7/2 Blue sea moon

Her body was too feeble to move. She was the last one alive, but she didn´t have hope to survive. "At least it will be over soon" she thought. She could hear the steps of someone coming closer, the shadows cast away by a torch.

"Grab her hand!" an old man shouted

The masked man, that accompanied him, grabbed her hand with an unnecessary strength, but she wouldn´t cry. "I have no more tears to shed"

She felt a strange light around her hand. The men around her had gone silent. "Is it the end?" she wondered as she opened her eyes. And then she could see it. A crest had appeared where there was only air. "A new crest"

"Success at least" the old man smiled, revealing its rotten teeth. "You have done well, your brothers and sisters would be proud of you if they were here"

"Don´t use your filthy tongue to name them!"

"You still have energy to defy us. Give her a lesson, but don´t kill her or our efforts would be wasted"

"I won´t cry and when the day comes I will pay your kind with the same bloody coin" she thought as darkness engulfed her.

She opened her eyes as the dawn came to her. She looked to her right and found the armored bear stuffy that her Professor had given her. Holding it tightly to her body, she breathed deeply. She couldn´t change the past, but she will make sure that the future changes the world for the better, even at the cost of her own happiness. "Even if I have to cooperate with them, I will make sure that their dreams turn to ashes in their mouths. I will pay them with their own blood". But she knew that to achieve that she needed to resist for the time being. Hubert had convinced her that in order to achieve her dreams, cooperating with them was the lesser of two evils. "Even now they belittle me", she thought, the fake smile of Tomas coming to her mind. "But I will eventually break free from their chains. I only need to endure it for a few months". Hubert was preparing the imperial succession in complete secret and that included keeping it hidden from his uncle Arundel. Everything was progressing as she expected, except one thing.

She didn´t know what to expect from her teacher.

He had saved her life and he had protected her and the rest of the students in various occasions and she noticed that he was opening to them. She felt a strange urge to make him trust her, no matter the cost. She had been told by Hanneman that Crests could condition the interactions with others, but that didn´t mean that they dictated everything. "If my suspicions are correct, we share the same crest". She was fascinated and scared of sharing the crest of creator with another person. And of all people it was probable that her Teacher was the one to hold it. "When the time comes I would like him to reach for my hand, but is that wise?" She already knew Hubert´s opposition to trust any secrets to her Teacher, as he was the unnatural object of fixation of the archbishop. The emperor agreed with that opinion, but her… "No, it´s better to not dwell on dreams. I must stay focused" she said to herself, although she was embracing her armored bear as she thought so.

When she opened the door Hubert was already there, awaiting his instructions for the day.

"Good morning Lady Edelgard. I hope you have rested well"

"Good morning Hubert, have you found any secret passage in the monastery"

"I´m afraid not. The magic I sensed in the statues was only a magic that preserves them against the passage of time. Nothing particularly relevant. However, I have kept hearing rumors about a place called the Abyss that should be located beneath the monastery."

"Abyss? It´s the first time I hear something like that. The more passages we find out before the end of the year the better. I command you to keep investigating on this matter"

"Consider it done" Hubert bowed to hear. "I´ve heard that our dear Professor has been assigned to patrol the monastery at night with Instructor Jeritza. Was that under your command?" he chuckled

"It isn´t" She didn´t like Hubert´s laughing on such a serious matter. "He is loyal to me, but he has his own tasks under my uncle´s command. I have ordered him not to attack the Professor. He has already been reckless on that matter"

"I´m sure they will get along" Hubert grinned "I will take my leave for now Lady Edelgard"

It was their free day and Edelgard didn´t want to stay idle so she decided to take a walk to the greenhouse. Inside the greenhouse there were present all kind of exotic species, some of them native from Brigid as Petra had told her. Some of the students had decided to plant their own plants, with irregular results. She recalled seeing Bernadetta, the usually shy girl taking care of the plants. "I guess that everyone has a place to relax" she thought.

It was then when he saw a familiar back in front of her. Her Teacher was examining closely a group of flowers he had planted. Edelgard found at first strange to see someone who lacked apparent emotions taking care of things like gardening, but she had come to get used to it. She didn´t want to interrupt him, but noticing her presence, he got up and looked at her.

"Good morning Edelgard"

"Good morning my Teacher. I didn´t want to disturb you"

"You have never been an annoyance to me. Don´t worry about that"

"May I ask what are you planting?"

"You can see it by yourself" he said to her, inviting her to come closer.

She approached him and looked at the flowers he was planting. There were all different kinds of species, but her attention was caught by the presence of Carnations.

"You can take as many as you want" he said to her.

"I feel honored, but I wouldn´t like to spoil your work"

"Consider it a gift if you want. It doesn´t spoil my work, quite the contrary" he said as he took a bunch of Carnations and hand them to her.

