A quartet of voices rang throughout the entrance. "Hey mom, we're home."

"Hey Sitri."

"Pardon our intrusion."

"Hello, Mrs. Eisner!"

A mature voice answered from the living room. "Is that the book club I hear?"

Byleth dropped his bag by the front door, choosing not to bother with it for now. "Hope you don't mind the crowd."

"You know I don't, dear," a head popped out from behind the corner, revealing one Sitri Eisner. Nearly the spitting image of her daughter, only slightly aged, and with green hair instead of blue. "Oh, it's been too long since I've seen you all. Come closer, children."

Marianne was her first victim, as the closest to the woman. The poor girl was glowing red as the Eisner matriarch wrapped her in a hug. "Marianne, you look lovely as always, dear. Thank you again for the flowers, they're wonderful."

"It was my honor, ma'am," Marianne mumbled softly. Without stuttering, a marked improvement for her. Sitri maintained her smile before moving on to the next. "Ashe, how are you?"

"Very well! Thank you for asking!" The boy beamed at her, enthusiasm nearly infectious. He presented a small goodie bag, filled with confectioneries. "My father and I made these in advance. Thank you for hosting us again!"

"So sweet of you," the woman smiled graciously, accepting the gift with a quick hug. He was the cutest thing, really. Only rivaled perhaps by the last member of her son's small entourage.

Lysithea nearly leapt into her welcoming embrace. Small as she was, she barely reached to the woman's neck, not that Sitri was particularly tall in her own right. "Hello, Lysithea. You're doing well, I hope?"

The girl answered with her head still firmly pressed against her, voice slightly muffled. "Better, I guess."

"And you're still keeping my son out of trouble?"

"Somebody's gotta do it."

"Good girl." She gently patted the girl on the back, as Lysithea reluctantly released. She hugged her son, angling herself up his tall frame to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. "School was okay today?"

"Same as it always is, I guess." Byleth angled a look behind her. "Byleth not home yet?"

"I was guessing she'd be with you." Mother and son shared a look, before the latter shrugged. "She's out with friends, I'd guess. Sylvain probably knows, I'll text him."

Sitri wouldn't worry—her daughter was more than capable of taking care of herself. She had good friends, too. "Let me know if she tells you anything. Are you three staying for dinner?"

"Yes," Lysithea answered immediately. Ashe wasn't nearly as eager, or lacking in manners. "If you'll have us, ma'am."

"Wonderful, I'll let Geralt know. You know he loves cooking for an army." She waved goodbye as the four made their way up the stairs. "You kids have fun. I'll be down here, let me know if you need anything!"

"Thanks," Byleth waved back, disappearing up the stairs. Lysithea was hot on his trails. "Your mom's the coolest."

"I know. You tell me that every time you come here."

"Because it's true!" Ashe chimed in. Byleth groaned, turning to Marianne, his final hope. "Tell me you don't have the hots for my mom, too."

"... she's a very nice woman."

"You're lucky I like all three of you."

"This game is fucking stupid."

"The game isn't stupid," Byleth commented calmly from the rear. "You're just bad at it."

"No, it's bullshit!" Lysithea pointed a very angry finger at the television, which seemed to mock her in turn with a full-screen, 'YOU DIED' in big, bloody red letters. "It wasn't even touching me, but I fuck up once for two seconds and I'm dead? That's stupid!"

"That's why it's a challenge, and that's why it's fun," Byleth quickly reclaimed the controller from the girl. "The whole point of the game is that it isn't easy. When you beat it, the payoff's huge."

"Dumb excuses to justify shit gameplay and boss design. You told me to memorize the attack patterns—there are no fucking attack patterns on this stupid thing!"

"I said you have to memorize specific attacks. I didn't say anything about patterns. There are no easy punishes against this boss."

"Then you can't beat it! It's impossible without over-leveling and cheese!"

"I beat him after a while without either of those things."

"Because you sit around and study these dumb fights all day, you nerd."

"As opposed to sitting around labbing Smash for hours?" Lysithea didn't have a good comeback for that. Another win for the good guys.

