The student and her professor sat there together for nearly an hour. Neither one moved, and neither one spoke. Edelgard simply held his hand in hers, patiently waiting for him to speak. She knew the others would begin to worry if they didn't return soon, but she couldn't find the ability to care all that much. Worries regarding her classmates, her duty, or her ever grumpy aide were at the back of her mind- for now, at least. They would have to rejoin the real world soon, but for this moment in time, she was perfectly content waiting for Byleth to break from his stupor.

Occasionally his hand would twitch and squeeze hers. She couldn't tell if it was intentional, or if the muscles in his hand were simply spasming.

As time went on, the professor's breathing began to stabilize. He was now taking slower, longer breaths. His bangs covered his eyes, but she could tell they were closed now. If it was to calm himself, or to retreat further into his thoughts, she was not sure.

Eventually, as their time reached that hour mark, Byleth let out a hefty sigh. The exhale of breath, something usually so quiet, felt like an explosion to the girl who had been only listening to the sounds of nature and the rhythm of his breathing.

Edelgard perked her head up as Byleth lifted his own. His eyes were immediately drawn to their conjoined hands, as if he had seemingly forgotten about the contact the two were sharing.

Byleth's thumb slowly began to move, gently moving up and down her own as he had a small, distant smile on his face.

She was certain he'd detach himself from her, but her teacher made no moves to.

"Thank you for sitting with me, Edelgard."

His quiet voice shattered the tranquil silence the two had been sharing, but she didn't mind in the slightest.

"It is not necessary to thank me." Edelgard shook her head. "This is what friends do for each other, is it not?"

Byleth nodded ever so slightly, his eyes growing murky and his smile strained as he hung on her words.

"Friends…" he mumbled the word to himself.

Edelgard felt herself frown as worry ignited in her chest. His reaction to that was concerning. Byleth never hesitated to put that title to their relationship before, but now… Hearing her use that term seemed to give him pause.

Perhaps… Perhaps he no longer felt that way…

She swallowed the lump that had been growing in her throat before speaking.

"We… We are still friends, aren't we?"

"What?"

Byleth shot his head up.

"Of course we are. I just…" Byleth paused, his brow furrowing slightly. "'Friends' hardly seems an apt enough title to describe how I… how I feel."

Edelgard's eyes widened as her infallible professor stumbled over his final words.

She quickly composed herself, her frown morphing into a genuine smile.

Hearing him speak those words comforted her greatly- more than he could possibly realize.

The concern that maybe Byleth's opinion of her would change after their battle in Remire was great, and for a short time, it threatened to swallow her whole. And while he never gave her any reason to doubt him, she couldn't assuage those feelings. Time and time again, he assured and promised her he wouldn't go anywhere, but… As Hubert and her own logical mind reminded her time and time again, the feelings she held for her professor were bound to be unrequited. As much as her heart tried to convince her otherwise, there would always be a part of her that never truly believed he would stay with her.

It was such a painful battle. She was so very tired of that tug of war between her brain and her heart, but it wasn't something she could just stop at the drop of a hat. Even if Byleth suddenly professed his love for her, she was sure that little voice would continue its incessant whispering of 'how long could this last?'

But her hope wouldn't be snuffed out yet, at least.

"I agree. It doesn't encompass it."

As Edelgard squeezed his hand, Byleth returned her smile-

Only for it to falter a moment later.

"What is it?" She asked softly.

Byleth's lips drooped downwards, his eyes darkening.

"About earlier…"

Edelgard raised an eyebrow. Earlier?

Ah, right.

So much had happened since then, she nearly forgot the way Byleth had acted near the end of their battle with Solon and the Death Knight. It was curious, and somewhat worrisome, but she hadn't planned to broach the subject again unless the professor himself brought it up. How could she? She wasn't even entirely sure what had happened.

Byleth's grip around her hand tightened.

"Promise me you'll never put yourself in harm's way for my sake."

Again, the way he seemingly knew exactly what she had planned to do at that moment was almost frightening. It was as if he could somehow read her mind; she didn't know how to respond to that.

"If something were to happen to you…"

Byleth trailed off as his voice grew weak, the strong, bordering on impassive expression she had grown used to seeing on his face was nowhere to be found.

Edelgard was silent as she mulled over his words. While she found his concern for her safety to be rather, well, sweet, it wasn't something she could possibly agree to.

But there was truth to his words… She was next in line to be emperor of Adrestia. Dying now would throw the Empire in turmoil, as there were no other legitimate heirs to the throne. She could scarcely imagine the chaos that would be born were she to die… There was a very real possibility that her "uncle" would ascend the throne after her father, and such a thing could never happen.