"Thank you my Teacher" she said, slightly blushed. "I´ve heard that you have a night patrol. Wouldn´t it be better to rest in preparation for the night?"

"I don´t need much time of sleep and I planned to go to the town to buy provisions"

"I can accompany you if you want"

"Of course. I have some work to finish here first. I will wait for you in the main entrance in an hour"

"Ok Professor I will be there"

She left the greenhouse and headed to her dormitory. She wanted to place the flowers she had received on her desk.

"Oh Edie, where are you going so fast?"

"Good morning Dorothea, I´m sorry I didn´t notice you"

"Where did you get these flowers? They are beautiful"

"The Professor… gave them to me"

"The Professor? I wonder why" she giggled

"There isn´t any particular reason for it. Stop implying things Dorothea" she said feeling embarrassed.

"Is that so? You look cute when you act like this Edie"

"Dorothea!"

"Just joking. What are you going to do?"

"I will accompany the Professor to the town"

Hearing that, Dorothea´s face lighten up again

"Just the two of you? Sounds like a date to me"

"Dorothea! Don´t say something like that aloud! They may hear us", she was starting to feel her cheeks getting hot.

"If you react like that you look more suspicious, but it wouldn´t be that strange. The Professor has a strange aura around him and his eyes… They look like they see right through you. He is also quite handsome. If he smiled more often he would be surrounded by girls. You have quite a competition"

"I told you that I´m not interested in such a way. I admire him as the leader he is, but I don´t have time for such matters"

"When you turn into the imperial princess you are so cold Edie" lamented Dorothea. "I was just happy to see you feeling more relaxed. Then does that mean that I can freely hunt the Professor? As Petra would say"

"I would consider it highly inappropriate"

"Ok ok" she giggled. "I have already plans for today. Treat well the Professor, Edie" she said, winking at her as she left.

As she continued her way to her room, she thought about Dorothea´s description of the Professor. Her Teacher´s eyes gave the sensation they could pierce through anything and even though he wasn´t the tallest he was at least a head taller than her. She couldn´t deny him to be attractive, but love was another matter. "In my path there is no time for that" she thought. "Hubert would have approved that answer" she sighed.

She placed the flowers on her desk. The sky was spotless as if the rains of the previous day never happened. With nothing more to do she headed to the main hall entrance. A gentle breeze was coming from the exterior and most of the students were enjoying their time outside. She saw a little white haired girl walking next to her.

"Hello Lysithea. What are you doing?"

"Hello Edelgard. I was just going to the library to study"

"You have always been very applied in your studies" she smiled to her. She couldn´t avoid but feeling a special proximity with her.

"Of course! I can´t waste my time here, I have a lot of things to do and not too much time left."

"Time, the same thing I wish I had", she thought to herself. "If you ever need my help I would gladly give it to you"

"Thank you Edelgard, I would consider it. For now, if you can forgive me"

"Of course. Good luck with your studies"

After a while her Professor arrived. He was wearing a white shirt, combined with light brown trousers. The cape he was wearing matched his eyes.

"Professor, you are not wearing your usual clothes"

"Until the sun sets it´s also my free day and I thought it would be appropriate to be outside. Does it bother you?"

"Not at all, quite the contrary. Shall we go then?"

"Yes"

They left behind the gates of the monastery; the town was a few kilometers from the monastery so it would take a while to arrive.

"What are you going to do?"

"I plan to buy new weapons for the rest of the class. I´m also interested in buying a tome of magic to continue my formation on that matter. Even if we stay here this month we will probably make more expeditions in the future"

"I see" she was satisfied with the planning of her Teacher. It would be inappropriate for him to be ill-equipped for the upcoming battles. "I´ve heard that Ingrid, a member of the Blue Lions has taken part in battles abroad using a Pegasus. May I be able to use one too?"

"I´ve thought about that for a while. However, I must request the authorization of Seteth and that would take some time"

"Oh I see", she felt a bit disappointed because she wanted to put into practice what she had learnt, but there was no use complaining about that.

The central square was full of activity. There were merchants selling all kind of devices and mercenaries were offering their services. Some of them recognized Byleth and came to greet him. "Even if he is inexpressive some people are fond of him" she thought. One of the mercenaries appeared to be a wyvern rider, the beast next to him. Despite its fearsome appearance Byleth caressed its face. Looking at her he said "There is no need to worry, if you show no fear it will do nothing to you"

She approached the wyvern and patted it on the head. She had to say on her tips to reach its head.

"The girl has courage" laughed the mercenary.

"She is my student"

"I´m still surprised you achieved a working post so quickly, but life hasn´t gone badly for us either. Send regards to your father!"

