"Right then in case anyone forgot, my name is Byleth Eisner and I'll be your new Professor for a while at least. Or until my father has the chance to leave once more..." he tiredly drawled out as he wrote his name on the blackboard. This was his first lesson as an official teacher within the academy after saving her life a few days before. Edelgard kept a close eye on the mercenary as he turned to face the class. She found him hard to read, as he seemed detached emotionally. Always kept a straight face as he eyed everyone in the classroom. But his skills against the bandits that night were undeniable. She too was curious and surprised that he would be teaching instead of his father who had a history with the Monastery. Normally she wouldn't think too much of a simple mercenary, even if they were skilled in battle, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something about him that piqued her interest. She couldn't put her finger on it but whatever it was, she wanted him under the banner of the empire.
"I have no clue as to how much you have learnt so far and if I'm completely honest, I haven't bothered to look at your last professor's notes," he brazenly admitted to the class which caused some of her classmates to nervously eye each other. He put his finger to his chin, deep in thought.
"So uh... Uhm... okay here's the scenario. You are sent to deal with bandits that have harassed the local village. You approach a forest and from within you can see a campfire in the distance. What do you do?" the professor leant on his desk as he crossed his arms and eyed the classroom.
"I would get my men, let out a battle cry and charge into the forest to take them out!" Caspar declared with a fist in the air.
"And you are now dead, who's next?" The professor knocked the confidence right out of the second son of Bergliez.
"I would burn the forest down and watch the lowly thugs burn alive," Hubert said in the back of the classroom, arms crossed and with a heavy stare at the new professor.
"And you failed. Next?" Byleth spoke again, looking around the class.
Ferdinand raised his hand. "I would slowly approach the camp with the intention to start communications to-"
"Dead, oh you've got to be kidding me..." he covered his face with his palm now. "This is basic stuff here guys."
She decided to take matters into her own hands and raised her hand. "If I may Professor?"
He turned to face her. She didn't show it but the way his eyes locked onto hers made her feel slightly uncomfortable in a way she wasn't used to. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was something she hadn't felt before and not knowing why unnerved her slightly. "Go ahead Edelgard."
"I would judge the surroundings of the forest to see how wide it is. Then depending on the size I would split my troops to perform a pincer formation. I'd order a slow and stealthy approach to the camp on two fronts to take the jump on the bandits," she explained clearly with her hands folded on the desk, keeping her gaze upon the professor.
"Hm. Much better," he commented. This caused Edelgard to smile proudly. "But you're still dead."
"G-wah?" She spluttered out in surprise. Ferdinand could help but snigger at how wide her eyes were. He couldn't remember the last time he saw her so surprised at being wrong, if at all.
"While Edelgard was correct in approaching the camp stealthily she still died along with everyone entering the forest because none of you bothered to send a scout to find out that up in the trees were archers ready to ambush you. So that's why you are dead," Byleth explained as he walked around the desk to the front.
"Then I fail to see how burning the forest down ended with me failing this scenario," Hubert argued with a frown. Byleth turned Hubert and slowly approached him.
"While the fire would have dealt with the archers waiting to ambush you, ignoring the fact you are destroying an entire forest to end bandits, you failed because the fire would have killed the six hostages they had at camp," Byleth explained, his frown deepening as he glared down to Hubert.
"Wait there were hostages? When were there hostages?" Caspar exclaimed.
"You never mentioned that they had hostages," Dorothea interjected with a frown, finding the scenario unfair.
"And yet there were. But no one in this class decided to gather information on the camp or bandits before charging in or finding shortcuts such as burning the forest down. Resulting in most cases your deaths and most certainly the deaths of the hostages. Innocent people are now dead with their blood on your hands for your incompetence," Byleth walked back to his desk and sat on the ledge.
"Well... we've learnt from our mistake now. So we may be better prepared in the future," Ferdinand sought out the positive outcome of this lesson.
"You better... None of you should have to feel the guilt of not being able to save those hostages... to have the blood of innocents on your hand," Byleth gaze pierced across the entire classroom. Some of them gulped with a nod but Edelgard saw something else in his eyes. Then it became clear to her. This wasn't just a scenario, this was real life experience her professor lived through.
The rest of the class went on with more scenarios and the professor questioned the skills of everyone else, and then answered questions in return. Once the lesson had concluded everyone packed up their stuff and left. Edelgard remained behind as the Professor sat down at the desk looking quite lost at all the paperwork in front of him. She approached his desk. "My Teacher, I have a question."
