7/2 Blue sea moon (night)
The sun had already set when Byleth started his watch alongside Jeritza. Most of the students had already returned to their dormitories, although the most religious of them were assisting a mass in the cathedral. A cool breeze was coming from the north, but both of them were unaffected by it. They continued to walk in complete silence.
"There is no use of patrolling the walls with the knights of Seiros already here" finally interrupted Jeritza. "We should be searching for secret passages"
"I agree with you. The grounds around the cathedral are the most ancient ones. Perhaps we will find something of interest around there."
The place Byleth was most interested about was the Goddess Tower, the edification was out of limits and seemed abandoned, but that just increased his curiosity.
When they had already passed the bridge connecting the Cathedral to the rest of the facilities, Byleth and Jeritza came across with Mercedes, who was assisting the Church´s mass.
"Good evening Professor, Instructor Jeritza. I hope you are doing well" she said with a gentle smile on her face.
"We are just patrolling. You should be heading to your dormitory" Jeritza´s voice was neutral, but he could sense a slight change in his voice.
"Yes I know, I will pray to the Goddess for your safety"
"She is a bit older than the rest of the students; she may be around my age." Byleth thought.
"Do you have any suggestions Professor?"
"I have already explored the Cathedral, but I would like to explore the Goddess Tower too"
"That place it´s out of bonds, but I agree with you. The attackers won´t care about the rules of the church. We shouldn´t be limiting ourselves."
The Goddess Tower´s surroundings were empty and the bars that surrounded it were rusted. They climbed the bars and entered through the main gate. The inside of the tower was completely dark, so Byleth decided to use magic to create a tiny flame on his hand. With the illumination provided by the flame Byleth looked at his surroundings.
The place was clearly abandoned and it looked like it was used as a storehouse.
"There is nothing of interest in this level; we should go to the lower ones"
Nodding at him. Byleth followed Jeritza to the basement of the tower. There were no major differences to the entrance floor, but Byleth sensed a strange itching in his body.
"Do you sense it too?" Jeritza said to him. "That´s the proof that some magic is present here"
Touching the walls Jeritza suddenly stopped in front of a statue, which represented Saint Seiros, he couldn´t avoid but feeling a strange feeling of familiarity.
"There must be an entrance here; the problem now is how to proceed"
Byleth looked at the statue. She was holding a shield but the sword was missing. Taking his own sword he placed it on the statue´s free hand. The moment he placed the sword, the wall behind them disappeared.
"An illusory wall" Jeritza laughed "Take your sword Professor Byleth, we may need it down here" Taking the sword, the pair of warriors entered the passage opened to them.
There was no natural light down there, and even the flame casted by Byleth could only illuminate their path a few meters ahead. The corridor they were following was going deeper into an unknown place.
"This monastery is full of mysteries" admitted Byleth
"The monastery has been around for 1000 years. Even a lifetime wouldn´t be enough to discover most of them"
They arrived to a crossroad, with three paths ahead of them.
"What path should we choose?"
The three of them looked identical. Byleth threw a fireball to the path of the middle, when the flame passed the arc of the entrance it immediately disappeared.
"Magic and it doesn´t allow us to see further" chuckled Jeritza. Jeritza then threw a rock to the path to the left. After waiting for a while without any sound to be heard that path was discarded. The path to the right as well.
"It seems that our only way to advance is to continue forward. Jeritza, prepare your sword, we don´t know what awaits in front of us"
"You as well" grinned Jeritza.
As they crossed the entrance they were engulfed by complete darkness. They couldn´t see anything, but they could hear and Byleth sensed the presence of something coming forward them.
Sensing the imminent danger Byleth jumped to avoid the incoming attack and nailed his sword into its unknown enemy. The sound he heard made him realize it was not human.
Jeritza assisted him, using his sword as well. As the screams of the beast ended the darkness around him dissipated. Casting again a fire spell Byleth was able to see the corpse of the beast they have slain. It was a giant worm with a length of approximately three meters.
"A giant worm, although this one wasn´t an adult yet. We should continue our path"
They continued walking, but the corridor seemed to have no end. He was starting to wonder if they were walking in circles when they arrived to an immense room. There was an altar in the middle, and the statues of the four saints of the Holy Church were surrounding it. By the look of it they were in a worship place, long ago forgotten.
"This place may be the ancient location of the current cathedral" Byleth pointed out.
"I agree. It´s a pity we can´t go to the bottom of the room, we are too high"
Byleth could see different entrances to the room at its lowest level, but the path they had chosen was at least fifty meters above the floor of the room. Jumping from that distance would be suicidal.
"We have to follow the only way we have left." He admitted.
As they left the room, Byleth couldn´t avoid feeling uneasy about the secrets surrounding the Church. "How can we protect a place we know almost nothing about?"
