Chapter 2: The Center of The World

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"So, we can just… wander around?" Balaiya looked over to Byleth who stood at her side.

"Father said he had to speak to Rhea, and someone would come get us when they were through." He sighed and looked around, spotting a guard he walked over to them and cleared his throat. "Excuse me, The two of us are waiting for Rhea. We'll just be in the area in case someone comes looking for us." The guard nodded and Byleth turned to Balaiya and gestured off to the side. She sighed and fell into step beside him. They walked in silence for a few moments before stopping in a corner that had three cats sleeping beside each other. Balaiya smiled and bent down to pet one, that was one thing she was happy about for sure. The abundance of friendly animals that resided in the monastery, at least from what she could see so far.

After a few moments Balaiya spoke. "She spoke to me again… this time I was awake."

Byleth stood with his arms crossed. His expression unreadable though he carried an air of unease." While you were awake? When?"

"Well… not entirely. I made a foolish mistake. I pushed you out of the way when that bandit came charging for you. His axe actually hit my head before-" She looked around cautiously a few times, lowering her voice to a whisper she continued. "-she stopped time."

"What?... what do you mean?"

She sat on the ground and allowed the cat to crawl in her lap. "Well, everything went dark, and when I regained my sight she was there. The girl. She was not very happy.- Oh!" Balaiya jerked her head up to look her brother in the face. Judging by his startled expression her sudden outburst had indeed scared him. She adjusted her volume before continuing "Her name, she told me her name. It's Sothis."

His brow furrowed." I've never heard that name before… but, I did see you die. I… at least I thought you did, but then the next moment you were running at me again. This time though, it didn't play out like before. It was weird deja vu."

Balaiya shook her head with a frown. "I would have if she didn't help me… she said, if I died then so would she." She watched in silence as he began pacing back and forth in front of her. "She gave me just enough time to fix my mistake."

"That doesn't really explain why I can see her in my dreams too." Byleth sighed, "What matters most right now, is that you are safe. If she speaks to you again. Try and ask her more."

Balaiya gently set the cat aside and stood up, brushing her shorts and leggings free of fur. "She mentioned that she's also known as the beginning. I'm not sure what that means though."

"Beginning of what?"

Balaiya sighed and shrugged. She felt like she was in just as much dark as her brother. After all, she hardly got to ask this Sothis girl anything really.

"Um, I really don't know. Oh! There was something else. She addressed me as 'you who holds the flames within.' ."

"The flames within?"

"Yea, I'm not sure what it means though."

Byleth ran a hand through his hair. "Hmm, you'll have to ask as soon as you can. If you can."

Balaiya nodded and began walking back to where her father was speaking with Rhea in the Audience Chamber. Just as they reached the doors a messenger came out to greet them.

"Greetings, Lady Rhea is ready now." The siblings followed the messenger into her office. When the two of them walked in their father was already there standing with Lady Rhea, another man stood at her side with his arms behind his back. Lady Rhea smiled when they approached.

"Hello to the both of you. This is my Advisor, Seteth. I trust your trip here was well enough?" She asked, get voice gentle.

Balaiya nodded along side her brother.

Rhea continued. "Thanks to Alois's recommendation I have decided to request the two of you teach at the academy. I know it seems sudden, but I feel like this is the right decision."

Balaiya rose her eyebrows up in slight surprise. Her? Teach. Perhaps if the academy also had younger students enrolled, but if they were all like the ones they traveled with. Could she really offer anything worth while to them? She glanced at Byleth, 'If anything he would definitely be a better teacher than I ever could.'

Rhea smiled softly at her "I know you might not believe you are qualified, but I assure you, you are quite capable. Here at the academy students attend many classes. You two of course will not be the only teachers we have here. Besides fighting tactics the academy offers specialized classes in History, Arithmetic, Theology and Language. In terms of battle, we have a general weapons instructor, an instructor for dark and light magics respectively and specialists hired from all over Fódlan. I am hoping you two are up for being the homeroom teachers of two of our houses. This is entirely your decision, we have others who are capable. However, I feel it in my heart that you two will excel wonderfully. Do you have any questions?"

