After the mock battle, Rhea summoned Byleth. She wanted to commend her efforts. "Your work with the students was remarkable. I can see Jeralt trained you well. I do hope you were able to use the occasion to bond with the students."

"The students did most of the work." Byleth responded. She'll claim she didn't do too much, but she still had the highest body count of the mock battle with 4 people down by her hand, and she hadn't a single scratch on her. "But I do think we got a little closer?" Bonding with people? A foreign subject to her really.

"I am so happy to hear it." Rhea gave Byleth a gentle smile. "Nothing would please me more than if you used this coming year to grow closer still."

"Of course, the mock battle was mere practice." Seteth said. "The real fight is the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, which will take place during the Wyvern Moon. You are expected to properly train your students so as to not humiliate the academy during the long-held tradition that is the coming battle."

"Okay." Byleth nodded in understanding. She could feel Seteth scrutinizing her with his gaze. She thought nothing of it, but she could tell that he didn't trust her presence at all.

"As for today, I have called you here to tell you of your mission for the month ahead." Rhea said. "Your class is to dispose of some bandits causing trouble nearby."

"Huh? Mission?" This was the first Byleth was hearing of monthly work.

"Those affiliated with Garreg Mach Monastery have a moral obligation to help those in need, regardless of social standing." Seteth explained. "Students are no exception. Each month, before the newly birthed moon departs, each house of students must complete their assigned task. You shall work to complete the task a hand alongside your students, understand? I shall soon endeavor to give you the details of your mission. I suspect if I told you now, you would only forget, and I detest repeating myself."

"That's a bit rude." Byleth thought.

"But is he wrong?" Sothis immediately asked. The answer was no.

.

.

Harpstring Moon.

Byleth met with Jeralt in his new office. "Hey, kid. So, how's this new life working out for you so far? You enjoying it?" Jeralt asked.

"…A little." Byleth admitted.

Jeralt's eyes widened a bit. He was not expecting that answer, but it wasn't a bad thing. "Huh. I didn't think you'd say that." But he was smiling a bit despite that. "When we were mercenaries, I just handled everything. I was a little worried that teaching some nobles would be too much for you, but I guess I was wrong."

"I start lectures this week." Byleth said. In her hands were some papers. "I have…no idea how I'm going to do this. But Hanneman and Manuela were nice enough to help me with some drafts." She needed it. If there was one part about teaching she was unsure of, it was the classroom part.

"Hah, never thought I'd see this day…" Seriously, it was a little surreal for Jeralt to see his kid teaching. "I'm sure you heard about those bandits. It's fairly routine for you, but this will be the first taste of battle for those kids. I wish I could offer my support, but Lady Rhea won't allow so. So try to be careful. It'll be a lot harder to sleep at night knowing one of your little pupils died. For now, I'll try to figure out what Lady Rhea wants from you. I don't mind you settling into your life here, but don't let your guard down. Ever."

Jeralt was being serious about this. The vibe was a little different than usual, but Byleth nodded in understanding. "I won't."

.

.

"Classes start tomorrow." Shez was in the dining hall, having a meal while by herself. "I can only wonder how the Ashen Demon is going to treat the class…"

"You joined the Black Eagles to see for yourself. So you better pay attention." Arval said. He still couldn't believe Shez's reasoning for wanting to join Byleth's class, but he was going to trust her judgement. Apprehensively.

"I know, I know." Shez replied.

Suddenly, Luke took a seat across from her. "Hey there. If it isn't the speedster herself."

"Oh, hey." Shez greeted Luke with a smile. "You're looking better."

"So are you. I saw what Dimitri did you in that mock battle." Luke said.

"Ugh." Shez was trying to forget about that.

"Don't feel bad. It's far from your fault, and he didn't even mean to do it." Luke explained. "That was his Crest, I think? I know that he has a hard time controlling his physical strength, so it's not the first time he's completely broken a weapon. You took that hit pretty well though." Luke said with a smile, but Shez felt otherwise.

"…I heard the Ashen Demon got you." Shez said.

"…I didn't want to fight her at all. I didn't even have a chance to see how she moved. She just hit me once and I was on the ground." Luke rubbed the back of his neck. "She's crazy strong. She took out Professor Hanneman and Manuela."

"…I'll beat her one day." Shez said while leaning back in her seat. "Just watch me."

"Hey now, you should focus on what's in front of you first." Luke pointed to himself. "Our fight's not over yet. You jumped right over me, and I intend to pay you back for that."

"If you think you can keep up, I'll gladly take you on." A friendly rivalry? Shez could handle that. Anything that would help her get stronger. After all, her ultimate goal was the death of the Ashen Demon. If Garreg Mach had ways to help her get stronger, she would take them.

Elsewhere in the dining hall, Claude decided to approach Edelgard and Dimitri. "Quite a mock battle that was, wasn't it? I had a blast."

"It was a good experience. I wish I had the chance to cross paths with one of you in combat." Dimitri said. "But alas, my weapon shattered before I could."

"Again, Dimitri?" Edelgard stared at Dimitri. This was clearly not the first time it happened.

