Edelgard sat hunched over her desk, her forehead resting in a hand as she glossed over the letter from her uncle. It was filled with the usual fluff; inquiries about if she was in fine health and how her studies were going. It was all meaningless drivel. She knew her uncle didn't give a damn about her health or her grades. As long as she continued to function as his "greatest creation," her own personal wellbeing meant very little.
It was the other, more subtle mentions of the academy that caught her attention. Arundel wrote of the return of Monica and Flayn and went into great detail about how the exploits of her professor had even reached his ears. He then went on to suggest that Edelgard take Monica under her wing, as "it is a noble's duty to help the less fortunate."
She crunched the paper in her fist, throwing it into the nearby bin. It was his shrewd way of reminding her that nothing escaped his ears. That nothing could be hidden from his leering eyes. He was the black cloud that always hung over her shoulders. He always went to great lengths to reinforce that.
Edelgard sighed, leaning back in her seat. Her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion. Dealing with her uncle's antics were always a drain on her.
Rising from her seat, she strode over to her bedroom door. Perhaps if she shook the drowsiness from her system with a good training session, she'd feel more energized. Truth be told, she would much prefer to go on a walk or find a nice spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounded Garreg Mach, but that was all out of the question. She briefly considered going to find the professor to see if he was too busy with preparations for the upcoming battle, but that thought was also quickly dashed. There was one, infuriating thing that had been preventing her from doing any of that as of late.
As Edelgard opened the door, she was met with the object of her scorn.
"Hey, Edel!"
Monica stood right at the foot of the entrance, her head titled to the side as she smiled brightly at her.
"Monica," Edelgard seethed, her hands tightening into fists.
Monica had been just one more person on the list of people that shadowed her every move as of late. No doubt in part to Hubert's unfortunate intervention. When her aide said he'd take matters into his own hands, she had expected something more befitting to the brooding mage. Be that inflicting harm on the professor or continuing his everlasting efforts to watch his every move.
What she hadn't expected was that he might possibly go to the people that he hated even more than she. His opposition to her relationship to Byleth must have been far greater than she anticipated if he had to resort to bringing the matter to the attention of her uncle.
Edelgard was well aware that all of Hubert's moves were influenced by what he believed to be her best interests. She only wished that her friend and loyal ally would just once consider her own feelings on the matter before going to such great lengths for her "sake."
"Where are you off to today?" There was a sharpness to Monica's innocent question.
"The training grounds," Edelgard replied bluntly, her shoulder bumping Monica's as she brushed past her.
"Mind if I tag along? There were a few more things I wanted to ask you about last night's assignment."
She knew no matter the answer gave, Monica would just do what she damn well pleased. There was no point in trying to argue.
"Fine."
"Great! Should be fun," Monica giggled as she fell into step with her. "It's been awhile since I've been to the grounds."
Edelgard rolled her eyes. As if that snake had ever set foot in the monastery before this month.
She begrudgingly walked beside Monica as the two made their exit out of the academy's dorms. Heads turned as they went by. Monica made sure of it. She babbled on and on, endlessly about some trivial topic that Edelgard paid no attention to. It was all just an act. There was no substance to it. Monica just wanted to make sure everyone saw the two walking together.
The noose that hung loosely around her neck wasn't tight, but Edelgard could feel its lofty weight beginning to push down on her. Edelgard wasn't sure of what her uncle intended to do by having "Monica" here at the academy, but whatever it was, when it came to light there was no doubt that people would begin to jump to conclusions due to their closeness. They would make sure of it. Were she to continue down this path, her name would always be associated with Monica and the rest of her group that slithers under the veil of darkness. There was no escaping it; it was inevitable. As long as Edelgard endeavored to bring her ambitions to fruition, she would have no choice to walk beside shadowy figures such as Monica.
She couldn't change that now. She was far too gone. She had given up far too much to not see this through till the end.
Edelgard eyes met a passing Marianne. She smiled at the timid girl, but Marianne simply shrunk under her gaze as she often did. Her eyes were glued to the floor.
Marianne was a kind, troubled soul. What would that kind soul think of her when her conquest was brought to the academy's doorstep? What would Marianne think when Edelgard's war claimed her classmates' lives?
These thoughts constantly hovered around her shoulders like an ominous cloud, threatening to spill its rain at any second. She couldn't look another student in the eyes without morbidly wondering if they'd be alive come one more year.
None of them suspected a thing. None of them were aware of the fire that was creeping forwards, threatening to use their lives as kindling.
Edelgard took a deep breath, composing her rampant emotions. As the days went by and the time drew nearer, these terrible musings came easier and easier to her. Try as she might to remain pragmatic, it was difficult to cage up her emotions when she was faced with the joy and comfort of the academy life day in and day out. This joy and comfort that she would one day snuff out.
Edelgard was fully prepared to burn in the fires of the hell that awaited her. If her name was one day synonymous with violence and death, so be it. She would bear it all if it meant the future might be a few degrees brighter.
She only wished she could find a way to avoid as much bloodshed as possible.
