Chapter 16: The Burden of a Crest
.
.
"Thank you for coming here Professor Balaiya, I'm sorry I am making this so quick, but I am pressed for time." Rhea cleared her throat before continuing. "I have a new mission for you. I would like you to take your students into Kingdom territory to eliminate some thieves."
Ever by her side, Seteth spoke next. "They stole a Hero's Relic from House Gautier of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus— the Lance of Ruin. Their leader's name is Miklan. He is apparently a disowned son of House Gautier."
Balaiya frowned slightly. A disowned son? She wasn't aware that Sylvain had any siblings— did he know about the situation? If he did, how did he feel about it? "If I may— why was he disowned?"
"I believe it had something to do with his lack of a Crest. Such happenings are fairly common within the Kingdom." Seteth said as if he'd seen this a thousand times over.
"Why is that such a bad thing?" She asked quietly. Quiet enough that they could ignore if they wished.
Rhea offered her an understanding smile. "The Crestless can not unleash the goddess's power, even if they possess a Relic. Nonetheless they are still capable of simply wielding those weapons. To many, a Crest is proof of noble birth— a blessing of the goddess. Not being able to access the gift is important to many."
"The Hero's Relics are immensely powerful weapons." Seteth said. "We must meet this threat with adequate force. Unfortunately, most of the Knights of Seiros are away from the monastery purging the apostates of the Western Church. So we are entrusting you with this mission. After all, you wield the Sword of the Creator, which is more than capable of opposing any Relic."
"Yes, but… I'm still not sure if—"
Rhea shook her head. "The Sword of the Creator is a powerful weapon well beyond any other Relic. You have nothing to fear. The Marquess has requested his son participate in the retrieval of the weapon, and since young Sylvain is in your class now I've decided to assign the Golden Deer that task. Knowing you'll be there as well with the Sword is even more reason not to be concerned. However, as an added precaution and to ensure no harm comes to the students, we will also be sending the monasteries most skilled individuals to aid you."
"I must remind you." Seteth said. "You must remember that you are expected to conduct yourself in a way befitting the wielder of that holy sword." He turned to leave but stopped and faced her again. "Also, we've decided to go ahead and cancel class for the rest of the week anyway, to allow everyone to rest. Oh and you should know, Professor Hanneman has been looking for you. We've already alerted Professor Byleth as well. That is all."
Balaiya nodded her head as they left, her own mind swirling with questions as she made her way back into the hall. ' Did Sylvain know about this already? Should she seek him out before going to see Professor Hanneman?' She sighed and rubbed her temples— her brother was probably already on his way to the older man's office. She shouldn't keep them waiting.
The Relic that Lady Rhea had given her was currently sitting under her bed in the trunk her father had them dig up, and at Byleth's insistence more locks on it than she deemed necessary. She wasn't sure if that was the best place for it but she didn't want to carry the thing around either.
The whole situation felt too strange to her. Rhea didn't even seem surprised that she was able to activate the sword's power! What could that mean? She really didn't want to distrust her, but could her father and brother be right after all? For some reason that didn't sit right with her. Had she been the foolish one this whole time?
She bit her lip as she turned the corner of the hall. Then there was Claude. Her brother had warned her again about being near him. Claimed he heard him muttering about the sword under his breath. What could that mean? Should she confront him herself? What about Rhea? Then there was how Claude addressed her in the mausoleum, he'd called her Professor again. Had he been afraid of her?
She exhaled slowly in an attempt to gather her thoughts.
"Hey, Teach!"
Speak of the devil.
She paused in her step and looked up as Claude approached her.
"I gotta say, I never would've guessed you were a descendant of the King of Liberation." He placed his hand on his hip and looked over her as if he were just meeting her.
She frowned, just what was he talking about? He knew she wasn't royalty. "What? Claude, what do you mean?"
He shook his head. "You didn't forget did you? That story I told you about a Relic that could cut a mountain in half?"
She nodded to signal she was following, at least for now.
"That Relic was the Sword of the Creator! The very same used by Nemesis, the King of Liberation."
"I'm sorry Claude, but what are you talking about? What does the story have to do with me?" She said with a sigh.
He tossed his hands in the air and shook his head. "Don't be coy, Teach. The Sword of the Creator could only be wielded by Nemesis. If you can use it too, that can only mean you have that bloodline's Crest."
"Alright? I still don't think I understand." From what she could remember, the Crest that her brother, and herself bore was an unknown Crest of some sort. If their Crest was the same as one possessed by such a prominent historical figure, how could Hanneman have missed it?
Claude tsked and stepped away from her. "Fine, keep your secrets. But just so you know, 'I don't understand' isn't gonna cut it here at the monastery."
Balaiya bristled at the way he changed his voice to mock her. Who did he think he was? Did he think she was lying to him?
"Speaking of, Professor Hanneman has been looking for you. He probably wants to examine your Crest with those crazy instruments of his. Actually…" He smirked. "Sounds amusing. Maybe I'll tag along."
She narrowed her eyes at him. Was she reading too much into it when she felt hostility rolling off him?
A woman she's never seen before walked up to them with a big smile on her face. "Well if it isn't my little Claude! What has you so worked up?"
Claude jumped and turned to the woman with widened eyes. "Judith?! What are you doing here?"
Judith glared at him. "That's Lady Judith to you, boy. I told you, until you're in charge, I expect you to address me with all due respect. Anyway, I'm here to retrieve you. Duke Riegan's condition has taken a turn for the worse."
Claude shifted slightly and glanced to the side. "Are you saying the old man's on his deathbed?"
Judith shook her head. "No, it's not that bad. But in the state he's in he won't be able to participate in the next round table conference. He wants you to go in his stead. I volunteered to play the messenger."
"Well, thanks for that." He seemed to remember she was standing there and turned back to her. "Oh, and Teach, this is Judith. Also known as the Hero of House Daphnel."
Balaiya turned to the older woman and nodded her head in greeting. "It's nice to meet you."
Judith placed her hand on her hip and looked her over. "So, your little Claude's teacher, are you? How much trouble has he been giving you?"
She glanced to where he stood and looked back at Judith. "Plenty."
Judith tossed her head back in a laugh. "Ha! Don't be afraid to kick him around to put him in his place."