"What is it Edelgard?" Byleth looked up to the head student, almost relieved from the delay of trying to figure out where to start.
"...Does time make it easier? To handle the guilt?" She made sure to keep a close eye on any signs or tells in his eyes and expressions to try and read her professor. But he was utterly emotionless. His eyes stared back into hers and she felt that uncomfortable feeling again.
"It depends on how you use it," Edelgard was surprised by that answer. He slowly stood up, looking down at her.
"After a sleepless night suffering from my mistake, I took my feelings and held on tightly to them," He clenched his fist in front of her. "I held on tight until the pain was too much to bear. I savoured that guilt and made my vow."
Edelgard never forgot what he said, as he stared down at her with a determination and hint of emotion she had never seen before on the mercenary.
"If within my power. I'll never feel this pain again, and make sure that no one else will ever have to."
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Edelgard stood at the desk where he once stood. What once had assignments and essays to grade, now had battle plans and maps of her next step. Life was simpler back then. All the planning she had to do was in the shadows, behind the mask of the Flame Emperor. She could at least enjoy the academy life and bond with her friends. Something she no longer had time for. Now all her actions had led her to this, to the war that'll change the course of history. To take Fódlan back from the archaic rules of the Church and to unite all of Fódlan back under the Empire. She knew it would be a hard road, but she told herself she was prepared for the sacrifices it would take. How wrong she was.
She would not show it to anyone, but the five years of war with only the occupation of Garreg Mach Monastery to show for it weighed heavy on her mind and confidence. But nothing weighed more on her conscience than the death and casualties of war. She looked down at her hand and clenched it tight. Just as Byleth once told her all those years ago.
"Oh, Byleth... I'm trying... but there's too much pain to hold..." she thought to herself as he brought her fist to her heart. It was within her power to stop the war. To stop adding more blood to her hands. To stop the suffering it was causing. But Rhea would not forgive her. The world would not forgive her. Adrestia would suffer the punishments for her choices if the Empire was given the mercy to continue existing. It could be merged with either the Kingdom or the Alliance. No. The only way forward now was to deliver on her promises of a better future. There was no turning back now. It would either be victory or death.
The thought of death brought her mind back to Byleth. He promised he'd kill her if they ever crossed paths again. But five years had passed since then. Maybe his opinions of her had softened over time to the point that they'd be able to at least hold a conversation. She longed to speak with him again, to hear his advice on what she should do next. If he was here at her side the war would have been won a long time ago she believed. There would be less blood on her hands and the country would be at peace and free. Those directly responsible for his father's death were slain, and all that was left was the rest of those that lurk in the shadows, including her Uncle, Cornelia...
"...and me," She did not wish for Jeralt to die. Why would she kill the father of one of the most extraordinary and capable leaders she'd ever met? She was blue in the face when she screamed in a rage at her Uncle Arundel for what happened. She remembered how it affected her to see Byleth utterly broken during that time of grieving. She had never felt more for another person than she did for Byleth. She never wanted to hurt him. But that was how the cards were dealt. She made her choices and now she was living the consequences.
Suddenly Hubert entered the old classroom, his black noble attire with the long black cloak only added to how menacing and scary he looked. "Your majesty, everyone has arrived."
"Very well Hubert. Send them in," Edelgard gave a nod to her loyal aide. It would do her well not to let the past plague her mind, she could do nothing to change it. It was time to focus on the war. It was all that mattered now. Soon her generals and former classmates entered the classroom, standing before her on the other side of the desk as Hubert walked to her side. She looked at everyone present, Ferdinand, Dorothea, Bernadetta, Linhardt, Ladislava and Randolph.
"Thank you for coming. Before I put forward our next step is there anything that needs to be reported?" Edelgard asked with a hand on her hip.
"A small unit of the Knights of Seiros has been sighted heading south from Gaspard. It's far too small to be an attack force but not equipped for scouting either," Randolf reported.
"Any knowledge as to why they are down here?" Edelgard questioned.
"They seem to be searching for something," Randolf answered.
"Or someone," Hubert interjected. Edelgard peered at the map with a frown.
"I want scouts following their movements and once we uncover their motives I want them apprehended," Edelgard gave the order. "It's been a long time since the Church has sent their forces into our lands instead of Kingdom troops. I want to know why."
"It will be done," Randolf gave a bow.
"Anything else?" the Emperor looked among her inner circle.
"Brigid has proven to be... more difficult than expected," Ladislava explained. "Their gorilla tactics have kept our forces from achieving a stranglehold on the archipelago."