"What do you say, Edel?"
The princess glanced over at the red head that was still prattling on beside her. She would even associate with the likes of Monica if it proved to be another steppingstone to her goals.
"Say to what?" Edelgard's reply was curt. She still didn't have to like her. There was no reality in which Edelgard would ever harbor any positive emotions towards the girl, if you could even call her that.
"Were you listening, like at all?" Monica scowled. Her façade was slipping, albeit only slightly. "I was asking you if you wanted to meet up in the library later to-"
Monica stopped herself before she could reveal too much. Her eyes widened, her brow furrowing as she detected another presence in the vicinity.
Having rounded the last corner, the door that led to the exit was now within reach.
However, it was obscured from sight by the man standing in front of it, blocking their path. Before Edelgard could even comprehend what had happened, the piercing blue eyes of her professor had stopped her in her tracks.
"Good evening, Edelgard."
Byleth greeted her as he usually did. Many of the other students would call the expression he was making right now as stone-faced. Aloof. Emotionless. There was once a time where Edelgard would say the same, but she knew better now, of course. After countless days of examining her teacher closer than she would care to admit, she had grown accustomed to the little tells he exhibited on a daily basis. The slight, almost nonexistent curve of his lips when he was happy. The brightness in his eyes when something piqued his interest. The softening of his hardened features whenever he talked with her. He had gotten much more expressive as the days went by, but these little expressions were still more common than not.
However, when Edelgard watched her teacher turn to face Monica, she saw none of those tells on his face.
Instead, it truly was blank. Emotionless. Aloof. It was exactly as it was the day they met so many moons ago.
"And a good evening to you as well, Monica," Byleth spoke, his voice betraying nothing.
"Oh! Hello, Professor!" Monica greeted him cheerfully. "What brings you here?"
"The Battle of the Eagle and Lion is only a few, short weeks away," he replied in a level tone. "It won't be long until we march for Gronder Field."
Byleth's gaze moved back to Edelgard, and with it, his features softened somewhat.
"There are a few strategies I want to go over with the house leader here before the day comes. Are you free?"
Edelgard repressed the immediate response. She wanted nothing more than to spend the evening together with the one man that allowed her to feel so… free. Were things different, she would love nothing more than to once more let "Edelgard" out of the prison that walled off her heart.
But… they weren't.
"My apologies, Professor, but I'm a little busy at the moment."
She could only hope that his ears weren't as perceptive as his eyes. The strain to her voice was nearly impossible to spot, but Edelgard couldn't prevent it from leaking out. This had been the fifth time since Monica had arrived that she had to deny one of Byleth's requests. She regretted the fact that she had to do so once again.
Byleth's brows twitched, his eyes instinctively moving to Monica.
"Sorry, Professor!" Monica winced, the tone of her voice feigning remorse. "I've still got a lot of questions to ask Edel here. Since I couldn't graduate last year, I really want to make sure I can do so this year."
"Oh?" Byleth raised an eyebrow. Edelgard recognized that predatory glint in his eyes. It was the same look he adorned whenever he spotted an opening during their many sparring sessions. "Perhaps you and I should sit down and talk, then. I am your professor, after all. I wouldn't want Edelgard's own work to suffer because I wasn't properly doing my job as your instructor."
"It's quite alright, my teacher." Edelgard shook her head. "You are busy with preparations for the mock battle. As house leader, I can handle this much."
The frown that played at Byleth's lips was slight; subtle, even. When he looked to her, he almost looked… disappointed.
"Yeah, exactly!" Monica nodded readily. "Besides, there are some things that a fellow student might know more about than a teacher- no offense."
"None taken."
"But, don't worry; I won't participate in any assignments so as not to take any attention away from the younger students," Monica said with a grin. "Come battle time, she's all yours."
Byleth hummed his response. His eyes drifted to Edelgard's once more before he let out a faint sigh.
"So be it. I will simply ask Hubert and Lysithea to assist me, then."
Her professor turned on his heel, his jacket's sleeves whipping at the movement.
"Let's go, Hubert. I know you are there," Byleth announced to the air. He didn't wait for a reply as he walked to the door.
"Of course, Professor."
Edelgard had to bite her tongue not to let out a yelp. Somehow, without her knowing, Hubert had crept behind her and Monica. He was far too good at that.
"Your highness, allow me to assist the professor in your stead," Hubert stopped into a bow. He frowned as his gaze landed on the girl beside her. "…Monica."
Hubert dipped his head, then weaved between the two as he followed off after the professor.
This time, Edelgard couldn't fight back the sigh that escaped her lips as she watched the two go. There was a very sizeable, very noticeable hole between the two where Edelgard's presence would have fit perfectly. It was regrettable that she could not join them, but Lysithea should make for a fine substitute.
Once the two were out of ear shot, Monica growled, flipping a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"I'll never understand why you idolize that man so much," the red-head scoffed, crossing her arms protectively across her chest. "Those eyes of his… they give me the creeps. It's like he's looking into your soul."
