The meeting with Rhea and Seteth was over, resulting in the duo of Guo Jia and Saika Magoichi securing a place to stay while they figured out a way to return home. Outside of the room they met in a nondescript scholarly looking man waited for them. "If you'd follow me please, I am to show you which quarters you may name yours" He explained, nodding his head. Jia speculated they would have been allowed to at least stay the night as there would be no other explanation for how fast such a message could be sent.
The pair gestured for the man to lead the way and he did so. It was quickly evident that they were led a very different route than the one they took to get to the meeting. There also did not seem too great a distance from where they just were, having turned only two corners and travelled down an admittedly lengthy hallway.
At the end of the hallway the scholarly man stopped and produced a simple looking key which he easily slide into the lock. With a soft click it unlocked and he handed the key to Magoichi. "Do look after it won't you" The man offered up in caution before being on his merry way. The pair exchanged looks, before Magoichi took the initiative and entered the room. "So they expect us to share huh?" He asked rhetorically. The room itself was quite spacious even for a pair of grown men to share.
Jia rubbed his chin in thought. "Hmm, if this was meant as little more than a temporary place for us to say then it is not surprising" He offered a chuckle. "A few words with Rhea and we can likely remedy it." Jia offered in comfort as he took the liberty to sit on the edge of one of the beds. Bar the size of the room, it was otherwise fairly standard. A rug decorated the floor and a large desk clearly meant for writing or other work related activities was the only non-bed furniture.
Following Jia's lead, Magoichi sat on the edge of the opposing bed and stretched lazily. "Suppose you're right." He yawned out. "Think I can get away with some sleep?" He asked his companion. "I see no reason why not, although I would like to explore the grounds a little before nightfall" Jia answered with a smile. Magoichi waved him off. "Go nuts, I'll join you when I catch up on sleep." Magoichi had already began lying down and had closed his eyes.
Deciding that sleep could definitely wait, Jia got back to his feet and made his way out of the room. Having no layout of the monastery to go off of, he set about travelling the hallways in search of stairs, mentally mapping the way as he moved. After a solid five minutes of wondering his hunt was finally ended, and he descended a floor down to solid ground.
With exploration in mind Jia resolved to find where people gathered most of all, likely an area to dine. Having turned from the stairs there were two places he could go, one was a building across a bridge. The other a hallway of a sort, filled with a few people and table. The bridge's building seemed isolated from his perspective and he opted to go the more connected path.
Jia must have worn a confused expression as he was quickly approached by a short girl sporting hair similar to Lady Rhea's but more in line with Seteth's in shade. 'A relative of one? Or both?' He briefly wondered as the girl began to speak. "Excuse me, you are no here no? Do you need assistance finding somewhere?" The girl asked cheerfully yet with respect. "I am new here yes, still finding my bearings" He nodded his response. The Girl seemed to perk up, an amazing feat considering she already seemed generally enthusiastic. "Oh, in that case would you like me to show you around? I have nothing urgent to do." Jia nodded. "That would help greatly. I am Guo Jia" He bowed lightly as he introduced himself. "And I am Flayn" She offered her own small bow in response.
Flayn took a few steps away. "Well then follow me, firstly I will show you the dining hall" She announced eagerly. Jia obliged and began to walk by Flayn's side. The route to the dining hall was direct and blissfully not too far a distance from the stair Jia had descended. "There is plenty of food every day, so no need to limit yourself" She offered in welcome. Jia could smell the current bounty of Grilled fish a foot vegetables. This did not escape the notice of his young guide. "If you're hungry let us remedy that now before seeing more" Jia nodded gratefully. "Today's special is grilled herring I believe" Her tone indicated she was likely looking forward to a meal just as much if not more so than Jia.
The two sat down, the dining hall was rather empty at the time and so no one was likely to join them. Before the two, plates of shredded herring were placed, adorned with slices fresh cooked turnip. While this particular dish was new to Jia, he was eager to put something in his belly and happily dug in. This was all Flayn needed to see as she too decided to enjoy her food. Both soon ate their food, the fish had been grilled for the perfect amount of time leading Jia to make a point of indulging in the dish again whenever it was served.
