7/4 Blue sea moon
Edelgard opened her eyes feeling still tired. She had spent part of the night writing letters again. She hadn´t received yet any letters from her uncle, but she knew he would be displeased with the little progress that had been made. She washed her face and changed her clothes to the usual school uniform. When she opened the door, Hubert was missing. "He may be at the stables yet" she thought.
The monastery was full of secrets, thanks to her Teacher and Jertiza she had learnt of a new passage, but the amount of hidden corridors and entrance was astonishing. "How many secrets does this place hold? I need to learn the most of them if I want my plans to succeed". Unfortunately, she wasn´t the only one carrying investigations about the secrets of the monastery. She suspected that Tomas was also searching, although she could do nothing to stop him. "Not yet at least"
She arrived to the class, but the Professor wasn´t there. She usually arrived earlier than necessary to the Professor´s class, but it was strange not seeing him around yet. "He may be oversleeping?" she wondered. She decided to find out. After all, as the leader of her class it was her duty to support her Professor.
She arrived to the front of the room and knocked the door. "Professor, are you still there?"
The door suddenly opened, her Professor´s face appearing in front of her.
"Good morning Edelgard. I´m sorry I´ve overslept a bit."
"There is no problem; there is still plenty of time. I was only surprised to not seeing you there."
"Thank you for worrying about me, let´s return to the class"
They walked together towards the class.
"What are you going to teach us today?"
"I think it would be useful to teach everyone about the use of gambits. In a battlefield you don´t just receive orders, but sometimes you have to give them too. Commanding is a responsibility that most students should experience"
"That´s true. Even if we are individually strong a poor commanding could led to a crushing defeat"
"I don´t think you will have any problems. Have you experienced leading armies?"
"I wouldn´t dare to call it an army, but back in the Empire I was formed to give commands in an efficient manner."
Byleth had a pensive gaze as he asked his next question.
"How is the life in the Imperial capital?"
"It is the biggest city of Fódlan, but there is more to it. The city holds the biggest Opera House of the continent and its channels and public gardens are one of the most beautiful places of the known world. The imperial palace with its magnificent architecture can be seen from every place of the capital and the views from the imperial palace are truly splendid. If you wish I could guide you if you ever come to the capital."
"I would like to, but I´m not sure that my company would be suitable in a place with such number of nobles"
"You said that because of Ferdinand?" she sighed "I must admit that most nobles are troublesome, but don´t think of yourself as someone unworthy. Besides, I would really like you to come"
"Thank you, I will remember it"
"When the year ends, maybe" she thought.
When they arrived to the class she took her usual place. The Professor started to draw on the board different military formations. After a few minutes the students began to arrive to the class, Hubert among them. He had an exhausted expression on his face, but he had a satisfied aura around him. He sat beside him, without looking at her he said with an almost inaudible voice "Everything is progressing as expected Lady Edelgard"
Edelgard was satisfied with the response. She and Hubert were working on many fronts. She knew that they were walking on thin ice, but if the plans they have developed worked it would have been worth it.
"Good morning everyone. Today we are going to learn about military tactics and the use of gambits. Now that you have started to learn the basics of teamwork I think we could test your leading of subordinates."
"That´s part of our military training as nobles Professor. I´m sure we won´t have any problems with that"
"There are commoners among you Ferdie, don´t forget about that"
"Sorry I didn´t mean to disrespect"
"Bernadetta can lead from her room, is safer there"
"Bernadetta, why are you talking in third person? Is this too a Fódlan tradition?"
Byleth cleared his throat, silencing everyone.
"Everyone will lead a group, no exceptions. There won´t be a practice battle for now, until you handle the basics of the different formations"
"Thank you Professor, if you were to give us another practice session I would have left the monastery for good" said Linhardt
"How can you abandon us like that Linhardt" said an exasperated Caspar "We are all on the same boat here!"