And for the sake of her dreams, she could not afford to die yet.

"Besides…"

Byleth lowered his head, his eyes trained on the ground. It seemed his own mind was wandering down that line of thought.

"I am just a commoner, while you are royalty. In the grand scope of things, your life is much more valuable than-"

"Do not dare finish that sentence."

Byleth jerked his head up at the sudden harsh tone her voice acquired.

He looked at her questioningly.

"It's the truth," Byleth whispered, his brows knitting together. "You know it is."

"To hell with the truth." Edelgard frowned. "And I will promise you no such thing. If I believe you are in immediate danger, I will do all I can to protect you."

"…Protect me?"

Byleth blinked, his mouth slightly agape.

Her words blindsided him more than she would have thought. He acted as if that was the first time he heard another person tell him such a thing. And while she was sure Jeralt would hold the same sentiment, she truly wondered if maybe it was.

After a few seconds of silence, Byleth leaned forwards, his eyes searching hers.

"Why? Why sacrifice so much for me?"

It was moments like these that Edelgard wished Byleth acted with a little more subtlety in situations like this. He was skirting around dangerous territory now, and while she knew he meant no harm, it was difficult to answer his question truthfully.

"I could ask you the same question," Edelgard deflected. "If the situation was reversed, I am certain you would do the same, would you not? You already have once."

Byleth held her gaze for a few moments before breaking off, his eyes turning down to their joined hands.

There she went again; deflecting a question with another question. It felt like that's all she did nowadays, and she truly loathed that fact.

Why do I have to be this way…?

It was a question she pondered quite a lot, and though it was frequent, the answer was always the same.

Because she was afraid. Afraid of revealing her thoughts, her feelings, her schemes. Afraid that once she had revealed everything, Byleth might come to not like her anymore. It was a silly thought given all the things she had already told him, she knew that very well, but the mind often jumps to these conclusions.

Just when she was beginning to think that perhaps her deflection had upset Byleth, he raised his head.

And when he raised his head, Byleth was not angry like she was suspecting. No, nothing of the sort. There were no traces of annoyance or anger on his features. No negative emotions at all.

Instead, he offered her a small smile. It was small, yet full of so many different things. It was… warm and inviting. Friendly and loving. Kind and gentle. Things that most people might not get the chance to see from the man coined as the 'Ashen Demon.'

And those eyes that she always attributed to being piercing suddenly lost their edge. Those eyes that had seen so much of the darkness the world had to offer, suddenly looked a little less sharp and a little more bright. It made him seem… younger. Innocent, even.

He looked… normal. Not that he wasn't to begin with, but it was hard to view her professor as 'human' or 'ordinary.' The man that bore the Crest of Flames. The man that wielded the legendary Sword of the Creator. In such a short time, Byleth's list of impressive, if not impossible feats seemed to grow and grow. And as that list grew, the feeling that he was superhuman rather than a regular man grew as well. Considering his general disposition, it only added to the effect that he was anything but ordinary.

Yet, as she sat there, the leaves from the trees rustling in the wind, casting their shadows across Byleth's smiling face, she couldn't see him as anything but a normal, twenty-one-year-old man.

"I think… I would sacrifice all of myself for you, Edelgard," his reply was quiet; meek, even. Had she not been listening so intently, it was possible she might have missed it.

And it was in that single moment, with that single phrase, it all began to click. The jumbled mess of puzzle pieces that had become her heart suddenly fell perfectly into place.

Suddenly, the three words 'I' and 'love' and 'you' didn't seem so frightening.

As each little word fluttered through her mind, there was no anxiety in her chest. No butterflies in her stomach. No fear clouding her thoughts No voice in her head screaming that this was wrong. No longer did she feel silly or childish for thinking such a thing.

There was only the steady realization that these words were the truth; as true as the sun rising or the wind blowing. Just as her lungs needed oxygen, her heart needed him. His presence, his guidance, his voice, his touch.

Even if each day was just like this one, even if this road ended in agonizing pain, she was dead set on walking this path with him at her side. She would bear it all, if only to feel Byleth beside her for one more second.

As long as that was what he wished.

Edelgard squeezed his hand, biting her bottom lip to keep those words from spilling out. There was a time and place, and while the thought of telling him such a thing didn't seem to frighten her any longer, she couldn't do it now. Not in the face of such… death and despair.

"I don't want you to ever have to sacrifice anything for me," Edelgard whispered, her eyes drawn to their hands.

But… There was one thing she could do.

"Byleth…"

The professor perked his head up, tilting it slightly to the side as he waited for her to continue.