Byleth spoke up, to Balaiya's relief he asked exactly what she was thinking.

"What's so significant about a homeroom teacher?"

"The House teachers are responsible for overseeing each student's in their respective houses progress. Please take the time to get to know the students. I would love it if you choose to participate. I must take my leave now. I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow." Rhea have them one last smile and left, her advisor right behind her.

As she left the room Balaiya turned towards her father. "What do you think we should do?" She asked him.

He sighed and rubbed his temple "Well, I've practically been forced into the Knights of Serios again. I'm not sure for how long either. The way she was talking to you two. I don't like it. She made it sound like it was your choice but, I recommend doing as she says. Just in case. You guys have to stay on your toes. I'm sorry I dragged you into this, but I'll do my best to discover what she truly wants from you two." He reached for them and squeezed both their shoulders "I have to head out now, got papers to look at and other things… I'll see you soon. Be careful."

Balaiya nodded and opened her mouth to speak but two other people walked into the room then, an older man and a woman with a large fur around her shoulders. The woman walked around their father slowly, a strange look on her face.

"Oh! So you must be one of the new professors! My, how stern and handsome you are!"

Jeralt laughed awkwardly and shook his head.

"No, it's not me. Actually they are both right here." He gestured to the two of them and left the room rather quickly. The woman gasped quietly and inspected them both. Balaiya didn't miss how her eyes lingered on her brother.

"Oh! You two are so young! Are you sure you're ready for this?" She asked a like too sweetly.

The older gentleman spoke up then, adjusting his monocle.

"Competence and age are not necessarily correlated, as you well know." The woman turned her head towards the man to glare at him. The man was undeterred as he continued "I am Hanneman, a Crest scholar and professor at the Officers Academy." He pulled at his mustache in thought. " I wonder if the two of you bear any sort of crest of your own, when next you have a moment to spare, I insist that you pay me a visit so we can delve into the subject further."

The woman cleared her throat obnoxiously and spoke.

"I'm Manuela. I'm a professor, a physician a songstress-" She eyed Byleth for a moment "-and available. It's nice to meet you. Since I am a physician I also specialize in light magic. This old thing next to me specializes in dark magic, and we after such classes. He is also your fellow homeroom teacher. Though I am capable myself, of course. I simply cannot afford to split any more of my time. So I would love it if you joined us as our colleagues."

Hanneman sighed at his colleague and said "I expect the two of you haven't yet been briefed on the nature of each house have you?"

Balaiya shook her head absentmindedly as Manuela decided to explain to them. She caught something about the Kingdom, or was it an Empire? Oh, right Edelgard heir in the Empire and Dimitri was prince of the Kingdom...so that probably meant that-

"-Claude, grandson to Duke Reigan, the leader of the Alliance." Manuela's voice momentarily caught her attention.

Balaiya blinked a few times, 'I wonder why he didn't mention that. The others made sure it was clear they were royalty.'

Manuela clapped her hands together. "That about sums it up!...good luck, you'll need it."

Balaiya shook out of her thoughts when Byleth nudged her side. The two of them were once again alone in the room.

"You were spacing out." Byleth stated.

She frowned."I got, distracted."

He sighed and started leaving the room, she followed beside him. "I'm just a little overwhelmed by all of this...father used to be a knight? Why would he never tell us?"

Byleth shrugged and steered her back outside. "I'm not sure. It's late though. We'll have to wait until tomorrow to talk to everyone. We have to give Rhea our 'final answer' tomorrow as well. I have a feeling-"

"We have no choice…" She finished.

Byleth nodded. "Exactly." They sighed in unison and Byleth stopped in front of a new room. "This is my room, yours is next to it there." He pointed for her "Get some rest. We've got a lot to do tomorrow."

Balaiya nodded and bid her brother goodnight, she was very tired. Spending the whole day thinking so hard sure wore her out. By the time she hit the bed she was already fast asleep.

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There is almost nothing that Balaiya can think of when asked about what she doesn't like about her brother. The two of them have been together her entire life. She believed that Byleth was the reason why she was so successful on the battlefield, and she was confident he felt the same. That's just how it was. They made up for each other's weaknesses. They were two of a kind. However, if asked in this moment it would most definitely be the enjoyment he got out of watching her suffer in the morning. This time in the form of cold water splashing her face whilst she slept.