"Just kidding Caspar, I have much to learn about crests"
The class continued without major problems. Byleth´s explanations were straightforward and easy to grasp, even with those with little experience leading others.
"Study for it. We will have an exam the next week"
"An exam?" complained Caspar.
"Yes, those who fail will have a special session of avoiding magic spells from me"
"You are joking, right?" said a slightly worried Dorothea.
"Maybe"
"I don´t get your new sense of humor Professor" complained Linhardt. "I will study. It would be more troublesome to avoid your attacks"
Everyone started to leave except for Edelgard, who approached her Teacher´s desk.
"I have to congratulate you my Teacher. Your explanation was really easy to grasp, you should someday write a book about military tactics. I would gladly read it"
"I´ve just told what my father taught me. I don´t need to write a book, it´s enough to me to teach all of you directly"
"I´m fortunate to receive your teachings then. Would you mind practicing with me Professor?"
"Of course. I remembered what I promised to you"
They went to the practice room; Edelgard picked an iron sword and Byleth an axe.
"It looks like we are changing our battle roles Professor"
"I´m not the only one who benefits from teaching you. Learning together is more efficient"
Sword an axe met, each of them holding their ground. The world around them was reduced to nothing as they were completely focused on each other. Their dance continued for 30 minutes and ended in draws.
"You have got better Edelgard."
"Thank you. I´m happy to see the results of my training."
"Let´s try a different style now then" Byleth said changing his axe for his usual sword.
"I agree with you" she said, picking her axe. "Don´t restrain yourself, my Teacher. I will give my best too" The battle that followed was something to be remembered. They both fought with all their strength and the fight only concluded when both of their weapons broke.
"A good fighting I must admit. You would be a fearful enemy to fight I dare to say"
Hearing that Byleth looked at her
"I don´t wish to be your enemy Edelgard"
"I share the same feeling. Forgive me my Teacher. I was just appraising you" she said her true fears hidden behind a gentle smile. "That´s enough for today, I´m sure you will be busy with the preparations for the exam"
"Not really. I already know what I want to ask. I was planning to fish before my watch begins"
"I wouldn´t mind accompanying you then, for the time being"
They left and returned to her Teacher´s room, where he took a bucket and his fishing rod. There were students near the fishing pond, but she didn´t see any of the Black Eagle´s student.
Byleth started fishing while Edelgard accompanied him with her gaze, although her mind was reviewing the different plans she was setting up. After a while, her Teacher interrupted her thoughts.
"Don´t you want to come closer?"
"I´m afraid to admit that I´m scared of big bodies of water. I can´t swim."
"Would you want to learn?"
Edelgard looked at him surprised. She was thankful for his proposition, but she knew that Hubert would without a doubt disapprove. Besides, she didn´t have time for that now.
"I´m honored by your proposal, but for now I cannot accept it. Maybe in the future"
"Ok" Byleth expression was his usual self so it was difficult to discern if he was disappointed by her refusal.
When his bucket was full of fish the Professor approached her.
"I´m done here, thank you for accompanying me"
"No need to thank me. Good luck on your watch"
"Don´t worry" he said nodding at her.
"Lady Edelgard I was searching for you…"
Hubert was approaching, but he suddenly stopped when he saw her Professor next to her.
"Excuse me Professor, but I must discuss a matter with Lady Edelgard"
"Go ahead, I was leaving anyway. Goodbye Edelgard, Hubert"
"Goodbye Professor"
Hubert waited until he lost sight of him.
"May I ask what were you doing with the Professor, Lady Edelgard?"
"Nothing in particular, Hubert. I had a training session with him and I was just watching him fishing"
"You seem to have an interest on him, but I must remind you that we don´t know if we should trust him. It would be wiser to spend the less time as possible with him."
"That would be a waste of resources and I told you that I have the hope he will come to our side"
"That can only be considered as wishful thinking. A dangerous bet, I must say."