Edelgard snorted. As if Monica had such a thing to begin with.
"Come."
The princess walked forward, forcing Monica to follow along behind her.
The one thing Edelgard could take comfort in from this exchange was that if Monica continued to be so loose-lipped, perhaps she might be able to gleam an insight on to her plans here. Contrary to the name that Hubert had coined for their kind, they were less concealed then they realized.
Hubert never understood the blind trust that his highness placed in the professor. Byleth, as of now, was an anomaly; something that couldn't be accounted for. To Hubert, that was perhaps the most dangerous thing of all. He wasn't like the others. He was cunning and far too insightful for his own good… No move the professor made was ever wasted. Everything had a purpose.
Hubert knew those traits better than any other. Edelgard may have been blinded by her own affections towards the man, but Hubert saw the way the professor looked at the two of them. He witnessed firsthand how Byleth investigated the matters on his own time. He saw the way he scrutinized Monica. That fool may have missed it, but nothing slipped past Hubert's vigil. He wasn't sure what Byleth did or did not know, but he was assured were things to continue, the teacher would eventually connect the dots.
He always had thought of Lady Edelgard as having more tact than to openly place such trust in another, especially one so threatening to their cause. Byleth was skilled; perhaps more skilled than any other instructor or knight here. Pair that with the sword he carried at his side and the powerful Crest he bore, and he could become the greatest obstacle on their bloody path. To not prepare for such an outcome would be an egregious misstep.
Or, perhaps, this was just how she had designed it. He had originally accounted her mistakes as poor judgement on her part, but the princess could be rather shrewd when she wanted to be. Perhaps she truly was aware of all of this and continued holding on to the belief that he might really join their cause despite all of that.
Byleth had been leading the way to their shared classroom, but he suddenly stopped. Had Hubert not noticed in time, he very well might have walked right into his back.
The professor turned to face him fully, his expression blank. To the other slack-jawed students under his employ, one might describe Byleth's eyes as impassive; penetrating, even. But, to Hubert, he could see the sly glint they bore. They reminded him of a fox or a wolf. Hubert bore no warm feelings towards the man, but if there was one thing he could be described as fond of, it would be that predatory look in his eyes.
"What is it, Professor?" Hubert spoke, crossing his arms. It was clear that the teacher had something he wished to discuss.
"How long have you been following me?" Byleth asked, his voice sharp.
Hubert raised an eyebrow. He was fully aware that Byleth knew of his constant shadowing. That had been the point, after all. Had he truly wished for Byleth to be unaware of his presence, the professor would never have known Hubert had been following him in the first place. It was all a simple reminder that his steps would never go unnoticed. Was it an unspoken threat? Why, yes, of course.
But, as of late, Byleth hadn't spotted him as quickly as he used to. Hubert just assumed his mind was elsewhere.
Today, that theory had been proven right.
"It would defeat the purpose were I to tell you, would it not?"
The narrowing of Byleth's eyes was barely noticeable.
"Did you follow me to the library?"
Hubert gave him a once over. How curious that would be the first thing he asked.
But he saw no harm in obliging his request. In this game of chess, he wanted the teacher to be just as assured that Hubert knew his schemes as Byleth knew his.
"I did. What of it?"
"No reason." Byleth shrugged.
Hubert blinked. That was it? No, that couldn't possibly be the case…
Then the other shoe fell.
"I just found it strange I couldn't find Tomas," Byleth continued. His blue eyes bore holes into his. "It seems like that man is always in the library."
"What a terrible conundrum it must be that an old, frail man couldn't be found in the library." Hubert rolled his eyes. If he truly thought he could get a rise out of him, then Hubert gave the professor more credit than he deserved. "Are we done with this now? Or was there another member of the staff that you thought I of all people might know the whereabouts of?"
"For now, yes."
Contrary to his words, Byleth didn't make any moves to continue their journey to the classroom. Instead, his eyes continued to probe Hubert.
However, the rest of his face softened somewhat. His lips twisted downwards into a frown.
"Did you also follow me to Hanneman's office?"
"Of course."
"Then I take it you listened in on our conversation?"
Hubert's eyes widened slightly. Yes… that had been something unexpected. Hubert always had an inkling that Byleth might know the gruesome truth behind what bearing two Crests might mean, but he never considered the man might actually be making strides to try and correct it.
"As I thought." Byleth's frown deepened.
The professor stepped towards him, those blue eyes never leaving his.
"I don't expect much from you, Hubert, but I trust you, even if that feeling isn't mutual," Byleth whispered. His voice was strained. "I trust that you'll keep what Hanneman and I discussed to yourself."
To Hubert's surprise, the tone in his voice was neither threatening nor demanding. It was… pleading.
Hubert owed this man nothing. There was no reason to go along with his request.
"…Very well," the aide sighed. "Though, I do not understand your secrecy on this matter. I have no reason to believe that Lady Edelgard or that child would be offended by your-"
Hubert bit his tongue to stop himself. That had been close. He had nearly revealed more to the professor than he had ever intended to; even if it was something Byleth already knew himself. He didn't want to give him the satisfaction of confirming anything.
