5/1 Harpstring moon
Byleth woke up, feeling a bit of dizziness. He had that dream again. To make things worse it was the day he had to tell his students about the month´s task. Changing his clothes he headed immediately to his class, still empty.
The first student to appear was Edelgard, as expected. She was wearing her usual uniform, although he could see a bit of eye bags around her usually faultless face.
"Good morning Professor Byleth. Do I have something on my face?" said noticing Byleth´s stare.
"Looking at your eye bags I´m sure that yesterday was a day to remember" said Byleth, feeling a bit of tension around his lips.
"It seems that I can´t hide nothing from you Professor. I must admit I enjoyed our victory to say the least".
"Today I will tell you and the rest of the students about our current task".
"What is it may I ask?"
"We have to kill the thieves who attacked you and the others on your way to the monastery".
"I see…" said Edelgard with a thoughtful glare. "It feels like yesterday when our paths met".
"Yes, everything has changed since then, I´m a mercenary no more and you are my student" feeling again a peculiar tension around his lips.
"Whatever it happens, I´m here to assist you, my teacher"
"Ey Professor, Edelgard morning!"
Caspar came smiling as his usual self, alongside him came Linhardt.
"Lecturing in the morning should be considered a sin… ahhh"
"Good morning Professor, you look as lovely as ever"
"You too Dorothea"
"If your expression changed a bit it would be better but thanks for the compliment anyway".
When everyone had arrived, Byleth started speaking.
"This month´s task will be the eradication of a group of bandits that has taken refuge in the ruins of Zanado"
Every time that name came to his lips he felt a strange feeling of longing and sadness. It may be related to Sothis. "It looks like she is taking a nap" he thought.
"Before continuing the explanation I have to ask. Anyone here has experienced killing a person?"
Byleth scanned everyone´s faces. The room has suddenly turned quiet. Only Hubert and Edelgard nodded. In the case of Edelgard he has seen it by his own eyes and in the case of Hubert he wasn´t surprised at all. The rest were completely silent.
"You don´t have to worry. It´s only natural to feel like that" his inexpressive face contradicting his words. "As a former mercenary I have two principles regarding the killing of other human beings: First of all no hesitation. If you doubt in the middle of a battle you can get yourself killed, or worse, you can get your own companions killed. Fighting is difficult enough to avoid handicapping yourself."
"The second principle is that killing is the last option you should have when facing someone. As a mercenary I have been contracted to resolve disputes between nobles when every other option but fighting was impossible. Apply that to your own life and you may be able to see another day".
"Professor, which one was your first?" Edelgard asked
"A savage from Sreng. A knife to the throat. I was nine."
The class grew even quieter. Edelgard´s eyes were completely focused on him as if she was reading a completely new novel. Hubert´s eyes were also watching Byleth with a different light.
"The life of a mercenary is a hard life, but I have always had my father´s support. I will protect all of you as my father did to me".
"Thanks Professor, it means very much to me…" Dorothea said, her usual jolliness nowhere to be seen.
"I will teach you where to hit to end everything quickly"
"Hyeek!"
"Calm down Bernadetta, if you don´t learn to hunt you will be the prey"
"Petra, I think we were talking about killing people not hunting them, but I guess that the ending is the same uff"
"To avoid unnecessary suffering" continued Byleth "the best places to strike would be the throat, the face or the heart. If you stab someone in the stomach it will probably be killed by it but it´s going to be agonizing for minutes. I will give my best to protect all of you, but you will have to listen to my command, always. If you disobey the punishment won´t be light."
"And Linhardt, your role as a healer will be indispensable. In your case fighting will be a last resort, focus on keeping the rest alive".
"Understood Professor I will do my best"
Byleth was satisfied of hearing decisiveness on his voice.
"I also think we need a secondary healer. Hubert you will practice with Linhardt, I hope you do your best".
"An interesting choice" Hubert chuckled "Understood Professor".