She yelped loudly and sat up quickly, getting tangled in the bed sheets in her urgency to get up. Which ended with her hitting the ground, once again. She groaned and rubbed her jaw, her tongue sliding across her teeth to make sure all was in place, and there was no blood.

"Time to get up. You overslept past breakfast. So we have to go to meet Rhea now." He stated casually.

Balaiya sent a glare at her brother and sat up. "Why didn't you get me up for breakfast?"

"I was trying to let you sleep. Considering everything, you looked so exhausted… Did you have a good rest?"

She thought for a moment and nodded. "Yea...no dreams."

"Hmm. Hurry up and get ready." He tossed an apple in her lap as he left the room.

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Rhea seemed pleased that they had agreed to teach at the academy, then again judging by her choice of words the day before she already knew their answer. She was certainly interesting at the very least. Balaiya couldn't say for sure if she did or didn't trust the woman. She knew her father didn't and her brother was on the fence, but there was something strange about her that was for sure. Something that made her want to know more about her. Once they got outside Byleth turned to her.

"Do you want to split up?" He asked.

At first she was going to protest, but when she started to shake her head a jolt of pain shot through her jaw and she frowned. An idea poked at her. "Sure. We can meet up uhh, by the cats."

Byleth blinked at her and glanced at a particularly fluffy looking cat next to her. "Which ones?"

Balaiya pet the feline affectionately with a smile. "The area we talked at before. By the pier."

He nodded, handed her a small map, and turned around to leave."Okay, be careful."

She waved him off, waiting for him to turn the corner before spinning on her heel. Her eyes searching for familiar gold.

The monastery grounds was so much more lively than it had been yesterday. Granted it was later in the day when they had arrived, still the amount of people walking around the grounds reminded her of the few times her father had taken her brother and her to a city. She wasn't sure she liked it. After a few moments she spotted who she was looking for sitting on a bench, wearing the same bright yellow as the day before. She walked over to him swiftly, stopping right in front of him.

"So, why didn't you mention you were such an important noble?"

He jumped and looked up at her with wide eyes. Whatever he had in his hands was now stuffed in his pocket.

"Ooo! Don't spook me like that!" He cleared his throat and leaned back on the bench.

She smirked, amused. "Scare easily?"

He laughed and shook his head. "Me? Never. I was merely...surprised."

"Oh? I was under the impression you were 'spooked'. "

"Ha, and I was under the impression you couldn't joke."

She narrowed her eyes at him and held his smirking gaze. Unfortunately she looked away first, rolling her eyes with a huff. "You didn't answer my question."

"Well, I didn't think telling you my what was or wasn't my title was important. Besides, I don't recall being asked if I was a noble."

Balaiya frowned to herself 'That's right, I never did ask him. I just assumed.' She crossed her arms. "Who else other than a noble wears such bright colors?"

"Oh so you were assuming?"

"Based off of who you were hanging out with. It only made sense."

"Yes well, that orange your father wears is pretty bright is it not?" He rose an eyebrow.

She frowned, he had her there. If she knew anything about her father she knew he didn't equate himself with nobles.

He continued. "What if I was a poor village boy who got a once in a lifetime opportunity to come to this school, and this outfit I have on-" He gestured to his clothes dramatically "-was all I had?"

She put her hands up in defeat. "Okay, you win. I was assuming… I'm sorry for that." She held her hand out to him to shake. "Let's start over? I'm Balaiya."

He stared at her hand for a moment then looked down at her face. There was something in his eyes that intrigued her but the second she noticed it, it was gone. He smiled easily and took her hand firmly, giving it a good shake.

"Claude von Reigan, it's nice to meet you."

She smiled and released his hand.

"So, heard you scored a teaching gig here. Talk about a great first impression."

She nodded and crossed her arms. "Yes. I don't think I did much. She offered it to both me and my brother."

He shrugged. "Hey, saving the three of our hides seems like enough for any great impression."

"Hmm, yeah I suppose so." She mumbled.