Edelgard had been right; Byleth had a way of breaking past your defenses, no matter how well built they were.
"Why would I? I have found nothing yet. To tell them now would be over eager."
Hubert regarded him with a critical gaze. Despite his own reservations on their teacher, it was clear to anyone that he truly did care for Lady Edelgard and the rest of his students. How that fondness may change when her plans came to light, he did not know. The professor was still a great threat, but, for now, he was confident in the fact that Byleth would not willingly bring any harm onto her.
He would still observe him, of course. And if the situation demanded it, he'd kill him as well.
"Knowing you, I'm assume it's safe to wager you've looked into the matter as well?"
Hubert debated on whether to give his question an honest answer, because of course he had. He had searched far and wide for any possible information on the subject. No stone had been left unturned.
"…I have." He eventually relented with a nod.
"Any luck?" Byleth asked. The hope in voice betrayed his neutral expression.
While he held some belief that Those Who Slither in the Dark might possibly have some sort of technology at their disposal that could undo the effects of the two Crests, it was all conjecture. To devote himself fully toward his investigation would cast an unneeded light on he and Lady Edelgard. While he would continue to investigate them and a possible cure, he had to do so secretly until the day came where they no longer needed their services anymore. As much as he loathed the shaky alliance they held with Those Who Slither in the Dark, it was a necessary evil until they grew powerful enough to wipe their kind off the face of the planet. That day was growing closer with each passing second, but for now, it was still a ways off.
The idea of using the professor's unique… talents to complete that task was a thought that never strayed too far from his mind. Were that to be the case, then Hubert could have no qualms about trying to find a way to prolong Lady Edelgard's life.
"None, as of now." Hubert scowled. It wasn't a lie, per say, but it was a lie of omission. Until he witnessed Byleth aligning himself with the emperor with his own two eyes, he could never trust him with such information.
"I… I see."
Byleth almost looked… devastated to hear that.
"Hubert, I will have you lead a quarter of our forces through the forest to the east-"
Byleth pointed to the left-hand location on the map of Gronder Field.
"From there, you will continue to advance against the Golden Deer's forces."
Byleth, Hubert, and Lysithea all stood hunched over the map that he had sprawled out over the surface of a table. The yellow parchment had various scribbles and other markings on it.
"Knowing Claude, he'll probably set up some kind of ambush if we attack from that front," Lysithea chimed in. She looked up at the professor. "Are you sure that's wise?"
"That's why I'm choosing Hubert to lead that assault. He'll be able to spot an ambush from a mile away."
Byleth's finger moved to the left towards where the rest of the Eagle forces would be.
"Meanwhile, Edelgard and I will lead the main force forwards, towards the fort here-"
He pointed to a square on the map.
"Once the fortress is captured, we'll be able to engage both forces in earnest."
"A two-pronged attack." Hubert nodded, a hand rubbing his chin as he examined the map. "Bold. We'll be stretching our forces thin."
"Yes, but as long as I lead the charge, there's nothing to worry about."
There was no doubt in Byleth's mind that the Eagles could easily attain a victory at the Battle of the Eagle of Lion. While many of the Lions and Deer were quite skilled in the ways of combat, they all had a long way to go if they wanted to best him. As the only professor actively taking part, it was something he had tried to reiterate to Manuela and Hanneman numerous times, but they wouldn't budge on the matter.
Why professors were able to participate in this mock battle was beyond him. They were teachers. Were they not supposed to instruct? Partaking in such a test as well seemed, well, counterintuitive. By simply having the Sword of the Creator on their side, the Eagles were already had a major advantage.
But, even so, Byleth had no plans to give the other houses a handicap, nor was his desire to achieve an overwhelming victory truly practical.
The last mock battle they held was hardly a landslide victory. Had things gone slightly different, there was no telling which side might have won. Back then, the Eagles were still raw talent. They had potential, but they were all unmolded.
That was different now. Now, they were one, cohesive unit. He wanted to show the rest of the academy that his students' talents far surpassed that of any other house. He wanted the entire academy to know that the Eagles were on top.
Byleth would never voice that hubris, however. It would be unprofessional, and probably somewhat unseemly.
"Say we were able to hold the fortress," Lysithea said. "How would we defend against flier reinforcements? What about mages and archers?"
"You tell me." Byleth shrugged. "How would we defend against those things?"
"I would have our own archers placed near the back of the army to protect our flanks." Lysithea pointed to various spots on the map. "Then have you repel any ranged assaults."
"Me?" Byleth blinked, placing a hand on his chest. "How could one lowly man stop a volley of arrows?"
"Is this quite necessary?" Hubert sighed.
Byleth shot Hubert a pointed look before turning back to Lysithea.
"What's your reasoning to devoting a single man to that task, Lysithea?"
"Is this a trick question?" The mage frowned slightly. "You wield the Sword of the Creator, Professor. We witnessed firsthand how you were able to utilize it as a defensive tool as well as an offensive one."