"This place is really big, but don´t worry too much for now. I have the feeling we will return to this place someday." Sothis said
"I share the same feeling" he thought.
After a while the path they were following started to ascend until they arrived to a statue similar to the one they had seen at the start of their adventure. Placing the sword in the saint´s hand the wall beneath it opened, leading them to the basement of one of the perimeter towers.
"It seems that our little adventure has ended" observed Jeritza "We have appeared in another place, we must have taken another path by accident"
"This place is full of hidden paths"
"We shouldn´t inform about this to the archbishop, since we have entered a place out of bonds. Besides, we haven´t found anything useful for the current investigation."
Byleth admitted he was right. The altar may have an historical interest, but he couldn´t sense nothing particularly relevant in the room, and there were no signs of magic there.
"I guess that the path we have found worked as a shortcut a long time ago, but now it has no useful purpose"
"We still have two hours of patrolling. What should we do now?"
"We should head to the treasury room" Byleth said.
"Understood"
….
7/3
The sun appeared upon them with nothing relevant to report. After leaving Jeritza at the main hall, Byleth returned to his room as he had a class to prepare. His legs felt a bit tired after all the walking done during the night wearing armor, but he could endure it. After changing his clothes he headed to the Black Eagle´s classroom, which was empty. It took a while until the first of the students arrived, Byleth didn´t need to look to know who had arrived.
"Good morning Edelgard"
"Good morning Professor? How was yesterday´s patrol?"
Byleth didn´t mind telling her, but remembering Jeritza´s word he answered
"We found a new passage, nothing really relevant, but as we were out of bonds I beg you to remain silent"
"A secret kept from the archbishop" Edelgard looked satisfied. "You don´t have to worry my Teacher, I will keep it a secret"
"We went to the Goddess Tower and we found a hidden passage in the basement, after hours walking we arrived to the basement of one of the towers that surround the monastery. On our way we found a place that looked like the former location of the current cathedral, but I didn´t sense anything relevant about it"
"I´ve heard rumors about a place located under the monastery itself called the Abyss. The place you found out may be a part of it. However, I agree with you. I doubt that the plotters would be trying to reach for a place like that. Their objectives must be more easily accessible, at least for them"
"Your deductions may be right, but for now we have to keep patrolling"
"Of course, there is no other option. By the way Professor, Lysithea had commented me that she would like to practice magic alongside you. She is a skillful magician, but she finds her white magic lacking. Would you agree to practice with her?"
"Lysithea" thought Byleth. "She is the youngest student and a member of the Golden Deer." He couldn´t avoid feeling a similarity between Edelgard and Lysithea. "Perhaps is the hair"
"I don´t mind, but I´m a student too on that area"
"She doesn´t mind" Edelgard smiled to him "She thinks that learning together can let us to achieve greater results if both parties are motivated. I agree with that too"
"Then it´s settled." He said, nodding at her.
There was nothing much to be said and the rest of the students had started to appear so Edelgard sat in her usual place in front of his desk.
"Good morning Professor" they greeted him as they entered his class.
The last one to arrive was Hubert, who was still wearing rider's boots.
"This one has been busy too" observed Sothis.
"Now that everyone is here we will commence the class. As most of you might know I´ve been patrolling last night, but that doesn´t mean I will be easier on you"
"And here I had the hope that you would be more sympathetic Professor" complained Linhardt.
"Today we will fight with axes. An axe is stronger than a sword, but it lacks accuracy. If we get used to its pros and cons we will be able to handle those who use it easily"
"Do the mages have to do the same role?" asked Dorothea
"Even if in most cases you shouldn´t be in such situation some experience with then should help all of you to avoid its hits"
"Linhardt with an axe sounds interesting" laughed Caspar.
They started practicing in front of the class. Edelgard and Petra were doing great, but he wasn´t surprised by it, since he knew that the axe was the most preferred weapon of Edelgard and Petra was well versed in all kind of weapons. Hubert was doing well, his axe releasing an ominous light. "He is using magic on his training axe" he realized.
They were like that for a few hours. The most remarkable events were when Dorothea knocked down an overconfident Ferdinand and when Bernadetta was able to disarm Hubert in an attack of panic.
"You all did well and you Bernadetta. You really have strength in your hands. You could fight in the frontlines alongside Edelgard, Petra, Ferdinand and Caspar"
"Impossible, I refuse! I prefer to stay behind" cried Bernadetta
"I know, I was just joking"
"Joking?" most of his class was looking at him with a strange look in their eyes.
Edelgard couldn´t avoid laughing.
"It seems that they are surprised with this side of you, my Teacher. To be fair I was surprised to see you capable of joking too"
"A joke or not, I don´t want to fight in the front lines, I will train harder with my bow"
His students started to leave, Edelgard and Petra were reassuming their flying instructions and Dorothea and Bernadetta headed to the greenhouse, Hubert apologized himself and left without telling him where he was going and Caspar was talking aloud about a fight and a bet with someone.