"I know." Dimitri shook his head. "I wish I had a means to control it."

"Teach is pretty good. I heard she had the highest body count the whole time." Claude had his arms behind his head. "Looks like you got a good Professor, Edelgard. I might be a little jealous."

"Professor Byleth's strength is admirable. I'd much rather prefer her as an ally over an enemy." Edelgard said.

"You and I both." Claude replied.

"Her upbringing appears a bit strange, but I'm certain she'll teach us well." Edelgard had that feeling from Byleth.

"I look forward to seeing the fruits of that labor when the Battle of the Eagle and Lion takes place." Dimitri said. "I don't intend to take it easy on either of you when the time comes." That sentiment was shared across all three of the House Leaders. Even if it was months down the line, they already intended to win.

Meanwhile, at another table, Leonie was a little upset from the mock battle. Raphael noticed this and decided to check in on her. "Hey, Leonie. You're not eating your food. You must be a little down, huh?"

"Down? Not exactly." Leonie responded while shaking her head. "I'm just…so mad at myself. I was supposed to show that new Professor what I was capable of as the Captain's best apprentice, but I didn't even have the chance. The Captain's kid is way stronger than I expected."

"Ah, don't worry about it! If you start working on those muscles, you'll be at the top of your game in no time!" Raphael said jovially.

Leonie was swept up in this positive, and the need to assert herself. So she nodded vigorously. "Yeah! You're right. I'm not giving up yet!"

.

The new week started and class was to begin. Byleth stood at her desk in the Black Eagles classroom, letting out a small sigh. She had numerous papers strewn about across her desk. The hardest part of her new job was finally beginning: teaching. "Okay. I guess it's time to get started." All of her students were present. So the only thing that was left was…to begin.

"This should be good." Shez was very intrigued to see how this began.

"We'll start classes with combat training. Er…" Byleth paused for a moment. "To be more precise, I'll be explaining some basic tactics that you can use today, based on what I saw at the mock battle earlier."

"Oh, like that?" Caspar was listening.

"I am ready to be learning from you, Professor." Petra was intrigued by watching Byleth's performance. The entire class was impressed after the mock battle and felt they could learn a lot from Byleth.

Such eager eyes staring at her. Bylet wasn't sure how to feel. She cleared her throat and prepared to do her best. "Ahem. Let's start with numerical advantages. Numbers mean everything on the battlefield. I know it seems like basic knowledge, but always try to ensure you have the advantage, and retreat if you don't."

"But what about one person who can clear the battlefield? Much like yourself?" Hubert questioned. "It sounds like numbers hardly matter in that case."

"You'd have to work your plans around that person." Byleth replied. Although that was something she didn't have much experience. Not that she knew it, but despite the validity of Hubert's question, she was a special case. "It's sometimes not worth engaging that enemy if it can be helped, but a single person and turn the tide of battle."

"If it comes down to it, the noblest of nobles such as myself will gladly turn into that sort of person." Ferdinand said confidently.

"I'm sure you will, Ferdie." Dorothea replied, but she didn't particularly have faith in that statement of his. It felt like he was already planning to showboat more than take it seriously.

"A-And running away is always an option, right?" Bernadetta asked. She was in the furthest seat, trying to be as much in the corner as she could. It was a miracle she even came to class today, but this was about as much engagement as she was willing to offer.

"Yes. There's nothing wrong with fleeing if your life is in danger. I wouldn't want any of you to get hurt, or worse, picking a fight you think you could win." Byleth's responsibility was to keep these students safe. So she had to impart whatever wisdom she could onto them. "But if you absolutely have to fight such a threat, numbers are important. If you pool all of your strength and talents together in a coordinated fashion, your chances of victory will improve greatly. And, if things look bad, make sure to protect you. You have my word."

"I feel safe already." Dorothea gave a sweet smile.

"Thanks, but no thanks." Shez shook her head. No way was she going to have her life saved by the Ashen Demon. She could handle herself.

There were varying responses, but Byleth at least got the sentiment across that she was willing to protect her students. This was a far cry different from usually acting solo on the battlefield as she tended to. She had to lead and work as a unit with these students. Since Byleth was clearly a reliable type, she was bombarded with questions during and after class. The students already thought highly of her opinion. Class ended with Byleth giving everyone a few ideas on where they should focus their studies next, and once it was over, she sat down. "…That was exhausting. I've never talked that much before."

"Oh, but look at the looks on the young one's faces." Sothis said. "You were the center of attention all day."

"Yeah…I've never had to teach anyone though…" Byleth replied. "I'm confident in my own skills, but I'm not confident in teaching. What if I taught them wrong? It'd be my fault. Looking out for people is exhausting…"

"I'm sure you'll fit into the role just fine. Besides, you have me by your side, do you not? I will lend you my aid." Sothis replied. Byleth wasn't going to have to tackle this challenge alone. "As for the coming battle, I will let you use my power if need be. I also wouldn't feel good having their blood on my hands."

"Thanks…" Byleth gave a slight nod. That's when she heard the front door open. It was Shez. "Oh, Shez. Did you need something?"