"But what if I failed? I'm still not completely accustomed to this sword. It's not out of the question. What then?"
Lysithea pinched her chin, letting out a soft hum as she examined the map.
"Mages could use fire or wind magic to destroy any arrows. Other than that, we could have our forces spread out some to lessen any damage we might take from a ranged assault."
"Well done." Byleth nodded with a reserved smile. "I have no intention of failing, but in a battle of this size, to place all of your trust in one single strategy could be your downfall. Always have a back-up plan, and then a back-up plan to your back-up plan. Which is why-"
Byleth dragged his finger to the right of the fort.
"Should we fail to capture this point, we will divert the rest of our forces to assist Hubert in engaging the Deer. With the brunt of our troops attacking Claude from both fronts, we should overcome them. We'll have to stay vigilant and adjust accordingly to any schemes that Claude might come up with, but I see no reason we can't rout them. From there, we can defeat the Lions, and the day is ours."
"Given that this is a mock battle, I see no glaring holes in your strategy," Hubert stated.
"You almost sound disappointed by that, Hubert."
"Of course not," he scoffed, surprising Byleth with his immediate response. "I am simply saying that were this the real thing, there would be much more to consider."
"True enough."
Byleth glanced down at the map before him, his brows knitting together. Were Edelgard here, perhaps he could feel more excited at the prospect of this grand mock battle. While he wanted a convincing victory for his students, the professor still felt reluctant at raising his hand to the other classes. Even if it wasn't the real deal, the thought of striking down Dimitri or Claude made him feel… uncomfortable. It all left such a bad taste in his mouth. Not only were they allowing the fellow houses to fight one another, the church was openly encouraging it. It felt… wrong. No part of him particularly wanted to take part in it, but the academy seemed to hold the event in such high regard. All of Garreg Mach seemed excited for it. He didn't want to let them down.
So, Byleth would bite his tongue and do this for his students. If a victory here would make them happy, then he would endeavor to make it happen.
And for Edelgard, there wasn't much that Byleth wouldn't do for her.
That realization was frightening. It was new to him. He had never had a cause to fight for before. In the past, he simply raised his sword because he was told to. Byleth killed because that was what was expected of him. It was something he never gave much thought to.
That felt different now. Of course, as the professor, there are many things that are expected of him; this battle being only one of them.
But, with Edelgard… She never really asked anything of him. In most cases, she deferred to his judgement and allowed him to make his own decisions. It was… nice. This sword, his Crest, his job as a mercenary and then a teacher, they were all handed to him. Forced into his hands by another, or by fate.
With her, however, it was beginning to feel as if he was being given the opportunity to carve his own destiny.
It was that realization that was truly terrifying, yet at the same time, freeing.
"Professor?"
Byleth blinked, turning his head to the frowning Hubert.
"Was there anything else?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, that will be all." Byleth shook his head, running a hand over his face. "See you two tomorrow."
Hubert dipped his head and left. Always one for quick exits.
Lysithea nodded and left as well, giving her professor a slight, friendly grin. She was always appreciative when he brought her in.
With the two gone, Byleth leaned against the table, letting out a small, albeit dejected sigh.
The mercenary didn't know if he liked how eagerly his thought process seemed to jump to her. Edelgard was almost like a magnet; his mind always seemed to gravitate towards her nowadays. He had never been… attracted towards someone before. His body didn't know how to respond; it was uncharted territory. That wasn't to say he didn't have certain urges and desires that every other hotblooded male his age would have, but Byleth never went out of his way to fulfill them. He would always brush it off, rationalizing that any romantic pursuit would simply be a detriment to his line of work or his own training. He saw how the other mercenaries would get emotionally attached to another. They'd lose focus. They'd lose sight of themselves and the bigger picture. Weakness, Byleth thought. When he was sixteen, he vowed to never fall into that same pit.
How things have changed.
Byleth glanced at the empty space beside him and he felt… lonely.
Perhaps he should go spar with Felix. Or cook with Bernadetta. Sing with Dorothea.
Anything to take his mind off the gaping hole beside him.
Edelgard loved to look up at the night sky. The millions of tiny little lights that persisted in the black nothingness that surrounded them helped her gain perspective. In a way, they reminded her of herself. They continued to shine their light, not letting the darkness smother them.
When she was locked away underground, she would often find herself looking to the sky, hoping, begging to one day see those lights once more. She could only see the shadowy ceiling of the room she was trapped in, but she still liked to picture those bright lights in its surface. On a few occasions, she felt like she could actually see them. It was probably just her hallucinating, but it was one of the few things that gave her strength during those times.
As she tilted her head up to gaze at those brilliant stars, Edelgard found herself requesting the same strength she needed years ago.
The night's air was blisteringly cold. The actual temperature couldn't have been that low, but as she stood alone at the edge of the terrace, looking up at the night sky, she couldn't resist the shivering that racked her frame.