"Can I try?" Ashe spoke up from beside Byleth. He handed the excitable bookworm the controller. "Have you played this before?" Ashe shook his head. "Nah. Looks fun, though! I enjoy a good challenge."

Oh, he had no idea what he was in for. "Best of luck." Lysithea grumbled aloud as Ashe directed the player character through the imposing wall of mist and into the boss arena. "This boss is hideous. Really creepy voice, too. And who names their deformed horse-child Ludwig?"

Byleth took offense on the fictional monstrosity's behalf. "Hey, the lore is pretty interesting. And tragic." He gained a far off look. "Such is the fate of all who partake of the Old Blood."

Marianne giggled from behind him. "You seem very invested."

"Everyone has their vices," Byleth shrugged. "Mine just happens to be very challenging fantasy RPGs."

They'd adjourned their club for the day. In a technical sense, anyway. The club of four had decided to stay a while and lounge about Byleth's room after their mostly silent time spent reading their respective books, as they usually did during their Friday meetings. They were never very eventful affairs—they'd go around and explain particular narratives or plot points that they liked or didn't like, gush over characters they loved or bash characters they hated, while the others would listen attentively, providing their own input when it was needed.

It was a really nice getaway for Byleth. A low-stress gathering where he could lose himself in a solid book. It was how he'd met Marianne and Ashe, two people he was more than comfortable allowing into his own space in his free time. Good reads, and a place he'd made great friends. What more could a guy like him ask for?

"I still don't know what you get out of these things," Lysithea continued complaining aloud, lazily watching Ashe dive and dodge out of the way of massive limbs. He seemed to be enjoying the nightmare, if his smile was any indication. "Do you hate yourself? You'd have to for willingly torturing yourself though these."

"I think I can kind of see the appeal," Marianne chimed in, sliding herself beside the other girl. "In the sense of the reward, I mean. To me, it seems like reading a very challenging book. Struggling to understand the prose, or having a hard time determining the overarching themes, or even just trying to fit together a timeline of a narrative—it's all very challenging. It really does test one's love of literature. But when you come out of it having done so, it makes the challenge worth it, and very gratifying."

Her face turned a soft shade of red as she apparently realized how much she had spoken. "S-sorry for rambling. That's just my opinion, anyway. I'm probably wrong, aren't I?"

Byleth shook his head, a bit surprised she'd been able to articulate it so well. She didn't even play video games, to his knowledge. "Pretty spot-on, actually."

Marianne's face burned even brighter. "Oh. That's... good." Lysithea rolled her eyes. "Nerds."

Any retort from his end was cut off by the sound of a knock on his door. "I'll get it," Byleth volunteered. Probably his mom, if he had to hazard a guess.

Opening the door, it was indeed a member of his family. Only, of the sibling variety. And she wasn't alone.

His twin stared into him as his gaze met hers. "Hey," she greeted quickly. Beside her, a stunning young woman with the hair a pale white nodded her head politely. It was Edelgard von Hresvelg. "Hello again, Byleth. I hope you're doing well."

"Uh..." Byleth replied intelligently. To say he was caught off-guard would be one hell of an understatement. When had Byleth even gotten back home? And why'd she bring the popular girl home with her? "I'm... fine. Good to see you again."

"She'll be staying for dinner. Just wanted to let you know that she was here." The sister twin seemed unaware of her brother's surprise. "Mom and dad already know."

"Hey, Byleth!" Ashe called to him from back inside his room. "Check it out, I beat him, first..." the boy's voice simmered down a little when he saw who was at the door. "... try."

"Hey everyone," his sister greeted his friends with a casual wave as she peeked inside. Edelgard was much more polite. "Hello, all. I'm Edelgard, a friend of Byleth's. It's very nice to meet all of you."

The sentiment seemed very one-sided in the present. Ashe was uncharacteristically quiet, a look of shock etched across his face. Marianne looked petrified, almost attempting to shield herself behind the smaller Lysithea, who was the only one who was able to muster a coherent response. "Uh, yeah. Likewise."