Claude interrupted, seemingly ignoring the whole exchange. "If her nickname didn't already give it away, you should know that Judith…er, Lady Judith is the leader of the famous House Daphnel of the Leicester Alliance." He shrugged. "She used to be a big deal at the roundtable conferences, but it seems of late she's been reduced to a mere—"
Perhaps he hadn't ignored it.
Judith scoffed, and pointed her finger in his face. "You had better shut that mouth before I put my boot in it, you tactless nuisance! Now come on. Let's get going." She turned to her and smiled pleasantly, as if she wasn't just threatening pain upon his person. "Sorry Professor, but I need to borrow the boy for a bit."
Balaiya shook her head. "Oh, no it's alright." After all, if he was needed back home there really wasn't anything she could do to stop him.
Claude glanced over to her. "I suppose we'll have to finish our chat later. Sorry, Teach. But don't you worry, I'll be back by the end of the month." He turned to leave but paused and turned back to her. The smile that sat on his face felt off somehow. "Hey, Teach? About that conversation we had a few days ago—"
Was he going to mention when they could meet up for her lessons? Even though he was leaving, maybe there was something she could go over in the meantime? "Oh, I was actually going to ask—"
"Let's forget it happened, yeah?"
She blinked. Did he mean the whole conversation? Or the whole event? "What?" She felt her cheeks warm. Had it been her actions that put him off?
"Perfect. I'll see you in a few weeks! Alright Judith , let's get going." He gave her one more look then walked away.
Judith scoffed. "It's Lady… Ah, I suppose you are the active leader for the time being. Fair enough boy. Fair enough." She shook her head then followed him.
She could do nothing but stare after him as he disappeared down the hall. Forget it happened? Why had he waited till now if he had a problem with it? Had she done or said something else that could have changed his mind? Her eyes widened slightly when it clicked. The sword. Her brother's words echoed in her head:
If you're not careful Bala, he might take that sword out right from underneath your nose. And you would be none the wiser until it was far too late. I know what I heard, I wouldn't lie to you.
A frown etched into her features, was he really so put off by what had happened? By the sword, and her possession of it? Her chest tightened. Wouldn't it make more sense for him to take any opportunity to be alone with her if he really wanted the sword? She wanted to ask him, but that would now require her to run after him— and Judith was with him. Plus she was expected in Hanneman's office.
Against her better judgement she ran after him anyway. The wind whistled in her ears with how quickly she sped down the hall.
She skidded to a stop at the top of the steps to look around when she saw him at the bottom of the flight— Judith at his side.
"Claude!"
They stopped and he looked over his shoulder before turning around completely. "Teach? Everything okay?"
She nodded quickly, not wanting to alarm him— or anyone else she realized may have glanced their way. "Yes, I wanted to—"
To what? Ask him private questions in front of everyone? Surely, not everyone knew about her possession of the sword, why would she talk about it in public like this? And more importantly, she didn't want to mention any of his personal information in front of anyone.
She cleared her throat, and pushed some loose hair behind her ear. "To tell you to stay safe."
That was the best she could do right now anyhow. They both had places to be, and she didn't want to hold him up longer than she had already.
A look of surprise filled his face before it melted into something warmer. She hadn't seen a smile so sincere on his face in quite a while. Perhaps when they last stargazed.
"Thank you… I'll do my best." His face merged into a grin, and he gave her a lazy salute. "See ya, Teach."
"It was nice meeting you Professor." Judith said.
Balaiya nodded. "It was nice to meet you as well." She waved once more and hurried off to Professor Hanneman's office.
When she walked into Hanneman's office he was going on about something with her brother, but as soon as she entered they stopped what they were doing.
"Ah! Good of you to come, Professor Balaiya!" Hanneman adjusted his spectical. "I was beginning to wonder if I should send someone after you!"
She greeted her brother silently, and turned to the older man. "Ah, I'm sorry. I had some things I needed to take care of…"
"No matter, no time was lost. Professor Byleth here was filling me in on the details. Specifically, that both of you are able to interact with the Sword of the Creator in such a way that will awaken the tell tale glow of the other Relic's."
"We haven't really done much but touch it." She replied quietly. "Though, I did swing it once." She frowned when the memory of the violent slash she had made across that mage's chest resurfaced. She had attacked him so fiercely his blood had sprayed out—staining her face.
"Hm, well thanks to that simple bit of information, it seems the true nature of your Crest has been uncovered." He began to pace about the room, rifling through the papers scattered about his desk. "I had, of course, seen your Crest before. However, I failed to recognize it's true nature."
He failed to recognize it? Wasn't he supposed to be the pioneer in Crestology? Or whatever he called it? How could he miss something so important?
"Eventually, it dawned on me that what is visible is perhaps merely a small part of a greater whole." He continued. "In other words, the Crest the two of you bare is too significant to be detected when using normal instruments."
She glanced at her brother but his eyes were trained diligently on the older man. She sighed. Did he buy this excuse? They couldn't be that significant! They were just mercenaries that fought for coin, and occasionally did chores, and favors to pay off their father's tabs. And by some twist of fate were now professors at this academy.
"—Though there are other Crests that have not appeared in decades, I have my sight set on a Crest thought to have disappeared from this world in the millennium since the fall of Nemesis, the King of Liberation."
She tuned back into the older Professor, in the hopes that she didn't miss any vital information. But there it was again, that name. Nemesis, why hadn't she heard of him before coming to the monastery?
"The Crest of Flames. That is what you two possess." Hanneman reached for more papers, and began scribbling something down. "Even more fascinating, is how this will affect the two of you. Two people, barring the same Crest! And such a legendary one at that!"
—You who bare the flames within—
Balaiya ran a hand through her hair and focused on him again. "The Crest of Flames?"
He nodded. "Yes, your abilities to wield the Sword of the Creator has unequivocally proven my hypothesis. A legendary power, dormant since time immemorial, and now resurrected. There can be no doubt that this legendary power resides within the two of you!" He held up two empty vials. "I must get some new blood samples. I have yet to figure out exactly how this difference that does appear between the Crests affects you."
Before her brother could protest she stuck her arm out. "Just take whatever." She mumbled, irritated. There were so many questions that she still had. So many that apparently not even the famed Crest scholar could answer. And though she new her brother must be as confused, she couldn't see the use in debating what if's with him. The most they could do was tinker with the sword, but even that made her uneasy.
She wished Claude hadn't left.
But would he even want to look at her?
When Hanneman finished with his samples she stood, and lingered out in the hall until her brother joined her.