He winked at her "Thank you by the way. Just in case I never properly did before."

She blinked at him and shook her head. "It was nothing."

He hummed to himself and smiled. "Even still...So! I'm guessing you don't know which class you'll be teaching yet, do you? Bet you'll like ours. We're not as...difficult as the other two."

"Meaning?"

"Lets just say we in the Golden Deer like to keep things...simple. For the most part. There is of course, the occasional erm… outlier, but that's what makes it fun. Well, have you met the folks from the Golden Deer House yet? Care to know more about anyone?"

Balaiya tapped her chin in thought. "I haven't met anyone yet actually. I was hoping you'd tell me more about you."

He rose his eyebrows and smirked. "Came searching for me first chance you got? Piqued your interest, have I? As luck would have it, I'm pretty curious about you as well. But, what's life without a bit of mystery? Let's just spend the next year or so learning about each other, little by little, yea?"

She crossed her arms again, for someone so willing to spill about others he sure was quick to close his book."Fair enough. In that case I'll just walk around and meet the students myself."

He nodded. "Alright, I encourage you to meet everyone too, not just those from my house."

She stared at him for a moment and turned to leave. He was certainly right about one thing, she was curious. Right before she stepped fully away she spun back around.

"I need a favor."

He smirked again, his eyes catching a mischievous glint." Ah, already trying to wrack up tabs?"

She rolled her eyes."I need to get back at my brother about something… I figured you'd be into it."

"Oh? About what?"

"Well I think I'll go talk to the others first. I might find a better candidate."

He laughed. "I see, well don't let me stop you. For all I know, you most definitely might. Buuut not to sway your opinion or anything but, you? Me? Golden Deer? We could be great together.~ "

She found herself smiling slightly at his wink for a moment before she turned to leave. According to the map Byleth gave her, she wasn't too far away from the main classrooms.

When she peeked her head into what she could only guess was the golden deer classroom based on all the yellow accents, she came across a tall man standing beside a girl with short orange hair. She walked over to them curiously.

"Hello." The man turned to her. Balaiya looked up at his face 'He must be a worker here…' she glanced at his outfit. 'seems to just be regular clothing.- His boisterous tone took her out of her thoughts.

"Oh! Are you someone's guest? The dining hall is that way if that's what you're looking for."

Dining hall, now that he mentioned it. She was rather hungry. All she had this morning was an apple after all- courtesy of her brother. By now it was a little past lunch. She was definitely hungry.

"We'll, actually-"

"No, Raphael. That's Captain Jeralt's kid."

Balaiya frowned. Who the heck was this girl? It wasn't that she knew her father's name that bothered her. It was that she knew she was his daughter. "Who a-"

"Hi. I'm Leonie Pinelli-Captain Jeralt's first and greatest apprentice! I'm sure he's told you about me?"

Balaiya blinked at her, there wasn't a time that she could recall her father mentioning such a name. Perhaps her brother would know? Though she did doubt it, she couldn't rule out the possibility. "Well I-"

She was interrupted yet again, this time by the large man that was addressed as Raphael. "Nice to meet you! I'm Raphael Kristen. Who are you again?"

Balaiya bristled. These two certainly had no care for manners, however they also reminded her of the times she had to stand her ground when speaking with clients while doing mercenary work. For that, she had to respect their enthusiasm. She cleared her throat and spoke up this time. "I'm Balaiya. Nice to meet you."

"Hey! That's a strange name!" He practically yelled.

The girl-Leonie gasped at that. "How could-Captain Jeralt chose that name! Surely it's reason enough for the utmost respect!"

Raphael scratched his head. "Wha? Wait why?"

"Raphael!"

Balaiya decided then that she should quietly make her exit. She did want to meet the other students. She walked down the stone path until she spotted the Blue Lions classroom. Looking around she noticed Byleth standing beside Dimitri. Whatever they were conversing about had Dimitri with a large smile whilst he nodded eagerly. The smile was infectious as she found herself smiling as well. 'Leth will probably choose Blue Lions. He's been speaking to Dimitri every chance he gets. I should ask him about that… Even so…' Balaiya stepped into the Blue Lions' class room, walking up to some students chatting inside.