"We'll be in my room, knock if you need anything," Byleth told him, before walking off to her room down the hall. Edelgard waved once again, that winning smile of hers never once straining, before falling in step beside his sister. They entered the room, shut the door, and they were gone.

"That wasn't who I thought it was, right?" Lysithea still didn't seem convinced someone of her popularity was among their numbers at the Eisner Tackle Shop and residence. Ashe was, however. "Tough to mistake that face and name. What's a girl like her doing here, though?"

Oh, right. Ashe didn't know about his sister's budding... whatever with Edelgard. "Long story." He kept his voice somewhat low, in the off chance that the sister in question could hear him from the other room. "I think Byleth might have something going on with Edelgard."

Ashe's eyes widened. "Wow, really? That's... kind of a big deal, huh?"

"So I've heard," Byleth muttered. Lysithea was wearing an inquisitive look. "She introduced herself as Byleth's friend, so I don't think they're dating. Unless they wanna keep it a secret, which wouldn't make a whole lot of sense. Maybe Byleth said no, but decided to try being friends anyway?"

Who could say? Byleth eyed the general direction of his sister's room. His mind unwillingly drifted back to what Hilda had told him back at her party, and his stomach tightened in on itself. He grimaced—remembering that comment now of all times didn't do much to quell his growing mood.

Then again, was he really at liberty to feel any kind of way to begin with? Byleth could do whatever she wanted to do. It wasn't like he had much of a place to say who she could or couldn't hang out with. Yeah, he was her brother, but at what point did it stop being brotherly care and become selfish nagging? And why, just because he was uncomfortable that his sister had someone over that probably had a thing for her?

Byleth took a breath. He was getting in his own head again. The worried looks his friends were giving him conveyed that they knew it, too. "You alright, Byleth?" Ashe asked out of concern. Byleth nodded. "I'm fine." Lysithea and Marianne didn't look like they bought it, but they inquired about it no further.

For now, he'd take his mind off of it. Working himself up over it would do nothing but worry everybody else. It had nothing to do with him, anyway.

His eyes returned to the screen. "Wait, you beat him on your first try?"

"Heh. It really was just a matter of memorizing specific attacks. Right, Lysithea?"

"Fuck off, Ashe."

"So, you said you met Byleth about a month ago?"

"Yes. At the beach, actually." Edelgard recalled. "It was over a game of volleyball."

"We demolished you," Byleth added, a small smirk on her face. Edelgard rolled her eyes, taking the jab with a smile. Sitri Eisner seemed very interested. "And you go to the same school as her, yes? What do you major in?"

"Business. Management, specifically."

"Oh?" Geralt cut in. "Looking to run a business? Not to brag, but I might know a thing or two about that."

Edelgard laughed politely. "Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Mr. Eisner."

Dinner very much felt like something more than dinner. That was to say, the table of eight seemed very divided. On one end, Byleth and the book club kept to themselves, talking leisurely among each other. On the other, Edelgard sat beside the twin sister, deep in conversation with his parents regarding her education, home life, and other things.

Quite honestly, she seemed a little too... perfect. Her posture was exactly straight. She ate in small, polite portions, never once speaking with her mouth full. Her sentences were clear and concise, and she followed the flow of conversation flawlessly, without missing a beat. Byleth had never seen the upper-class in action before—he could say with certainty that he had now.

"The steak's delicious, Mr Eisner!" Ashe, despite his smaller stature, wasn't put off by the amount of food on his plate, digging in heartily. He was outmatched only by Lysithea, who would have probably inhaled the food if breathing wasn't a necessary function of life.

"I agree, the food is fantastic," Edelgard concurred. Geralt allowed himself a proud smile. "Well, I'm glad you all enjoy it. Eat up, there's plenty."

"Does your family cook much, Edelgard?" Sitri asked. For the first time that night, the young woman's smile wasn't blinding. "Yes, but not as often as we used to. My family is quite busy."

If there was ever a way to curry favor from Sitri Eisner, it was through evoking sympathy, no matter how minor the inconvenience. "Oh, dear. You're welcome to come over any time to eat."