"Are you okay?" He asked her simply as they walked down the hall.
"Yes. I'm just tired. Both mentally, and physically." She said, "How about you?"
"I'm alright. Maybe a little less worse for wear."
Luckily they were given the rest of the week off from classes, so the students had time to rest. Not so lucky for her, seeing as she had so much free time but so little to do with it. And now with all this new information, and no one to share it with, all she really could do was stew in it.
"I'm going to spend the day at the pier." Byleth declared once they got outside. "You're welcome to join me. It might be good for you."
She nodded absently. "Alright. I have to run some errands, and check on my flowers. If the sun's still up when I'm done, I'll pop by."
He nodded, and walked off to the pier.
She watched him go then hurried off to her room to gather her gardening supplies. She looked around the room with a sigh.
Why couldn't she continue to be normal , or at least what was normal for her. As if having the Sword of the Creator did anything to help her already out of the ordinary situation.
She opened her drawer to grab her bag of seeds when a vial rolled forward from the back and nudged her hand.
"Oh!" She picked it up and inspected it carefully. "The medicine for Edelgard… I should give this to her now."
Gathering the rest of her things she hurried out to search for the girl.
'I can't believe it took me so long to give it to her. Hopefully she hasn't suffered too much in the meantime.'
Sothis appeared beside her, and touched her arm gently. "Don't be so hard on yourself. You've been through a lot these last few days. I'm sure the girl will appreciate your gift regardless."
"Right."
She looked around the grounds until Sothis tapped her arm, and gestured behind her. "Look, she's over there by the entrance hall."
Balaiya turned and sure enough, there was Edelgard herself. She walked over to her.
"Hello Edelgard. I have something for you."
Edelgard's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, hello Professor. You do?"
She nodded, and pulled the vial out from her pocket. "I got my hands on this for you. It will help you with your—" she looked around quickly to make sure no one was nearby. "—dreams."
"Really?" She took it carefully and inspected it closely. "Where did you get such a thing?"
She offered the girl a small smile. "That's a secret."
Edelgard's eyes widened slightly and she held the vial closer to her chest. "Oh! I see…I hope it didn't cost you too much."
She shook her head. "No, no. Not at all." Now that she thought about it— she didn't pay a single coin for it. She had simply asked Claude, and he provided her with what she needed without complaint. Granted he'd made a jest about paying him for favors, but was it a jest? With a stunning realization, she realized she asked a lot from him— maybe too much. Was it inappropriate? Out of line? He didn't feel obligated just because she was his teacher, did he? He said himself that titles meant little to him.
Still…
"Professor? Is everything alright?"
Edelgard's voice shook her out of her thoughts and she pushed whatever was left to the back of her mind. "Huh? Oh yes. I am. I was just thinking… But, about the medicine. If you feel like you may need it, make sure you take two drops of it before bed. That should be enough. Oh, and if you wish to try and have good dreams, then mix it in with a cup of camomile tea."
She nodded slowly, and a smile touched her face. "Does it really work Professor?"
Balaiya nodded. Claude did say he tested it out himself, and she trusted him. "I'm positive."
"Wow, Professor, I… I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything." She reached forward and placed her hand on her shoulder.
She looked at her hand then back at her face. "Thank you…"
"Of course."
"I wanted to ask. Have you heard about the thief?"
A frown pulled down her lips. "Thief? What do you mean?"
"You know. The one who stole the Relic. A thief with a Relic is worrisome, but I'm sure you could handle them." Her eyes raked over her and she placed her hand on her hip. "After all, you wield the Sword of the Creator. You know, it was originally wielded by Nemesis, the—"
"King of Liberation." Balaiya finished with a sigh.
Edelgard's eyebrows shot up. "Hm, it seems you are familiar with the tale?"
She nodded. "Yes. I've heard it once or twice."
"Well, then you should know, if the legends are true of course, you hold the power to stand against entire armies. A band of thieves should be nothing." She glanced to the side, and lowered her voice. "Even the most elite Imperial forces, or the Knights of Seiros could not hope to defeat you."
Balaiya frowned. Why was Edelgard even thinking about that as a possibility? Granted as students it was wise to consider any scenario, but they weren't in the classroom. Nor were they going over tactical possibilities. "Why does something like that concern you? If we are lucky, it will never come to something like that."
"Is that so?" Edelgard crossed her arms. "Even if those forces were to hurt someone precious to you?"
She frowned. Someone precious to her? She couldn't think of any situation where her brother or father would ever have the need to fight against the Knights of Serios. Or even any part of Fódlan. They were a neutral party, weren't they?
"Could you say with full confidence that you would not turn your sword on them if that were to happen?"
"I don't need the power of a Relic to get things done."
Edelgard pursed her lips. "I am aware. You know, your power does not lie soley in the Sword of the Creator. You are stronger, and more terrifying than you realize."
She frowned. Even Edelgard thought she was scary? But terrifying? How many others were afraid of her? Did the sword influence it at all?
"Edelgard, you know, just because I have this weapon. It doesn't make me any different. I'm still me."
Still me? Did she even know who she really was? How could she reassure someone else when she wasn't even confident herself?
"Professor?... When we leave the monastery, will you still think of yourself as my teacher?"
"What do you mean?"
"Nevermind. I'm being thoughtless with my words." She shook her head. "Thank you again for the medicine."
She sighed. "Of course. Please use it well. I won't be able to get more until the end of the month, but there should be enough there for you."
Edelgard nodded, "Alright." She glanced at the vial once more and left down the hall.
Balaiya sighed once more, and made her way to the greenhouse.
To her surprise Dedue was tending to some flowers a few plots away from hers. Curiously, she peered around his frame to look at what he was growing
"Did you want something?"
She jumped, and took a step back. "Nothing in particular. I just wanted to look at your flowers."
"I see. If you have the time, then please assist me. I am to water the flowers in the greenhouse." He handed her an extra watering can.
"Okay." She took it and stepped over to water the plots belonging to the monastery.
"Thank you." He grabbed his own can and motioned behind her. "Only do not water the ones in that corner."
"Understood." She peered over and inspected the flowers. "What kind of flowers are they?"
"They are from Duscur. They require a dry environment. The roots will rot otherwise."
"They sound difficult to care for." She was still learning about different types of flowers and so far, these sounded the most unique.
"That is what makes them worthwhile."
