Hilda adjusted her cloak as they disembarked the carriage. Garreg Mach had always been windier, standing on a higher ground amidst the Oghma mountains. The freezing winds brushed unpleasantly against her skin, making her teeth clatter, yet she found it the least of her worries as she snuck a glance at Dimitri, who wordlessly stood right beside her gazing at the massive walls protecting the monastery.
The day had finally come when Dimitri decided to face what he needed to face. Truthfully, it gave her mixed feelings, yet she set aside whatever they were and wasted no time to send a letter to Mercedes about their intention to visit, along with the people that Dimitri himself wanted to speak with. With the use of House Goneril's personal messengers, the letter was forwarded without delay and just two days later she received a response: with Seteth's help, a trusted convoy from the Church of Seiros would fetch them the following day.
Throughout their long travel, Hilda's mind had been swimming in a pool of uncertainties. Despite that, she was certain Dimitri felt that even more, so in the middle of their trip, she took a deeper plunge and leaned her head on his shoulder, hopefully telling him the message that she was there for him no matter what. The way he relaxed and didn't pull away told her that he appreciated the gesture.
The carriage stopped at one of the side gates of the monastery; she wasn't really paying much attention that she wasn't sure if it was the east or west entrance, yet she figured it didn't really matter.
The gates then opened, revealing Seteth and Mercedes, the latter giving them a small wave as she and Dimitri approached them. She extended her arms towards Mercedes in greeting, who accepted the invitation with an embrace and words of gladness while Seteth and Dimitri exchanged nods. She noticed how elated Mercedes' eyes were as she looked at Dimitri, who also had given her an acknowledging nod.
"I hope your travel had been well?" Seteth began, who guided them inside.
She was aware that she could make a snarky response. Long travels, especially in the winter, wasn't really what one would call comfortable. Especially for someone like her who would rather stay bundled up in bed. And yet, whatever words they were did not escape from her mouth.
"It was," she ended up saying. It was short, unusual, perhaps "lame" as her past self might have labeled, but she had a great desire to make known her gratitude. "Thank you Seteth."
Seteth turned his head to look at her. She waited for him to say how surprised he was for the lack of pettiness she was showing, but it didn't arrive. Instead, he gave off a seemingly knowing smile, as if telling her there was nothing really needed to be said.
"Your efforts. . . " Dimitri's voice startled her a bit, if only because she hadn't heard him speak since they arrived. "Both of you, they are most appreciated. Whatever outcome this gathering would have, I will do what is within my power to repay you all for what you have done for me."
"Well, we may not have been classmates for so long, but in that short duration of my stay in the Blue Lions, I did consider you as my friend too, Dimitri." Mercedes said, "And friends, they look out for each other, do they not?"
A pondering look appeared on Dimitri's face, but before she could think much over it, Seteth instructed them to descend to a certain pathway.
The walls of Garreg Mach had several hidden passages, something she discovered during their stay in the war. Despite that, she realized she had not fully explored every nook and cranny in the monastery. It was the first time she walked through the unfamiliar passageway, and briefly, she wondered just how many secrets the place had.
"It was not mentioned in Mercedes' letter, but I had specifically allotted this time for your arrival because it also coincides with the return of our leader."
Hilda turned to Seteth in surprise. "The professor will also be coming today?"
"Yes. I figured Byleth's arrival was the perfect opportunity to sneak the two of you into the monastery. I am unsure of your motives, but I am at least certain that you intend to keep a low profile in your stay here."
At the back of her head, Hilda thought it was best to see the professor too. . . Byleth was one of the wisest people she had ever met, and perhaps could provide all of them the counsel they needed.
Dimitri thanked him again for his efforts. After a couple more steps and turns, the hallways became even more familiar, and soon enough, they reached the enormous doors that she knew too well. Seteth halted his tracks just in front of it, turning his body to face them. Dimitri stopped as well, and she didn't miss the way he clutched his fingers to his palms.
"Better not keep them waiting," Mercedes said.
Hilda looked at him and as he met her gaze, she gave him a nod. Dimitri smiled hesitantly.
"Right."
When Dimitri made the decision of visiting Garreg Mach, he expected several things to happen. One of them was being welcomed by at least two worried voices referring to him as "Your Highness" while one greeted him with a seemingly detached scowl, which exactly was what occurred the moment they entered one of the massive rooms of the monastery.