Flayn smiled at Jia. "That was quite delicious, are you ready to continue looking around?" She asked, lightly dabbing the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief. "I am thank you" Jis responded.
The pair left the dining hall and Jia was met with the tell-tale smell of fresh water. "Is there a lake nearby?" Jia asked instantly prompting Flayn to giggle lightly. "No not quite, It is only a pond used mainly for fishing." She kept her smile throughout. "You may thank it for the herring you just ate" She added with some cheek. Jia couldn't help but smile. Flayn lead Jia down to the water's edge and the pair could spot several people making use of the pond's main feature. "It is free for anyone to use, though if you catch something delicious its appreciated if you share" She said with no hint of subtlety. "If I ever catch a juicy fish, you will be the first to know Flayn" Jia responded, resisting the urge to pat her on the head.
Within eyeshot of the Pond was a small glass structure, which is where Flayn lead Jia to next. Inside the structure the humidity was overbearing for Jia and even the appeal of the colourful plants being grown could not temp him to stay inside for longer than a few seconds. "My apologies Flayn, such conditions do not suit me" A frown graced his lips for a flash, if one was not looking closely they would have missed it. Either Flayn did not see it or had the tact to not address is. "It is fine, unless you wish to grow something it will be rather useless to you." Her cheerfulness never left her tone.
With little to add about the Greenhouse Flayn directed Jia up a small set of stair not far from it. "These are student dorms, each room gets assigned to a student." Jia looked at the row of rooms, noting most doors were open bar one. Jia raised a brow and voiced his question. "So if I may ask, why do they all seem vacant except this one?" He pointed at the offending room. "Hmm, the open doors are either vacant or the occupants are not around. Some one may wish to be left alone?" She answered in an open-ended fashion. Jia's curiosity was nagging at him; however being new here meant he kept it to himself.
Flayn harried them onwards, leading them to a sealed off area. "This is the training grounds. Or leads to them any way, I think it is being prepared for when the school year begins." She explained and the pair promptly moved on. They stopped for a moment as Flayn pointed out a courtyard and three large rooms baring a different banner in front of each. "This is where lessons will be held when this years students are all here." Jia detected a hint of longing in her tone. He did not get a chance to question it as Flayn had already started to move on.
Jia had come full circle, as Flayn stood at the base of the stairs he descended to start his exploration. "Well that is most of monastery" She gestured to the path he did not take at the beginning. "Across the bridge is the church, I would suggest holding off visiting there until you know what exactly your role here will be" She offered her advice. "Oh, I suppose it would take time to announce it. My associate and myself will be teaching here shortly, at least assisting in teaching." Flayn looked at him dubiously. "It does not sound like you know what you will be doing, but it is not my place to lecture you." She offered. "I will be by the fishing pond if you wish to speak with me" She bowed a goodbye. "Until next time Flayn." He offered, likewise bowing his head in farewell.
Despite what Flayn said, Jia opted to explore the church now and began making his way over the bridge leading to it. "Hey wait up!" A voice called from behind him. When Jia turned around he could see Magoichi jogging up to him. "A quick nap Mago" Jia mused with a grin. "Quick nap? It was an hour easy" Magoichi countered. Jia did not doubt the being in such pleasant company made the time fly by faster than he thought. "Still quick, I've seen Hanbei nap for an entire day." Jia offered with a smile, he somewhat envied the young tactician's ability to sleep the days away. Magoichi rolled his eyes, Hanbei was an anomaly and did not feel the need to point that out to Jia.
