Magoichi awoke in the manner he was accustomed to in recent weeks, that being under a lavish quilt with his arms wrapped around a beautiful woman. On this occasion however, he had to unwrap himself from his companion and with subtlety. Mercifully Manuela was a heavy sleeper or at least pretended to be, and he had little issue removing his arms from around her frame. He slowly moved the quilt from over him and let it rest upon his former spot once he got off the bed.. He wanted to whisper sweet goodbyes to her, but wisely chose not to ruin his getaway. He grabbed his coat on the way out and closed the door softly behind him.

Magoichi's destination was easy to guess for anyone as he found himself outside of Jia's quarters. 'I hope he's awake' Magoichi thought with a grimace, not wanting to incur the strategist's ire. He knocked twice with a short pause between the two strikes. Silence greeted him. He knocked again in a similar manner. Still silence was his answer. He gently pushed the door to open it and it gave no resistance. Inside was empty, it appeared as if Jia was already busy today. "Just my luck." Magoichi lamented to no one in particular, before setting off to find his friend.

It took all of twenty minutes before he found Jia, in the Black Eagle classroom no less. "Never mind. I'm being thoughtless with my words. For now, let's just focus on the problem at hand." Edelgard apologised to Byleth, who did not have the look of someone who required one. "Mago?" Jia asked all of a sudden, spotting the marksman. "The one and only, can I speak to you a moment?" He asked, getting questioning looks from all present. "This is supposed to be a strategy meeting, but I can give you some time." Jia responded, offering a bow of apology to the gathered members of the class. "Take your time." Byleth said in a neutral tone.

Once out of earshot of the class Magoichi breathed a sigh of relief. "What's wrong Mago?" Jia asked, starting to become concerned. "It's Manuela, her birthday is in a couple of days." Magoichi began to explain. Jia would have gotten annoyed if it were anyone else telling him this. "I need someone to help me make things, well memorable." Magoichi finished and Jia had to think for a moment. "Honestly, customs here dictate sending flowers is enough of an acknowledgement. On rare occasions hosting a tea party is also considered polite." Jia passed on the knowledge he had learned from his initial research into Fódlan's culture. Magoichi scoffed. "Sure I could do that, but when have I ever settled for standard?" The marksman asked earning a sigh from the Strategist. "Yes that is true, we all remember the Linqi incident." Jia shuddered at the memory. So many wasted pork buns.

"For someone so scarred from it, you mention it a lot." Magoichi admonished. "It is important to remember such mistakes." Jia counselled sagely. "So, are you going to help?" Magoichi pushed for an answer. "I'll recruit Dorothea, it is my understanding she knew Manuela for a long while before attending here." Jia relented, earning a smirk from Magoichi. "Sure you don't want to just spend time with her? You can do worse." Magoichi teased. "Or I can withdraw my offer of aid." Jia warned, getting the sharpshooter to be silent.

When the two returned to the Black Eagle classroom, only three people were actively planning: Byleth, Edelgard and Hubert. The rest of the attendees were idly chatting or planning out their schedules for the week. Jia approached Dorothea without Magoichi, as he decided to stay by the entrance. "Yes, professor?" The songstress asked as he approached. 'Not Jia?' He resisted the urge to ask. "Magoichi and I have a task that you could help us with greatly." Jia began, before being silenced with a hand gesture. Apparently Dorothea was not in the mood for pleasantries right now. "What can I do?" She asked, curiosity evident behind her eyes. Jia glanced around quickly, and although no one was looking he could not guarantee they were listening. "It is a delicate matter, can we discuss it outside?" He asked, lowing the volume of his voice to just above a whisper. "How scandalous professor." She chastised before getting to her feet.

Jia led the songstress from the classroom and although they were still in eyeshot, no one would be able to overhear them. "I'm told you've known Manuela for a while now." Magoichi stated accusingly, earning a raised eyebrow from Dorothea. "I used to perform with her for a time, why?" She asked in confusion. "I need your help to make her birthday special!" Magoichi declared, while Jia placed his palm over his face. "Why bother trying to be secret if you raise your voice." He stated dryly to himself, as his companions were too tuned into their conversation.

It seemed that Dorothea had long wanted to do something special to celebrate Manuela's birthday, but with the older woman's despair over lacking a lover it seemed like it would be a fruitless endeavour. "First we need to reserve the Dining Hall." She explained and from seemingly nowhere, Jia produced some paper and a quill. "We then make sure it is well stocked with Wine and ale." She elaborated and Jia jotted it down with a roll of his eyes. "As for food, meaty dishes and those made with high-quality fish." She finished, eyeing the notes that Jia had written. "Good." She observed.