One of those things, however, did not include stuffing his mouth full with a serving of his favorite pastries, alongside others in a similar predicament, all because the leader of the new United Fódlan commanded them to, observing them with mysterious, watchful eyes in the process.
"Next," Professor Byleth remarked. Dimitri hesitated, but he pinched an ample portion of the sweet bun trio and shoved it in his mouth. He chewed quickly, trying not to choke himself with the food.
How did it end up that way?
Before any discussion started, Seteth urged them to settle themselves on the chairs arranged in the room. Apparently, it had been the briefing room of the Alliance during the war when the monastery served as their headquarters. Seteth then excused himself, leaving the six of them in the room. Many chairs were left unoccupied, and the scenery reminded him of the council hall at Fhirdiad, where he recalled his father holding meetings with various men councilmen and nobles all over Faerghus.
"Your Highness."
He cringed hearing the title. He suddenly grew conscious of the chair he sat on, leaning his back on the tall mahogany support behind him. He shrugged the thought how it felt like he was seated at the throne room.
He turned his attention to Ingrid, who sat across from him. Nothing else came out as she seemed to fumble for words, eyes appearing watery.
"I, I don't know what to say. You are. . ."
"Alive and well, it seems," Sylvain completed for her. Dimitri could tell he was trying hard to sound as carefree as he remembered him to be. "We're really glad, Your Highness."
"So does this meeting mean you intend to go back—"
Hearing Ingrid's words, he inadvertently set his gaze downwards, something that the people in front of him immediately noticed.
"Hmph." Felix crossed his arms, shutting his eyes in the process. "Seems you're getting yourself too excited over nothing, Ingrid."
The tone that Felix voiced out stung. He had always possessed that sharp tongue, and somehow, there was an odd, perhaps misplaced sense of relief knowing it hadn't dulled throughout the years.
"Then what other reason is there for us to be summoned here?"
The incredulity in Ingrid's voice sent him doubts. What other reason was there. . . ? He knew something was still pulling him back in taking the throne again, so was it right that he even asked for this meeting?
"Wait."
All turned to Hilda, who had interrupted the conversation before it escalated. He exhaled. He didn't realize he had been holding his breath.
"I get that maaaybe you're all excited to see him but why don't we let him talk first?"
And with that said, all eyes were on him. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. . . His head felt blank.
"It's okay, Your Highness. You can tell us if you miss us."
"Sylvain. . ."
While Ingrid seemed annoyed with his words, Dimitri found himself being thankful for them.
Mercedes's voice rang in his head: 'Friends look out for each other, do they not?'
"The reason why I'm here is because I am in need of advice."
Looks akin to surprise and confusion appeared on the three people across from him. Dimitri realized they were not the same words he rehearsed in his mind the past few days, yet with the way things were, he thought it reflected his actual feelings more.
"I seek to attain advice from the friends I have known since my childhood. That is, if you still consider me as one, after all I've done—"
"O-of course, Your Highness—!"
"Then if that is the case, please call me Dimitri."
He remembered telling them the same words during their first day at the academy, yet he knew it fell mostly to deaf ears. He was aware how stubborn Kingdom dwellers could be so he could not fault them, but present circumstances were different compared before.
"I left Fhirdiad by choice, so it pretty much equates to abandoning my throne. Therefore, it makes no sense now if you refer to me by that title."
Sylvain reacted first, nodding his head, which was a gesture that Ingrid eventually mirrored , though hers was obviously reluctant. Felix didn't really seemed fazed at all. He even crossed his arms.
"Well let's just cut to the chase. What do you want?"
"Truthfully, a part of me wants to return, should the Kingdom still accept me." A hopeful glint appeared in Ingrid's eyes as he said it, and he almost regretted continuing his next words. "But another part of me doesn't. For I feel that I no longer deserve it. That the Kingdom would be better off without me. Besides, Fódlan is already united, is it not? It had even happened without my help, so I feel it is rather inappropriate. . . It makes me feel that the Kingdom is no longer the place where I should be, where I want to be."
The few seconds of silence felt long and deafening as he revealed his thoughts, discomfiting even more with the stares they were giving him.
"Well, if you feel that way, what is the point of all these?" Felix spat harshly, "Why bother showing up when you could've just left us here?!"
Sylvain waved his hand. "Okay buddy, calm down."
"Shut up!"
"Anyway, I think I get Felix's point, Dimitri," Sylvain remarked, "I mean, seeing you here kinda fills us up with hope, y'know? That you'd still come back."
