All eyes were on Eve as the Blue Lions class made their way from the classroom to the training grounds. There were dozens of questions filling their thoughts, but Byleth's instruction had been clear—training first, questions later. It was true they didn't really have the luxury to be distracted at a time like this. After all, Lonato had been found with a letter outlining a plot to assassinate Lady Rhea after he was defeated. Even if the Archbishop wasn't the real target, there was still clearly some kind of scheme at hand.
But this fact only raised more questions. Why in the goddesses' name would Dimitri get engaged now of all times? Surely someone like him would realise the kind of distraction a surprise engagement would cause. It seemed more likely that Dimitri would have tried to keep Eve a secret until things came to pass so as not to distract his peers.
"Who would've thought Sylvain was right…" Ingrid muttered, almost to herself, as they reached the training ground and split off to retrieve their respective weapons.
"I have to admit even I'm shocked I was right." Sylvain laughed heartily, joining her by the lances. "But I have to say His Highness really exceeded my expectations."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ingrid grimaced at her friend.
"Do you know how many times I've tried, in vain, to get Dimitri to come out on the town with me?" Sylvain tossed a look towards the prince who was busy showing his fiancée around the training facility. "He could hardly look at a woman without blushing so hard his face matched my hair. And now he's engaged to…that?"
Sylvain gestured vaguely in Eve's direction; incredulity written all over his face. Ingrid hated to admit that she knew what Sylvain meant. Eve was gorgeous; yet Dimitri seemed completely at ease by her side. When she stumbled on an uneven stone, he caught her by the hand so naturally. The Dimitri they had all known would have instantly withdrawn his hand and flushed bright red, probably spouting some kind of awkward apology for touching her without her consent. But the Dimitri before them now hardly reacted to the touch, even letting his fingers linger on hers as he made sure she had properly regained her footing.
"I want to see everyone sparring, no slacking." Byleth's voice rang out in the hall, snapping everyone out of their thoughts. "I'm going to be keeping an eye on Eve, but that doesn't mean the rest of you can take it easy."
Thankfully, her students took the cue and began their training. They would no doubt still be distracted for the rest of the day. But at least now Byleth could focus on assessing Eve's ability without worrying too much about her other students.
"Can you fight?" The stoic professor turned to her newest student, addressing her directly.
"Professor, if I may," Dimitri cut in, "would it be alright if Eve trained with me?"
Byleth considered it for a moment, looking between the two, "No, I don't think so. It's important that she bonds with the rest of the class. Given the two of you are engaged, I imagine she's plenty bonded with you at this point."
Dimitri opened his mouth as if to object, but promptly shut it when Eve placed her hand on his arm.
"I'll be fine, Dimitri," she smiled, "you should go train with your friends."
After searching her eyes for any hidden meaning behind her words, Dimitri nodded slightly. He was anxious to leave her alone, but figured she could handle herself. And if not, he would make sure to stay within earshot to swoop in to her aid.
"So," Byleth turned back to Eve once Dimitri had left, "can you fight?"
"I can hold my own." She answered to which Byleth frowned. Her answer was vague for a rather harmless question.
"I prefer to focus on developing my students' strengths. What would you say you're best with?" Byleth crossed her arms, trying to size up the raven-haired youth.
"I'm most comfortable with a sword." Eve said after a moment of thought, pausing before adding, "dual wielding."
"Hm. The training swords here aren't really made for that, but you're welcome to do what feels most comfortable for you. I want to see how you fight to see how you can improve and how you'll best fit into the rest of the class." The professor glanced at the wall where the wooden training swords were organised briefly before returning her gaze to Eve. "What about magic? And how are you with riding?"
"I don't really know how I am with riding. Despite my current standing, I grew up a peasant. I've never had the chance to ride a horse before." Eve tapped her index finger to her chin in thought before continuing. "As for magic, I'm decent, I guess. I only really know some very basic spells, though."
"Okay." Byleth nodded. "I'll have you focus on honing your sword skills for now and we can see how you develop. It might be worthwhile for you to strengthen your magic abilities, but that can wait for now. Felix!"
Her voiced called the attention of the young Fraldarius who had been busy hacking away at a training dummy. When she beckoned him over, he stopped what he was doing with an annoyed look and came to join them where they stood.
"What?" He asked, short as ever.
"I want you to spar with Eve." Byleth said, adding before Felix could protest, "you're the best with a sword and I need to measure her ability."
"Fine." He answered, sufficiently convinced by the professor's calculated flattery. "But don't expect me to baby you just because you're new."
"I greatly appreciate it." Eve bowed her head lightly, smiling at Felix.
"Whatever." He grumbled as he turned his back to walk to an open area of the grounds. "Just grab a sword already."
Without waiting for any further instruction from Byleth, Eve walked over to select two of the wooden training swords on the wall. They were heavy, certainly not made for dual wielding, but they wouldn't be too difficult for her to handle.
As she strode over to where Felix was waiting with a grimace on his face, she recalled what Dimitri had told her about his childhood friend. Felix was short tempered, with a one-track mind focused only on becoming the best swordsman of all. And though the two had been very close as children, Felix had been cold as of late after the quelling of a rebellion that Dimitri hadn't gone into much detail about. He was one she had to look out for. He was careful, with a keen eye. She would have to play her part most convincingly around him.
I have to hold back. Fight well enough to not need to spend extra time with the professor. But don't fight so well that I draw attention to myself.
Felix watched Eve carefully as she came to take her stance before him, trying to size her up. He was annoyed that he had to waste valuable training time to babysit the boar prince's little lady. But his annoyance was balanced out by his intrigue. He was curious to know what made her so special that Dimitri would abruptly propose.
"I won't hold back." Felix warned as he took his stance, twirling his sword around his hand once.
Eve didn't answer, but instead began to mimic his movements as he circled her. Felix took note of how she held her blades. It was odd, the way she held the grip firmly in her fist with the point of the blade angled back towards her elbow. He had seen a few rogues and thieves wield much shorter and lighter blades in this manner but didn't expect it from the girl before him. With the weight and size of the training swords, she wouldn't easily be able to turn them to attack.
Satisfied with his assessment, Felix made the first move—darting forward to attack. His speed seemed to catch Eve off guard as she just barely had time to block his blade. She gritted her teeth in effort as she put her strength behind her guard, pushing back against Felix's blow. Momentarily, Felix was focused solely on trying to break through her defence, putting more force in his attack. As he did so, however, he neglected the fact that she was wielding two blades. He was only reminded of this as she brought her left arm up to drive the pummel of her second sword into his right cheek. And though he was quick to regain his balance from her blow, by the time he had straightened he was met with the point of her sword at the base of his throat.
There was a glimmer in her eyes at that moment that made Felix forget himself. Shock settled into his features as he fought to keep his composure. That glint in her eyes, the look of satisfaction at besting an opponent, made Felix feel as if her were staring into a mirror. In that moment, he forgot all about his goal to beat his new professor in battle. Now, his thoughts were consumed with a desire to defeat Eve. And as Eve breathlessly spoke words that fell on deaf ears, one last thought flitted through Felix's mind.
Of course the boar would attract someone as bloodthirsty as he is…