"Now, as for gifts..." She began, pausing to think. "I think it would be best if I just come to the markets with you to help with that." She offered and Magoichi beamed. "Alright, I can live with that." He agreed. "And not the one here in Garreg Mach, you will be lucky to find anything that's not weaponry here..." She trailed off, saddened by the very nature of her current environment. "I will handle the dining hall then, Mago you good to leave now?" Jia asked. "Not so fast, you have to come with us, I will get Ferdie to reserve the dining hall." Dorothea interjected. Jia had no meaningful reason to argue bar stubbornness and thus relented easily. "Great, meet me at the gate while I go enlist Ferdie." She sang as she returned to her classroom.

"She's plotting something" Jia said suddenly as the pair neared the stables. "That right?" Magoichi responded with sarcasm. "Not helpful." Jia noted and Magoichi simply laughed. "What exactly is wrong with a pretty girl plotting to get you closer?" He asked teasingly. 'Irresponsible' Is what he wanted to say but instead held his tongue. Magoichi misunderstood Jia's silence as agreement. "Exactly, just have a little fun Jia." He encouraged his friend.

The two retrieved the horses they had been using their entire time here, as well as a beautiful black mare that served as transportation for Dorothea. They then moved to the gate, where somehow Dorothea was already waiting. And she was not alone. Accompanying her were Petra, Bernadetta, with Ingrid and Mercedes from the Blue Lions house.

"We're going to be travelling a bit more stylishly this time." Dorothea happily announced, Jia felt a pit rise in his stomach. "Oh?" Magoichi asked with a raised brow. Dorothea thumbed passed the gate and there was a magnificent carriage made primarily of oak, not overly ornate but certainly an indication of wealth. At the front of the large carriage three Pegasus were attached, ready to pull it when given the command. "Well, this'll be new." Magoichi said unimpressed. "Yes, certainly." Jia agreed, showing no signs of the uneasiness he now felt.

The girls were the first to pile in quite happily in fact. Next up was Magoichi, who made himself comfortable on the far side that had been left free. Jia eyed the carriage with some suspicion. "Who will be in charge of the flying exactly?" He felt compelled to ask. Dorothea could not stifle a giggle and it fell to Ingrid to answer. "A family friend of house Galatea." She answered and it did little to shed light on the situation. "I see." He responded before letting out a sigh. He begrudgingly entered the carriage and sat where he could, in this case right next to the door.

A quiet moment passed before the faint tingle of magic being cast could be heard, and the door they entered through shone faintly with a sheen of green. "Is that supposed to happen?" Jia asked, not able to hide his concern this time. "Yes, it is to stop us from opening it mid-flight." Ingrid explained, earning a nod from Jia. "Right, sensible." He said with a swallow. His mouth was beginning to feel dry.

"We leave in ten." An unknown voice called, it seemed to be come from where the rider would be. Jia chose to close his eyes and blot out the misery that was to come, he was certainly not comfortable with defying the will of heaven. 'Man should not fly' He thought with a sardonic grin gracing his lips. After a silent count to ten, the carriage began to move. Jia expected some sort of run up to get the creature to take to the sky but alas it wasn't to be. He immediately felt the carriage leaving the ground and the sensation of rising felt like it would never cease.

And then as quickly as it had started, the sensation stopped. It did not exactly feel as if they were walking along the road, in fact it did not feel like anything at all. Were they even moving? Jia did not wish to look and find out. "Umm, are you f-feeling alright professor?" The nervous archer asked. If she could tell he was having issues than it was likely the others did too. "Fine, fine." Jia replied, making an effort to straighten his clothes. No one seemed convinced but also no one pressed him on the matter.

"So, why do we need to travel like this?" Magoichi asked and Jia was a little curious himself. "In truth we could have ridden, but Ingrid here offered her family's carriage and I found it hard to turn down." Dorothea explained. "The market town isn't all that far." She followed up and Jia thanked the heavens for small mercies.

Almost as if to punctuate Dorothea's point, the sensation of falling ran through Jia. Though it was slow and controlled, Jia could not help but grip the closest thing to him. Thankfully it was an empty part of the seat and not one of his fellow passengers. The long decent announced its end with a violent rocking of the carriage, as the wheels hit ground once again. "Stopping in five." The rider announced. Five seconds later and the carriage came to a halt. The green sheen around the door disappeared and it opened promptly. A short rotund man opened the door and held it for the occupants to leave.

Jia being the last one to enter was the first one to leave and stood a few feet away from the carriage. He waited for everyone to disembark. Once everyone had, Dorothea clapped her hands to get everyone attention. "Okay everyone, we have two hours to get everything we want done." She announced and motivation amongst the girls began to soar. "Meet at the teahouse for lunch in an hour, dismissed." She commanded not unlike a general ordering their troops. The assembled girls quickly shot off in different directions, seemingly having different goals. "This way Professors." Dorothea called as she began to walk in to town. The pair followed her.