The duo continued to walk across the bridge, Magoichi being impressed on the whole by how the grand architecture was able to nestle amongst the mountains. The church itself had its own portcullis at its entrance, although it was currently open and the pair entered freely. The inside of the church was as large as the outside would suggest, Jia craned his neck back as far as was comfortable to look upon the ceiling. Magoichi was more focused on the lack of people inside, the only other occupants being a pair of people seemingly in discussion in the centre of the room and a lone looking priestess amongst the pews. Magoichi lightly elbowed Jia to get his attention, which it immediately did. Magoichi pointed at the two in the centre and Jia nodded in understanding. It was time to meet new people.
As the duo approached the people in conversation, the two's apparel became rather apparent. The older man on the right was wearing a brown teachers jacket over a green neckerchief being the only bit of colour on the man's outfit. The woman on the left however was dressed in a surprisingly revealing outfit. Her dress did an amazing job of revealing her silky legs as well as showing off her ample breasts. Her arms we covered by a pure white robe that flowed behind her, giving the allusion of a modest outfit if looked at from certain angles.
The two pairs stood in front of one another, the old man's eye lit up with recognition. "Ah, you are the very spit of how Seteth described" He said jovially. Jia and Magoichi were slightly at a loss. "Forgive me, I am Professor Hanneman, a teacher here at the academy" He offered a hand in introduction. Before anyone could accept it however, His companion butted in. "And I'm Manuela. I'm a Professor, a physician, a songstress, and available." She offered a pointed wink at the pair. "It's nice to meet you."
Magoichi wasted no time and sidled up to Manuela."I am Saika Magoichi, a pleasure" He introduced. Jia on the other hand opted to bow in greeting "And I am Guo Jia. A pleasure to meet you both." Hanneman lowered his hand and took note of Magoichi's sudden proximity to Manuela. "Quite, it is my understanding that you will be joining us by teaching here for the following year. An interesting choice, having four teachers for three houses." Hanneman mused as he gave Manuela and Magoichi a little more space.
"Come to think of it, we've not been told much about the actual classes right Jia?" Magoichi chimed in his thoughts. Jia shook his head in agreement. "Truly? That is unusual, Seteth briefed you himself no?" Hanneman expressed his surprise. "He did yes however, our recruitment was a tad rushed" Jia explained. "Well it can not be helped. The students of the officer academy our split in to three houses upon their enrollment. These houses are the Black Eagles, Blue Lions and Golden Deer. Now I could go into further detail about these houses but I believe it would be best if you learned a little from the students you may end up teaching. The majority of them have arrived by now." Hanneman offered the brief explanation. "Oh, I think most are dallying around the classrooms, I can show you there now if you'd like?" Manuela offered.
The duo accepted the offer gladly and Manuela led the two back across the bridge. Unsurprisingly to Jia, she had led them to where Flayn had pointed out earlier. "Well, I'll leave you boys to it" She said as farewell and waved lightly at the pair. Jia bowed in response and Magoichi offered a playful salute. "I'm gonna have fun getting to know her I think" Magoichi offered when he was sure she was out of earshot. "Now now, we're not going to be here forever Mago, do be careful about breaking hearts" Jia offered with an unusual frown. "Yeah yeah, so how are we going to go about introducing ourselves then?" Magoichi played off Jia's words of caution.
Jia for his part chose not to push the point. "I'll go investigate the Black Eagle room, you start with Golden deer. Hopefully that will cover all of our bases." Jia offered and began walking towards the aforementioned room.
Magoichi had no objections to Jia's "Plan of attack" and split from his side to enter the Golden Deer's room. On the whole, the room did not look much different from any classrooms he'd seen before, bar the western styled desks and chairs. Before he had the chance to take note of the occupants he was approached by a young man, wearing the military styled uniform he had seen many of the younger people wearing. The most notable feature on the young man was the purple coloured hair framing his face. "Greeting, may I ask why you are here sir?" The man asked. Magoichi could sense the aura of nobility pulsing from the man. "Well kid, I may have to work closely with one of these classes and thought it prudent to find out what I can before called into action" Magoichi smiled in a way that had won him many a girl. It did not seem enough to get the noble to open up. "Is that so? I was unaware of any new professors joining the Monastery." He challenged.