The one´s remaining in the class were Ferdinand and Linhardt, although Linhardt was sleeping so it couldn´t be counted.
"Professor" Ferdinand said with a smile "What do you think about my progress?"
"You are doing well"
"Well is not enough if I don´t surpass her. Tell me sincerely, who is the most capable between the two of us, me or Edelgard?"
"Edelgard"
"I didn´t expect that answer" he sighed "But I will show you that I am the one to surpass her. As the prime minister´s son is only my duty to assist the emperor and to that end I must be more capable than her"
"You have quite the confidence, but I don´t think you should compare to her"
"Why not? It is a way to keep motivated. Edelgard hasn´t defeated you in battle yet, right? Allow me to defy you in battle!"
"If you want to"
They left the class and walked in opposite directions. Ferdinand picked up his lance and Byleth picked one too. He would use the fight as an opportunity to continue improving his lance skills.
"The same weapon option to give the fairest combat? I like it; you really look like a noble"
They charged at the same time, their spears meeting. Byleth hit Ferdinand twice, but his armor protected him. Despite its armor, Ferdinand´s counterattacks were fast, but he was too straightforward. Feigning a thrust Byleth changed the arc of the attack and hit Ferdinand in the face with the base of the weapon.
"My face!"
Byleth quickly applied some healing to the area affected, returning it to its original color.
"I accept my defeat, but I will eventually defeat you. By the name of Ferdinand von Aegir I promise to do so. However, it would be bad manners to leave you like that. Allow me to invite you for some tea"
"Tea?"
"Yes. A good cup of tea can improve your mood considerably. I planned to have some tea with Lorenz, but he wouldn´t mind sharing the table with you too Professor"
"I wouldn´t mind"
"Then come with me and I will teach you the secrets to have an eventful teatime conversation. First of all you have to choose subjects that are of interest to your interlocutor. A charismatic person would always choose depending of the person that is in front of him/her. The second key is the tea that you choose. There are many flavors, but most people like or despite specific flavors. Choosing a favorite flavor can ease the mood. Only two rules and easy to remember, don´t you think Professor?"
"I agree"
"Very well. Then let´s meet with Lorenz. I am sure he be will happy to have your company as well"
He followed Ferdinand to his room, where Lorenz was already waiting. The Golden Deer student greeted him with a flamboyant gesture.
"When you were talking about respectable individuals I thought only of you Ferdinand, but it seems that you had this little surprise prepared for me all along Ferdinand"
"It was a great coincidence, but I´m pleased with the Professor´s presence too. I was illustrating him about the secrets to have a meaningful teatime."
"Oh I see. Then it would be advisable to start with the basics. Have you any experience brewing tea Professor Byleth?"
"No"
"A quick and efficient answer, as expected from the Professor", smiled Ferdinand. "As noblemen it's our duty to illustrate him about the hidden secrets of this art, don´t you think Lorenz"
"You have just read my mind Ferdinand" laughed Lorenz
"These ones are so full of themselves. They remind me of a fish with a peculiar shape"Sothis said
"A blowfish?"
"Exactly! A bit more and they could fly without the help of Pegasus and wyverns"
Byleth couldn´t avoid showing a slight smile on his face.
"Look Lorenz, our words have moved the Professor at least" Ferdinand said proudly, oblivious to the real motive behind his light smile.
Ferdinand and Lorenz gave him a seminar about everything related to the teatime. Byleth was trying to memorize the different types of tea when Ferdinand said something that he caught his attention.
"The Bergamot tea is a good option to those who like a sweet taste. It is also Edelgard´s favorite as I can give proof when I handed it to her as a gift for her birthday 17th Birthday"
"You shouldn´t show favoritism with the flavors that you remember. You should learn everything. I will examine you tomorrow" Sothis said in a joking tone.
"There are too many of them" Byleth murmured
"You don´t have to worry Professor, even if you don´t remember all the names you will be guided by the shop owners in case you have doubts. As a payment of your attention you can get this tea set. I already have a new one so you can keep it for you"
"Thank you Ferdinand"
"Now returning to the topic, where did you buy your magnificent sword Lorenz?"
Lorenz and Ferdinand talked for an hour, but Byleth didn´t mind as he was paying attention to the way they were talking and the topics that they chose. When the teatime had already ended he had an approximate idea about the way it worked.
"It was a wonderful time as always Lorenz"
"Words cannot express the pleasure I feel every time I share a cup of tea with you Ferdinand"
"I can´t stand this anymore. How someone can talk so much about himself?" Sothis was complaining
After assuring them he had a great time, Byleth left the student´s dormitory. He was thinking about what to do next when a voice he had got used to hearing entered his thoughts.
"Hello my Teacher. May I take some time from you?"