"Oh, I couldn't. My family still makes time for dinner together on most nights, even when they have work." Her smile returned, somehow even more cordial than before. "Even so, I appreciate the offer. I would love to come by on occasion, if you'll have me."

Byleth was seated near the center of the table, beside his sister. So it was that he couldn't really ignore the conversation on their side of the table, even if he wanted to. Still, he tried, maintaining a steady pace on his steak.

"Byleth," Marianne, from his right, gathered his attention. Looking up, he saw worry written upon her expression. "Are... are you alright?"

Was he that obvious? Worrying anyone was the very last thing he wanted, especially among his friends and family. "I'm good. Something up?"

"Well, no. You've just been quiet. I was... just wondering if you were okay."

God, she was too good for someone like him. Lying to her felt like a crime. Even so, he put on his best smile, doing his best to ignore the icky feeling that coursed through him. "I'm fine, promise. Thanks for asking, though." She didn't seem convinced—she likely hadn't since the first time she'd asked back in his room—but again, she opted on the side of silence, returning to her dinner.

Dinner came to an end, mercifully, and Byleth sought to busy himself with the dishes while the rest of the group continued on with the conversation. "Are you sure, dear?" His mother asked when he volunteered. "I can help."

"It's fine, I got it." Byleth gathered the plates, glasses and utensils from everyone, making his way to the kitchen. While cleaning up after gatherings wasn't the most glamorous or fun use of his energy, he figured he could use the time alone.

And it did do him some good, for a spell. Until someone came up beside him and promptly ruined it. "May I help?" Turning, Byleth was once again met with the esteemed visage of Edelgard.

"No need," he quickly denied, as politely as he could. "You're a guest." Edelgard was already in the process of rolling up the sleeves of her cardigan. "Please, I insist. It's the very least I can do for your family being so hospitable." He could tell there was no stopping her, and if she'd made it to the kitchen, then she'd already convinced both of his parents. Suppressing the urge to sigh, Byleth made way for her, gesturing to the dishwasher. "Cups on the top rack, plates on the bottom, utensils are sorted in the little pockets beneath them both. I'll handwash the pots and pans." She nodded, and the two got to work.

He had hoped it would be a silent affair. Working together with the unintended source of your unease was enough of a burden on its own. So when Edelgard spoke in a voice just low enough to almost be drowned out by the sound of running water, Byleth prepared himself for the worst. "I must apologize. Admittedly, I do have a motive in seeking you out."

Because that wasn't ominous at all. "And that is?" He asked simply. Then, of all things, Edelgard von Hresvelg, the undisputed queen on campus and a woman well above his station, bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Byleth."

It was a small miracle that he didn't drop the cutting board he was washing. "You're... sorry?"

"Yes. I have not been forthright with you, and I am deeply sorry for that." She raised her head, only to look him in the eyes and communicate what was apparently heartfelt regret. "I wanted to make you fully aware that I am in love with your sister."

This time, he did drop what he was cleaning into the sink. Thankful that nothing was broken, or that anyone else had heard, Byleth put his mind toward processing what Edelgard had just told him. Sure, he had always kind of assumed she felt that way about his sister, but had anyone ever been that blunt about it? Sylvain didn't count, he was just horny. This felt like a first. Beyond that... forthright? Did people still talk like that in the modern age?

It was a monumental task to get his brain back on track. "So, are you two... dating?" Edelgard shook her head. "No. I've made my intentions clear to your sister, but she has kindly rebuffed me for now. She has expressed a wish to get to know me better as a friend first, before delving into anything official." Yeah, that sounded like her. A few of her friends were people that had started out as admirers at first.

"Beyond that, however, I do feel bad for having done as much behind your back," she continued. "Byleth has spoken very highly of you, and it does not take much to see that she cares for her twin brother. So, I want to make it clear what my intentions are to you, the person that she values most."