It was at that moment they were joined by another individual. She sported long bright pink pigtails which instantly drew Magoichi's attention. "Lorenz, what's going on?" She inquired. "This man claims to soon be a professor here, I have my doubts Hilda." He replied, drawing a sigh from Magoichi. "I actually only said I'd be working with one of the classes kid, you added the professor stuff" Magoichi explained. "Saika Magoichi, by the way" He added with a quick bow, imitating Jia's usual introduction. Lorenz looked agast. "Ah, my humblest apologies. Lorenz Hellman of house Gloucester." He bowed in a much more formal manner. "You can just call me Hilda" Hilda chimed in with a playful curtsey.
Magoichi would have laughed if it would not have come off as rude. 'Well at least I learned two names' He thought with amusement. "Well now we all know each other, mind helping me out?" He asked in good faith. Lorenz did not seem keen to answer but fortunately Hilda seemed amicable. "What would you like to know Saika?" She asked in return. "Anything you're willing about the Golden Deer really." Lorenz scoffed in response to that. "Well" Hilda started Hilda, ignoring Lorenz. "The Golden Deer house is the class all of use from the Leicester alliance have been placed into for the duration of our stay in the officers academy." She began. "We're more or less balanced with the amount of noble and common students. Most of us dabble in the bow too so if you're good at that you'll likely be popular here." She offered a smile. "If you want to learn more about any individual student you're probably best off waiting for Claude to get here, he knows us all surprisingly well." She finished her explanation.
Magoichi nodded his head. "I get it, so I'm probably not going to learn much more before this 'Claude' turns up?" He asked. "Nothing too specific any way." She answered quickly enough. Magoichi briefly wondered if this was her own way of not giving up any vital information to a stranger. "Well, guess I'll be back later. " He turned away from the pair and began to leave. "Take it easy kids." He waved lazily before exiting the classroom.
Meanwhile, Jia was beginning his jaunt into the Black Eagle classroom. Or at least he would be if he was not stopped at the entrance by a rather sinister looking man. "I suggest you not enter here unless you have business." The man said in a commanding manner. "I'd say I have business to conclude" Jia offered a disarming smile. The sinister man scoffed and began to ignore Jia. He took this as a sign to enter freely and did just that.
Not unlike Magoichi, Jia found little out of the ordinary in the room. He was however, pleasantly surprised by how full it seemed as several sets of eyes turned on him. He must not have been who they expected as several of them quickly lost interest, a shorter blue head boy even gave out an audible sigh. A woman with flowing brunette hair bucked the trend however by approaching him. "Hubie actually let someone in?" She asked him, not hiding her appraising gaze. "The man at door I assume, well I wouldn't say he let me in" Jia offered with a chuckle. "Well don't judge him too harsh, he's just waiting for someone and it's taking longer than expected" She may not of known but a look of worry graced her features. Whoever the class were waiting for must have been fairly important. "Ah well, I intended to learn more about the Black Eagle class but now seems a bad time." Jia explained dejectedly. The Brunette raised a brow at that. "Why is that?" She asked. "I will be assigned one of these classes to teach, the other professors suggested I get a feel for them." Jia flashed a smile. "Guo Jia at your service" He offered his usual bow of greeting.
The brunette looks slightly taken aback. "I suppose it would be odd to split three classes between two teachers." She explained. "Dorothea by the way" She bowed her head lightly. "Now I can't promise to explain everything to you, but I can try? Anything in particular you want to know?" She asked. "I will settle for knowing what determines who are enrolled into the Black Eagles, and if possible what the overall aim of its students are." Jia explained. "Well, the first is easy. The Black Eagles are made up of students from the territories within the Adestrian Empire." Dorothea explained. "As for the latter, well we have a lot of students who are gifted in the magical arts." She pointed at herself with a flourish. "Yours truly included, but to everyone's goals are hard to generalize. You'd need to ask everyone themselves." She said with a frown. "You've given me enough for now Dorothea. Thank you" Jia said with a nod. "Really?" She questioned. "Indeed" Jia chuckled softly before waving softly. Dorothea looked confused as he walked away, waving back lightly in obligation.
