thing, but I suppose I'll learn as I go. Don't be a difficult student if you can help it."
"I can't tell if she's patronizing me or not! Her tone never changes!" Shez told Arval.
"The more we learn about the Ashen Demon, the more I fail to understand her as well. But this is the path you chose. So we can only wait and see if and when an opportunity arises to kill her. Hopefully sooner rather than later…" Arval said. A school environment seemed like the most difficult place to kill a single person, let alone one of Fodlan's most infamous mercenaries…but that gut feeling in his stomach urged him on. To kill the Ashen Demon…it felt like his destiny.
"My my! Looks like you'll be in charge of a number of young ones. Are you prepared for the trials and tribulations ahead?" Sothis asked Byleth. This whole situation seemed amusing to her.
"I don't know. I've never taught anyone before." Byleth said. "I might be bad at it. I don't know why I was recommended to begin with."
"You have worries? I never would've imagined." Sothis teased. "Come now, you'll be fine. You are smart, at least when it comes to combat. Power unparalleled and you have me by your side. With these factors, you shall make the finest teacher this land has ever seen!" Sothis was mostly complimenting herself here, but she did mean it for Byleth as well. A little of it.
"Well, if you say so." Both Byleth and Shez said aloud at the same time. But they both just looked at each other.
"…Who are you talking to?" Byleth asked.
"N-No one. You?" Shez flipped the question back.
"No one." Byleth replied.
.
.
Byleth and Shez arrived at the Black Eagles classroom. While they were aware of the new professor, they didn't realize they'd be getting a new classmate as well. "Whoa! So you're gonna be our new professor? And…we have a new classmate as well?" Caspar was surprised.
"Hm…" Hubert glanced at Byleth and Shez. He was judging them silently.
"You have a gut, professor. I will take great joy in learning from you." Petra said.
Dorothea began to sweat. "Uh, Petra. I think you meant to say they have guts. That's completely different from having a gut. But I hope you fit in with us as well." She said to Shez.
"Here in this class, we treat everyone as equals regardless of rank or status." Ferdinand said. "I would love to include the both of you in that inner circle as well."
"I'm certainly no noble, but it's nice to meet all of you." Shez said with a wave. "I'm Shez. Hope we get along." Granted, she didn't expect to get too close to anyone here. She was solely focused on beating the Ashen Demon…and not to mention, she didn't want to get too attached either. Goodbyes and farewells came to easily, so she'd rather not put herself through that trouble of getting close. It would just be like every mercenary company she's been a part of, she was sure.
"I may be the Imperial Princess, but here at the academy, I'm just another student." Edelgard told Byleth. "That said, know that I have high expectations and hopes of you. But I'm certain you can lead the Black Eagle house to greatness."
"Yeah! Now let's break the ice with a training session! I wanna see our new teacher and classmate in action!" Caspar said with vigor.
"You wanna fight? You're on." Shez said with a grin.
"I was more so thinking something along the lines of having tea…" Dorothea trailed off. "Doesn't that sound lovely, Professor?"
"You can do whatever you want, just please keep me out of it…" Two new people in just the span of two days? Bernadetta couldn't handle this. Meanwhile, Linhardt fell asleep in the background.
"I know we agreed to treat each other as equals, but there is a limit to what I can tolerate." Ferdinand said. "The esteemed Black Eagle House requires order." There was a lot of noise going on from that point on. The students were talking about how best to spend time with their new professor and classmate. Shez was already fitting in by joining in this conversation.
"I don't envy you." Hubert said. "Looks like your first job is to quiet down this rabble."
"…" Edelgard couldn't believe what she was seeing. Never before was the Black Eagles house like this. "They're not usually this rowdy. I do hope you can manage, Professor…"
"…Uh. I think I can." Byleth said. Honestly, she wasn't so sure. But there was one thing that was clear. There were some lively days up ahead…
And some dangerous ones too…