"Hello there."

The blonde girl turned to her and her face lit up. "Oh! I have heard all about what you did from Prince Dimitri. As a citizen of Faerghus, I thank you."

The guy beside her spoke next "He also said you're quite skilled, and he doesn't just say things like that."

She studied him briefly. He was either older than she thought or there was something heavy weighing on him. There was also the chance be just didn't get enough sleep. All were possible.

"I'm not sure I really did all that much." She said.

He shook his head. "Regardless, I look forward to sparring with you, and beating you."

The girl frowned. "Felix, must you always speak of fighting right away?"

Balaiya tilted her head in thought. "I look forward to it too." She said. "But I am confident you won't best me so easily." She offered him a challenging look. Something that caught the blonde off guard.

"Oh! Well. Looks like but you have your work cut out for you Felix… Oh you can call me Ingrid. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"I'm Balaiya, nice to meet you." She Excused herself and made her way out of the classroom. She could hear the two of them resume speaking hurriedly as she left the class. She couldn't recall the last time she was around such interesting people. Right before she stepped out of the class she was stopped by a red haired man.

"Hey there, are you the mercenary that saved His Highness? It's an honor to meet you."

Balaiya offered a small smile."It really wasn't much. He's quite a capable fighter."

"Still, he seems really grateful of you and your brother? Right?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I have a brother. I think Dimitri might have been speaking more about him than me."

He shrugged. "Well, either way, thanks! Oh and I'm Sylvain Jose Gautier. Feel free to say hi whenever you like! Also don't be shy about asking if you need anything." He winked and grinned "I'd be happy to show you around, give you a tour."

She held his gaze for a few moments and he laughed awkwardly before taking a step back.

"Hmm, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks." She peeked back outside and saw her brother was finally stepping away from Dimitri, taking the opportunity she moved over to him.

"Hello Dimitri."

He turned to her with a polite smile. "Oh hello! Please accept my apologies for the other day. We involved you and Byleth in our mess yet, you were so kind in lending us a hand for our blunder."

She shook her head. "No that's fine. Besides it's all Claude's fault anyway right?"

He laughed quietly. "Well I wouldn't say that. The blame surely falls on all three of us. We failed to work properly together as a team. That was what resulted in our bind. A proper ruler must after all recognize their own faults before placing blame on any others."

Balaiya nodded in agreement. "That's wise of you to say."

He pinked slightly, his hands twisting together. "No, no I don't think that's wisdom. Rather what feels right. I have so much yet to learn I don't even know where to begin. Oh! Your brother had offered so kindly to give me lessons with Lance training. I'm very much looking forward to it. When I heard you two were going to be Professors at the academy I couldn't have been more excited. It's truly delightful news. "

She smiled softly at his eagerness "Seems like you've already picked your new professor."

He pinked again and shook his head. "Well no, nothing I say can change where he's assigned I'm sure, and I'm confident I can learn so much from you as well. Your brother did mention how wonderful you are on the battlefield. Seeing with my own eyes was enough already to admire your skill."

Balaiya smiled inwardly at the compliment. It wasn't common for her brother to brag about her, at least not to her knowledge. Yes he acknowledged her strength but they weren't so open to others about it. He must have taken a liking to this Dimitri. She wanted to know why.

"Hmm, would you tell me more about yourself? What brought a Prince to such a place? Surely there are plenty of tutors in your home more than capable?"

He fidgeted for a moment. "Well, at the academy I am simply a student. Do not worry yourself about silly titles… I'm sorry I don't know where to begin. Forgive me, it's difficult to open up on the spot, don't you think?" He bit his lip and twisted his hands once more. "I'm afraid my story has not been a pleasant one… There isn't much I wish to share right now." His eyes widened "Oh but I do hope that doesn't color your view of me, but I understand if that can't be helped."

She shook her head. "No, don't worry about it. I understand. It's difficult to speak with strangers. My brother might be skilled with swordsmanship and lances but I can offer a lot in means of fighting without a weapon at all. Of course my main weapon is a sword as well. If you ever need help, I'd be happy to lend a hand."

He smiled genuinely then, and she found she was rather fond of his down to earth attitude.