"Now I will explain to you the tasks we will have during this month: Bernadetta and Ferdinand to the stables, Caspar armor training, Dorothea choir and Edelgard and Petra will patrol with the Pegasus knights."
….
After the class everyone headed to their respective duties except Edelgard who came to his place.
"Professor, I´m ashamed to admit it, but I haven´t ridden on a Pegasus."
"You don´t have to worry I will ride with you until you feel comfortable"
"Oh, thank you"
"Let´s head to the place"
Petra was already mounting one of the Pegasus, looking at her confident face he was sure she had experienced with it.
Edelgard had a worried expression on her face so he decided to help her. He gripped her with both his hands and placed her atop of the Pegasus. He climbed behind her, reassuring her with his arms.
"You don´t have to worry today. I will be taking the reins".
"T-thank you my teacher"
Byleth couldn´t see her face but her ears were of a vivid red.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"Y-yes I´m just nervous"
"Don´t worry, you can grab my arms if you feel any dizziness while we are flying"
"!"
"Petra, go you first"
As Petra started flying he directed his Pegasus to an empty area next to the Pegasus´s stable. Then he quickly moved the reins and the Pegasus started running, after a few seconds they left the ground behind. They were flying.
Edelgard didn´t scream whatsoever, yet he noticed her grip on his arms "She is strong"
"How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you"
He couldn´t see her face but he felt her body relaxing a bit.
"I´m glad to hear that"
"May I ask you why you chose me for this? In the case of Petra it was only natural since she has already ridden Wyverns back in Bigrid, but in my case… Why did you choose me?"
"As you have said before, your life is going to be full of burdens. I thought that feeling the freedom of the sky was the best way to make you forget about it for a moment."
"My teacher...thank you for your attention" her ears turning red again
"Edelgard, are you sure you are ok? Your ears are getting red"
"My!? Please don´t look at me, please focus on the Pegasus he is waiting your instructions!"
Despite his curiosity he acted as Edelgard begged him and focused on the trajectory of the Pegasus. They spent the rest of the travel contemplating the landscapes from the highs.
….
"Thank you for today Professor, it was a wonderful experience".
"I´m glad to hear that. We will keep practicing as today, unless you want to change it".
"You don´t have to worry. I will do my best to learn. Besides, if you are by my side there is nothing to fear" Edelgard said with a gentle smile. Her smile made him feel a little ache on his chest.
Heading to his room Sothis voice assaulted him
"How was today? I´m sorry I was taking a nap until now"
"Today was a really good day"
"I dare to say so, you look brighter? Please tell me why"
"I was training with my students"
"You feel like this only because of that? How boring!"
"I will be taking a nap soon"
"Oh that is something that I can agree to!"
…..
5/15
His students were making progress. Knowing the task ahead they were doing their best. Even Linhardt was focused on the task ahead. When he asked to him he answered
"I guess that it would be more troublesome for me having you mad at me. Don´t over think it too much" he said while yawning.
Today was his free day and he was wondering about what to do.
"You know that you can leave the monastery from time to time, your puppies need a rest too so I don´t think they will be missing you for a day"
"I have already bought provisions and weapons for the upcoming battle Sothis"
"Then explore your surroundings, if I could move by myself I would expend the whole day outside enjoying the sun"
Perhaps it wasn´t a really bad idea.
He headed to the Pegasus's stables. When he entered the stable he was welcomed by familiar noises. The Pegasus there had grown fond of him. Even Edelgard was feeling at ease with these incredible creatures.
He chose his favorite and rode him to the exit, after a short run he was in the sky. There were no clouds in the sky and the world under him was covered in a vivid green. As the monastery grew smaller he could see hills and lakes under him. The lands around the monastery where without a doubt fertile. Despite his efforts, he hadn´t found information relate to the foundation of the monastery yet. The place had an aura of mystery surrounding it, but he couldn´t dare to ask Rhea directly about it. In comparison to Seteth she had placed her trust in him, yet he couldn´t stop wondering why.
"Stop daydreaming, this is a good place to land!"