"I will" he nodded at him

Byleth spent the rest of the time buying equipment while Edelgard observed the different shops around her. The sky, which had been spotless until now, was quickly getting cloudy.

"I´m almost done" he said to him "Sorry if it was boring"

"Don´t worry Professor"

He went to a bakery and before she could understand what he was doing he handed her a sweet.

"Consider it a repayment for your company"

"You didn´t really need to do it, but I will receive it with pleasure" She was fond of sweets and it was a gift from her teacher after all.

The sky was turning grey, the sun nowhere to be seen.

"Professor, we have to hurry up or we will get soaked wet"

"I agree"

They walked at a lighter pace, but it started to rain when they were at the middle of the way. First it was just a drizzle, but the raining was quickly getting stronger.

"We are not going to make it" observed Edelgard

"You will" and as he said it, he covered her with his cape. It was big enough to be used as an umbrella.

"I can thank you enough, my teacher, but you are going to catch a cold"

"Even if I did, it´s my duty as your Professor to keep you well"

Such honesty was something Edelgard hasn´t experienced for a long time. It brought her memories of the times when her elder brothers and sisters took care of her. "Thank you my Teacher" she said, feeling warmth inside her heart.

"No problem" he said. She couldn´t see his face with the cape but she wondered if he had a light smile on his face.

They remained silent, each in their own thoughts until they arrive to the main entrance.

"Thank you for taking care of me"

"There is no need to thank me"

"You should change your clothes, I don´t want you to catch a cold"

"If you say so…"

"I don´t mean right now!" feeling a bit flustered.

"It was a joke"

"A joke?" Edelgard was surprised, her usually unemotional Teacher was joking about an event that just happened a few months ago. "You have surprised me, my Teacher. So it seems that you also have a sense of humor"

"Oh Teach, have you been swimming in the pond?"

Claude came near them accompanied by Hilda.

"I was just buying equipment in the town"

"Imperial Princess, you should take care of our Teach. You are going to fall ill"

"The Professor is a true gentleman, not like you Claude" Hilda reproached him, smiling at him. "You should help my too in times of need"

"You are too lazy for your own good." he laughed. "Seriously though, you should think a bit more about yourself Teach. Don´t you agree Edelgard?"

"I didn´t force him to lend me a hand Claude, if that´s what you imply".

"If you say so" he said a teasing smile on his face. "By the way have you heard about the opening of the new sauna? It´s going to take place next month. Would you like to give it a shot with me Teach?"

"A Sauna? I´ve never been to one"

"It´s quite simple really. You just sit and sweat. It may be an opportunity to deepen the bonds between us. Don´t you think it´s a wonderful idea? Does it mind you Edelgard?"

"I won´t fall for it Claude. You can do as you please, but I´m sure my Teacher will handle the heat better than you"

"You make look everything as a competition" he sighed "Bye Professor, Edelgard"

Claude left for the canteen, closely followed by Hilda.

"I will take a bath; I hope you have a good day Edelgard"

"It was certainly a good day Professor. I hope you have a good night guard"

"It may be eventful"

Edelgard had explicitly commanded Jeritza to constraint himself, but she still felt a bit nervous about the night´s outcome.

"Be safe" she was able to say

"There is no need to worry." he patted her head. I have nothing against Instructor Jeritza, he just enjoys fighting"

"If you knew the whole story" she thought. "If you say so" she answered. "See you tomorrow then"

"Of course"

After departing ways with her Teacher she decided to go to the library. "Even if I have to see that monster, Lysithea might be there" she thought

The sound of the rain could be perfectly heard above her as she walked through the crowed corridors as most people were taking shelter inside the monastery.

She finally arrived to the library, searching for the white haired girl. She found her at the bottom of the library, using her own magic to create a light to read.

"Hello again Lysithea, may I sit next to you?"

"Hello Edelgard, I have no problem"

She sat down next to her, taking a book about warfare with axes.

"What are you studying?"

"I´m preparing for next week´s certification exam. I´m confident I will pass, but I don´t mind reviewing for it."

Certification exams were at the disposal of the Professors. They were a way to measure how much their students had progressed. As every student had their own objectives or weaknesses most exams were individualized. Her Teacher preferred a practical approach, but looking at the concepts Lysithea was writing on a paper she was sure that Manuela preferred a theory oriented exam.

"I´ve heard from Professor Manuela that Professor Byleth has been taking magic classes. Is that true?"

Edelgard hadn´t heard from him that yet, but it wasn´t too difficult to imagine that with the archbishop busy Manuela was the second best option regarding to the teachings of white magic. Feeling a little relieved after hearing that she answered to Lysithea.

"He wants to protect us during our monthly tasks so he has been learning magic to achieve that objective. He is learning by himself too."