"The foolish girl thinks herself equal to the Emperor. That traitor's only delaying her inevitable execution," Hubert snidely commented.
"Petra! Her name is Petra and she's our friend," Ferdinand snapped at the marquise of House Vestra.
"And now she's an enemy who turned her blade against the Empire. She'll be treated as such without mercy given," Hubert grinned back. Ferdinand shook his head in disgust.
"How can you so casually speak of such topics? Would you so eagerly put an end to everyone in this room?" Ferdinand argued, motioning to everyone in the classroom.
"If they stood against Lady Edelgard? Yes," Hubert confidently said without hesitation.
"Enough! My patience with your constant bickering is at its end," Edelgard shouted out, silencing the room. She let out a tired sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "The threat of Brigid attacking us while our attention is elsewhere is now too great to ignore. Therefore we must nip this in the bud. Where is Jeritza?"
"I sent him on an assignment a few days ago," Hubert answered.
"What assignment is that?" Edelgard peered to Hubert.
"Nothing you need concern yourself over. It is far too trivial," Hubert bowed with his usual smirk. That meant it was not trivial and he was refusing to tell her. She frowned at her aide but hadn't the energy to argue with him over it now.
"Quite the inconvenience, he would have been useful for our next move," Edelgard pressed her finger onto the map on the desk. Her generals took a step forward to look where she was pointing.
"The Great Bridge of Myrddin?" Dorothea gasped.
"We're m-marching on the Alliance?" Bernadetta exclaimed.
"It is the only way the Alliance could enter into the Empire's territory. By controlling it we not only prevent them from invading, but it gives us a foothold to launch further attacks within," Linhardt pondered in thought.
"Exactly. We'll begin preparations to march out by the end of the week. I'll be there leading the assault personally so Randolf, I'll need you to remain behind to protect the Monastery. The rest of us will ride out and take the Great Bridge for the Empire," Edelgard proclaimed, swinging her hand out to the side.
"We've tried to push our advance before through there. Judith proved to be formidable in defending the bridge. What would be different now?" Ferdinand asked curiously.
"When we attack they will call for reinforcements. This will be answered by Lord Archeron, one of the smaller houses of the Alliance. He has pledged his allegiance to Lady Edelgard," Hubert answered with a sinister grin, crossing his arms in superiority. "They will arrive and attack Judith's forces from behind. The ensuing chaos will disorientate their forces for us to gain the advantage."
"When that happens..." Edelgard began but the words wouldn't come out. What she was going to say next made her sick to her stomach. Her hands clenched into tight fists as she took a deep breath, the hesitation not lost among her peers. "When that happens additional forces supplied by my Uncle will release their weapons to ensure our victory."
"House Arundel will be joining this fight?" Linhardt frowned, as did the rest of her former classmates. They knew of her uncle's ties to certain events that happened during their academy year. None of them was happy to work with them at all.
"Edie... do we really need their help? They aren't going to do what Solon did are they?" Dorothea brought her hands up to her head in discomfort. The horrors of Remire Village played out in her mind. The burning buildings and the poor villagers drove into insanity by Solon. Years ago, Dorothea, Ferdinand and Bernadetta came across a camp of refugees that fled Garreg Mach Monastery when the Empire invaded it. The sight of their living conditions brought a tear to Dorothea's eye, as she wished she could do something for them. Ferdinand saw this and used House Aegir's resources to fund the reconstruction of Remire Village. There were periods when he helped in its reconstruction, helping the labour build the houses brick by brick. She could remember the furious argument she overheard between Ferdinand and Hubert over it. Hubert accused him of using the Empire's funds that were needed for the war efforts. Edelgard managed to end it before it came to blows. But to see Ferdinand go to such lengths for the people touched her heart.
"Such dishonourable tactics should not even be considered Edelgard! Their ilk have no place among us!" Ferdinand declared loudly with a glare.
"This is our only chance to break the stalemate in this war. We need to utilise everything that is at our disposal to achieve victory. This battle will be the turning point of this war for the Empire. Right here right now will be the moment in history where the Empire begins its road to victory," Edelgard stressed as she slammed her finger onto the map.
"At what cost? Our honour and principles?" Ferdinand argued harder against the Emperor. He could not in good conscience stay quiet on this matter anymore.
"Honour doesn't win wars, Ferdinand. Tactics and soldiers do," Edelgard got tired of Ferdinand questioning her every move after several months her patience ran thin.