In this moment, Edelgard was glad she was alone. It was on this night that the weakness, doubt, and self-loathing that she wallowed in had reared its ugly head to grip her heart once more. Never would she allow herself to appear so weak in front of another, but seeing as how the only witness to her moment of frailty was the night sky itself, she didn't mind. As pathetic as it sounded, her and the night had a closer relationship than she did with many of her peers. For years, it felt as if the only one that knew her true self were the stars themselves.
And for a while, Edelgard kept it that way. Maybe it was out of fear of rejection, or maybe it was simply because she trusted no one else. For many years, these stars were the only thing Edelgard could reveal herself to.
Then… a nameless man she had never met before came along and risked his own life for hers. The act of sacrificing something so precious for her sake… At the time, she could hardly believe her eyes. She could hardly believe that someone might possibly shield her. That someone might possibly protect her. For a week, that distrust persisted. She was assured that Byleth simply had ulterior motives to saving her. That was why he risked his own life to protect hers- he had to have had something to gain from it. To Edelgard, that was the only thing that made sense.
Then, once again, he chose her. When Byleth came to them and announced he would be their new professor, it felt like some veil had been lifted. This world was covered in darkness, from its surface to its depths. Many were naïve and didn't accept this as readily as she did, but Edelgard knew better.
But, when Byleth chose to become their teacher, the world suddenly seemed a few shades brighter. There was still darkness. Droves of it. Sometimes it felt as if that abyss might swallow her whole.
Years ago, it did.
But now, now it felt as if there might just be one, solitary hand reaching out for her to latch on to.
Never had she gripped to something as fiercely as she did that hand.
Edelgard closed her eyes, allowing herself to rest against the terrace's railing.
"If only things could be different…" She mumbled to the audience of stars. The words sounded foreign coming from her mouth. She had disposed of hope long ago, yet here it was. That fire still burned.
"If what could be different?"
Edelgard's eyes snapped open, her hand reaching towards the dagger at her side.
But, before she could turn to face the source of the voice, a small weight fell on her shoulders. Immediately she could feel its warmth.
It was Byleth's jacket.
"You'll catch a cold standing out here."
The man himself suddenly materialized beside her. The light from the moon illuminated his blank face. Yet even with such dim lighting, she could see subtle smile that tugged at his lips.
"Must you always sneak up on me like that?" Edelgard stifled a shaky sigh. Her hands moved to remove the jacket he had placed over her shoulders but froze.
She reasoned she could allow herself this one, small pleasure.
"Sorry."
His amused face betrayed the halfhearted apology.
"What are you even doing here at this hour?" Edelgard asked after composing herself somewhat. "I thought you would be asleep by now."
"Couldn't sleep." Byleth shrugged. "Then I remembered what you said about feeling cooped up when sleep evades you and thought I might be able to find you."
"You were looking for me?"
"Yes." Byleth nodded, not embarrassed in the least. "I was feeling restless."
That made her feel…surprisingly happy. Granted, that last part was slightly concerning, but she tried to ignore it.
"I am happy you can speak your mind around me, but I'm afraid your bluntness will never cease to confound me," Edelgard remarked, turning her head to avoid his gaze.
"Sorry."
Byleth turned his head up to the moon. The great, white sphere reflected off the whites of his eyes.
"You still haven't answered my question, by the way," Byleth spoke, his voice quiet.
"Your question?" Edelgard blinked, realization slowly dawning on her. "Oh, that. Well, perhaps if you didn't startle me, I would have answered you sooner."
Byleth glanced at her. His small grin turned into a devilish smirk.
"I'll try and refrain in the future."
Edelgard had originally attributed his ability to catch her unaware to being at the right place at the right time, but now she wasn't so sure. She wouldn't put it pass the surprisingly mischievous professor to be doing this all on purpose.
"And to answer your question, I was simply referring to our return to routine," Edelgard answered hotly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "There's always so much to be done, yet I continue to run into the same pitfalls and problems. It can grow tiring."
It wasn't a lie, but it was a slight bend of the truth. She just didn't reveal the extent of her troubles.
"The world keeps on turning." Byleth nodded to himself.
"Makes one wish they could simply spend the day doing nothing but gorging themselves on sweets."
Byleth raised an eyebrow, his bemused look returning.
"That doesn't sound like you."
"Even I have moments of self-indulgence, you know." Edelgard scowled. Her eyes were drawn to the jacket adorning her shoulders. A testament to that fact.
Byleth hummed, his head bobbing up and down a few times as he considered her words.
"Let's do that, then. We can spend a day devouring sweets after we return from Gronder."
"Do you mean it?" Edelgard's eyes widened. She quickly reeled herself back in, the thought of spending a day with Byleth eating cakes and other fine things causing her to smile. "Just the thought makes me happy."
Edelgard sighed deeply and the smile vanished. Again, things were never that simple.
"But… Hubert would never allow it. And I fear my responsibilities as an heir and as house leader eat up too much of my time."
She didn't reveal the truth of the matter, though. With Monica still shadowing her every step, she was hesitant to agree to Byleth's proposition. Her uncle was already wary enough as it was, she didn't need to go adding more fuel to the fire.