"So there is a lot to be found here, a lot of merchants pass through on their way to any of the capitals." Dorothea explained, as Magoichi eyed up some apples piled on a merchant's table. "For Manuela we have to get creative! I'm thinking a music box. Not rare but certainly not common." She decreed. Jia stroked his chin lightly, mimicking his old ally Jia Xu. "And what music should play?" He asked and Dorothea positively beamed at the question. "Definitely a hymn, Something she never sang on stage." She decided and pointed towards a shop. The shop in question had a sign outside. No words, just a picture of a present tied off with a bow. "Convenient." Magoichi said with a grin and the trio approached it.

When the three were inside, it was immediately apparent that it would be difficult to locate anything specific. The room was cramped as shelves took up the majority of the space. The shelves were full of all manner of oddities: some as simple as misshapen teddy bears all the way to insects preserved in jars of orange liquid. The latter discovered when Dorothea let out a faint yelp at a row of the creatures. "May I help at all?" A kindly looking man with a twirled grey moustache asked from the back corner of the room. "Yes, got any boxes that play music when it's opened?" Magoichi asked, and the man scratched his head in thought. "Hmm, maybe out back. They're not very popular these days." The older man lamented, and beckoned the sharpshooter to follow him. "I'll wait here." Dorothea declared, disappearing amongst the shelves. "You stay as well Jia." Magoichi said nonchalantly as he disappeared from view.

The minutes passed by and Jia had distracted himself by looking at a variety of different jewellery, a few pieces even seemed reasonable enough for him to purchase as a gift himself. He ran a finger over a few shiny red beads that made up a particularly striking bracelet and he was surprised by just how smooth they had gotten. "Who's the lucky girl?" Dorothea's voice snapped him out of his admiration for the piece. "I was thinking Manuela would appreciate it." Jia explained easily and Dorothea smiled. "Just don't upstage Professor Saika." She warned playfully, earning an eye-roll from the Strategist.

Another few moments went by and Magoichi finally emerged from out back, with the merchant in tow. "I've got it narrowed down." He declared and while Jia stayed where he was, Dorothea went to his side. "Well, Let's hear them." She encouraged and Magoichi opened the first box. The melody that played sounded almost identical to the harmony sang during the daily choir gatherings in the monastery only chimes instead of voices. The song began to loop and Magoichi closed the box. He placed it carefully on the table of the merchant before opening his second box.

The tune was foreign to Jia's ear and he simply could not place it. Dorothea had no such issue. "The Red Canyon calls..." She sang with parts of the melody and both men were enraptured by her voice. The tune began to loop and once again Magoichi once again closed the box.

"I think Dorothea's song sells it." Jia said, not knowing what else to call what he just heard. Dorothea giggled lightly. "It was an old favourite of Manuela's. She used to sing it when she wanted to impress someone." Dorothea explained, still running high from her impromptu performance. "Well that settles it." Magoichi agreed and handed over 400 gold to the merchant. "Will that be all sirs?" The merchant asked, a glimmer of hope for another transaction. "I'm good." Magoichi answered instantly, and began to make his way to the door. Dorothea looked at a row of shelves briefly before also excusing herself. That left Jia and the merchant alone.

"I suppose I should do something for her too." Jia said whimsically as he carefully moved the beaded jewellery to the table the merchant used as a counter. "Hmm, for you 250 gold!" He declared jovially and Jia had to admit it was infectious. "Very well." Jia agreed, handing the asked for sum. He had been sure to bring a limited amount of gold just in case the need arose. The Merchant was kind enough to place the jewellery in a small bag for safe transport, it was not unlike the one that contained Jia's Dragon Liver.

Jia began to walk away, before the merchant's voice stopped him. "By the by friend, the little lady was eyeing up that piece." The merchant pointed to a shelf housing a selection of hair clips. Jia had to respect the man's selling skills, even if it was an inconvenience. "That so? Would you care to narrow that down further?" Jia asked, hoping to end the game the merchant seemed determined to play. The man's eyes seemed to shine. "The gold one, with green cloth." He guided and Jia chuckled. "I know her a little better than that." Jia fired back and the merchant deflated a little. "Fine fine, the bronze one, red cloth." The merchant explained, and Jia picked up the aforementioned hair clip. He brought it to the table and Merchant grinned widely. "500 gold friend." He asked and while Jia could attempt to haggle, he really did not want to keep his companions waiting.

Having parted ways with more gold, Jia gave the merchant a bow in farewell before leaving to join his companions. Dorothea and Magoichi were straight outside the store, discussing more plans for Manuela's celebration, at least he assumed. The two became silent when they noticed Jia join them. "What's are next stop?" Magoichi asked. "Want to just walk around the market? We've succeeded faster than I though we would." Dorothea confessed. The three agreed to wander the market until the meet-up with the other girls.

The market did not hide any secrets wonders or even differ greatly from Garreg Mach's own markets. Vendors sold a few different fruits and vegetables but certainly nothing that warranted leaving the monastery for, at least not in Jia's mind. "Hmm, there's usually a few traders from Almyra or even Brigid here." Dorothea thought aloud and the three settled for a different means of entertainment. Namely attempting to find the largest of certain types of vegetables. Dorothea had succeeded in finding the largest potato and leek of the day. While Magoichi had found a gourd the size of his head. Jia had no luck in finding the largest, but he did buy three of the juicy apples as a treat for the trio.