"…I had a question." Shez said, approaching Byleth's desk. "Are you really going to try and protect the others? That doesn't seem like you." After all, as far as Shez was concerned, this was the Ashen Demon. The Ashen Demon who was just playing the role of teacher.

"…I'll do what I can. You heard me earlier." Byleth said. "But I have a question for you, while you're here. Why didn't you use your power during the Mock Battle? I know you still have them."

Shez glanced away. "It wasn't a serious fight, so I didn't need to. I'm not gonna whip out that power in a practice fight. But on the real battlefield? Absolutely."

"I see. Fair response." Byleth nodded, gathering up her papers. "…I look forward to seeing your results at the end of the week. Oh, and don't forget, you're with Bernadetta on horse tending duty."

"…She's going to run away from me." Shez had yet to hold a proper conversation with Bernadetta.

"Dorothea's going to be there too. She's going to be here for a year, so I'd like to try and help her get over her fear of people somehow." Byleth replied. It was an oddly considerate and Shez was surprised.

"Agh. Fine." But that didn't mean she had to like it. Shez just conceded and walked off.

Once Byleth was done, she decided she'd go and grab something to eat from the dining hall. On her way out, she encountered the combat instructor, the man wearing a mask: Jeritza von Hyrm. "Oh. You're the combat instructor, right? Or…something to that effect."

"…" Jeritza was silent for a moment. He just stared at Byleth, and while his gaze appeared empty, he was actually sizing her up. "You're the new Professor…the one that emerged from the mock battle unscathed…"

"Yes, that's me." Byleth said slowly. "Can I help you…?"

"…We should have a duel." Jeritza said.

Byleth stared at Jeritza. Something about this man…wasn't quite right. She could sense it in his gaze. At present, nothing was wrong. But something deeper was within that stare. "…Do you mean to the death?"

"…What?" Jeritza said. "…I just wanted to spar." Shaking his head, he had nothing more to say, and just left.

"…That man is a strange one." Sothis said, judgmentally.

"You're telling me…" Byleth said, although she wasn't sure if she had room to talk.

.

Byleth ended up eating with Hanneman and Manuela. After the first day of teaching, they were curious as to how their new colleague felt. "So, how was your first day of teaching?" Hanneman asked.

"…Strange." Byleth admitted, poking at her food with a fork. "I've never had to do this before. I don't know if I gave a good lesson or not."

"I'm just you did just fine." Manuela replied. "That was just the first day nerves I'm sure."

"Indeed. This was your first day after all. Once you get into the routine, I have no doubt you'll be a splendid teacher to the students." Hanneman and Manuela actually agreed on something, but… "You'll no doubt be much better than Manuela, who I heard was late to her own class today."

"Oh, stuff it, Hanneman." Maneula scowled. The tension at the table immediately rose. "I was only late by ten minutes. I was hungover."

"There are so many things problematic with this statement." Hanneman said with a disapproving tone. "You have to set a good example for these students, how many times must I repeat myself. Ten minutes is unacceptable."

"Uh…" Byleth looked back and forth between the two.

"Every ten minutes with you, I wonder if you're finally going to keel over." Manuela shot back.

"I am not that much older than you are!" Hanneman replied.

"…Guys. Can't we just get along?" Byleth was watching this squabbling, her voice of reason drowned out. The answer to her question was a resounding no.

.

.

Monica was chained in a cell in a dirty basement. Her arms were chained over her head, not allowing her much freedom. She tried to wiggle her way out, but it was no use, and she was thoroughly exhausted from having to deal with Kronya. "Is that really everything?" Kronya was sitting on the other side of the cell, crouched down. "Ugh. You are a thoroughly exhausting person. How do you function?"

Monica glanced off to the side. She didn't want to talk anymore to Kronya. "…"

"Don't clam up on me now. We've been having so much fun these last few days." Kronya said with a sinister smile. "Even if you don't have anything left to offer verbally, there's still plenty left for us to do."

"…" Monica still didn't say anything.

"Oh, and if you're wondering about that worm you call a father, he's being silenced." Kronya explained. This made Monica's eyes widen.

"What did you do to my father?" She asked, lurching forward a bit, but she was immediately pulled back by her chains.

"I haven't done anything .We just gave him a little impossible job." Kronya snickered. "He was told he'd get you back safe and sound if he managed it, but that was all to placate him. Now he won't be a thorn in anyone's side. I wanted to kill him, but supposedly that's 'too risky' and 'dangerous to the plan'." She used air quotes to get her point across. "You vermin are all so fragile. It really doesn't take much to break you."

"Ngh…" Monica started to sweat. There was a sense of foreboding in the air.

Kronya's red eyes flickered with murderous intent, but also excitement as well. "It's almost time. I can't wait." With a terrifying giggle, Kronya stood up and left Monica. "This cell is going to be your final resting place. But don't worry…I'll take good care of the things you'll be leaving behind!" Those were her final words, echoing dread in Monica's mind as her time grew short. Whatever Kronya was planning, it was clear that Monica wasn't going to be alive to see it…