Unknown to Dorothea, Jia had learned much from the way the students held themselves. First and foremost that whoever it was that was missing was likely the common factor that held them together. Jia walked back past "Hubie" and the man's followed Jia's retreat. It seemed to him that "Hubie" was wary of him. Jia couldn't be sure if this was simply the man's nature of if he had something to hide. Jia was unlikely to find out today and thus resigned himself to investigating the Blue Lions classroom.
Unsurprisingly Magoichi was already outside the third classroom, leaning against the wall to the side. "What took ya?" He asked as Jia approached. "I bet you learned nothing" Jia teased in response. "You wound me Jia" Magoichi responded in mock offence. Jia chuckled in response before gesturing for Magoichi to enter the classroom. He willingly obliged, walking into the room with confidence. Jia followed behind.
The pair both noted the room was identical to the one they each visited before, the only noticeable difference being the blue lion banners adorning the room. The pair was almost instantly set upon by a broad-shouldered man with a tanned complexion. "Do you bring word of his majesty?" The man asked with a deep voice. "Can't say we do" Magoichi took the liberty to reply. Jia bowed his head slightly "Apologies, we're here to learn more about the Blue Lion house?" Jia asked with hope. The broad shouldered man shook his head "Find Seteth, or one of professors. There are more pressing matters" He explained, getting to the point. "I suppose their explanation will have to suffice then" Jia said with a sigh. Magoichi looked at him in disbelief. "We're giving up already?" He asked. "I can not speak for the Golden Deer, but both the Eagles and Lions now have been pre-occupied. We will likely not gain much here." Jia explained.
Magoichi let out a sigh before shrugging. The pair left the classroom and opted to return to their assigned quarters. It did not take them too long to return. "So what now?" Magoichi asked. "We could pester Seteth if we wished." Jia let out a yawn. "I for one wish to relax a moment." He then promptly lay on his bed. "Suppose that's fair." Magoichi agreed with a chuckle.
Some time had passed and it was now early evening. Magoichi has wasted much of his time idly playing with a bullet, manipulating it as speed between his fingers and giving it the odd twirl. He saw no better us of his time as the training grounds had been barred for the time being. A rather audible groan erupted from Magoichi's stomach. A quick glance at Jia revealed the strategist was still asleep and Magoichi prepared to satiate himself alone.
Having received a brief overview of where the key facilities were from Jia, Magoichi found his way to the dining hall easily enough. Unsurprisingly the hall was filled with soldiers and students alike. A strong fruity smell bombarded his nose and he eagerly went to get a portion. What he was offered was a bowl of hot red liquid and small crusty roll he recognised as a common type of food amongst Western traders. He offered his thanks and prepared to eat his meal standing off to the side before he spotted a familiar woman waving him over.
Not being one to force people to wait on him, Magoichi made his way over. He was greeted by Manuela who shifted over to make space for him. "And here I thought I'd dine alone" Magoichi mused as he took a place by her side. "If I'm around you never have to worry about that" She said while patting his leg briefly. Magoichi did not seem to mind. "I'll be glad to keep that in mind" He responded merrily as he tore his roll into three pieces. He dipped the first piece into his soup, drenching it healthily in it before taking a big bite. His faced scrunched slightly, he was not expecting it to be quite so sweet. His expression prompted a soft laugh from Manuela. "Not a fan of Tomato soup then?" She questioned good-naturedly. "Its fine. Just wasn't expecting that kick." Magoichi responded with a hint of embarrassment. The two exchanged no more words as Magoichi finished the roll and had a healthy amount of soup left. Not thinking twice about it he grabbed the bowl and drank the remaining soup in three solid gulps. Manuela applauded with a few soft claps.
Magoichi place the bowl back on the table and offered a bow as best he could from a seated position to Manuela. "So if I recall you mentioned you're available right?" Magoichi began. "Are your intentions strictly pure?" She could not stop the smile from growing on her face. "Well, not strictly..." He answered vaguely. "I can work with that" She replied with a wink.