"Before we left for Remire Village, you asked me, when I was ready, to tell you what Hubert and I were hiding from you. Do you remember?"

Byleth nodded slowly.

Her hand tightened around his.

"I'm ready, Byleth."


Twenty minutes later, Byleth found himself walking through the remains of Remire Village, the prior conversation he had with Edelgard still heavy on his mind.

The town was gone, but Byleth had accepted that fact. It wasn't something he could change now… So, he had to move on. Move on and grow stronger. Grow stronger for his students. Grow stronger for his father. For those that lost their lives today.

For her.

Byleth would not let what happened to her today ever happen again; even if it had been reverted, once had been more than enough. Of all the things to take away from this day, the fact it was that was somewhat disturbing. How easy it was for his heart to take hold of his functions as it pulled his strings like some kind of puppeteer. It made him feel selfish, idiotic, and somewhat blind, but again, it was something he could not change even if he tried.

And he wouldn't. He wouldn't try.

Because Byleth would not let what happened to Elizabeth happen to her… He never wanted to be in that husband's position, nor did he ever want Edelgard to be either. In the end, he had prevented the timeline where Edelgard died here at Remire Village… but that sight of her dying in his arms still haunted him. Like a nasty cold, he couldn't seem to shake it. If this had such an effect on him, he could scarcely imagine what it would have been like to be in Matthew's shoes, faced with such a devastating reality he couldn't hope to change.

And, for as long as he walked this earth, he would never be the one to drive his sword through her chest. Never. No matter what happened, even if one day she lost her mind just as Elizabeth had, he would rather he let her kill him than to be the one that killed her.

Thump.

There was a strange noise that echoed in his ears, but he paid it no mind. His thoughts were too preoccupied with everything else to give it any thought.

He spotted his students clumped together a few dozen feet away. In their absence, it appeared that the Eagles had finished searching the area.

It was time to rejoin them.

Ferdinand was the first to notice him approach.

"Ah, Professor! There you are," his student greeted him as he normally would, but the professor was quick to notice the lack of enthusiasm that was usually present in Ferdinand's tone. The boy looked dead on his feet. "We were beginning to wonder where you ran off to."

Hubert's eyes narrowed as he noticed the empty space beside Byleth.

"Is Lady Edelgard not with you?"

Thump.

"No." Byleth shook his head, his gaze lingering on her aide. He resisted the urge to wince as his chest began to throb. "She wanted to do one last sweep of the perimeter before rejoining us."

Hubert slowly nodded, his eyes moving towards the general direction of the trees.

Byleth ignored his reaction, turning his head to the rest of his students.

"Anything to report?"

"Nothing that we didn't already know," Lysithea replied, her eyes moving up and down Byleth's form. "Is… everything alright?"

He glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. Had she heard the rest of the conversation with his father and that villager?

"I am fine." Byleth nodded. His gaze moved from Lysithea to the rest of their tired faces. "The same can't be said about you all, however."

"Hpmh." Felix crossed his arms. "I can still take more."

Byleth highly doubted that, but the swordsman was adept at hiding his weakness. Sure, it was possible his body might be able to sustain another hour or two, but not much more than that.

"There's no need. We'll wrap this up and head back to the monastery. You all need some rest."

He noted the relief that flashed across many of their faces. Linhardt and Bernadetta looked especially happy to hear that.

"Also…"

Byleth frowned, scratching his head. He had meant to do this earlier, but…

"I apologize for my earlier actions. It was unbecoming of me as your instructor."

He turned to Dorothea and bowed his head.

"You in particular, Dorothea. It wasn't right to snap at you like I did."

The songstress raised her brows, her lips tugging upwards slightly in an amused smirk.

"It's quite alright, Professor," Dorothea said, reaching out to give his arm a squeeze. "We all understand."

Dorothea's smile faltered as she continued. Byleth always marveled at how incredibly kind the singer was.

"Remire Village was important to you, wasn't it?"

"It was." Byleth replied, keeping himself neutral. "I… lived here for a time."

Some of them looked surprised to hear that, but for the most part, most of his students nodded in understanding.

"Damn," Caspar sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm sorry, Teach."

"As am I." Flayn gave him a comforting smile. "I- no, we are all sorry for your loss, Professor."

They were all rather kind, weren't they? Even the hardened Felix's features seemed to soften somewhat as he listened to the conversation unfold.

"If there's anything we could be doing, just tell the word, Professor."

Petra slightly fumbled the common phrase, but the sentiment was still there, so Byleth elected not to correct her. It was still sweet, regardless.

"You've all done more than enough." Byleth returned their grins with a small one of his own. "Let's head home."