The place that Sothis was talking about consisted in a small lake hidden from the outside by a small group of trees. He landed his Pegasus and walked to the lake, where he started fishing.
"I guess that this is Alois´s fault" he thought
He has taken fishing as a hobby, it helped him to relax his mind after hours of lessons and he could give the fishes to the kitchen´s staff. Today though, he hadn´t picked any bucket so any time he caught a fish he released it. Sothis was silent but he knew she was awaked. He felt comfortable with her
"I guess that it´s only natural to feel like this if you are always with me"
"I guess so, but I´m even gladder that you have found a place to stay. The children you teach are preparing for a tough fight, but it is only human to have the need of finding time for yourself. Don´t push yourself too much about it Byleth. You will overcome this task with your students".
"I will do my best for them too"
"I´m glad to hear that, your solitary life as a mercenary may have come to an end. Forgive me, but I will be taking a nap. This is the perfect place to do it".
"Sleep well"
…
It was already dark outside when Edelgard left her room to get some fresh air. She felt exhausted after speaking with Hubert for the last hours. There was also the matter of the bandits. They had failed their task and she couldn´t allow herself to leave them alive.
"I guess that I overestimated my skills back then". To avoid being framed by the attack she had to be there, but by bad luck her axe shattered and she only had a knife to protect herself. And then she was saved by him, not because he knew her, but because he wanted to and she was moved by that. She wondered if her teacher would be an asset to her plans, but it was too soon to know. The only thing she could sense was that her teacher was an honest being.
"At least one problem will be over soon" she thought.
Even if it was dark she could see perfectly thanks to the full moon in the sky. She enjoyed the fresh air of the night. It helped her to cast aside her worries and her fears. "My brothers and sisters I will make sure they will pay, until then…"
"Edelgard"
"Professor? What are you doing riding a Pegasus?"
"I´ve been the whole day outside, and you?"
"I was just enjoying the fresh air".
"Is there something worrying you?"
Her lilac eyes met his. His serene gaze made her feel comfortable yet she knew she couldn´t trust him her inner secrets, at least for now.
"Nothing you should be worried about my teacher".
"I see, if you ever feel the need to talk with me don´t hesitate".
"I´m glad to hear about it but I can´t keep you by myself or the rest of the students would be jealous" she giggled
"I know, everyone is making great efforts for the task ahead." He said that while looking at the moon. "Is he proud about us?" she wondered feeling a bit of relaxation at the mere thought.
"Are you going to stay here?"
"Just a bit longer my Teacher"
"In that case take this" he said while handing her a Carnation.
"My teacher, how did you know I like this flower?!"
"I didn´t but now I know" he said his stoic face looked a little more relaxed than usual
"I´m happy to receive this from you, but may I ask why?"
"You have done a great job with the Pegasus, in no time I´m sure you will be riding alone and then…"
"And then?"
"I can show you the place where I´ve picked this flower"
Feeling the heat on her cheeks she avoided his gaze.
"I feel honored my teacher, I will keep practicing to make that day come true"
"I´m looking forward it" he said while patting her head
"…!"
"Good night Edelgard, see you in the class"
"Good night Professor…"
While she looked at the moon she thought "maybe it´s not too bad to indulge myself a bit, even if Hubert disapproves."
5/16
"Professor Byleth"
"Yes Edelgard?"
"I would like to practice my sword skills with you if you have time to spare"
Byleth looked at the sky, the sun was still high so it won´t be a problem.
"I don´t mind, but I haven´t reserved the practice ground".
"Don´t worry I have already reserved it in advance" Edelgard smiled "Shall we go?"
"Yes"
They headed towards the training grounds. Edelgard took one of the wooden swords and a shield while Byleth picked a two handed sword.
"Beware I won´t restrain myself"
"That´s why I wanted to practice with you since your battle with Instructor Jeritza" she smiled "I wanted to learn more about you to improve as well"
Their swords met. Even if the swords were made of wood the wood was sturdy enough that they could cause grave injuries depending on the area hit by the blow.