Their conversation was barely able to grow as they were approached by a knight of Seiros. "Professor Manuel, Saika Magoichi. You're requested to meet with Lady Rhea immediately" The knight offered while saluting the pair. "Somtimes I feel Sothis herself conspires against me" Manuela said with a sigh before getting to her feet. Magoichi promptly did the same. "Oh I fully intend to resume where we left off, so don't sweat it" Magoichi offered in an attempt at comfort. He gestured for the knight and Manuela to lead the way and dutifully followed them.
He should not have been surprised that they were led to the same room where Jia and himself were introduced to Rhea. The knight offered another short salute and let the pair in front of the door before taking his leave. Magoichi opened the door and held it for Manuela to enter. To Magoichi's surprise, it was not just Rhea and Seteth there this time, he could also make out Hanneman and a rather worn out looking Guo Jia.
Apart from the known faces their were also three more people present. A stouter than average man sporting what Magoichi now knew as armour denoting a knight of Seiros. A strong-looking man who had the air of a veteran. And lastly a girl, who looked to be the same age as many of the students here.
Rhea notice Manuela and Magoichi approaching the group first and gestured to the pair. "And here are the last two members of faculty I wish you to meet" She explained to the already assembled group. "Saika Magoichi at your service" Magoichi volunteered his name with a short two-fingered salute as he approached the group. "Manuela, you already know Alois." Rhea pointed to each of them as she said their names. "This is Jeralt Reus Eisner, he will be returning as acting captain of the knights of Seiros." Magoichi could have sworn she was radiating pure joy as she said those words. "And with him is his daughter Byleth, who I intend to have teach here." She eyed Magoichi carefully as she said this. He looked at Jia who seemed non-fazed by this announcement and nodded his head in acceptance. "Forgive me lady Rhea, but I was under the impression Saika or Jia were to be our third?" Manuela was the one to voice her confusion. "We will simply take a less active role in things." Jia was the one to answer with his usual smile.
The introductions were all too brief as it was late in the day and it would be revealed that Byleth and Jeralt had enough of a skirmish to make them both weary. "Very well, we will hold off on class assignments until tomorrow. All of you get some rest." Seteth commanded, prompting everyone to leave the hall. Jia could hear the faint start of a conversation between Rhea and Seteth as he left.
When the pair reached their room Jia slumped himself straight back into hi bed. Magoichi looked slightly concerned. "Hey, you're looking a little rough" He stated. Jia waved him off. "No doubt travelling via feather does not suit me" Jia joked. Magoichi chose not to pursue it now and retired to his own bed. Come morning the two would find out who exactly they would be responsible for until they return home.
The morning came all too quickly, as there was a loud slow knock upon the pair's door. Jia was the one who reluctantly answered the call and opened the door to be greeted by a knight of Seiros. "Morning sir, Lady Rhea wishes for you and your companion's presence." The man requested formally. Jia picked up his pole and prodded Magoichi with it faintly, this prompted a garbled protest from the man. "Rise and shine Mago" Jia said more merrily than he felt. "Ugh." Was all the verbal response he got was but was accompanied by Magoichi shifting to a sitting position. "We'll be there shortly." jia said with a smile to the knight and closed the door.
Magoichi was standing now and looked rather dishevelled. "Why'd you poke me with the stick" He asked lazily. "If we're to meet students who our to be in our care shortly, we had best look as official a possible. That includes being armed." Jia explained. "That still doesn't explain the poking" Magoichi countered, looking a little confused. "It saved me a few steps" Jia chuckled, noting Magoichi's lack of amusement.