"And please don't say you aren't needed," Ingrid said, sadness apparent in her voice, "While the professor stands as the new leader, it doesn't mean Faerghus wouldn't benefit from having a king. A king is our representative, our symbol for unity along with the beliefs and culture of our region. . ."
Dimitri bit his lip, reflecting on every word thrown at him. "It's true that I could've just chosen not to show up. However, it just feels wrong. . . I feel I no longer want to run away too."
Silence, yet unlike the first one, it was less tense as there was an absence of the glaring eyes sent to him.
Ingrid managed to look at him again. "Then. . . If His High—if Dimitri doesn't wish to take the throne again, what could he be doing, then?"
Sylvain placed a hand under his chin. "Well, a lot of things, actually. Maybe he could travel the world, see all kinds of places and stuff, be free."
Sylvain's suggestion astounded him. If he were to be honest, he hadn't really thought of the other options. Seeing the rest of the world for himself sounded overwhelming, something unthinkable if only due to how self-indulging it was for someone like him. At the same time however, his suggestion felt liberating, tempting, reminding him of the vast skies at Fodlan's Throat. . Experiencing freedom actually did not sound so bad. Perhaps, he finally understood what Hilda meant about being free. . .
"Actually Dimitri, if you really want to be free, I guess now's the perfect time for it." The corners of Sylvain's mouth rose. It was a familiar image—a smile he remembered Sylvain often used during his skirt-chasing days. . . A smile that barely reached his eyes. Dimitri wasn't certain what to think of it. "Especially since there's no longer any imminent threat."
"Sylvain! You know very well that isn't—"
"Ingrid."
There was a shift in the tone in both Sylvain's and Ingrid's voice that unsettled him. They exchanged brief glances that left him confused, as if there was something they didn't want him to find out. . . Whatever it was, however, was brushed off his head because Felix spoke again.
"You said a part of you wants to return. Could you perhaps enlighten us about that?"
Dimitri lowered his head. He remembered his conversation with Seteth. He remembered his nightmare. He remembered Rodrigue. He remembered the event at the slums. He remembered Gustave. Images of all the people involved quickly flashed in his head, ending with a reflection of himself, looking at an empty throne, the figures all seemingly pushing him onto it.
"There are responsibilities that I have left—"
"Tch. If you're simply going back just for that old man's sake, don't. Serves him right for forcing you back to the throne in Fhirdiad in the first place."
"But. . .because I left, the burdens of the Kingdom are left in his shoulders, are they not?"
"It's not just him, Dimitri. Right now you're facing Margrave Gautier and Count Galatea." Sylvain winked, and pointed his thumb to the seat next to Ingrid. "And not just us. We got here Duke Fraldarius, who, for your information, was intending to abandon his title to be a mercenary but decided to stay to wait for the king to wake up from his slumber—"
Felix looked away, crossing his arms. "Sometimes you really don't know when to shut that damn mouth of yours, Sylvain."
A light feeling tugged in Dimitri's chest. It warmed his heart confirming that despite everything, despite being on opposing sides in the past, he really had people he could rely on and still accepted him. . .
And then came the conflicting feelings.
"I am glad," he blurted out with honesty, "However, I feel as though it would be unfair of me to go on a different path while leaving all of you in Faerghus—"
"Dimitri," Sylvain cut him off, "you said you sought advice from us, and this is what we give you. You don't really have to think of us now. Just do whatever makes you happy."
His words struck him. Slowly, whatever force he felt was brushing his back lessened, until the figures no longer pushed him. It was just him, facing the empty throne.
"Besides, I think this is the least we could do for leaving you in those five years. Right Ingrid, Felix?"
Ingrid appeared to be staring ahead before slowly nodding. "That. . .that is right. Sylvain is right. Whatever that makes you happy, Dimitri, I shall support it as well."
The two of them turned to Felix, whose scowl only appeared to deepen. He turned his head away. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
Beside him, he sensed Hilda looking at him. He turned to face her, who sent him a smile. On her other side, Mercedes was likewise smiling.
But, what was it that could make him happy?
All eyes were on him again, and he knew they were waiting for his answer.
"I. . ."
An interruption happened, with the way the doors opened, shifting all the attention to the people immersing from it.
It was Seteth, who was then followed closely by a regal figure with glowing light green hair. Who, despite not being on friendly terms the last time they saw each other, still sent him such a gentle smile.