"I see…"
Byleth frowned, his head drooping slightly.
"That's too bad."
Seeing the rare, hurt puppy look on her professor's face came as a surprise. It left her feeling eager to reassure him, if only to get rid of that look.
"It may not be possible now, but one day we will know the joys of idling. Mark my words."
Byleth turned to face her, his expression returning to its normal impassiveness. An eyebrow was raised slightly.
Edelgard felt the increasingly familiar sensation of heat welling in her cheeks. She had not intended to sound so… serious speaking about such a jovial topic. It was about sweets, for heaven's sake!
The growing smirk on Byleth's face only caused the heat to intensify.
"Is it so amusing to you, me daydreaming of free time?" Edelgard grumbled, crossing her arms and turning away.
"You misunderstand me." So he said, but the smirk persisted.
"Huh!" Edelgard scoffed as she spared him a single glance. "Your silly grin says otherwise!"
"No, I'm serious."
This time, his grin really did fade.
"The thought of lazing around with you and your determination to see it through makes me…"
Byleth uncharacteristically faltered. It was unlike him to hesitate when speaking.
"Happy."
Edelgard went rigid, her eyes widening. Her heartbeat quickened. Byleth's words had more of an effect on her than she cared to admit.
Warmth blossomed in her chest. It wasn't the familiar warmth of love or longing she so often felt when she was around Byleth, but the return of the unfamiliar heat of… hope.
She lowered her head, her eyes trained on the ground below.
The air was still cold, but Byleth's jacked staved it off.
The night was dark. The darkness still felt like it clung to her.
But even so, she could still clearly see the image of a hand reaching out to her. Brighter than anything. It repelled the encroaching abyss.
"Edelgard?"
When she lifted her head, she saw the form of Byleth standing over her. His eyes worriedly searched hers.
"Did I say something wrong?" He asked, genuinely concerned.
Edelgard closed her eyes and smiled, hugging the jacket a little tighter to herself.
"Not in the least, Byleth. In fact, I want to thank you," she said, her voice gentle. "This might sound a bit… sentimental, but I've been wanting to thank you for a while now."
"Thank me?" Byleth's brow furrowed, his head tilting to the side. "What for?"
"Because of you, I feel I can walk my fated path without losing myself. If I were alone, I might have lost perspective and become a harsh ruler with a heart of ice."
Edelgard still had her doubts that she wasn't just that, but with Byleth by her side, she wanted to distance herself from those titles as far as it was allowed.
"But I'm not alone," she continued. "With you by my side, I'm somehow free to not only be a leader, but…"
"Yourself?" Byleth finished for her.
"Yes." She nodded. She was free to simply be Edelgard.
Byleth smiled. It wasn't one of the small, restrained ones she was accustomed to seeing. It was one of the ones that stretched across his face. A gift to see.
"I'm glad."
It was only two, simple words, but Edelgard could feel the extent of the sincerity that laid behind them.
It was enough to spur her onward.
"Until I met you, no one has been able to surpass me- much less command me. I have always been seen as an untouchable princess or emperor. No one spoke to me as an equal or met my gaze without flinching."
She thought back to her days before Byleth had been assigned to her class. How lonesome those days were. Others feared her, while her classmates tread lightly around her. Meanwhile, her old professor was hardly a worthy instructor. Just as the others, he had treated her with kid gloves, afraid that if he made one small error or overstepped his bounds, he might be crushed underneath her heel. Every relationship she had prior to Byleth had felt fake- forced. She couldn't discern if the people around her simply felt compelled to be there, or if they simply wanted to align themselves to someone of power.
"It was lonely. Terribly lonely…" Edelgard's lips continued to move, mirroring her thoughts. "The only person I could rely on as I tried to claw my way out of the darkness was myself. But you... you have been a brilliant light. Somehow, you have chased the darkness away. And for that... I will always be grateful."
To finally give a voice to her internal thoughts regarding Byleth's impact on her life was… relieving. It felt as a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Edelgard was anxious to hear how he might respond- incredibly so, but it still was a great relief to get it out in the open.
Byleth simply stared intensely at her. The muscles in his face hadn't moved an inch, but the cloudy look in his eyes was a storm of emotions. She could see his pupils jump back and forth as he scrutinized her.
"I… I don't know what to say," he finally admitted.
"You don't need to say anything, Byleth." Edelgard shook her head. "I just wanted you to hear it."
Truthfully, some kind of response would have been appreciated, but Edelgard would happily settle for this.
To her surprise, Byleth took a step forward. She watched his hand reach out for hers, only to stop and hang in midair.
It fell back to his side.
Her professor swallowed, looking surer of himself.
"Edelgard, I promise you that I will continue to chase away that darkness," Byleth spoke, his voice firm. "Because, to me, you are-"
Byleth stopped himself before he could finish.
The teacher closed his eyes, his teeth chewing on his bottom lip as he tried to formulate a response.
"I… feel the same towards you."