At the agreed time, all three of them arrived at the designated meeting spot. Not surprisingly the others were already there waiting. Ingrid was carrying a new spear and Jia was curious as to why she could not procure such a thing back at Garreg Mach. Mercedes and Bernadetta both had matching bags, whatever goods they contained was a mystery. Petra curiously did not seem to have anything. Dorothea merged into the group seamlessly and began chatting away with the group. "We'll meet you by the carriage." She quickly informed the pair and the group of girls vanished inside the teahouse.

The pair looked dumbly at the retreating girls. "More planing no doubt." Jia noted and Magoichi couldn't help but chuckle. "Almost definitely a plan of attack for the day, don't worry." Magoichi attempted to ease his friend. "Let's head back to the carriage." Jia said, dropping the subject and the two headed back to the carriage.

The pair had been waiting for little over five minutes by the carriage. "Mago, what task have the Deer been assigned this month?" Jia inquired out of the blue. "Bandits again, no challenge for them." Magoichi stated, no stranger to fighting undisciplined foes. Jia nodded. "We've been tasked with bandits too, though this one stole an artefact of great power not money or food." Jia explained and Magoichi's attention was piqued. "An artefact, like what an idol or something?" He asked. "I'm told it is a spear, I'm not entirely sure why it is so special but the church is willing to slaughter anyone involved in its theft." Jia said with a sigh. "Though sending student to inflict such retribution does not sit right with me." He confessed.

"You'll think of something." Magoichi encouraged and the two stood in a comfortable silence. The silence was not broken until the group of girls returned and all seemed excited to return home. Jia opened the carriage and allowed everyone else to enter first, bringing up the rear. Once again the door was shut behind him and a green glow encased it.

The trip home went a lot smoother, mainly due to the face Jia was prepared for it this time. His stomach still flipped when they landed and Jia gave a silent vow never to travel in such a manner again. The group disembarked and promptly went their separate ways, leaving Magoichi, Jia and Dorothea alone. "Right, Professor Saika you have one job left." She began and Magoichi listened as if receiving orders from a commander. "You need to get Manuela to accompany you to the Dining Hall tomorrow evening, just before dinner. Understood?" She asked and Magoichi nodded in response. "Good, you may leave." She said, and Magoichi obliged leaving the two alone.

"And I assume I just need to attend yes?" Jia asked and Dorothea made a show of pretending to think for a moment. "Unless you want to help me arrange some flowers?" She asked. While Jia would have loved to call it a day and simply offer his gift to his fellow professor on the day, he could hardly deny the request. "If you think I will be of use." He agreed with a slight nod of his head and Dorothea all but dragged him to the greenhouse.

Jia stood by the entrance to the greenhouse, refusing to commit to going inside. He remembered all too well how negatively it affected him before. Dorothea did not object, perhaps she had spoken to Flayn about the matter before. "Professor, Carnations or roses?" She asked him, holding an example of each flower. The carnations were a light pink hue which would match and woman's complexion. While the roses were a beautiful shade of red and the classic choice. In all honesty Jia was out of his element. "Can you not make use of both?" He asked, feeling it was the safest option. "I was hoping you would say that." His companion admitted and began to have a discussion with the caretaker of the plants. It seems he had lucked out.

After a brief exchange of words, Dorothea left the greenhouse and the pair of them stood by the pond. "I'm sure Manuela will love it tomorrow." Dorothea hoped, looking at the reflection of the now setting sun in the pond. "You put a lot of effort into it, Manuela will appreciate that more than anything." Jia explained, wanting to ease the young woman's worries. It seemed to work as her shoulders became less tense. "And I will admit, it was an interesting distraction from the strategy meeting." Jia confessed, earning a giggle from Dorothea.

"It's getting late, I should probably let Edie know about our arrangements." Dorothea said. "See you tomorrow professor." She waved a goodbye. "And you." He said with a slight bow, leaving in the opposite direction. As he entered the Dining Hall a thought flashed through his mind. 'That would have been a good time to give her the gift.' He chuckled at the thought, shaking his head. Another time.

The next morning and Jia found himself recruited in the efforts to make the dining hall look more celebratory with the resources they had. "And all Mago has to do is keep Manuela away." Jia said with a chuckle, knowing full well the tactic Magoichi would use to achieve such a goal. "I-its not that bad p-professor." Bernadetta spoke up beside him, offering a golden piece of paper in the shape of a musical note to the taller man. Jia took it and using the paste provided stuck it as high as he could on the wall. A quick glance around showed musical notes of varying colours occupying most of the wall space at this point.