"I see." Being difficult to care for makes the flower worth it? Carefully she took out her journal and jotted down a few notes. Could that sentiment apply to other things? She glanced at him and tapped her chin with the pencil. Perhaps it's just because the flower is from his homeland?
"I owe you a debt of gratitude. In both the extracurricular activities here at the academy, and on the battlefield... Your presence has been instrumental in the defense of His Highness. You have my sincerest thanks."
She tucked her journal away and turned to him. "You don't need to thank me. If anything, you should thank my brother. Leth is surely a better role model. He's been of more use during missions we share anyway."
He shook his head. "No. I would not say that. You have helped His Highness on many things. Your brawler techniques are helping him immensely."
"Oh. I'm happy to hear that."
He stared at her in silence, and she politely refrained from speaking again, in case there was something else he wanted to say.
After a few moments of silence he shifted, and picked up the empty watering cans. "Was there something else you wanted?"
"Oh. No, I guess that's all." Could he have been waiting to see if she had anything else to say?
"Then please, excuse me." He nodded his head and left the greenhouse.
She watched him go curiously. 'He's difficult to hold conversations with… I hope he doesn't get too much grief from others…' She exited the greenhouse and stretched briefly. Perhaps she could invite him for tea sometime…
"Oh! Hello Professor, I didn't expect to see you here."
Balaiya straightened, and turned to face the familiar voice. "Good Morning Professor Manuela. I could say the same for you."
She smiled, and folded her hands in front of her. "Well, I am the monastery's leading medic. I have my own plants for that very purpose, but I must admit they would die if not for the diligent work of the gardener. She's such a sweet lady!" She sighed, and shook her head slowly. "Oh, but it's awful, just awful what happened with the Rite of Rebirth. The infirmary… Well, it was a mess."
"It was?" Somehow that detail escaped her. The infirmary was a mess? From what she knew, there were no major injuries that had taken place during their mission. Unless some of the other students not in her main class had gotten injured somehow. There were also the Black Eagle students that had been at their post, did they encounter trouble?
"Yes, it was. I have never had so many students there at once. Of course, there were no terrible injuries, but I was still worried."
Balaiya sighed in relief, Manuela was just concerned then.
"There was a small incident with some of the youngest students. I suppose they got spooked while patrolling the grounds. I heard a report saying they saw an evil spector or something." She shook her head. "The poor dears. They ended up running away and tripping down some steps! Then the few that came to me with gashes and cuts from the mausoleum." She rubbed her arm, and took a deep breath. "Things are finally calm again. So, I've come here to unwind. I'm so glad Lady Rhea took my advice to allow the students the rest of the week off. The rest would do them good."
"It was your suggestion?" Balaiya asked curiously.
"Yes. I really do care about the kids here." She pressed her hands together and bowed her head. "Let me tell you, I put all of my knowledge to use keeping these kids alive over the years. It feels as of late, that things are getting worse for them. Still, the truth of it is that when someone faces death for the first time… well, they figure out who they are. They learn if they can do it again."
"The students here are strong." She offered quietly, though she was concerned herself at times, she hadn't even considered how other staff members may feel about the situation the students were often in.
"I know." Manuela replied. "But, we can't lose them, Professor. Not to battle, or to cowardice. If you can keep them going, then I will too."
"Don't worry Professor Manuela. I will protect them." After all she must. Why else would she have these powers? Though she did not use them in the previous battle, she wasn't going to ignore the option. "The students are improving quickly Professor Manuela, I would keep faith in them."
She nodded, her hand flying up to dab at her eyes with a white handkerchief. "Yes, yes of course, and we have you to thank for that Professor!"
"I would give yourself some credit too. You teach them how to heal, I am grateful for you."
"Oh, Thank you Professor!" She smiled warmly and stuffed the handkerchief back in her… bosom.
She didn't even notice her pull it out of there… "Besides all of that," she said with a clear of her throat. "How have you been?"
"I've been alright overall." She stuck her lip out in a pout. "Today is my birthday! Did you know that?"
"It is?" She quickly made a note in her journal. "No, I didn't. Happy Birthday."
"Thank you so much Professor! You're so sweet. Can you believe you're the first person to offer me such congratulations?"
"I am?"
"Yes! Well, besides Dorothea, bless her heart. But, none of the other staff members said a thing!" She looked down.
"Well, you did just tell me about it." She reasoned simply. There was a chance no one else knew. "Maybe they don't know?"
Manuela seemed to not agree and scoffed. "Oh they know. They better know. How could they not know?" She covered her face with her hands. "I've been here for long enough that they should know by now!"
"I'm sure it will be alright." She reached for her hesitantly. "Do you have anything planned? If not, we can have tea later today."
"Oh I would love that!" She grinned, and pulled her into a tight hug, much to her surprise.
She stiffened, not expecting something so sudden, or warm, but she found herself relaxing into it. "Alright, I can meet you under the gazebo, by the gardens around dinner?"
"Perfect. Thank you Professor!" She squeezed her once more before releasing her and disappearing in the greenhouse.
She almost missed the contact. When had anyone held her so dearly before? Sylvain had given her a hug on his birthday, and though it was smothering, he hadn't hesitated to embrace her. At first it had bothered her, but now…
'Well, that was interesting…' Sothis mumbled in her head.
Balaiya nodded in agreement, and slowly walked off. 'Alright, now I should restock the convoy. I just received my earnings for this month. I wouldn't want to miss out on any new items.' She hurried down to the market, fully intending on making a beeline to the weapon merchant, but she got stuck elsewhere.
"Sothis?" She mumbled to herself as she carefully looked through the various trinkets displayed on the table. "Do you think I should get him something? As a thank you for helping me out so much?"
Sothis appeared beside her, holding the side of her face. "Who?" She asked innocently.
Balaiya deadpanned at her. "You know who."
The small woman laughed shortly and peered down at the various wares. "I'm not sure. His sudden— what would you call it?— change of heart has me just as puzzled as you."
"Oh." She frowned. "Should I leave him be? Perhaps I overstepped in some way…"
Sothis shook her head with a tsk . "It is impossible to know now, and we would do no good in wasting energy mulling over it."
She sighed, and drifted over to the stand that offered various teas. "I probably shouldn't invite him to tea again, huh?" She purchased a variety pack regardless, she was seeing Manuela later for tea anyway, but despite herself bought an additional pack of pine needle tea. To do what with, she had no idea. Perhaps others will enjoy it too? She certainly enjoyed the tea herself, and wouldn't mind finishing it alone.