"You, you do?" Edelgard perked up. That had been unexpected. Byleth wasn't exactly the most talkative when it came to his feelings.
"Yes."
Byleth opened his eyes. The blue orbs met hers, unwavering as they held them. As if some wave had washed over him, his resolve had returned.
"Before I met you, everything in my life had been decided for me."
He tapped the sword at his side.
"This sword, my Crest, even this job, they were all things that I had no choice over."
Byleth's eyes adorned a far-off look as he stared past her.
"Stepping in front of that axe was the first decision I had ever made for myself. Choosing your class was the second."
He grinned slightly as he returned to reality.
"So far, I'm two-for-two."
Edelgard returned the smile, but remained silent as to allow him to continue.
Her ears hung off of every word, eagerly awaiting the next.
"Before I met you, I was aimless," he went on, going somber once more. "It was such a… lonesome existence."
Byleth lowered his head.
Edelgard looked down, noticing his fingers gingerly taking the sleeve of his jacket.
"But now, I feel happy. Content. I feel as though I actually have control over my own fate, and it's all thanks to you. You have given me purpose, and for that, I will always be grateful."
His eyes met hers.
"Just as you say I have done for you; you are my brightest light. Thank you, Edelgard."
Edelgard opened her mouth to speak, but closed it just as quick. She licked her dry lips, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat.
She had never been anyone's "light" before; she didn't know how to interpret that. Of course, there was Hubert, but Edelgard highly doubted he would use such gushy terminology like that.
It felt as though all Edelgard aspired to be would cause grief and sorrow. To hear that by just being herself she was able to give her professor strength left her with… an incredible bundle of warm feelings. Joy, gratitude… love. It was almost cruel that of all the things she had told Byleth, this was the only one she couldn't voice.
What I wouldn't give to just feel your hand in mine…
"Edelgard…"
She was drawn back out of her thoughts by the sheer uncertainty in Byleth's voice.
He had somehow moved closer without her knowing. Only a few inches now separated the two. At this range, she could slightly smell the fragrance of soap coming from his somewhat damp hair. She could feel his quickened breaths tickling her skin. She could feel the slight heat that emanated from his body.
Byleth was looking down at her. His eyes didn't move.
"Edelgard, I-"
Byleth immediately stopped himself. His mouth snapped shut, his hand shooting up to cover his lips as if he didn't trust his brain to do the job for him.
"Byleth? Is something wrong?" Edelgard's brows raised. That was a… curious response.
He shook his head a few times, hurriedly taking a few steps back.
"N-no, nothing," Byleth mumbled, his hand moving across his face, pushing his bangs back. "I simply forgot that I… Need to take a bath."
Edelgard's gaze drifted to his damp hair.
"Have you not already done so?" Edelgard blinked a few times in confusion. She took a step forward.
He took a step back.
"As your professor, it is imperative that I go take another bath. A cold one. Good night, Edelgard. You can return my jacket tomorrow."
With those final, shaky words spoken, Byleth turned and fled the scene, leaving a confused, slightly concerned Edelgard standing alone on the terrace.
"That was… strange," Edelgard muttered to herself, watching as Byleth hurried away. She had hundreds of questions for his strange reaction, but seeing as how he had nearly sprinted away, she wouldn't get any answers on this night.
But perhaps it was time for her to try and get to sleep as well. Tomorrow would no doubt be another tiring day if Monica continued to shadow her as she had been.
Hugging Byleth's jacket slightly closer to her chest, she began her walk back to her dorm.
Thanks for reading everyone! Sorry that this chapter took a little longer to get out there. After the last update, I got pretty busy with the usual life stuff. Also totally spaced that my birthday was this week of all weeks. Kind of a funny coincidence given the timing of my last chapter! I'll also admit that the free time I did have, I spent mostly playing Code Vein. Fun game.
Anyhow, hope you all liked this one! It's a bit less linear than some of my other chapters, but that's just kind of the way it came together. I wanted to get some Hubert POV in, and in my last chapters it felt like Byleth had taken the focus, so I wanted to give Edelgard her own screentime. Plus, writing from her POV is just really fun. I alwaaaays love writing a chapter that highlights the characters more than anything else.
And this felt like a good a time as any to toss in Edelgard's B support. One of the pluses of writing a more animated Byleth is being able to have him respond in kind to scenes like these. It was rather interesting thinking up how Byleth himself might respond to Edelgard's reveal of how she sees Byleth. Considering how Crimson Flower is all about choices (aka Byleth choosing Edelgard and his humanity), it seemed rather fitting to start hinting towards those eventual decisions.
Next chapter, we'll be wrapping up Gronder Field! And then, it's on to Remire!
Before I go though, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up: if you see me posting a new story in the future, don't be alarmed. This hypothetical story will only be a oneshot, as there is a particular scene from Silver Snow that I've been dying to write, but couldn't possibly fit into the confines of this story. All of my focus will be on this fic... outside of the one, hypothetical oneshot.
See you all next time! As always, thank you all for your continued support!