"A fine idea." Ferdinand nodded readily. "Perhaps once we have rested, you could enthrall us with some stories of your childhood? They say talking about it can help the grieving process."

"I doubt the professor would want to talk about it so soon, Ferdie." Dorothea shot the noble a disapproving frown.

"That's quite alright." Byleth raised a hand to placate her. "I don't remember much from my time here, but there are a few things I could share."

Dorothea meant well, and while he wasn't much of a talker, Byleth found Ferdinand's suggestion to hold some merit.

"Check in with Professor Manuela first to make sure she doesn't need anything, but after that, wait for me at the entrance and we can leave."

"Are you not coming with us, Professor?" Linhardt yawned. It looked as if the boy was about to lay down on the ground and nap right there.

Thump.

Byleth coughed into a fist, the uncomfortable tightness in his chest returning. The dizziness was getting stronger.

"No." He shook his head. That feeling was becoming harder to ignore. "I have to speak with Captain Jeralt first."

The class all nodded in unison. Not a one seemed to notice.

As a group they left the professor, heading in the direction of Remire's front gate.

Byleth sighed and wiped a hand across his forehead. It was drenched in sweat.

"Are you feeling it too?" Sothis asked. "The dizziness… The… The…"

Sothis yawned as if to punctuate her point.

"The tiredness?"

Yes. I must have overexerted myself.

A logical conclusion. The feeling was vastly similar to the way he felt after the holy mausoleum, although this time it was more intense.

Then there was that sound…

"Perhaps…" Sothis hummed. "Though, I've felt this way before…"

The small girl drifted off as she withdrew into her own thoughts.

You have? Even that drumming sound?

"Yes, but I cannot- wait, drumming sound?" Sothis sounded confused. "What are you speaking of?"

Byleth frowned. Could only he feel it…? But they shared one body. If she also felt the dizzy spells and his fatigue, wouldn't it stand to reason she would also feel that blasted thumping?

He placed a hand to his chest. There was nothing right now. Nothing felt different there, yet he was sure…

Could it have been in his imagination?

"Byleth?"

The professor shook the thoughts from his head. Such a thing could wait until they returned to the monastery. Perhaps he should even check in with Professor Manuela. It was rare for him to fall ill, but maybe he caught something.

Sorry, just lost in my thoughts is all.

Byleth blinked as another thought occurred to him. Damn… He nearly forgot he had one more person to apologize to.

And… I'm sorry for getting angry with you earlier.

"As you should be!" Sothis huffed. "You realize it is uncouth to raise your voice to a lady, don't you?"

Byleth smirked and raised an eyebrow.

Lady?

Sothis gasped, only to growl a second later.

"W-what are you insinuating? Honestly, you have the tact of a boulder sometimes! No, worse than that! Boulders remain silent! You, on the other hand…"

Byleth chuckled. It was a great relief to hear Sothis being the same, old Sothis.

"Some apology that was," Sothis grumbled. He was sure that if it was possible, she'd be stomping her foot on the ground. "You do realize you owe me a favor now."

Oh? How do you figure?

Byleth replied as he began walking towards the front.

"This is the second time today that you have slighted me. I believe such an injustice calls for a gift in return."

…Interesting jumps in logic were being had, but Byleth couldn't exactly disagree with her.

Okay. What do you want?

Not that there was much he could give her considering her state, but humoring her request couldn't hurt.

Sothis hummed to herself, the sound vibrating in his ears.

"I'll have to give it some thought… Just know when the time comes, you must honor my request. Deal?"

Byleth resisted the urge to grin. Sothis always did manage to lift his spirits.

Though, he was curious what a figment of his mind might want as a favor…

Very well.

"Good." Sothis sounded awfully pleased with herself. "Then consider your apology accepted. Now then-"

Sothis yawned again.

"You better… hurry along. Wouldn't want to be… late, would we?" Sothis mumbled. He could nearly picture her stifling a yawn with one of her tiny hands. "I think I'll… take a nap…"

Thump.

Byleth winced, his fingers brushing against his chest.

Sothis was right; he wanted to be there when… when she returned. No. It was that he had to be there. To confirm it with his own two eyes.

Sleep well, Sothis.

The girl mumbled some incoherent response. It was always impressive how quickly she could drift off to sleep.

Steadying his nerves, Byleth quickened his pace through Remire Village.

Thump.


It didn't take long for Byleth to find his father. Jeralt was resting beneath one of the trees that were still standing, his back pressed up against the trunk. His eyes were closed, his mouth set in a firm line. He must have been thinking about something.