"What would you do Sothis?"
"I would probably grab him by the neck and shake him about! Demand to know what his business is!" She circled her hands in the air in front of her and shook them as if she was choking someone.
A smile snuck onto her face and she shook her head at the comic display. "Would you really?"
Sothis glanced over at her and beamed. "Probably not. Though I must admit, I do believe we should speak to him when he returns! It won't do us well to never address this."
"You're right."
"If anything," She eyed the stack of tea in her basket. "You can also invite that boy for tea. The one— what was his name? The kid that told us about Almyra."
She perked up. "Oh, Cyril! Yeah, that's a good idea. He will definitely like this tea."
The sound of angry voices caught her attention, much more shrill than the average market barterer. Concerned, she weaved through the crowd, slightly surprised when she saw Sylvain standing there.
"Sylvain? What happened?" She looked around. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh, Professor!" He turned to her with a grin, "Heh, I didn't realize you were there. If we keep running into each other like this, people will start to talk."
She rolled her eyes. "About what? Us going to the market? Who's the one who's always asking to help me with my bags?" She crossed her arms.
He took a step back. "Hey, don't get mad! I was joking."
"I'm not." She stated clearly.
"But I thought—" he scratched the back of his head. "Ah, forget it. What do you need?"
She looked him over, a red handprint was visible on his face, despite the way he tilted his head away from her. "Girl problems, Sylvain?"
"Well, you're not wrong. I fell for that girl recently, but I just wanted to have some fun, and leave it at that. So I told her we should break it off. I guess she was feeling a little more serious than I was. She started crying, and everything got a bit...complicated."
"Did you tell her from the beginning like I suggested?"
He sighed, and roughly ran a hand through his hair. One of his fingers caught on a knot and he winced. "I may have forgotten…"
She eyed him curiously, and motioned for him to follow her. He did without complaint. "You know," she moved over to the weapons stall and browsed the shelves. "I think you know, that I know, that's not true."
He laughed. "Come on, Professor. Playing around with girls is the most fun a guy can have."
"Is that so?" She turned to him with a frown. Though he spoke so brazenly, and often acted as such. There was a part of her that didn't believe that.
He looked her over quickly and scowled. "I don't care what you think of me. I don't intend to change how I live my life. I'm a good-for-nothing, if you haven't noticed, but I'm still a noble with a Crest. That's all anyone cares about." He started pacing around in a small circle. "It's best to avoid getting too serious with fools like that. It only leads to trouble. I'm gonna be forced into an arranged marriage with some random noble woman anyway." He muttered some curses beneath his breath, and glanced her way. Whatever anger had overtaken him seemed paused, at least for now. "By the way, Professor. You didn't know you had a Crest, did you?"
She sighed heavily, and paid the merchant after selecting some things, then hoisted the basket full of weapons on her back. "No, I didn't. And if my Father knew— he didn't tell me."
"I see." He kicked a loose cobblestone and it rolled off under one of the various market stalls. "I suppose a mercenary wouldn't be concerned with such things."
"And what was your experience? If you don't mind sharing." She walked off to load the materials up with the rest of their convoy.
"Most children who are born to noble families are tested upon birth to see if they bear one." He reached his arms behind his head and looked up at the sky. "Even descendants of the 10 Elites, like myself, can't be legitimate heirs without a Crest. That means, as children, we're only accepted if we're born with one."
"Really?" She finished stocking up then turned her gaze over to him. She could still feel the tension rolling off of him, so she cleared her throat to get his attention, and slowly walked off to where there weren't so many prying eyes and curious ears. "What happens if they never have a child with a Crest?"
"The heads of most noble houses keep having kids until they do get one with a Crest." He grit his teeth. "Those children grow up to be heads of their houses, and the vicious cycle continues." He faced her suddenly, a scowl on his face again. "Do you get it now? To all these commoner girls, I'm just a trophy. Or rather, a studhorse." He gestured blindly behind him.
She looked up at him silently for a moment, then sat down against a stone wall. Looking up at him she patted the spot next to her once. He hesitated, and looked around before sitting beside her, leaving enough space for another person.
Studhorse? So it wasn't just Lorenz who used animals as a comparison. The thought made her feel sour. How many other nobles compared their worth in a similar fashion?
After sitting with just the background bustle of the market as ambiance for a few moments she glanced over at him to find him leaning his head back against the wall, eyes closed. "You mean they only want you for your bloodline?" She said quietly.
"See? I knew you'd get it." He smiled but it fell away quickly. "These girls don't love me. They love the potential rewards of loving me."
She held the side of her face in thought. 'Is he looking for love?' She looked down at the ground and picked up a small stick, and scraped random shapes into the stone. 'I supposed it shouldn't be too surprising. He's older than most nobles when they get engaged.'
He sighed. "If I marry a girl, and she gives birth to a child with a Crest, that kid might become the next head of House Gautier. But nowadays, with the bloodlines getting weaker, there are a lot of kids like my brother...born with no hope."
His brother? Her mind flashed to the mission, the thief. And again, she had to wonder, did he know? Was that part of what caused his bad mood?
"For ages now, those of us with Crests have been envied and desired but never for who we are. I understand the value of my blood. Believe me, I hate how much I understand it. I know better than to dream of being free from this burden, I'm used to it by now. I used to think I didn't have the right to live freely."
"You don't think that way anymore?" She was getting ready to argue that he did indeed deserve freedom, but if he already understood it…Despite that, he still sounded like he felt trapped.
"Heh heh... That's right. You know what?" He turned partially to face her. "I'm a bit jealous. The whole time you were growing up, you never knew you had a Crest. You were free. Nobody pretended to like you. I kind of hate you for that… You were a spoiled brat who should pay for that Crest. Maybe I'll collect the debt."
Her eyes widened. 'Debt?' He wasn't actually planning on doing anything to her? Was he?
He laughed. "Ha! Gotcha! Wow, you shoulda seen the look on your face just then." He slapped his hands down on his knees and stood up. "Don't mind me, Professor. After all, ladies love a dark and brooding noble."
She sighed heavily, and stood up as well. "I might have to report you."
He spun around quickly to face her— fear flashed through his eyes. "What? Hey, hey, I said I was joking!"
For a moment, she felt guilty. Surely he was remembering what had happened with her father. Regardless, she stood firm and crossed her arms. "I'm kidding." She deadpanned.