"That sounds interesting. I´m interested in learning faith magic, but Professor Manuela´s carefree personality doesn´t suit me the best."

"I can tell him if you want to learn with him, but you could say he is a student on that matter"

"I would be happy if you do it. Sometimes joining forces can let you achieve higher results and I´ve heard he is learning fast too." Lysithea said, while smiling at her.

Her Professor wasn´t the kind of person that refused to help someone, including students from the rest of the classes. After tutoring Dimitri last month, his popularity had skyrocketed and it wasn´t strange to see him answering questions or practicing with the students. However, with the preparations of the ceremony, he looked like he was having a break from that routine.

"As a symbol of gratitude take this" Lysithea said, while handing her a sweet. "I made it myself so make sure you give it a try"

"Thank you Lysithea I will gladly take it" she said, patting her head as her professor used to do to her.

"Don´t treat me like a child" she complained, but she didn´t refuse her hand.

They continued to study, chatting from time to time for a few hours. Luckily, Tomas was nowhere to be seen.

The day was starting to turn dark when they left behind the library. She headed to the canteen.

Most of the students were having dinner there, including her teacher, who was already wearing armor and was sitting next to Instructor Jeritza. The Instructor was wearing his usual mask and his armor was completely silver. "Quiet the irony compared to his real armor" she thought.

"May I take a sit my Teacher?"

"Of course Edelgard, do you mind Jeritza?"

"Not at all" Jeritza was sipping a cup of tea but she noticed he was paying special attention to her.

"May I ask what areas are you going to patrol?"

"We will start with the walls and the outside of the cathedral, and then we will patrol the subsoil of the monastery. We have orders to make sure that there are no breaches there"

"I hope for the best"

"Don´t worry, tomorrow I will be teaching you as usual" he said while sipping tea.

"I´m happy to hear that, but take a rest after that. Even if you are strong you need to rest too."

He nodded at her as a response, but the look of his eyes was a bit different. "Was it warmer?"

"I won´t disturb you any longer, see you tomorrow then." She smiled to him and with a quick glare she sent a quick reminder to Jeritza. Jeritza´s head moved a mere inch, but she knew he remembered.

When she returned to her room she found Hubert waiting for her.

"I hope you had a good day Lady Edelgard" he said bowing to her.

Remembering everything that has happened to her she couldn´t avoid showing a brief smile.

"It was eventful"

"I have good news to tell you. I have found a passage that didn´t appear in the documents we were already holding. It is not very useful as it only connects a storeroom with the wineries, but that gives me hope about the possibilities of finding additional passages in the following days."

"I´m glad to hear that. Jeritza will inform us in case he finds something with the Professor"

"Should I write a letter about the new findings?"

"It shouldn´t be of much use…" she stopped what she was saying when an idea came to her mind. Her uncle had already settled the plans for the tomb raid, but he was asking for more information about possible additional passages within the monastery. If they gave them the information they wished they would be asking more with nothing in return. However, if they gave to them some useless information they may give up about the influx of information he was currently demanding.

"Report about it. They may give up on asking constantly information."

"Feigning incompetence to avoid giving them too much leverage?" Hubert chuckled. "It´s a small thing, but knowing their arrogance they may truly believe we are not competent enough for their standards. An interesting plan I dare to say Lady Edelgard"

"Write it at once. I will go to sleep now Hubert. Good night"

"Good night Lady Edelgard. I will make sure to give the letter tomorrow". He said bowing again at her.

After closing her door, she felt at peace. She had to be careful to avoid provoking them, but she would do everything she could to hinder their progress. She sat at the chair in front of her desk and gently touched the flowers she had received from her professor. Their vivid colors made her feel at ease.

"I have to make sure to tell Byleth about Lysithea request" she thought, writing it down on a paper with a delicate calligraphy. She opened the window of her room, letting a gentle breeze embrace her. "As my day ends his watch begins" she thought. She looked at her surroundings. She was getting used to the monastery. She had always felt curious about the place where his father and mother fatefully met. Now she was there and with the company of the others, she was starting to feel at ease. "Even if it doesn´t last for too long I will treasure these days forever". She was sure that Hubert felt the same way, although he wouldn´t openly admit it. "If I only had more time, but I won´t waste the time that has been granted to me"

Feeling tired she entered her bed; embracing the stuffy beard she felt secure enough to indulge herself into the world of dreams.

Nothing to report Professor!

Off topic: Edelgard´s maddening/classic paralogue was nightmarish. Edelgard was the mvp, but credits are due to Byleth avoiding all those Wyvern Lords. I did it second try and even farmed a bit the infinite spam, but it was really tense. I plan to use this paralogue when the time comes. Currently chapter 16, but not on a hurry to finish the route.