"Of course Edelgard"
Edelgard smiled to him. She was accompanied by Lysithea.
"We were searching for you, but I couldn´t find you"
"I was with Ferdinand and Lorenz"
"I bet Ferdinand insisted in fighting with you to testify his superiority over me." She sighed. "He is constantly trying to compete with me, even if I refuse. I guess that you can say he has a will of steel"
"Lorenz is not so much better. He likes to compete against Claude. He is not bad, but he should admit his own limits" added Lysithea.
"I know that you have been asked for too much today, but could you please train with us?"
He was starting to feel tired, but he didn´t want to disappoint her.
"I will do what I can"
"I´m happy to hear that"
"More training? You are strange. I agree with the sleepy guy" Sothis complained
He taught Lysithea everything he had studied until then while Edelgard accompanied them reading a book. As they practiced together he noticed the quick pace at which Lysithea was assimilating the different concepts. It´s hard working personality was similar to Edelgard´s.
"I agree. They also have the same hair. A quite unusual one I dare to say"
Sothis was right, Fódlan´s hair varieties were notable, but he hadn´t seen that color in a young person until he met her. Both of them were also of small height, although Lysithea was the youngest student. Seeing two persons with so many similarities left Byleth intrigued.
"What are you thinking Professor?" Lysithea asked
"Nothing in particular. Sorry for being absent minded. You are hard working"
"Of course. I´m glad that you have noticed that, most people think it is because I´m talented, but it is mainly thanks to my efforts"
"What do you think of the Professor´s guiding Lysithea?" Edelgard said approaching them
"I´m satisfied. I would like to practice again with you when you have time."
"I wouldn´t mind"
Lysithea left them with a wide smile on her face.
"Thank you for your help my Teacher."
"It wasn´t a problem. Both of you look really similar"
"You mean that because our physical appearance?"
"Not only that, but both of you are hard working and don´t like to waste your time"
"You have a point there Professor. In fact, I must admit I´m fond of her."
"Do you need any help?"
"Don´t worry Professor, I don´t wish to exhaust you any longer. We can leave our training for tomorrow"
"Understood"
"Rest well Professor, I wouldn´t want to see you ill"
Edelgard was preparing to leave when Byleth called her name
"Edelgard"
"Yes, my Teacher?"
"Would you like to have a cup of tea with me someday?"
He wanted to put into practice what he had learnt and he instinctively thought of Edelgard as an appropriate option for a first time inviting someone.
Edelgard looked surprised, but she didn´t look disgusted by the proposition. "I wouldn´t mind my Teacher, but may I ask why me?" she said, her right hand fingers toying with her hair.
"I just wanted to invite you the first. I don´t want to make you feel uncomfortable if you don´t want to"
"I gladly accept your request. Shall we set up a date?"
"Is the next week good enough for you?"
"Yes, of course. If you want we can stay in the gardens. There are some tables there and it feels better than staying inside"
"Then it´s settled"
"See you tomorrow. I hope you rest well."
"You too, sweet dreams"
Looking a bit blushed with his last response Edelgard returned to the dormitories.
"It seems that you have taken a liking to the little Princess"
"It is my student, after all"
"You say so, but you are inviting her the first time. To humans doing something for the first time holds a special meaning, right? Why would you favor her?"
Byleth thought about that. He had started to grown fond of his students, but even among them he held her in a special regard.
"I guess that it is the person with whom I have spent more time since the battle against those bandits."
"You are right about that, but the other two students were also there and you decided to tutor her."
"I guess that her being the most reserved she reminded me of myself."
"I see. There are without a doubt some similarities between both of you. However, I think the origin of that is different in both of you"
"What do you mean?"
"According to your father you have been always like this. You can say that is your true personality, even though it is slightly getting warmer. In the case of the little princess I suspect that is the environment around her what has made her to be like she is. The result may be the same, but the origins are completely different"
"Being forced to change your inner self because of external pressures sounds sad"
"Human relations are difficult. Everyone has their own story, although I refuse to hear the stories of the two blowfishes you had a tea before."
"You are too harsh" a small smile forming on his face. "They are not blowfishes they are Lorenz and…
"Ferdinand von Aegir. It is the only thing I have learnt about them. I don´t mind if you have a cup of tea with the little princess, but I forbid you to have any teatime with those two."
"Understood"
"I was half joking, but you can take it as a command if you want" Sothis said while yawning. "I already feel tired; you should also take a rest. We wouldn´t want your students to worry about you right?"
"You are right, I need to rest too"
"Something I can agree with you" Sothis smiled. "Enough for today, time to rest!"
Byleth returned to his room and placed the tea set that Ferdinand had given to him on his desk.
The moment he entered the sheets of his bed he felt into a deep sleep. And like this ended his day of discoveries.
The place described by Byleth is the map 2 of the DLC. I´m just presenting the area, before the events of the story take place there.