"What?" He frowned.
"Didn't feel good did it?" She asked.
He stared at her for a moment then laughed and shook his head. "Touché, I guess you do have a sense of humor— yeah…you're right." He sighed, and stuck his hand out. "I'm sorry."
She glanced down at his hand then back up at his face. "I'll forgive you— again ." She shook his hand.
"Ha, thanks. You're too kind… really." He released her hand, and looked to the side. "Hey, Professor?"
"Hm?" She brushed dust off of her shorts.
"Have you ever told someone the truth, and they didn't believe you. So you just laughed it off with them?"
This wasn't the first time he asked her something like this. Not too long ago he asked something similar, about telling someone he wanted to be their friend. She didn't know who it was he was referring to yet, but something told her it might be the same person. Sylvain didn't come across as someone who would fret over multiple people at once.
"Did someone laugh at you?" She wasn't sure if he was being serious, but she couldn't detect a jest in his voice, and his body language was once again guarded.
"No… but, it might have been better if they did." He said frowning.
"Maybe you have to be honest with yourself first Sylvain. Perhaps whatever you said, they could tell you didn't even believe it." She shrugged. "Or maybe you did believe it, but you don't know how to sound believable."
He nodded slowly. "Yeah. I don't even know anymore."
"Was it a girl?" She asked quietly.
"...Perhaps."
"Who is this girl?"
He rubbed a hand over his face with a sigh. "Someone that's kind, like you. She's a hard worker, and I know people take her for granted."
"That could be anybody."
"Could it though?" He mumbled.
"Hmm. I guess it depends. Are you going to tell me who?"
"No. Maybe another day." He rubbed his palms on his pants. "I'm sick of this topic."
"Alright. Don't be afraid to knock on my door." She paused, it was the first time she was verbally inviting someone to her room. Even though it wasn't meant to sound suggestive she cleared her throat anyway and added. "To talk of course."
This time his laugh sounded real. "Oh? What if I wake up in the middle of the night, or I can't sleep?"
She eyed him until his grin dropped. "I'm generally a light sleeper. If you ever need to talk. I'll be there to listen. We can go for a walk or something."
"Wow… I… thanks."
She nodded. "Do you know about the mission?" She felt wrong dropping this so soon after his mood had lifted, but she wanted to make sure he was okay before he found out from someone else.
He stiffened slightly. "I do."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really. I'm sure you've been given all the details already. But thanks…"
"Of course. And thank you , for sharing your experience with me. And for trusting me enough to confide in me." She reached up and patted his shoulder a few times. "Oh, and thank you for protecting me during the mission. But, please. Don't worry about my safety." She tightened her grip on him. "That's my job. To worry about your safety. Can you promise me you won't be so reckless?"
He shrugged her hand off, and something in her stung. "Sorry Professor, I don't know if I can do that."
"Hm, I might have to stick you in the back of the group then." She said with a frown. "Or bench you completely."
"Eh, I don't think you'll do that." He started to back up with a smug grin. "I'm one of your best!" He hit his chest in a gesture of pride.
She stared at him in silence, her brows furrowed. His earlier words flooded to the forefront of her memory: Nobody pretended to like you…
"You're wrong you know…" She bit the inside of her cheek.
"Huh?" He frowned. "Oh, I was only joking again— kinda. I work really hard you know. Even though sometimes—"
"No." She shook her head. She thought of a few members of the mercenary troop that never quite adjusted to her. The times they were left as children at various clergy houses. The sidelong glances. The whispers behind her back.
Were the students the same?
Was, Claude?
Her father?
"People pretend to like me and my brother all the time. They're afraid of us, me. I didn't give myself the nickname, 'Ashen Demon', you know."
He frowned, and stood in silence for some time. She was ready to blow it over as not a big deal when he spoke, his voice more serious than she expected.
"I'm sorry Professor. I didn't even consider you could have had hardship outside of a Crest. Sounds pretty stupid huh? I guess it's a good thing you didn't know. You might have suffered more. Or not."
She shook her head. "It's fine."
"I can extend your offer to you as well. If you want company— really. I don't mind." He smiled.
"That's really nice of you." She said quietly.
"Just admit I'm your best!" He laughed, sweeping away the heavy atmosphere like the wind carries away autumn leaves.
She sighed heavily. "Not if you're going to be reckless." She muttered.
"Where's the fun in that?" He grinned and left before she could further argue.
"These young people have a knack for carelessness, do they not?" Sothis muttered beside her.
Balaiya glanced over at her, and nodded. "I'm worried. I wonder how Lysithea is doing with the healing magic…" She took her journal out and scanned over her progress update. "I need to ask on Monday."
Mercedes's voice echoed in her head. '.. In fact, I usually do a lot of practice in the cathedral…'
"I wonder if the other students practice there as well." She asked out loud.
"Only one way to know!" Sothis declared. "The sun is still high, we have time to check in."
"I just hope they aren't overworking themselves." Balaiya mumbled and hurried to the cathedral.
The inside of the cathedral was a large, and beautiful room with windows that decorated the light shining in like a water drop would on a flower petal. Delicate and warm. She took her time walking up the nave, the entire time she kept looking around at all the intricate details scattered about. The mystery that blanketed the large space reminded her of the library's top floor, her mind quickly circled around to a particular face, one with a charming laugh and a knack for tactics. She frowned. She should have never permitted him up there in the first place. What if he took something out of there? Something he wasn't supposed to have. Something that could get her in trouble.
Her frown deepened, she was getting suspicious of him. She didn't like the feeling. He had promised not to take anything. Said he would ask her first whenever he wanted to go up there. And he had! She had no reason to doubt him. He was trustworthy.
Wasn't he?
She trusted him.
Didn't she?
"Dear Goddess, I ask for guidance…"
Balaiya looked over to find Marianne by the altar. "Hello Marianne, have you been resting?"
She turned to her, surprise flitting across her face. "Professor! I suppose you came by to pray too?"
"I was just looking to check up on you actually."
"Oh, that's kind of you." She shifted from one foot to the other.
"What were you praying for?" Balaiya asked before the silence got too strained.
"Oh, um. Nothing specific. I only call upon the goddess to give thanks, or perhaps to ask for protection. Anyhow, I should be on my way." She turned to go.
"Wait, Marianne. Do you have a moment to chat?" She hadn't had much opportunity to speak with her in the past, if at all. Now seemed like a good time, they were relatively alone with no current obligations to attend to.
