Back in the monastery, Byleth was overwhelmed by a powerful feeling of nostalgia.
The last time she saw this place, it was in ruin. Devastated by the five-year war between all the factions of Fódlan. On countless nights, the woman's thoughts drifted back to her year as the professor. She wished she could go back to those peaceful times where everything was much simpler. Where she was just another teacher, and her students were optimistic young people with their own dreams and ideals. Not conflicting country rulers that were fighting each other on the battlefield.
Why was she here?
Byleth couldn't shake off the thought that something in her future must have happened to cause her to go back. That there must have been something important she was not remembering. This impression alone was just as irritating as an itchy wound she couldn't scratch for the life of her.
Meanwhile, she walked along the path she used to take on every Sunday. The only difference was, there were no interruptions. No people saying "Hello, Professor!" as they passed her by. No choir practices for her to attend. No undergarments lost by Sylvain's current flings. No adorably inappropriate love letters to be delivered to the unsuspecting receivers.
Her heart leapt in her chest at the sight of a familiar face. Byleth swiftly walked towards the man and gave him a heartfelt hug.
"Hey, there! What was this all about, kid?" said Jeralt in an awkward manner, patting his daughter on the back. He was not used to public displays of affection. "It's the third time you've hugged me since the fight in the forest. I guess I shouldn't have worried you so much before the battle, now, should I?"
She should have more control over her own feelings, Byleth realized. She didn't want to raise suspicions. The problem was, she wasn't the same woman that she'd been when she first set foot in the monastery. Her experiences had changed her, even if the woman could not always recall the specific events. There was one particular moment Byleth could recall, though. This was the reason all she could think about at this very moment were two simple words.
You're alive!
"I've missed you," the woman said out loud, her voice muffled by Jeralt's clothes.
Her father's face lit up with an uncomfortable smirk.
"Come on now, I've been away from your sight for less than thirty minutes." The man cleared his throat before continuing. "Listen, there is one thing you need to know. This," he gestured around, "is going to be our new home. You'd better take a look around."
Reluctantly, Byleth stepped away from her parent, adjusted her hair.
"Yes, of course. I'll catch up with you later."
After sending her a confused look, Jeralt went on about his business. Byleth was once again left to her own thoughts.
A certain idea started forming in the back of her head.
Maybe Sothis was right, after all. She wasn't there to simply re-live her life − that would be a waste of time. She had a different purpose. Rather than keeping every detail the same, she needed to change things. She had to find a better outcome.
She had to save her father.
In the distance, she spotted the Black Eagle house. She made the turn in their direction. When the kids ran out of the room to greet her, the woman felt a distinct stab in her heart. She forgot how cheerful these students once were. How enthusiastically they reacted to her mere presence. How they were all calling for her attention. Even the house leader.
Edelgard.
A pleasant feeling was soon replaced with a vivid image, as clear as though Byleth was seeing it right now. The continent in ruin. Pools of blood split on every border. Former professors and class colleagues killing one another. Lances verses axes. Axes versus bows. Her blade in between, finishing off everyone that stood on her path. Edelgard's blind obsession with her twisted ideals that started it all.
Without giving it more thought, Byleth approached the house leader. The young girl smiled at her before asking one simple question.
"Will you lend your services to the Empire, Professor?"
Byleth looked the girl straight in the eye as she made her resolution. She knew what she was sent to do.
She must stop Edelgard from unleashing the war.