Five minutes later the pair exited their quarters, both looking as if they were about to embark on a march. As they entered the meeting room once more they took a quick note of the people present. Rhea and Seteth were ever-present, joining them were the three teachers. "Master Jia and Master Magoichi. Good morning" Rhea greeted the pair warmly. "Lady Rhea" Jia responded with a formal bow, while Magoichi offered a quick salute from behind him. "Am I right in assuming class assignments have been made?" He asked. Rhea nodded. "Indeed, Byleth has elected to lead the Black Eagle, Manuela the Golden Deer and Hanneman the Blue Lions." She explained for the pair.
Seteth stepped forward. "As for you two, we have decided that you shall each dedicate your time to helping the professors with their classes. Who you choose to assist is up to you" He stated, and waited for the two to respond. Jia was already aware of this decision and suspected who Magoichi would volunteer to assist. "Well if its to be that way, I'll offer my help to the Golden Deer" He did not disappoint Jia with his answer. "I believe with being new to the position Byleth would benefit more than Hanneman with my assistance." Jia offered a small nod of apology in Hanneman's direction. "Acceptable, then if you would be so kind as to join the professors in introducing themselves formally to your houses." Seteth said with a nod, dismissing those present.
Just outside the room Magoicih and Jia spoke briefly. "So, guess we'll go our separate ways for the moment?" Magoichi said casually. "For the moment yes." Jia nodded. "Not missing me already?" He teased, resulting in a scoff from Magoichi. "Just find me if you learn of a way home" He responded before lazily waving a goodbye.
Jia hurried to follow Byleth, who was already well on her way to the Black Eagle's classroom. "Byleth." He started, waiting for an acknowledgement. He got it in the form of her turning her head to look at him. He noticed her eyes looked eerily empty past her dark blue hair. "Ah, I merely wished to tell you of how I intend to help you with teaching." The pair stopped then, Byleth tilting her head in thought. "I will offer assistance in topics relating to troop movements and strategies. Any other topics and I will take a back seat unless you feel a second pair of hands will enhance your teachings." Jia finished explaining. Byleth nodded in compliance and began walking again. Jia followed dutifully 'I hope she is less quiet around the students' He mused to himself.
The pair were on their way to the Black Eagles classroom but were intercepted on route by a woman Jia had not seen before. She had platinum hair and eyes, as well as wearing a striking red cape over her uniform. "I was informed you will be leading the Black Eagles this year professor." She said to Byleth, before her eyes glanced over to Jia. "Oh, excuse me, who is this?" She asked. "Guo Jia, he will be helping me." Byleth responded. Jia was almost surprised he did no need to answer the question for her. The cloaked woman frowned. "Does the church believe we would need so much instruction to require two teachers?" Her voice dripped with disapproval. "A mere odd series of circumstance my lady, nothing more." Jia decided to clear up any misunderstandings. "Fine" She seemed willing to accept that. "I am Edelgard Von Hresvelg, heir to the Adrestian throne" She announced. Jia bowed in response. "Come now professor, an introduction is in order" She spoke once more to Byleth and led her away. Jia followed a few steps away.
They arrived at the Black Eagle classroom shortly after. Jia was content to watch the chaos unfold from a short distance as the majority of their students expressed disbelief at Byleth being their teacher. With his appraising eye, Jia deduced the only two students that maybe difficult would be the pair of Edelgard and Hubert and even then only because they did not see him as anything of worth. Jia idly pondered if it would be worth the effort to prove them wrong. His idle wondering were cut short as he noticed Byleth waving him over. He obliged and walked closer to the group. Dorothea seemed to be the only one pleased to see him, everyone else more or less wore a look of indifference. "Byleth" He bowed to the professor before looking at the group of students. "I am Guo Jia, and while I am here feel free to ask for assistance in your learning" He announced in a sagely manner he remembered one of his own mentors speaking to him in.
Edelgard nodded in what seemed approval. "Guo Jia is to be treated with the same respect as out professor while he is her assistant" She announced. Jia was a little surprised at the order but did his utmost to mask it. His eyes locked with Edelgard's for a moment, they seemed to speak volumes as he felt this courtesy would only be given while she deemed him worth it. "My thanks. I intend to honour Byleth's authority in matters, just so you know" He offered kindly before withdrawing to the front of the class, allowing Byleth to learn more about her students.