Marianne twisted her fingers together and nodded slowly. "Um. Okay…"
Before Balaiya could say anything further she barreled into a string of apologies.
"I'm sorry. I don't really know what to say. I'm not very good at talking to people. The truth is, I didn't interact with people too often before I came here."
"Why is that?"
"Oh, uhm, no particular reason. I'm simply not very good at it. That's just how I am."
"Oh, I'm sorry if I disturbed you." She sighed.
"No!" She gasped and shook her head. "No need to apologize."
Balaiya took a step back, startled by her outburst. "Oh, I—"
"I'm sorry. You shouldn't waste your time worrying about me. Please, just ignore me. I, um, have to be going now. Good-bye, Professor!" She shook her head and turned to run off, but Balaiya reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Marianne, wait!"
"Ah! Oh no. Did I get you upset Professor? I'm so—"
She let her go. "No,no. I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to spend some time with me? Maybe tomorrow? We can go for a walk, have tea, or sit in the garden. Or all of that. And if you don't mind, I can bring Bernadetta with me, I'm sure you'll enjoy her company." She'd been wanting to get the two girls to meet for some time, and by now they must know of each other, but she highly doubt either of them hung out.
"Oh… um, that sounds nice, but I'm not sure…"
"If you do decide to join me, I'll most likely head to the garden myself after breakfast." She could spend the day finishing that book Manuela lent her if she doesn't show up. It has been awhile since she took the time to relax. Hopefully Bernadetta won't be difficult to convince.
"Alright…I'll think about it. Goodbye Professor."
This time when she left it wasn't, running in haste.
A sound grabbed her attention once the large doors had classe behind Marianne, and she curiously moved over to the right where it was coming from. Tucked off to the side was a small room she hadn't noticed and when she peeked her head inside there was an even bigger surprise.
"Leth?"
He stood from his spot kneeling on the floor and turned to her. "Oh, hello Bala."
She walked over and looked up at him, tilting her head to the side. "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to spend the day fishing."
He sighed and motioned to a bag of trash that he had apparently collected. "I was, but Flayn came over and asked me to do her a favor. She said someone told her that this place was dirty, she was going to take care of it herself, but she said her brother had something important for her to take care of and she couldn't get to it."
"So, you agreed to help?"
"I did. Obviously."
She rolled her eyes and walked over to where some crumbled paper was on the floor, she picked it up and opened it. Inside was a note that had been scribbled out hastily. She had to bring the paper close to her face to read it.
Oh, sunkissed rogue of gold,
The dark, and subtle way your hair wants to curl is surely enough to make my mother clutch her pearls.
The sound of your voice is sharp yet light, and whenever you speak my heart wants to take flight!
Why, gazing upon you is never a bore!
I fear what my father would say, if he knew I wanted a lad like you to take me away!
However, despite his ire, I cannot quell my desire! There is never a moment where I do not see, brilliant verdant within my dreams.
Goddess! The tiny smirks that grace your lips, they make my heart flutter within my bodice!
I long for so much more than a kiss!
Oh, how I crave to give you eternal bliss!
"What is that?"
"Nothing!" She shoved the paper hastily in her pocket, her cheeks suddenly a flame and her pulse a storm in her ears.
Byleth eyed her warily, and slowly moved over to toss some more stuff away. "Why are you so red?"
"I'm not." She protested, her voice echoing louder than she thought it would, and in her head her pulse echoed louder. Why was she so flustered? And who was this letter about? More importantly, who did it belong to? Clearly they wanted to be rid of such a thing, didn't they? After all, it was scribbled over. Not very well, but still.
"Are you feeling alright?" Byleth asked her, suspicion clear in his voice. "You know if you are feeling unwell, you don't have to help me. I am almost done anyway."
"No, no" she waved him off. "I am fine. Promise." She should throw that note out, tear it up even. Perhaps throw herself out with it…
"If you say so." He said, skeptical.
She nodded, and moved over to the other side of the room to continue helping, thankful that he didn't question her further. All the while, the note felt like a burn within her pocket.
When all the trash was cleared from the room they finished the task by wiping the statues free of dust.
"This one looks familiar, as odd as it sounds." Byleth mumbled as he wiped the last statue.
She walked over and read the plaque that sat at its feet: ' Saint Cichol' "How so?" She asked, and reclined her neck to look over the statue.
"I don't know. It's just— I'm not sure how to put it."
She held the side of her face in thought. He was right, it did feel familiar, now that he mentioned it. "Well, Father did leave us at various churches when he went on dangerous missions growing up." She shrugged her shoulders, and picked up the bag of trash. "Maybe that's why?"
"I guess." He picked up a few items they found that most likely belonged to some students.
Together they walked over to dispose of the trash, and when that was all taken care of she helped him sort through the lost items.
"Did you know today is Professor Manuela's birthday?" She gathered up two items she was pretty sure belonged to Marianne. There was also the note… It couldn't belong to her! The last two lines of the note especially didn't sound like it would come from her. She still wanted to analyze the hand writing again, just to be sure.
"I didn't" Byleth was left with something that was more likely than not Mercedes's
"I'm going to have some tea with her. You should come too. She might like it."
He made a face, his nose scrunching up. "I don't know. Manuela is... a character, I'll probably just go fishing with Father."
An idea suddenly came to her. "Hey, that's a good idea Leth. You should bring Father too, I'm sure she'll love it." They were all co-workers after all. And Manuela would surely love the company.
Byleth sighed and shook his head. "I'll see you later Bala."
She waved at his retreating back. "We'll be at one of those gazebo's Leth. After dinner."
After he was a good distance away she sighed heavily and hurried off to her room.
.
.
As far as she could tell the handwriting in the note did not match any of the students that she looked after. She was well aware there were plenty of others that attended the academy that focused on more academic studies than combat studies. Which meant that she might not ever find out who it belonged to, and she was more than okay with that.
She still shoved it in the back of her drawer, the notes words taunting her memory.
It couldn't be about who sure thought it was. It didn't even—
She gasped and stood up quickly. "Oh, Sothis, do you think he brought Shai with him?"
"Hm? Oh that's a good question. It would be problematic to bring a young cat along on a journey like that, wouldn't it?"