"Is our professor complaining again?" The commanding voice of Edelgard asked. Bernadetta let out a squeak in fear, looking frantically for an escape. "I have never complained." Jia answered cheekily, turning to face Edelgard. She did not look amused. "Honestly, it is bad enough we all have to do this last minute. Don't make it difficult." She warned, Jia opting to blame the words on an overworked leader.

The hall was finally decorated in a manner befitting a birthday. All that remained was for the cooks to work their magic, and Magoichi to arrive with the target. It would be a long wait.

Late afternoon arrived and at last Manuela was escorted to the Dining Hall, being led by Magoichi. "I don't see why we could not eat in my room." Manuela complained in a teasing manner. "You know others deserve to see you on your birthday." Magoichi responded easily, earning a light slap on the shoulder from Manuela. The pair entered the hall and the assembled students and teachers alike offered a "Happy Birthday!" At the top of their lungs. Manuela looked away from the assembled group, her eyes threatening to let loose a flood of tears.

"Success." Jia announced in triumph to no one in particular. "Victory!" Dorothea added cheerfully, before she rushed the older songstress, embracing her. Jia resisted the urge to chuckle and silently drank in the happiness flowing from the pair. Food began to flood the hall in the form of skewers of meat of various styles from across Fódlan, even the woman of the hour could not resist and dragged Magoichi to a table to begin feasting. Jia himself was not overly hungry and settled for a cup of wine, content to savour it alone.

"Professor." Edelgard announced her arrival before taking a seat beside him. She delicately nibbled at a piece of stringy meat skewered along with a mixture of vegetables. "I'm surprised, I thought you would take this opportunity to further woo your better professor." Jia teased. "I am flattered you chose me instead." He added with a wink, causing the girl to redden slightly. "That is not what this is." She defended herself, earning a grin from the strategist. "I know, sorry its a habit of mine to tease cute maidens." He apologised and she chose to ignore his comments.

"The reason I approached is because I need your assistance." She got to the point, and Jia's curiosity was piqued. "With Byleth?" He asked after a moment of silence. "N-no!" She denied loudly, turning a few heads to look at the pair. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "With this month's mission." She said with a sigh. "I thought the plan was set?" He inquired and she shook her head. "There is more to discuss. In private." She put emphasis on that last part and Jia nodded his head in understanding. "Alright, after the festivities I will be glad to lend my aid." He agreed and Edelgard was grateful. "Later then." She said, getting up to relocate. Jia was unsurprised when she ended up sitting beside Byleth. Edelgard shot him a pointed look once she caught him watching and Jia turned away after that, his grin not faltering.

"Oh wow!" Manuela exclaimed, snapping the strategist's attention. The songstress was currently holding the music box that Magoichi had procured. He could not hear the tune but there was no doubt it was playing. Magoichi wrapped an arm around the songstress' shoulder and she leaned into him. "It still surprises me how well behaved he's been." Jia thought aloud. "What a curious thing to say." The voice of Hubert responded earning a self-deprecating laugh from the strategist. "What an amazing ability you have, I never know when you're around Hubert." He complimented the boy, earning a scoff.

"I am still curious as to what you meant by your comment?" Hubert asked. "An idle thought that slipped from my tongue." Jia explained, his expression one that brokered no negotiation on that point. "How irritating." Hubert complained but made no further attempt to probe him on the matter.

Some time passed and Jia ate several more meat skewers by the time the Golden Deer finally joined the festivities. The students swarmed Manuela, showering her with all manner of gifts. Mainly trinkets and flowers but the gesture was all that mattered to the teacher whose eyes began to well up once more. Jia considered it may be a good moment to grace her with his own gift but ultimately decided against it, he would offer it to her in due time or even leave it with Magoichi.

Shortly the Deer settled down and joined the rest of the students in feasting and celebrating their teacher's birthday. Wine began to flow for the adults present, including the older students. Edelgard took that as her chance to leave, Byleth not long after. Jia wondered if it involved what she spoke of earlier but quickly shook the thought from his mind. With any luck the poor girl would be getting closer to her professor.

"How scandalous our leader can be." Dorothea said with a giggle, half a glass of wine in her hand. "Me being alone? Or our dear Edie?" He asked, using Dorothea's pet name for her. "Edie of course." She replied in a heartbeat. "I am afraid Byleth is not aware of her intentions well enough for it to lead to a scandal." Jia said with a chuckle. Dorothea frowned, seeming to want to disagree. "They'll get there." She said softly, taking a seat next to him. "Why are you by yourself any way?" She asked, taking a dainty sip from her glass. "Parties and feasts do not feel the same here." Jia said with a nod. It only seemed to cause Dorothea to wonder more.

Jia grinned. "It is simple really. I'm not used to this crowd." He explained, gesturing across the hall. "A victory celebration is something I excel at but celebrating a birthday in this manner? This is new." Jia finished his explanation and Dorothea nodded in understanding. "So, you get all shy in new situations?" She clarified earning a chuckle. "Not quite. I need to get a feel for these new situations and what I learned is simple this time, it is not about me." He said, gesturing towards Manuela. "No trading my stories, no contests of wit or strength. No over-indulging in wine." He sighed at the last part. Dorothea lightly patted his back in a comforting gesture. "Thank you for the attempt." She said earnestly.