Her gaze suddenly hardened, and Byleth was reminded that he was talking to someone who would likely be a very, very powerful person one day. "I do not do flings, and I do not date for sex. I want you to be aware that I would date your sister with the intent of cultivating a lasting, happy relationship with her. I do not know what your feelings are regarding her sexual orientation, but I would hope that—"

"It's fine, it's fine," Byleth quickly cut off. He'd accepted the fact that his sister had a thing for guys and girls a long, long time ago. He really didn't want to give the scary rich girl the wrong impression. "Whoever makes her happy is alright with me." Edelgard seemed to take great comfort in that, taking a comforting breath. "Thank you. I'm relieved to hear that."

She regathered herself. "What I mean to say is, I'm not doing this as a casual thing. I really am serious about her. And I wanted to make sure that you knew."

Byleth abandoned any thoughts of dishes at the moment, taking a pause to digest everything. It was just... so, so much. The most popular girl at school, dead-set on his sister. Willing to go out of her way to declare her feelings to her crush's brother, and apologizing for not doing it sooner. With liberal doses of words like forthright and rebuffed and cultivating.

Edelgard wasn't the first, and she probably wouldn't be the last. Many such suitors had come to him with the intent of getting his "blessing," so that they may have permission to try and woo the beautiful Byleth Eisner. To them, her brother was a tool, a means to that end. Many had been serious about her, but that didn't mean much. To him, anyway.

History would tell him that Edelgard von Hresvelg, despite her overwhelming charm, personality and wealth, would be another failed attempt. It wasn't the first time that someone gorgeous or handsome had tried their luck. And yet... something felt different about her. Byleth couldn't shake the feeling.

He realized he'd been quiet for a long moment. "Sorry, I'm just... thinking," he apologized. Edelgard wasn't upset in the least. "No, I should apologize. I realize this is a lot to drop on you all of a sudden. Quite honestly, it's selfish of me." Byleth made to rebuke, but then figured they'd start arguing about who was more sorry, and decided against the pity party.

It was another moment before Edelgard spoke again. "Truthfully... I was a bit nervous about this conversation." This was her when she was nervous? Confident Edelgard could probably command a fish to fly. "I feared my lack of communication with you might have left you with a sour impression of me. Even during our first meeting, I invited your sister for drinks at the beach, and failed to consider how you might have felt. I didn't even ask if you wanted to come along." She cringed outwardly at the memory. "My manners were appalling. It was shameful, and I must again apologize."

If Byleth had a dollar for every time Edelgard apologized, he'd likely be as rich as her by the end of the night. "It's alright. I've seen worse."

"Even so, it's no excuse. To treat you like an accessory to your sister is beyond rude—it's dehumanizing."

She was really laying it on thick. If he had been completely unfamiliar with her, he would have called her the biggest brown-noser yet. Right up there with Sylvain, when he'd first started out.

Still, there was that part of him, that familiar tiny part that was shamefully envious of his own sister, that preened beneath her words. Yeah, it was fucked up to be treated like some living prerequisite. Like, before you could get the chance to try your luck in taking one of the hottest girls in town to bed, you had to placate her loser of a brother first. It was, in fact, rude, dehumanizing, and a bunch of other synonymous words that he couldn't think of at the moment.

And it was that same part of him that assumed the worst in Edelgard's words. That she was only saying what he wanted to hear so that he'd feel seen, and accept her more easily. Another step in her conquest of his sister, beyond presenting herself to their parents and getting along with his friends. Sparing time for those beneath her—how charitable!

"Excuse me, are you alright?" His unsavory thoughts must have weighed a heavier burden than he initially thought. He felt the furrowing of his brows, and the beginnings of a sneer upon his lips. He quickly corrected himself, squashing that wretched feeling, reminding himself to stop thinking that way. "I'm fine," he repeated for the millionth time that evening.

Before she could do or say otherwise, he took over the conversation. "It's a lot to think about. I mean, I'm sure you already know this, but... there are a lot of people who like Byleth. This song and dance isn't really new to me. This is just the first time anyone's been this... forward about it before, I guess."

In a very uncharacteristic gesture, Edelgard's shoulders slumped slightly, and her expression turned a bit embarrassed. "You think it's weird, don't you?"

"Honestly? A little," Byleth admitted. Better to be honest with her. "You don't ever get used to people professing their undying love for your twin to you in-person."