"Oh thank you, I appreciate it." I do hope you have a wonderful time at the academy."

She nodded once and headed towards the other classroom. The Black Eagles, the house where students from the Adrestian Empire were placed.

Of the few students she met with in the room she found Petra to be most intriguing. There was a certain air of unease that hung over Hubert but she couldn't name what it could be. She decided she'd have to make time to speak with Petra more often. On her way back to her meeting destination with Byleth she passed through the reception hall. Edelgard stood there conversing with someone, but the moment she caught her eye she walked away from the conversation.

"So, you've accepted a teaching position here…Pity. I was hoping you would lend your strength to the Empire."

Balaiya crossed her arms, the way Edlegard's eyes seemed to analyze her every move made her uncomfortable. "I haven't quite given up the mercenary life yet who knows? Perhaps someday I'll find work with the empire."

This seemed to please Edlegard as a small smile lifted her lips. "It would benefit us both great if you were tasked with leading the Black Eagles. If it were possible I would have the both of you doing work for the Empire."

"Some things are left to chance." Balaiya said, thinking if the times her father went fishing only to come back with nothing.

Edelgard shook her head and crossed her arms. "There are those who follow the path others form for them, and then there are those who cut their own paths no matter who stands in their way… which would you choose?"

Balaiya regardered her quietly and took a step back. "It was nice meeting you."

"Of course."

Balaiya left the hall and made her way down to the pier. To her dismay her brother was already there waiting for her.

On seeing her he turned to her with a teasing look in his eyes. "Late again?"

Balaiya frowned and huffed loudly. "We didn't agree on a time Leth."

"Hmm."

They started walking back towards the Audience Chamber. They would have to finalize which house they would be teaching. He fell into step beside her and remained silent for a while. They were halfway there when he decided to speak up. A hint of smugness in his voice. "Do I even have to guess who you're picking?"

Without missing a breath, she said "I could ask the same of you. I didn't think you would let me speak to Dimitri at all. What is it about him that intrigues you so?"

"I feel a sort of kinship with him, you must understand what I mean?"

She considered this for a moment and decided she had to agree. Dimitri seemed genuinely kind. She can understand why his eagerness to learn struck something in her brother. When learning the sword she found herself struggling more than he to pick up on techniques, but he was ever the guiding hand and pillar she needed to get to where she was today.

"I do, in fact I found myself offering my time to him as well."

"And you? What is it about Claude that was cause such a long conversation?"

"I'm actually not quite sure. He seems nice and all… the other students in his house are quite... Unique. He's very secretive though comes off as easy going. There's something else there that I'm not quite sure what it is. I guess to sum it up I'm just very curious."

Byleth nodded once. "You've always been very curious. Did you speak with Edelgard at all?"

"I did she doesn't seem too happy about us being professors here."

"Yeah I got the same vibe. However, she seems like a very confident leader. One that doesn't bend much for others. She seems to think the three of us have similar personalities, and in a way I had to agree with her."

Balaiya frowned, how would they be similar? When she first met her she was quick to get to the point, did not waste words on idle chatter. Perhaps even a bit cold. And now that she thinks of it she supposed they were pretty similar. Balaiya never gave too much attention to those she didn't know. As a mercenary she only got the information she needed from her clients and that was all. There was no reason to beat around the bush, she didn't quite care what others thought of her as long as she had her brother and father. She never even took the chance to get to know anyone else in their mercenary band. Perhaps they weren't so dissimilar. If she found the time, she would speak to her again.

"I guess you're right…"

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When they walked through the doors of the Audience Chamber, the other professors that had spoken with them earlier were already present along with Rhea and her advisor, Seteth. Rhea smiled when they stopped before her.

"How have you been enjoying your time at the Academy thus far? I hope you have found our halls brimming with the vitality of well-intentioned souls."

Seteth crossed his arms and looked at them disapprovingly. "I suppose it's time for you to take charge of some of our houses. I must note that I am personally against entrusting people with such a lack of trackable history as yourselves with such a task, but it is as the Archbishop desires."

Manuela spoke next.

" I hope you've taken the time to get to know students from the three houses they are all so different. I hope none of them have scared you away from such a task I would really hate to have to change my schedule around."