"Am I interrupting?" Hubert asked, appearing from nowhere once more. "A little Hubie..." Dorothea acknowledged, letting the nickname hang. "Lady Edelgard has need of the professor." He relayed the information. "No doubt she needs my assistance to woo her target." Jia joked earning a scowl form the dark mage. Dorothea waved a goodbye to the pair as Hubert led Jia away.

Surprisingly, Edelgard was alone when the pair arrived at the leader's quarters. "Make sure no one approaches Hubert." She ordered and the boy obeyed as Edelgard hurried the strategist inside. Jia resisted the temptation to make a joke. "I will keep this brief and simple. I wish to recruit the bandit leader Miklan." She stated and Jia had only one question in mind. "Why?" He asked and Edelgard took her time to formulate a response. "Why?" She parroted. "All reports indicate he is in this situation due to the lack of a crest." She began to explain. "Crest? Hanneman mentioned them briefly, are they truly so influential?" Jia interrupted and Edelgard nodded. "He was lucky to not simply be disowned at the lack of a crest." She explained. "His younger brother, Sylvain attends the academy. My reports indicate that ever since his crest was discovered, Miklan's worth to the family declined. It ultimately led to the scenario before us, a relic stolen and the man's life on the line." She finished her explanation.

"I see, still it hardly constitutes risking the attempt to recruit him." Jia pointed out and Edelgard simply smiled. "True, the other reason I wish him to join the Empire is his skill." She produced a piece of paper and handed it to Jia. A quick glance and other than a brutish personality it was a sparkling recommendation of his talents. "What is not written there is also just how quickly he rallied men to his cause. Strength, skill and charisma that is quite the ideal general wouldn't you say?" She asked him and Jia had to nod in agreement.

Jia closed his eyes in thought and Edelgard did her utmost to give him silence and time. "Alright, the goal is clear enough. Recruit Miklan and do not allow the church to know of this." He begins and Edelgard listened intently. "I suppose returning the lance to the church is on that list too but that should come with Miklan's co-operation." He noted before moving on. "We have two real methods realistically speaking. The first is we pre-emptively meet with Miklan, just the three of us and convince him to join your cause. A plan to fool the church can be formulated more easily with his aid." He finished looking at Edelgard expectantly. "And the other method?" She inquired with a raised brow. "More tricky and reliant on luck, Hubert and I develop reasons to be excused from the mission and while you lead the rest of the Black Eagles and whoever the church sends to monitor you, we will find an alternative way to approach Miklan. This will mean Hubert and I will have to convince Miklan to run from a fight, his report suggests that is unlikely." He emphasized that last point and Edelgard was forced to agree.

Jia let out a sigh. "Of course either plan would require knowledge of where these bandits are holed up prior to the mission." He revealed. "Seeing as this is empire business, I have access to someone who can acquire such information." Edelgard revealed. "I will await a location from you then, and let you decide which method we use as well." He granted and made to leave the room. Neither student made an attempt to stop it, resolving to leave the man alone until they had the required information.

Jia found himself back at the Dining Hall and not spying his previous companion decided to approach Manuela and Magoichi. "I believe it is custom that I wish you a happy birthday." He joked with a flourished bow. Manuela giggled, waving at the strategist to stop. "This is for you." He informed, producing the bag he had brought from the merchant prior. She was surprised and opened the bag hastily, revealing the piece of beaded jewellery. It reflected a dark red, opposite to the teal jewellery she usually wore. It became even more apparent as she slipped it onto her wrist, the contrast an impressive look. "Thank you Jia." She marvelled, finding it difficult to take her eyes off the piece.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to show me up." Magoichi chimed in. "Oh shush." Manuela admonished and Magoichi let out a boisterous laugh. "I had to thank her for keeping you out of trouble as well as a celebratory gift you know." Jia could not help teasing his friend, who made a show of looking offended.

A yawn escaped Jia. "My apologies, I seem to be quite exhausted of late. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He said, drowsiness lacing his voice. With a quick bow out of courtesy he left the dining hall and retired for the evening.

A few days later and Jia was enjoying some spare time by fishing in the pond, the familiar site of Flayn by his side. "You are improving." She observed and Jia smiled at the lone fish in his bucket. "A small stride into becoming a master fisherman." He joked, soliciting a giggle from the girl. "Perhaps you should attend one of my lessons one day, as repayment for your guidance." He offered and Flayn shook her head. "Brother would not approve." She shared. A sharp tug at the end of his rod indicated another bite for Jia, who willingly ignored it. "Want me to speak with him?" He questioned. "I doubt that will accomplish much." She responded and Jia sighed. It was a difficult problem, being unable to assist someone you cared about.