Professor Byleth.
Dimitri had always sensed there was something different about the professor, ever since the time they were saved as students. He could say that words that could perfectly describe Byleth were wise, powerful, mysterious. . .and peculiar.
The last description was even more reinforced in his mind when he witnessed how the new leader of Fódlan was followed by a convoy of food carts upon entering.
The professor was greeted warmly by his companions, and he just realized that all five of them belonged to the same class in the academy. For a brief moment, he wondered if his life would have been any different if he had the wisdom and guidance of Byleth in his journey.
Byleth took a seat at the end of the table, instructing the servants to place the food at their table. His shoulders perked up when a familiar sweet scent reached his nose. To his surprise, his favorite pastries were right in front of him. Beside him, he noticed the delight in Hilda's eyes after being served with the same food. Just when Dimitri thought it had been a mere coincidence, she spoke up, chuckling.
"Of course, typical professor. . . Serving us with our favorites."
He glanced at Hilda, who looked at him curiously. It was her favorite too?
As he looked over at the other plates on the table, he noticed that everybody else had different food on their plates, but there were unmistakable smiles on each of their faces—Felix included, though he seemed to be trying to contain his own emotions.
Eat up, the professor said, nonchalantly taking the cutlery from the table. Most in the room appeared to hesitate, likely just realizing the sudden shift that had happened in the room. Certainly, it would be rather awkward to bring up their previous discussion.
Don't you think that sometimes, it is better to have a conversation while eating? The professor seemingly voiced it to no one in particular, though Dimitri noticed how he seemed to be the receiving end of the professor's watchful green eyes. Because of that, Dimitri nodded in reply. Given the responsibilities as the newest ruler of the land, for a brief moment, he wondered how much Byleth already knew about him. Unbeknownst to him, the rest of the people in the room were wondering the same.
Out of politeness, Dimitri decided to take a bite from the food on his plate. The others followed soon after. From the corner of his eye, he knew a smile erupted from the professor's lips.
For the next few moments, only the subtle brittle sounds of the cutlery hitting the plates echoed in the room. No one spoke a word. Dimitri realized how much he appreciated the interruption, because he felt he needed time to reflect on their conversations. . . Likewise, he assumed his friends were doing the same.
By the time he finished one of the sweet bun trio, Byleth spoke again.
Hmm, seems like no one wants to talk.
It was Sylvain again who reacted first.
"Sorry professor, kinda hard to muster up a conversation with this scrumptious food in front of us."
He knew it was just an excuse. If the professor knew, Dimitri wasn't certain.
Would everyone be willing to participate in a little game, then?
"A game?" Mercedes repeated.
Hilda shook her head. "Don't tell me it's one of your 'learning activities' again, professor?"
Precisely, the professor calmly replied.
In the end, Byleth managed to convince everyone to participate, Felix included after the professor asked for him to humor them as a part of their little reunion.
The rule was simple. When Byleth gave the signal, they had to take a bite from their food.
It started easy, at first, with Byleth giving ample time for them to chew the food before giving the command. However, as soon as the fourth command commenced, he felt the professor was going a bit too fast.
Next, the professor commanded.
He stuffed the food in his mouth, trying to chew his food as best as he could before swallowing it.
Next.
Stuff. Chew—
Next.
Stuff. Ch—
Next.
Stuff.
Are you all enjoying? Next.
Dimitri paused, his cheeks all bloated with all the unchewed bread in his mouth. His eyes were beginning to water. He also heard one or two of them starting to cough.
Next.
"Okay. Enough!" Felix slammed his hands on the table. "How could we enjoy our damn food if we eat too fast?!"
A heavy sigh was heard from across from him, followed by a muffled laugh.
"Thenk shu, Felish!" Sylvain muttered before gulping down all of the food.
The professor only chuckled, then urging them to take a drink. He gladly gulped it down. As soon as everybody was done, the professor spoke again.
What was it that you said again, Felix?
"How it's impossible to enjoy our food when we eat too fast." The scowl on Felix's face deepened, though Dimitri was amazed how he could still go along with whatever Byleth had in planned despite being upset.
Even if it's your favorite food that has been prepared?
"Certainly not," Ingrid responded, dejected, "Food is supposed to be savored, not guzzled down like some animal."
"No kidding." Hilda said, "If something is forced down your throat, it certainly isn't enjoyable."