His plan was equally to allow the students to learn more about their teacher but one student had other ideas. "I'm glad you decided to join out class" Dorothea offered kindly. "I hope I can continue to make you glad of that." Jia responded with a smile. "Not that I do not appreciate the company, but you should get to know your teacher a little more" He said gesturing to Byleth and the group of students surrounding her. "Oh I'll get to know her, I wanted to get to know you too." She responded. "Anything in particular you want to know?" He responded with a chuckle, earning him a mock slap on the wrist. "How about why join the Black Eagles?" She pondered. "I was more motivated to help the novice teacher" He pointed at Byleth. "And If I'm being honest, working with a young woman beats working with an old man. That stays between us." He put a finger to his lips. Dorothea for her part tried not to laugh and the two continued to converse for a time.
Meanwhile Magoichi was being introduced to the Golden Deer by Manuela. "Any questions for Magoichi or myself?" She asked. "Yeah, so what can you do Magoichi?" A tanned boy with spiky hair asked, a yellow cloak draped over his shoulders. "Leadership, Marksmanship, all-round great guy." Magoichi responded with a cocksure grin. An orange haired tomboy piped up. "Marksmanship? Care to show us?" She openly challenged. "Soon as the training grounds are opened up I'd be glad to." He responded, a hand caressing the handle of his gun. "As worthwhile as that is, should we not begin discussing the mock battle coming up?" The noble Lorenz piped up. Magoichi looked a little confused before Manuela chimed in. "Ah yes, its main purpose is to test students abilities but it does not mean we can not prepare." She offered as she fetched a piece of paper from the desk. Upon it was a crudely drawn map which she began to copy onto a blackboard. She pointed at a portion of the map behind what Magoichi assumed was meant to be a forest. "Here is where we have been assigned to set up. Now bare in mind only four of you will competing, as well as me your teacher." She explained.
The tanned boy from before stepped up and asked for volunteers. It came as no shock to Magocihi that every hand shot up. The boy pointed to three individuals and called their names. "Lorenz, Hilda, Ignatz. You're gonna help us shine." He said with enthusiasm. "What's the plan Claude?" Hilda asked, still as perky as before. "Well, we've got some forest for cover. An ambush would be our best bet." He explained. Pointing to the roughly drawn forest. "Ignatz and Lorenz can probe 'em while Hilda and I wait to ambush them when they're all tired out and head for Manuela." He smiled proudly and looked at Manuela. "What do ya think teach?" He asked. Before she had a chance to answer however, Magoichi interjected. "Not bad kid, but if Jia is advising the Black Eagles in any way, he'll see right through it." He explained. Claude looked dejected. "How do you figure?" He objected. "Because, He's been doing this a little longer than you kid." Magoichi sighed. "Actually I wouldn't be surprised if anyone who's fought a real battle would see right through this." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Do you have a better plan than?" Claude asked, moving onwards. "No, I'd do the same thing and likely lose as well" Magoichi offered with a chuckle.
Claude looked at the man in surprise. "Then why try to dissuade me?" He asked. "Aren't teachers meant to challenge their students? I feel like that's what I'm meant to do." He offered in a light-hearted response. "As valid as Magoichi's point is, we should go with your plan Claude." Manuela chimed in encouragement. Claude nodded and the Golden Deer selected for the battle began to crowd around the board and go into more details.
A brain wave hit Magoichi and he took the original map Manuela produced and brought it over to the remaining students, who were currently doing little. "Well then, let's not let them do all the work." He announced pointing at the orange-haired tomboy. "You'll make a plan yourself and lets see if it would do better than Claude's." He said with a grin. "If I can verify that it would, I guarantee a reward." He added an incentive, although none seemed necessary. A short girl with long white hair was already studying the map, a giant of a man looking over her shoulder to like-wise look at it.
'If they're this motivated I might just be able to make something out of them' He idly thought as he watched his own small group plan positioning and tactics of their own.