"There are always better alternatives!" He approached the desk, looking down at the shorter girl. Hubert then quickly stepped around and pushed Ferdinand back.
"I don't see you offering anything tangible to her Majesty. All you do is blather on about honour and argue how everything she does is wrong. You're nothing more than a petulant child," Hubert stepped into Ferdinand's personal space, almost nose to nose with him.
"Hey now let's all calm down okay?" Randolph perked up as the tensions rose.
"Stop fighting... please!" Bernadetta exclaimed as she went to Ferdinand's side.
"It's my job as a noble of House Aegir to point out when the Emperor is making the wrong decisions! Continuing to work with them will lead to more pain and suffering! What would the Professor say if he saw this?" Ferdinand shouted back at Hubert, not backing down or faltering under his yellow-eyed glare.
"HE'S NOT HERE!" Edelgard screamed out and slammed her fists onto the desk, silencing the room. "Byleth made his choice... he chose to leave me behind..." She angrily looked back up at Ferdinand with eyes filled with fury. "Do you not think that I question myself every day about what he would have done? How he would have helped me? How we could have walked this path together? I think about it all the time... but he did not lend me his strength. He did not walk with me so I'm left doing whatever it takes to free Fódlan! To use whatever I have at my disposal to achieve my dream!"
Edelgard was left breathless as the room remained silent. She was tired of the arguments. So tired of being constantly questioned. Tired of the lack of trust her friends now had in her. Why couldn't they see her vision of a better world? Why couldn't they understand why she did what she did? She had no choice. Once she wins this war and they see the world she's creating they'll understand. And it starts with the Great Bridge of Myrddin.
"You all have your orders. On Sunday we march to the Alliance border to show the world the might of the Empire. Dismissed!" Edelgard did not wait for bows or replies as she began marching out of the classroom. She did not turn back or say another word as she kept on walking through the officer's academy. What once had promising students heading for class or other activities, now had Empire soldiers patrolling the perimeter, taking stock of the supplies coming in. Where there was once laughter and joyful conversation there was now silence. She made her way to the dormitory and approached the door to her dorm room.
"I do not wish to be disturbed, Hubert. Leave me," she called out before entering and shutting the door behind her. She was fairly confident that he had followed her and kept a distance. She wanted to be alone. Alone with him.
She looked at her desk. Laying in the middle was a large piece of paper with an incomplete drawing of her teacher on it. She walked to the desk and took up a pencil. She started to work on the eyes of Byleth. This was her fourth attempt at drawing her professor, which she had started to do a few months ago. She gritted her teeth however in frustration as all her attempts to get the eyes right ended in failure and started smudging the paper. In her frustration trying to rub out his eyes, she accidentally tore the paper over his face.
"NOOO!" She screamed as she threw her pencil behind her and tore up the unfinished portrait. She let the pieces of paper fall scattered on the desk. She took her crown off, setting it to the side on the desk then undone her hair, letting it drop down her back and shoulders free. She ran her fingers through her hair and massaged the side of her head. She knew the stress of war was getting to her. She had to keep her composure she told herself. Switch off her emotions and replicate how Byleth was when they first met. It took her ten minutes before she had calmed her mind. Then with a shaky breath, she grabbed another plain paper, and another pencil, and slowly started again on the portrait. It was better to start again anyway, she thought to herself. The last one didn't even look like him.
I just wanted to address three things quickly now that some time has gone by.
Firstly, while originally this was a one-chapter idea with the odd inspiration to add more. I have now got the whole plot and story direction sorted and know where to take the story and its many characters. This will be a long story and I do not know how many chapters it'll be. The chapters themselves may also get bigger as the story goes on too.
Secondly, after reading the reviews I wish to clear up one thing:
This will NOT be a Crimson Flower route.
While it seems to be following the story beats of not standing with Rhea, the Empire controls Garreg Mach and the Empire planning their siege at the Bridge of Myrddin, the story is going to HEAVILY differentiate from the in-game plotline into something original. As I said in the story's description. This is the Ashen Demon Route.
Thirdly I seem to have left an impression when I said I felt vindicated for not trusting Rhea so I wish to clarify. The reason I was elated was that I somehow knew there was something dodgy about Rhea on my first playthrough and I didn't fully trust her cause of it. When it was revealed she was a dragon when I chose the Crimson Flower route I was happy I was right that there was a reason I felt that way. Be that as it may, I'm not planning on hating on Rhea in this story.
Thank you for reading and I hope you continue to enjoy this story.