"Well, I beg to argue—" Ingrid smacked her hand on Sylvain's mouth, likely stopping him from continuing to say anything inappropriate.
Life is like that, isn't? Byleth continued, completely unfazed by Sylvain's desperate attempts to pry off Ingrid's hand and her scolding. Even if you like doing something, if you're being forced to do it, you'd rather not do it at all.
Even as their impromptu meal time ended, Byleth's last words rang in his head:
Let's eat at our own pace, shall we?
Eventually, they had all retired for the day. Dimitri requested for them to give him until the next morning for his answers which the others agreed to. Hilda figured it was the most reasonable time for everyone. Seteth and Byleth invited them to stay at the old dormitories for the time being.
Hilda wasn't certain of the time; perhaps, it had been in the middle of the night? She stayed seated on a chair, staring blankly at Dimitri's sleeping figure. She was thankful he didn't wake up from her movements; she figured the long travel and all the talking must have given a huge toll on him.
She had woken up from a dream. A dream that gave her mixed feelings, because a part of her didn't want it to happen. It was not exactly a nightmare either, because perhaps, in another timeline, she would have enjoyed it.
She placed a hand over her chest, feeling the rapid beating of her heart. To put it simply, they kissed. Which likely would have escalated to something else if she had not woken up.
A part of her felt bothered due to how realistic it had been. It happened in the same room, his touch on her lips and arms and body lingering. She knew, she couldn't deny that she craved the physical intimacy. Which exactly was what bothered her.
Hilda wasn't a prude. Sure, she knew how to act all lady-like when the situation called for it—her noble upbringing required it after all—yet she knew she was also curious. In the academy days, she never really went beyond flirting, but during the war, at some point, she had been more than willing to put a stain on that "purity" of a maiden, if likely only due to the possibility that she'd die the moment she entered the battlefield again. Of course, it didn't mean she'd just choose some random guy on the streets—Hilda had some standards too! The lucky guy had been Caspar. . .or to be exact, it could've been him, because said boy was just too dense to understand what she meant when the opportunity arose so nothing really happened between them in the end.
Dimitri was different, she knew. She knew, just like in the dream, that if she braved in and asked, perhaps closed the gap between their lips, he wouldn't pull away, and she realized it was exactly the thing she was afraid of.
It wasn't even about how it would complicate things in achieving her dreams. She knew it would in achieving his dreams.
Before Dimitri had fallen asleep, they had a conversation. He wanted to hear her thoughts on the options given to him: go back to Faerghus or travel far, far away.
At first, she was saddened how returning to her cabin and living with her wasn't even an option, until eventually she realized how things would be better off that way. Especially when she knew that the reason why she wanted to introduce him to her family in the first place was that she no longer could protect him by herself. She knew she couldn't always be there for him. Dimitri understood that, yet she didn't want him to freeze himself over his concern for her either. At the same time, she knew Dimitri wouldn't want to deprive her of all the things she could and wanted to do. . . The painfully dull realization that the cabin was a temporary paradise for them had finally hit her.
She threw the question back at him, asking him how he felt about returning as king of Faerghus. He still replied with such uncertainties, though admitted that their meeting with Byleth gave him more clarity. Hilda watched him closely as he shared his thoughts. She knew, deep in his heart, that he had a strong desire to serve the Kingdom and the people. She had seen his thoughtful looks whenever they visited the children at the marketplace. His longing to help those in need and protect those who couldn't do so themselves. . .
And as a king, together with the rest of the leaders inside and outside Fódlan, she knew he had the capability to make all those dreams come true.
She knew she should be happy once he would finally realize that fact himself, yet a discomfiting feeling in her gut existed at the thought of it. She recalled the way he told her how he thought she was capable of doing great things, and how she hesitated saying the same to him. Because it meant leaving her for him to chase after what he really wanted.
"I really think you'd make a great king," she replied with sincerity, pushing down all the conflicting feelings. Dimitri was finally having some clarity in coming back to his homeland, and she no longer wanted to be that block that might prevent him from returning.
. . . But it had been challenging to keep her walls up, because when she asked him about his thoughts on travelling away, the walls began to crumble.
"I've been thinking about that too, and I could say, with certainty, how the thought excites me, seeing what the rest of the world has to offer."
There had been a glint in his eye that told her how genuine his emotions were. It was such a rare sight to see him so thrilled that she began to question whether she should actually support this option instead.
"Would you wish to travel away with me?"