"Hubert, I know that you worry about me, but I promise that I haven´t told him anything that would affect our plans. You could say that I´m analyzing him"
"I wonder what important information you have learnt watching him fishing" realizing the comment he had just made he immediately apologized. "Forgive my insolence, I overstepped"
"You don´t have to apologize. I understand your way of reasoning and I can´t really blame you for telling me the truth"
"I came here to hand you this" he said while giving her a letter. "Lord Arundel doesn´t seem pleased by the results of our inquiries" he chuckled.
"That´s just normal. They belittle us. I thank you for your diligence"
"A servant doesn´t need appraisal Lady Edelgard" he said bowing to him.
"Don´t belittle yourself. You have my trust, after all"
"I will take my leave. I wish you a good day" he said bowing again and leaving.
"Is it wrong to try to make him join my side?" she lamented in thoughts.
….
7/9
The days passed without too much trouble, their students progressing in their studies of military tactics. Everyone had passed the exam and as a reward Byleth gave them a free day off. However, Byleth sensed that something was worrying Edelgard. She had been more reserved than usual and that sudden change intrigued him the most.
"Why won´t you ask her?" Sothis asked
"She may want to keep her things for herself"
"But you are worried about her. If you don´t ask you may never know what´s worrying her"
"I can ask her during our teatime together"
"You could, but you shouldn´t be your tactless self. Use what Ferdinand von Aegir, the greatest noble on earth told you"
"You are too harsh on him, he is a nice boy"
"I know, but I felt like joking. I wish you luck. I don´t want to see your dear students in trouble"
Taking into account what Sothis had just said Byleth thought that apart from the tea he should prepare some sweets for her. "Even if she doesn´t want to talk about her problems if I can ease her tensions that would be enough to me" he thought.
He was planning asking for Lysithea´s help, who had continue to study with him and was showing impressive results, when he sensed a presence behind him.
"Good morning Professor, how are you doing?"
"Good morning Hubert, what do you want?"
"As efficient with your words as always Professor" he chuckled "Even though I wanted to be nice…"
"What happened?"
"I´m interested in you. I wonder why Lady Edelgard seems so interested in you"
"I trust her"
"Hearing that from you leaves me with a bad taste in the mouth. As you should know the most important thing to me is Lady Edelgard´s happiness. This requires me to analyze what contributes to her happiness and what could be considered a menace. I wouldn´t mind you if you contribute to Edelgard´s wellbeing. However, if you ever turn into a menace…I'll erase you"
"Are you menacing me?"
"It´s not a joke. Even if I am a student here I am first and foremost Lady Edelgard´s servant and I will judge you harsher than her for her own sake. Even if Lady Edelgard is interested in you I won't be careless in fulfilling my duty"
"I have nothing against her"
"Your words are full of confidence, I have to admit that" Hubert chuckled. "Even though I have menaced you, your face hasn´t changed a bit. I must acknowledge that you are an interesting specimen, Professor. You may not know this, but my family has been serving the emperor´s family for centuries. You could say that our duty to them is within our blood and I won´t forget my duties even if you pose a threat to her"
"As I said I have nothing against her. I respect your loyalty to her, but I can´t imagine causing her any harm."
"It frustrates me to be unable to reach beyond your expressionless surface, Professor. I will keep watching you" Hubert was preparing to leave when Byleth interrupted him.
"Hubert"
"Yes Professor?"
"I don´t want to harm you either"
"Is that a menace?" he asked.
"It isn´t. I wish to be in good terms with you too"
"Tsk" Hubert looked surprised and annoyed by Byleth´s answer and he promptly left.
"This one doesn´t like you" pointed out Sothis
"I know. He has been like that since the very beginning"
"I don´t think he would like to know about your meeting with the little Princess, you should be careful"
"I won´t back down for simple menaces. I don´t mean any harm to her too"
"Acting like that out of loyalty… Humans are really unique"
Leaving Sothis to her thoughts Byleth went to the library. He was searching for Lysithea and his guessing wasn´t in vain. The white haired student was focused on the lecture of a magic book, casting small spells as she was reading.