Hanneman sighed at his co-worker and turned to them. "Since you two are new here we've decided to let you pick first. I will take charge of the remaining house."

Byleth spoke first.

"I'll take responsibility for the Blue Lions."

"And I of the Golden Deer." She stated.

Rhea smiled. "I'm very happy you decided to stay with us. Your hearts have made their choice. All I ask is that you guide these open minds with virtue, care and sincerity."

Seteth spoke up. "They're all promising youths that bear the weight of Fódlan's future on their shoulders. The Academy is the best place for the three of them to learn about each other. The monastery is like the eye of the world being at the center of all three regions. I hope you appreciate what an honor it is to lead them." He stepped forward and handed the both of them a small pouch, a journal and an envelope with papers in it. "In a few days time there will be a mock battle between the three houses, intended to gauge the current progress of your students. We will be using this battle as an opportunity to ascertain your abilities as well. Please do not disappoint the Archbishop. That is all."

As the group was dismissed Balaiya couldn't help but notice a girl with hair that match Rhea's run up to Seteth. 'I wonder who that could be…'

Balaiya stopped in the hallway beside her brother as he flipped through the journal they were given. She decided to do the same inside she found a roster with all of the students in her house, a mini map along with papers reviewing the mission they were given, and plenty of space to add her own notes.

"Guess we should head down to our classrooms now, huh?"

She nodded in agreement. "Time to officially introduce ourselves... This should be interesting."

He held up his hand and she punched his palm with a giggle.

"Good luck Bala."

"To you as well."

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When Balaiya got back to the classrooms she saw Claude leaning on a pillar outside the entrance. She stopped in front of him, when he noticed her his eyes widened. "Don't tell me. You chose this class just to get to know me better, right? I'm flattered, really."

She crossed her arms. "Confident, are we?"

He blinked at her and laughed. "Heh, whoops. Now that you're our professor, maybe I should choose my words more carefully."

She narrowed her eyes, holding his gaze. Once again she broke first and shook her head. "No, no it's okay. I don't mind really."

He rose his eyebrows. "Oh? Well then! Since we're pretty close in age and all, I suppose formalities aren't all that necessary."

She shrugged. "Titles have never been all that important to me."

"Seems the two of us are a lot alike."

"Hmm, I've heard that one before."

He winked at her. "Guess we'll have to find out which one has more truth, won't we? In any case I suggest you prepare yourself for the official meeting with everyone. Don't let anything they say get to you, everyone is down to earth and kind of heart. That much I'm certain about."

She nodded and took a deep breath before following him inside. He knocked on everyone's desk as he passed them on his way to the front of the class. "Listen up everyone, this here is our new professor. You all have nothing to worry about as far as skill goes, Teach here is the child of the most renowned former Captain of the Knights of Serios. I saw her skill with my own eyes I dare any of you to question her ability." Everyone turned to stare and on seeing her they all began throwing a slew of questions at her, and talking amongst themselves just as loudly. She even heard her father's name yelled a few times.

After she stood there and answered as many questions as she could she couldn't help but feel a bit slighted. The students did not think highly of her. When they seemed to have their fill of picking her apart and assuming things of her she made her way back outside to take a breath of fresh air. She felt a presence behind her but made no move to acknowledge them.

"Sorry for the bickering Teach. As you can see, the Golden Deer house is a rowdy bunch. Not especially unified, but they're all good people. You'll find nobles and commoners alike here. Those who are dedicated to their studies, and those who are slackers."

She sighed. 'Can't blame anyone but myself for this.'

He moved to stand in front of her, leaning down to look her in the face. "But, hey, that just makes your life more exciting right?" He gave her his signature wink but she only sighed again.

"Yeah I suppose so…"

He watched her for a moment and spoke again, his voice more serious this time. "I really hope you're looking forward to the year ahead as much as I am." He smiled gently and she couldn't help but return it.

"First, you have to accept my request."

He grinned and took a step back, taking on a playful tone. "Oh? Your request to get back at your brother about something? Whatever the reason, I'm definitely into it.~ "

This time when he winked she had to turn away.