"Sorry to interrupt." Hubert Interrupted once again. "May I borrow the professor?" He asked the girl. "You may." She answered, shifting her focus from the strategist to her fishing rod. Jia for his part reeled in his line and left the rod beside his bucket, intending to return.

It was not until he was outside of Edelgard's room that he realised he would be unlikely to return to the hobby, at least today. "I take it you have some information?" He queried and the empress to be nodded. "The area around Connad tower, that is in Kingdom territory." She revealed. "And how do you wish to approach?" He questioned. "We shall leave at once and attempt to negotiate, just the three of us no more." She declared and Jia felt a sense of relief. It was definitely the safer plan. "As to not rouse suspicion, we will leave for the nearby village on foot at twenty minute intervals. Once we rendezvous I shall have horses waiting to take us to our destination." She outlined her plan and Jia nodded in agreement. She had done well to consider such factors.

An hour had passed and Jia entered the village nearest to the monastery, keeping an eye peeled for either Edelgard or Hubert. He need not have worried as the pair approached him, horses in tow. An older grey mare was given to Jia to ride, and at a glance he could tell the horse was made for long hard journeys as opposed to sprints. Once more he was impressed with her ability to plan ahead.

Three days of slow but steady riding and the trio were within range of Connad tower. "Now we must find them and hope they are willing to talk." Jia reiterated and the two students simply nodded, following their professor into a dangerous scenario. Two thugs, armed with bows stood at the base of the tower. They immediately drew their weapons and aimed at the trio as they approached. They stopped in their tracks.

Jia held his weapon vertically, a strip of white cloth had been tied to the end held aloft. "We wish to speak with your leader!" Jia exclaimed, straining his voice in an attempt to echo Xiahou Dun's intimidating tones. A tense moment passed as the trio stared down the archers. They lowered their bows as the door they were guarding opened, revealing a strong-built man in full armour clutching a devilish looking spear. It was a combination of his fiery hair and signature scar that confirmed to the trio that this was likely Miklan.

The bandit leader showed no fear as he walked straight up to Jia and the students. "What do you want?" He grunted, looking at the trio with contempt. "To save you." Edelgard responded, earning a dismissive laugh from the thug. Even Jia rolled his eyes at the choice of words. "The church is coming for you, even you must admit that will be a fight you lose." Jia began to explain, silencing the man's laughter. "We merely offer an alternative to your group's pointless slaughter, at least hear her out." Jia finished and Miklan took a minute to mull over the strategist's words.

"Alright, I'll listen." Miklan said with a grunt, talking evidently not his strongest skill. "I am Edelgard von Hresvelg, next in line for the empire's throne. If you agree to my terms I can guarantee you make it out of this conflict alive." She claimed. "And what are these terms?" He asked. "Swear fealty to the empire and serve as a knight in my vanguard, in exchange you and your bandits have my word they will survive the battle to come." She offered and Miklan seemed genuinely interested in the deal. "I need to consult my men." He said after some time. "I will grant you fifteen minutes." She declared and the thug nodded in acknowledgement before leaving.

"We should prepare to retreat, this might turn sour." Hubert murmured and Jia shook his head. "They know you're related to the emperor, next in line in fact." He put emphasise on the words she used. "A real ultimatum, they will join us or they will reveal this deal to those you would rather not. Physically we are safe right this moment." Jia finished his explanation. "Apologies, I should not have been so revealing." She apologised and Jia waved it away. "No need for that, simply learn from it." Jia eased.

Fifteen minutes on the dot and Miklan returned to the trio, looking determined. "We can agree to your conditions." He stated and Edelgard's eyes lit up. "Now how do we beat this?" He requested and Jia dismounted. "That is why I am here, now I need a map of your camp." He commanded, gesturing for Miklan to lead them to the tower. He obliged and the three of them found themselves in a small room, designated as Miklan's quarters. It thankfully contained a map of the tower, including a vital secret escape route.

Jia tapped the location with some force. "And there is the key to my plan." Jia decreed, all eyes focusing on the map. Jia explained his plan with vigour and when no one objected he went into fine detail on how everyone would fulfil their roles. All they could do now was wait until the day of the attack.

The Black Eagle marched upon Connad tower, accompanied by the knight Gilbert. Jia uncharacteristically did not travel alongside the commanders, opting to bring up the rear instead. He traded a few idle tales with Petra and Caspar, learning more of her home's customs alongside the blue-haired axeman.

The front of the group had slowed to a stop and when the last members of the Eagle approached their conversation was coming to an end. "There's no reason that Crests should have the power to dictate someone's destiny. Don't you agree, Gilbert? He was just another victim of cruel fate. Forsaken by the goddess, who now demands his execution." Edelgard was arguing and Jia had to bite his tongue. She was being a little too provocative considering they had a plan. Fortunately the old knight seemed to not wish to give his opinion on the matter and the topic of conversation died on the wind.