"Hello Lysithea"
"Hello Professor. Have you come to study too?"
"I wanted you to help me"
"Helping you? I don´t mind, but what can I do to help you?"
"I heard that you are good at making sweets"
Lysithea looked proud when he said that to her.
"Yes I am, I make my own sweets. I make sweets to rest between the lessons, besides everyone likes to eat sweets, right?"
"Of course" Byleth knew that Lysithea was especially sensitive regarding those things that would be considered childish and he wasn´t planning to offend her on that matter.
"I´m happy to hear that. If you can wait for a moment. I´m almost finishing this book"
"Don´t worry I can wait" he said sitting next to her.
After Lysithea was finished reading she accompanied her to the kitchen. The kitchens were usually occupied by members of the Church of Seiros, but a little area was reserved for the use of the students.
"What would you like to make?" asked him Lysithea
"I wanted to make some sweets to accompany a cup of tea"
"So you are inviting someone to tea? Can I ask who?"
"Edelgard"
"I see. She also likes sweets, although I have stronger tastes. I will help you. After all, you have been helping me a lot and I like her"
"Thank you"
"As I will be teaching you, you can call me Professor if you want."
Seeing her proud face, he couldn´t deny her that.
"Of course Professor Lysithea"
"That´s the spirit" smiled Lysithea. "Let´s start then"
Making sweets was harder than he expected, but after a few hours of trial and error Byleth achieved a result that Lysithea judged acceptable.
"It´s not the best I have eaten but it´s a good start in your sweet culinary career" Lysithea approved.
"Thank you Lysithea" he said patting her head.
"I´m not a child!" she said a little annoyed "But I will forgive you if you invite me someday" she said looking at her feet.
"Of course"
"It´s a promise then" she smiled. "Protect the sweets from the light of the sun. You don´t want them to get too dry"
"Understood"
"See you another day Professor" Lysithea said waving a hand to him.
He quickly returned to his room and put the sweets he had just made on the desk. With nothing much to do he spent the evening learning about a new spell called recycle.
…
7/10
Edelgard knew something had happened to Hubert when he made his morning daily report. He looked grumpy as if something was bothering him.
"Hubert, are you bothered by something?"
"Apologies Lady Edelgard, but it´s an insignificant matter that doesn´t require your attention. You don´t need to worry about me." He answered as he bowed.
Edelgard wasn´t convinced by the answer, but she didn´t find wise pressing him about that.
"Very well. I leave you with your duties"
"I will fully focus on them. You have nothing to worry"
She had promised to have tea with her Teacher at noon so she still had three hours left of time. She decided to do a lonely walk around the monastery. She enjoyed walking alone when she had time; it eased her tensions and helped her to concentrate better. She reflected about the last three months she had spent in the monastery. She had to admit that she was enjoying her life there, it could be said that it was the first time that she was having a normal life. "A normal, but incomplete life, but I can´t ask for more" she thought. Even if she was able to enjoy her days here every time she returned to her room the imperial princess would take her place. That was the reason why she appreciated to be treated as an equal, although only her Professor and Dorothea were the ones who didn´t remind her of her position.
Her walking brought her to the gardens. Some students were spending their time there and she could see Dorothea chatting with a man who appeared to be a knight of the Church. Edelgard was surprised by her ductility in anything related to relationships, but she didn´t dislike her for that. "She is enjoying her life the best way she can and I can´t really blame her for that. And contrary to Sylvain I don´t see her seducing every man in the monastery. ". She knew she could never enjoy something like that. She reluctantly knew that she would eventually have to marry for political reasons and that she couldn´t sacrifice the wellbeing of her citizens for her own. She sat under a tree and let the breeze caress her cheeks. As the scheduled time started to get close she looked around her in search of the teal haired man.