She chuckled at first because she thought he was kidding, but slowly, it dawned on her that he wasn't. Dimitri was such an open book after all, and she knew he was completely serious.
At that exact moment, she wanted to kiss him. For thinking of her. For wishing to include her in his journeys. Perhaps, it had been the most romantic thing she had ever heard in her life. So yes, she wanted to tell him. Yes, seeing the world with him would be so exciting. . .
And yet, she did not, which was likely the reason why she dreamed of kissing him in the first place.
Because she thought of her family. Her brother. Her school. Her dreams.
She smiled sadly.
"Dimitri. . ."
"It's okay, I completely understand," he replied, as if reading her thoughts. Maybe he could. Maybe for him, she was also an open book. "Perhaps, that's just some wishful thinking."
She wanted to say it that they actually could turn it to reality. After all, they were both at a point where they could abandon things without any serious repercussions. He could leave the ruling to his childhood friends. She could leave her plans for the academy when she hadn't made any real commitments yet.
In short, they could start anew, and be free. . .
And yet, she did not voice out her thoughts. Going onto a journey with no goals may seem exciting at first, yet it also meant facing the unknowns. How long would they really last exploring the world with no real plans at hand? Of course, she knew she'd always find home in Goneril in the end. . .
But what of Dimitri?
Someone of his character would certainly make Holst consider him to be part of their house's knights, but. . .
If only it were that simple.
She wished he could have been a no name. Ironic, since she had pretty high standards when looking for a partner. A noble, preferably, who had good character and good looks, someone strong and could defend her. Dimitri certainly fit the criteria, but with his bloodline, as an heir to a Kingdom, he was way beyond those standards that sometimes, it made her think about how much they didn't really fit well with each other.
Being beside someone like him, who had great potential to be so much more, highlighted her mediocrity, so she knew she shouldn't pull him down with her. . . It wouldn't do them any good.
Their conversation ended with no definite answer from Dimitri. Slumber eventually came over him, and she was about to leave to retire to her old room when she became conscious of the cold winds leaking from the small opening underneath the door. She walked back towards the bed, retiring just beside him. The bed buddy contract still applied since it was still winter, right?
It was what she told herself, trying not to think that it was just her self-indulgence again, savoring their possible last moments together. . .
And that's when the dream happened. Which made her pull away from the bed as she reoriented herself to reality.
She heaved a sigh, suddenly feeling how parched her throat felt. Perhaps she could sneak inside the mess hall to grab a drink.
After securing her cloak, she proceeded outside, just in time to catch Sylvain walking through the halls.
"Hey, Hilda. Looking lovely as ever. Going out so late in the night?"
An amused sound escaped her nose. "Sylvain."
As they exchange nods passing by each other, she noticed how one of his eyebrows perked up. She didn't comment on it, intending on going to her destination because goddess she was thirsty, but she halted her tracks as soon as Sylvain spoke again in surprise.
"Wait a second. This is my room." He pointed at the door in front of him. "And you just came from—"
Heat rose up from her cheeks, even when she knew there was really nothing to be embarrassed about. "Is there a problem?"
Sylvain waved his hands in defense, approaching her. "No, no, nothing, of course! Whatever, uh, relationship you have with His Highness is none of my business. Although, I must admit. If I had seen this way back in the academy, I might have thought of you having ulterior motives."
She frowned. "So you still think that lowly of me."
He laughed. "That was the old Hilda I knew. I wonder if you had changed at all, though."
She lowered her eyes, barely smiling, then turning his back on him. "I do wonder too. Well, if you'll excuse me—"
"Wait, where are you going anyway?"
"To the mess hall. Want something to drink."
"Eh, too bad it's closed. Doors are shut tight." It effectively made her face him again. "Trust me, I've been there and I've tried."
She sighed. "Lucky us, then."
"To be fair, it is midnight. I'm actually surprised to see you up late."
"I could tell you the same. Well, guess it's better to head back—"
"Wait, it just so happens that I have a kettle of water and some tea in my room. Care to come in and have a cup?"
Hilda suddenly felt tired, though she found herself looking back at Sylvain, anticipating her response. She gave in.
"Sure, sure. But actually, would you mind if we stay here?"
He seemed delighted with her response. "Ah, no problem. Just a second."
In no time, they sat on the floors of the corridors, their backs against the walls as they held the warm cups with their hands.
"You know, I think I got my answer already. You really have changed."