The ascent up the tower was as expected, at least for Jia. They encountered all manner of traps and barricades, slowing the trip but causing no injuries. Edelgard had insisted on non-lethal methods, even if it risked revealing the charade.

"The enemy is close by." Gilbert declared and Jia steeled himself, it would be down to Hubert and himself to make this next part work. "A suggestion, Byleth." Jia said, placing a hand on the professor's shoulder, she snapped her attention to him. "We faced little resistance to get here, I believe we should maintain a rearguard or risk being pincered." He finished his explanation, logically it was believable. After a tense moment she nodded in agreement. In a stroke of luck she asked Gilbert and Ferdinand to hold the stairs and they both agreed, it may have been an issue to distract Gilbert otherwise.

The rest of the Black Eagles slowly pressed onwards, facing token resistance at best. The encounters went the same each time. A blow or two would trade before the bandit would lose their nerve and retreat further in.

A split in the path was reached and that was their moment to split from the group, taking the right path as opposed to the left. Both would lead to the same location in the end but this way the duo could dash unimpeded to their goal. The pair did as such and came to a stop outside of a rectangular room with no apparent means of escape. "You are ready for this correct?" Hubert asked earning a chuckle. "I am supposed to ask you that." He japed and Hubert allowed himself a smile. The pair prepared their weapons and waited for their allies to turn the corner.

The sounds of steel clashing on steel got louder and in a flash, Edelgard and Petra turned the corner. Waiting a beat until Petra spotted them the duo of Hubert and Jia entered the final room. Petra made a mad sprint towards them to catch up and help but it was to no avail. A pair of solid steel doors closed behind them, locking them in a room full of bandits. "Professor are you being okay!?" Petra bellowed as she pounded a fist on the door.

Jia felt a pang of guilt at making the girl worry, though the greater goal would soon be accomplished. "Look what we have here boys, easy pickings." Miklan growled and Jia was pleased by how well the man played the role. "Please, be retreating!" Petra pleaded of her allies, to little avail. If this were real that would not be a possibility. In the silence more voices could be heard joining Petra, clamouring to know what was going on.

Time for Jia to put on a show himself. "I would not be so certain, if you grant me the relic you stole I may spare your pitiful lives." Jia threatened with an even tone. A boisterous laugh left the bandit leader. "Very funny, boys kill them both." He ordered the handful of bandits, the sound of swords being drawn echoing through the chamber. Jia sighed. "I was hoping to not scare my students like this." The strategist lamented. "What do you mean professor?" Hubert inquired, playing his part.

Suddenly Jia laughed maniacally, parroting his comrade Sima Yi. "Fools, I will burn you all to dust for challenging me with such pathetic tactics!" Jia thundered, dropping several items on the ground. The items turned to flames, almost as if by magic. The fire quickly grew into an inferno, lashing at the walls, floor and any poor soul who got close enough. Fortunately for those it struck the flames were all show, doing no damage to flesh.

The room slowly cleared of smoke and looked as if it had been devastated by a raging inferno. Every surface was blackened and no bandits remained. The only evidence they even existed was the Lance of Ruin they had stolen in the first place. In order to fix that, Hubert produced a sack of ash and after leaving a sizeable pile by the lance, began to make similar piles across the room. A quick nod and Jia knew it was time to sell the results to the rest of the house.

A quick search by the door revealed a lever and with a tug the doors slowly opened. Petra barrelled into the room, sword drawn. She was taken aback by the damage she was witnessed. "The bandits?" She asked and Hubert with a shaken look upon his face pointed to the pile of ash that was Miklan. Petra said nothing else, opting to leave the room. One by one other members of the Black Eagles entered to survey the aftermath. Each one had a similar reactions to Petra.

Only Byleth did not immediately withdraw, kicking the pile of ash that was Miklan as if examining it. Seemingly satisfied she picked up the Lance of Ruin and left the room, never changing her blank expression. Hubert let out sigh. "I believe we are in the clear." He revealed and Jia nodded his agreement, though he may have gone a little overboard with the fire attack act. "We should regroup with the rest." Hubert stated and began to leave. Jia simply followed.

The base of the tower and Jia was approached by Gilbert. "I hear you rendered most of the bandits to ash?" The old knight asked in a neutral tone. Jia nodded. "I see, Lady Rhea will be grateful the bandits were disposed of and the relic reclaimed." He acknowledged before taking his leave of the strategist. "Rhea grows more frightening by the day." Jia mused to himself, not realising he was voicing his thoughts.

"I concur." Edelgard agreed. It took a great effort for Jia to resist the urge to flinch. "Has everyone fallen for our ploy?" Jia queried earning a nod. "Then that is the last I will speak on the matter." Jia instructed and Edelgard understood perfectly. "You will likely be avoided for a while." She notified and Jia was not foolish enough to think he would get away with such a performance with his jovial image intact.

Still, it may have solved his Dorothea issue. Jia sighed and left Edelgard's company. It was likely to be a long trek back to the Monastery.