"I should look around... I'm surprised he didn't ask me to take care of her..." As soon as she said it she frowned. She wasn't really surprised. "I'm just going to get ready to meet with Professor Manuela a little early. I can look around for her afterwards I suppose..." She said with a sigh and gathered up her tea set in her basket, along with a variety of different teas– she'd let Manuela decide which tea she wanted.
"Worry not, I'm sure the little cat will be fine. But what are you going to do with the note?" Sothis asked with a tilt of her head.
"I just hope she's safe." Balaiya left the room and made her way to the gazebos. "I don't know. I… I should probably burn it."
"You have a candle in your room." She stated.
"Yes, but… I know." She blew out a puff of air. "I'm curious, is that so bad? I didn't know words could be so–"
"I believe that is called poetry Bala." Sothis hummed. " Lorenz does enjoy writing it, perhaps if you're so interested you should ask him for his advice."
Balaiya stopped walking to look over at her. "Are you serious?" There was absolutely no way she would bring such a topic up to anyone, let alone Lorenz. "Absolutely not."
Sothis giggled and shrugged. "In truth I could probably not stand a moment of his lecturing either."
She shook her head and set her basket down beside one of the tables and began setting up her tea set, and just when the water was finished heating up Manuela arrived.
"Oh! You're actually here." Manuela smiled and sat across from her. "I was expecting you to not show up."
"Why would I do that?" Balaiya asked. "I'm the one that invited you."
"Yes, I know, but let's just say it has happened to me more than once." She looked over the table. "Oo, I love the little tea set you have here! It's so cute!"
"It was given to me by one of the students, but I haven't started brewing the tea yet, I wanted you to be able to pick which one you wanted." She offered her a small box from her basket.
"That's so sweet of you." She started looking through the various jars. "You wouldn't happen to have any alcohol hidden somewhere would you?"
"Erm, no…I–"
"Ha! Just kidding! Don't mind me." She laughed and pulled out a smaller jar of tea leaves. "Oo, this one. It's got to be this one. I recognize this smell– it's a lavender blend isn't it?" She opened it and smelled it, her smile widening. "Mmm, what a lovely smell. I like this tea very much. I hope you like it too Professor."
"I'm sure I will." She took the leaves and started brewing them. "You can have the rest of those tea leaves." She set the jar down in front of her. "I can always get more."
"Thank you so much, Professor. Do you have a favorite?"
"I'm not too picky with much. Besides, I'm still new to this." She gestured to the table.
"Oh, that's quite alright! There isn't much to it! If you want, I can show you a few things– take you under my wing! I used to attend many social gatherings, I am after all a former singer."
"I don't know if I'll have much use for stuff like that Professor Manuela." She checked on the tea and poured out two cups.
"No don't be like that Professor! You're a wonderful young woman with charm I can tell! You're really quite beautiful, Professor." She took her teacup with a silent thank you.
"You think I'm beautiful?…" She asked with disbelief. She looked down at herself with a frown. She honestly believed she was rather plain, nothing too out of the ordinary. She liked it that way, it was easier to go by unnoticed. Yet she still couldn't help but feel flattered at the compliment.
"Very much so! In fact your whole family is." She leaned an elbow on the table. "But you more so, you've got that wonderful womanly charm! Why, if you worked with me in the opera you would be such a hit!"
"Professor Manuela, I don't think that would work out. People don't take too kindly to me… besides, I can't even sing."
"It is just that cold exterior you have, one built from life on the road." She nodded slowly to herself. "But I can see it plain as day, the warmth you have inside. It shows through how much you care for your students. Have you ever tried to sing?"
"Well…no. Not really at least. When I was a young child I may have sung a few tunes while passing through villages or even some local hymns but I never took on the hobby. It wasn't something I thought was necessary."
She gasped. "What? Song is such a wonderful way to unwind! There are so many various tunes for any occasion, you cannot tell me your mercenary group never sang overzealous songs around a campire."
A small smile tugged at her lips. "Now that you mention it, they have done that very thing. Quite often actually, but I never participated. My brother and I were usually off taking care of the horses or training. Or just taking a walk. Quiet activities."
"Well!" She set her cup down with an audible click "I insist you join me in the church for choir! Or if you're more comfortable, we can meet before or after, I am just so intrigued now to hear your voice!"
"Mercedes invited me to come watch the choir… I guess I could stop by next week? Just to watch of course." She couldn't see herself participating right off the bat.
Manuela nodded and clapped her hands together. "That sounds like a wonderful idea! I'll hold you to it Professor, then afterward you can stay, and we can see about getting that voice of yours to sing!"
"I don't know…"
"I'm positive you'll enjoy it, if not well nobody's forcing you to stay." She leaned back in her chair. "Though I will be disappointed for sure. I can lend you a song book if you like over the week so you can get used to some of the lyrics."
"Oh, you don't have–"
"That reminds me!" She grinned. "How is that book treating you?"
"I haven't gotten that far" She replied guiltily, she was hoping Manuela wouldn't ask her about it. After all, she had the book for so long already, was it bad that she still hadn't finished?
"Worry not, I'm just dying to know when you'll get to the good parts! You must tell me when you do!"
Balaiya quickly went over every event that she read through so far in the book, nothing dramatic stuck out to her yet. "Which part would that be?"
"You'll know." Manuela said and giggled behind her hand.
Concern seeped into her stomach, she really hoped none of the characters would suffer any tragedy, Especially the prince's retainer, she was such a loyal comrade!
"Hey Manuela, heard it was your birthday." Jeralt walked over with Byleth at his side and set a large bottle of what was most likely alcohol on the table– there was a red bow on it.
Byleth set down a small pot beside the bottle, "I asked Dorothea what you liked, she said you enjoyed spicy fish and turnip stew," he made a face. "Caught some and asked the dining staff to prepare some for you. Happy Birthday."
"Leth! You came!" Balaiya smiled and looked over at her father. "That's very sweet of you guys."
"Oh, goddess!" Manuela whipped out her handkerchief and started dabbing at her eyes. "I– You guys, I don't know what to say!"
"We weren't really doing anything important anyway." Byleth mumbled to her quietly. "Besides, I think I should try and follow your example, everyone says such nice things about you."
"They do?" Balaiya asked, eyes wide. "What for?"
"Because you're kind." Byleth looked like he was going to say more but he was yanked off to the side by a sobbing Manuela and pulled into a tight embrace, alongside their father. Their faces smothered by her chest.
Balaiya couldn't hide the amused smile.