Her eyebrow perked up, curious. "What makes you say that?"
"For one, I haven't heard you giving me a single compliment. Two, you haven't really taken advantage of me in any way."
She slightly waved her tea cup. "Doesn't this count?"
"Well, by your standards, not really. I was surprised that you wanted to get a drink from the mess hall yourself instead of asking me. And in such a cold night too. Maybe you really are taking to heart those three things I've told you: stop lying, take responsibility—"
"'—and fall madly in love with me,'" she continued with him with a mocking voice.
"A-ha, so you do remember! Guess you're doing a good part with the first two. The last one, on the other hand—"
"Yeah Sylvain, not even in your wildest dreams—"
"—but of course, understandable, since you already seem to be madly in love with someone else."
She pursed her lips, not knowing what to retort back. There was no use in denying something that seemed obvious. They weren't kids anymore, anyway.
"About what you told Dimitri," she said instead, "Is it true that you'll support whatever path he chooses?"
He looked at her with such gentle eyes that almost seemed out-of-character, especially comparing it to the Sylvain that she knew in the academy. "Yes. All of us had our shares of happiness with the times we've spent under the professor's leadership. With all that he had been through, His Highness deserves his happiness too."
"Okay, I'm glad." She gave him a smile; this time, she made a bigger effort in doing so. "I was wrong about you, Sylvain. Maybe your niceness isn't shallow after all."
He chuckled, sipping from his cup. "You know, if I didn't see the way you looked at His Highness, I would've interpreted your words right now as you giving the two of us a shot."
She rolled her eyes, drinking from her cup as well.
"And if there would come a day when you'd decide to be queen." He then winked. "I will not hesitate to bow down to you because I know we're in good hands."
She turned to him incredulously. "Whoa there, Sylvain. That's a bit too much teasing!"
He simply shrugged, looking away. "Who said I was teasing?"
But of course he was. . . Being a queen was too much responsibility. It was too much for her.
She didn't think she was fit to be one.
In her mind, the rift between her and Dimitri continued to widen.
The following morning, Dimitri woke up to find Hilda beside him, sleeping peacefully. Careful not to stir her awake, he slowly moved out and gathered his cloak, heading outside.
He stared at the pale sky before dawn.
He breathed in heavily.
He felt like he already knew his answers.
Do things that make him happy. Do things at his own pace.
By the time everyone had woken up, he revealed it to them. His answers were welcomed with nods and acknowledgement from the people that mattered. . . Satisfied with his decision, one-by-one, Ingrid, Sylvain and Felix had left, leaving just Hilda and him by the side gates of the monastery. Steps away from them, he knew Mercedes, Seteth, and Byleth were also watching.
"Are you really sure about this?" she asked. "Wouldn't you want me to accompany you?"
"It'll be a long journey. The professor has given me information about Dedue, so I aim to travel to Duscur first to confirm his whereabouts. . . And from there, I shall go to Fhirdiad and face whatever it is that's waiting for me. I am uncertain how long it would take so it would be unreasonable of me to ask you to come with me."
He looked down, a sad smile appearing on his lips.
"And this is something I must do for myself."
She nodded in acknowledgement, eyes shining. "Then this is a goodbye?"
"It pains me to have such an abrupt departure, but I think this is for the best." He then shook his head. "But no. We will see each other again. You have my word."
She laughed. "Oh, you Kingdom knights and your promises. How can we be sure of that?"
He pondered for a moment, then looking at his wrist and removing the bracelet she made for him. Hilda's eyes widened.
"This is something I treasure the most. In return, would you give me something you treasure as well so we could return it by the time we meet again?"
She pouted, then removing his own creation from her wrist. She exchanged the accessories they had.
"No fair. Now I have to hold on to something that's totally not too cute."
He took the bracelet with the 'most unique' charms.
"Well, I could say the same. . .holding onto this charming thing made by a 10 year old."
After settling the exchanged accessories on their wrists, Hilda tackled him into a hug.
"Take care, okay?" she muttered, voice muffled by the fabric of his clothes.
As she released herself from their embrace, he took her hand again, kneeling down and bringing his lips to her knuckles.
"And you as well."
A bright pink color stained her cheeks as she looked away.
"Sheesh, Dimitri, here you go again being so excessive. Did. . . you really have to do that? Now I feel like some kind of royalty."
He simply smiled. Because in his eyes, he thought she would always be his queen.