As expected, Edelgard´s sword battle style was noble like. In comparison, his style may look unpolished but no battles have ever been won by looks alone.
He released a full blow to her right but Edelgard raised her shield in time. The impact cracked a bit the shield but Edelgard´s small frame resisted the impulse. "She is strong despite her size" he thought.
Now it was the time for Byleth to stop the upcoming swing. Using his own blade as a shield he blocked the attack and with another swing he drew distance between them. The greatsword had the length it´s one handed counterpart lacked and he intended to exploit that advantage.
Blow after blow both sides exchanged hits for 30 minutes. Edelgard had the strength and she had improved her resistance, but she was reaching her limit. Her sword was getting heavier.
"You fight quite well Edelgard"
"That is thanks to you my Teacher"
He charged at her, Edelgard was already raising her shield but in the last second he changed his direction. Hitting with all his strength the blades met but Edelgard´s broke due to the brutality of the hit. Surprisingly Edelgard used her shield to counterattack, the following impact rendering both the shield and the greatsword useless, but Byleth didn´t back down. He pushed her to the wall grabbing her by the neck, their faces a mere inch apart.
"The battle is over"
Their eyes met, focused on each other. Being so close Byleth could sense a nice fragrance coming from her, even though they were both covered in sweat.
"My teacher…"
"Yes?"
"You are still grabbing me"
He released his grab from her; the mark of his hand was completely visible on her white neck. Feeling remorse he caressed the area.
"…!" Edelgard´s face was turning red by the second.
"I´m sorry for that. I overdid it."
"It, it´s ok I was the one who wanted to fight with you after all"
"Hey Teach, I was looking for you I wanted to… oh!"
"Claude?!"
"Hello Claude" said Byleth in his usual tone.
"I´m sorry to interrupt, so this is the secret weapon of the empire?" said Claude while laughing
"I just asked my teacher to practice to me, don´t get the wrong impression!" said a flustered Edelgard
"If you said it that way you are getting the opposite effect" Claude smiled
Recovering her composure Edelgard replied "I won´t fall for it Claude, what kind of matters do you have to discuss with the Professor?"
"I just wanted to practice archery with him and with enough time I want to bring it to the Golden Deer" Claude winked
"Professor Byleth is and will be the teacher of the Black eagles, I thought that matter was already settled" said Edelgard while touching her hair.
"I know, but from time to time wouldn´t it be ok? Professor Manuela is good, but Teach is getting famous for his training methods. Sharing is caring."
"I wouldn´t mind but my priorities are first with my students".
"Of course Teach, but I´ll consider it a win. I´m looking forward to having you practicing with my group someday, don´t worry Edelgard I won´t steal him from you"
"I don´t like at all the way you are saying it but ok. Thanks for the individual session my teacher. It was eventful"
"The pleasure was mine, take care"
After Edelgard left, Claude sighed
"You are really strange Teach. Nobles and commoners are all the same to you. Some people would consider your way of handling everyone dangerous"
"You may be right, but while you are all here I will treat all of you the same. In our mercenary group commoners and nobles fight alongside the other and shared the bread and the salt without any problems".
"You are right Teach, being a noble doesn´t mean you are entitled to be treated differently. If you could tell that to Lorenz it would be of great help".
They kept chatting and shooting arrows until the sun set.
5/28
As the final of the month approached their student´s efforts were giving results. Linhardt and Dorothea´s magic capabilities had increased notably; Hubert was capable of being a healer in case of emergency, Bernadetta was able to resist better her nerves thanks to his interactions with the horses, Ferdinand´s lance capabilities were improving as well and Petra and Edelgard´s capabilities were showing increasing results. Even Caspar was able to control his shoutings from time to time.
"We will depart from here tomorrow morning. Zanado is close enough to the monastery but we will be outside for a few days. Prepare your armors and weapons. I will bring the provisions. The knights of Seiros will be close to us in case we need them, but remember that this task is ours to complete"
"Understood Professor!" As everyone left Edelgard remained at her place.