"Hello Edelgard" she heard a voice behind her.
Byleth was standing behind her with a tea set on his hands.
"You surprised me my Teacher. I was looking for you, but I didn´t spot you"
"Shall we take a place?" he said, offering his hand to help her.
"Thank you" she said accepting his. "Do you mind that table under the trees?"
"It´s ok to me"
Byleth carefully place the tea set he was holding on the table and silently started to prepare the tea. The concentration of his gaze on such a simple matter made her realize he wasn´t used to make tea, but she didn´t want to spoil his focus.
After patiently waiting for a few minutes Byleth served her a cup of tea with a familiar scent.
"Bergamot tea? How did you know it was my favourite?"
"Ferdinand told me about it. He had also taught me how to make tea and he gifted me with this tea set"
"I guess he can be nice from time to time. Have you tasted it before?"
"No" he took his cup and sipped a bit, closing his eyes "It´s ok"
"It may be a bit strong if it is your first time, but you may enjoy it later" she smiled
"Take this too" he said offering him handmade sweets.
"Thank you" she said picking one of them. It had a sweet taste, but it wasn´t too strong.
"Do you like them?"
"I do"
"I´m glad to hear that, Lysithea taught me how to make them"
Edelgard was surprised by the revelation. It was difficult to imagine a toughened warrior making some sweets with the little Lysithea. The mere image of that situation made her laugh.
"Forgive me my Teacher, I didn´t expect you to do something so sweet. I guess that you have some hidden qualities"
She was thankful for the consideration he had with her. They talked about different topics and Edelgard noticed he was choosing topics that he thought she may like. Seeing her Professor doing so much for her left her with a warmth feeling inside her.
"Can I ask you something Edelgard?"
"Of course"
"Is there something bothering you?"
"He had realized then" she thought. After her talk with Hubert she had been creating a bit of distance with her Professor, although she regretted it she knew that Hubert was suggesting that for her own sake.
"You see right through me Professor. I´m sorry to have made you feel worried"
"Was it Hubert?"
She was surprised when she heard that.
"Can you read another person´s mind Professor?"
"Not at all. Hubert has warned me about getting too close to you. He doesn´t want me to be a menace for your own good, but I don´t really blame him"
She felt a bit embarrassed about Hubert´s behavior, but Byleth didn´t look annoyed by that. She knew it would be unadvisable for her to hear her Professor´s answer to the threats but she wanted to ask him nevertheless.
"May I hear what did you answer to him?"
"I said that I don´t wish you any harm no matter what"
The power of his response left her speechless. Gently blushed, she looked at the bottom of her empty cup of tea.
"Your words are blunt, but I sincerely appreciate them. Forgive me for being distant due to such a ridiculous reason."
"No problem, I just want to make you happy. I want to make happy all of my students"
"I can say nothing about the others but I can assure you that I´m fortunate to have you as my mentor"
They continued chatting, the time passed faster than what she would have liked, but she couldn´t complain about it.
"Thank you for inviting me today. I have no problem to share another cup with you if the opportunity arises"
"I would like to" he said with a slight smile on his face.
When she looked at the time and saw that it was already past four she was surprised.
"The time has passed too quickly, but I enjoyed it. I wish you a good day"
After leaving her Professor he met with Hubert in front of her room.
"Has something happened Lady Edelgard? You seem brighter than usual"
"Who knows, it may be thanks to the good weather we have been enjoying these days." She said with a smile
Hubert nodded at her, although he didn´t really understand the reason of her smile.
"It won´t hurt me if I keep this little event to herself" she thought. When she reassumed her duties she did it with less pressure than usual and with a gentle smile on her face.
I want to write the battle in next chapter. I will post it as soon as possible. This week was really productive, but I will be busier next week. I´ll try to protect the deadline. Even if I´m writing something like this for my first time I´m enjoying it quite a bit.