That worked to lighten the mood a little, as Edelgard laughed softly. "No, I suppose you don't." Good, it wasn't weird anymore. Well, it wasn't as weird.

Byleth took a breath. "I'm not gonna bother with the overprotective brother speech. I don't know anything about you, but I'm choosing to believe that you mean what you say. Byleth's old enough to make her own decisions, but she's still my sister."

It was awkward, but if Edelgard was going this far, he owed her a similar level of honesty. "Just... don't be weird. If things work out, cool. If they don't, oh well. You'll be alright in my eyes so long as you respect her and what she wants."

"I swear on my honor to never pressure her or make her uncomfortable."

Yeah, she was really excessive and probably from the wrong century (swore on her honor? Was she a knight?), but he'd take what he could get. "Uh, thanks. Byleth can be a handful sometimes, so you being there for her goes a long way." Edelgard nodded, reassurance in her tone. "Of course. Before anything else, I am first and foremost her friend. It's the least I can do for her."

That was good. Byleth relaxed, the worst seemingly behind him now. "Thanks for being cool about this. I know I said I wouldn't give you the overprotective brother speech, but I sort of did anyway. Sorry."

"No need, I completely understand. You should never apologize for looking out for your loved ones." Her smile was one of approval. "I find that very admirable. You're every bit as kind as Byleth says you are."

Byleth didn't have the heart to call her the world's biggest kiss-ass, probably because this was probably just her version of being sincerely nice to him. Dinners at the von Hresvelg household probably looked and sounded like something straight out of a medieval drama. Was that just a rich people thing?

He scolded himself. Now he was just being mean for no reason. Byleth was more than aware of Edelgard as some popular rich kid now. If anything, she had the potential to become much more intimate, if things went how he imagined she wanted them to.

He was still partially skeptical—anyone would be, after the amount of times he'd had conversations similar to the one he just had—but Byleth chose to believe her words. If only out of respect for her willingness to have this extremely awkward talk with him.

"Your sister aside, I'd like to get to know you better as well," Edelgard continued the conversation, putting the last of the cups away. "Our chats have been brief, but I can tell you're a good person. May I have your phone number?"

It was sad to admit, but her asking was the first time he'd gotten a girl's number since... a while. And it was from someone who was after his sister. Ouch. Still, he complied, exchanging numbers with Edelgard, who seemed pleased. "Excellent. Let me know if there's anything you need, academics or otherwise. Should my schedule permit it, I'd be more than willing to lend you a hand."

He'd be sure to hit her up if he needed a million dollars. Or if there was a country he needed conquered. Or if there was ever any equally herculean task he needed completed, for whatever reason. "Sure, thanks."

"Oh, and I'll be sure to let you know beforehand if I take your sister anywhere."

Maybe she was just really, really new to dating. Or stupid. "Please, don't. I'm not her mom. Unless you're taking her out of the country, what you two do together in your free time is your own business." Before she could protest any, Byleth cut her off. "Seriously, don't."

Thankfully, she relented. "Then I won't." Her task finished, she bowed her head again in appreciation. "Again, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. This has been most informative and relieving, and I'm glad to have gotten the chance not only to clear things up, but to get to know you better as well, Byleth."

"Mhm," Byleth replied neutrally. Excusing herself, Edelgard returned to the dining room to finish up... whatever she'd been doing before sneaking up on him, leaving him alone in the kitchen. He'd have to show his friends out at some point, too. Probably walk Lysithea and Marianne home. So, for now, he'd treasure the time alone he had left.

Edelgard von Hresvelg wasn't the woman he originally thought she was. She was old-fashioned, blunt, and polite to an almost annoying degree. But, she was still a good person. Probably. Nothing was set in stone, but if there was ever going to be someone that his sister would pick to get intimate with, there were certainly worse options.

By all means, he should have been content with how things had turned out regarding this new, popular addition to his sister's life. It would have been good if they got together, too. It meant he could finally put this entire debacle in the rearview mirror, and never think about it again. And that nasty feeling would finally leave him for good.

Right?