"Professor Byleth can I speak to you?"
"Of course Edelgard you can speak with me at any time"
"It´s been already a month since you assumed your position as the Professor of the Black eagles and I thought this would be appropriate for you as symbol of my gratitude" said while handing him a silver dagger with a crimson handle with the imperial eagle marked on it.
He was surprised and happy about it
"Thank you very much; it must have cost a lot"
"You don´t have to worry about it, you have done so much for me and the others that I wanted to reciprocate: Besides, you have already gifted me with a flower"
"I will gladly use it" Byleth said while examining the blade. "If you don´t mind I would like to return your favor someday. When is your birthday?"
"It is the 22nd of Garland´s moon" said with a gentle smile. "May I know when is yours?"
"It is the 19th of Red Wolf Moon"
"I will certainly remember it, by the way Professor how old are you?"
Byleth didn´t know how to answer that question. He really didn´t know his age, feeling a bit of embarrassment he admitted
"I don´t know"
"You don´t know?!" Edelgard was surprised "You should ask your father about it. It is only strange to ignore your own age, although you don´t look too much older compared to us".
"I will after he returns" Recently his father has been busy with various tasks in the Leicester Alliance. "How old are you Edelgard?"
"I´m 17 years old".
"Then your next birthday will mark your official pass to adulthood. Anyway, I will remember it and I will keep good care of your present, he said while slightly rubbing her hair."
My teacher, why are you so gentle?" she asked her cheeks slightly red.
"I´m not that gentle, I was a mercenary after all".
"Even if that´s true you are harsh, but no cruel and you help not only your students but also the rest… and you treat me not as the future emperor of a country but as Edelgard von Hresvelg and I cannot thank you enough for that".
"It´s only natural, after all you are not a position but a person"
Her eyes grew wider with a great feeling of gratitude. Feeling her gaze he couldn´t avoid feeling a bit of warmth inside him.
"I will see you tomorrow, take care and prepare your things"
"Of course Professor I will be prepared for the upcoming battle"
5/29
His students marched at the center of the column. The sun was high and there were no clouds in the sky. The path to Zanado crossed between mountains so their advance was slow but steady.
"I´m going to give them a good beating" shouted Caspar
"If you shout like that you will alert everyone and I don´t want to be surrounded by enemies Caspar" Linhardt said
"Fighting or hunting silence is important to succeed"
"I know Petra, but if I don´t really feel like fighting if possible, but I guess it is unavoidable"
"Indeed Dorothea, but you don´t have to worry. As a member of the house of Aegir I will protect you"
"Thanks for your offering but I can handle by myself"
"You really don´t like me don´t you"
"I just want to return to my room! The outside is scary".
Hearing his students chatter Byleth couldn´t avoid feeling a bit of warmth inside him. Even if they were discussing they have grown as a group. Only Hubert and Edelgard remained silent, but looking at Edelgard´s faint smile he sensed she was feeling the same way.
…..
"We will camp here. The knights are going to block the remaining roads to Zanado. Tomorrow we will face an enemy without a route to escape. Rest as tomorrow will be a hard day".
After everyone went to sleep Byleth stayed looking at the flames while sharpening his sword. The sound of the whetstone helped him to remain focus on the plans for tomorrow´s battle.
"I will protect all of you" he promised while looking at his silver dagger.
The dawn came to him next to the fireplace, only ashes witnesses of his silent oath.
I envy the flexibility of the Japanese language. You can say the same thing in such different ways. For example: delicious is 美味しい (oishii). If you were to say "it was delicious" you could say something like this: 美味しかったです(formal) 、美味しかったの (sounds like Edelgard, feminine)、美味しかったわ (more feminine)、美味しかったですの (Flayn)、美味しかった (informal neutral) etc. I´m sure that most people here played the English dub version and I´m not implying that is wrong, but I wanted to point out that there are some elements that regrettably get lost in the translation.
Sorry for the language lesson!