Byleth's eyes traveled to the right. A hundred feet away or so were the rest of his students, Manuela, and Shamir. They were huddled around the villagers the group had been able to save. They were all far away enough where they wouldn't be able to hear whatever he and Jeralt discussed, but close enough that they'd be able to be seen if someone were to look. Thankfully, the tree Jeralt was standing beside would provide adequate cover to block any scrying eyes.

As Byleth approached, he called out to him.

"Father."

Jeralt opened his eyes, his head immediately turning towards the source of the sound. As he saw his son, he smiled slightly, only for the expression to sour just as quick.

"Hey, son," Jeralt greeted him. It didn't sound as fatherly as it used to. "Get everything sorted out on your end?"

Byleth nodded.

"I… I did what I could."

"That's all anyone can ask for," the captain sighed, pushing himself from the tree. "Because of them, this place will never be the same, but… well, we saved everyone we could."

It was hard to be optimistic when they most likely only saved about a fifth of the citizens of Remire, but all things considered, it could have been a lot worse. Had they not shown up when they did, it was likely there would be no one left to tell today's tale.

"Were you able to get any other information out of the Death Knight and Solon before they vanished?" Jeralt asked.

"Only that today appeared to be some kind of test. What that means, I can't say." Byleth shrugged. "Though…"

He paused, wondering if he should share the other things he had learned today.

"What is it, kid?" Jeralt raised an eyebrow.

"The Death Knight seems to have some kind of fascination with me." Byleth frowned, his eyes turning to the dirt. "And Solon… He knows things about me that no one should."

Both of Jeralt's brows raised at that.

"Well…" Jeralt hesitated, a finger scratching his bearded chin. "I won't ask you to share if you don't want to; just be careful, alright? They clearly aren't picky about who they used as their 'test subjects.' I don't want anything happening to you."

Byleth smiled slightly, his head bobbing up and down as he nodded. It was days like these where he was truly grateful for his father's overprotective nature when it came to him.

"I promise," Byleth replied, his smile crumbling as he recalled the conversation the two had earlier. "You be careful, too."

Jeralt blinked in surprise, his lips slowly tugging upwards.

"I will, kid. I-"

"There you are."

Thump.

A new voice interrupted whatever conversation remained between the father and son. The last time he had heard that voice was back when Flayn had been kidnapped… But in reality, he had heard it much more often than that.

Jeralt's head jerked to the left. Byleth slowly raised his.

While his father appeared shocked to see the Flame Emperor standing there, watching the two, Byleth remained calm. This didn't come as a surprise to him.

As Byleth examined the armored form more closely, the first thing he noted was how small in stature the Emperor was.

Thump.

He… No, she, couldn't have been much taller than five and a half feet.

Thump.

The armor's color scheme was a familiar black and red. From the robes that covered her body to the plumes of feathers that adorned her shoulder pads.

Thump.

Byleth stifled a grunt. He resisted the urge to grasp his chest.

"That armor…" Jeralt's voice sounded far-off… Yet, he was standing right next to him. "So, you're the Flame Emperor."

The Emperor's eyes lingered on Byleth. He couldn't tell what emotions laid behind them with that mask of hers.

Then, they moved to his father.

"Yes," she confirmed so simply. "I believe you have met my subordinate, the Death Knight."

Byleth spotted those beady eyes occasionally dart to him as she spoke.

"Oh, we've met alright." Jeralt frowned, his hand slowly inching towards the sword at his side.

Thankfully, that was where the hand stayed. It must have been precautionary rather than an actual threat.

"But back to you. You're the one responsible for the destruction of this village."

Thump.

"Do not get the wrong idea." The Flame Emperor shook her head, her tone sharp as steel.

"What in blazes does that mean?" Jeralt was getting more and more agitated with each passing word.

"It is true that I am working with Solon. But that does not mean our objectives are the same."

Thump.

"Had I known they planned to do this, I would have stopped it. You have my word."

Thump.

"Your words are meaningless," Jeralt scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "Now, I'll have to insist that you accompany us back to the monastery."

"I cannot abide that," her reply was quick. "I am here as a courtesy; nothing more."

Thump.

"And you expect me to believe that? That you're showing your face now just to warn us?" Jeralt scoffed. "Some 'courtesy' that is. Why should we believe anything you say?"

"Because it is the truth," The Flame Emperor replied. "However, if you wish to join forces, I will hear your plea."

"What?!"

Her gaze was steady on his father.

"If left to their own devices, they will commit countless more violent acts like this one. Do you not wish to prevent that?"

The Emperor paused, her eyes drifting once again to Byleth.

Thump.

"Were we to work together, Solon would not be a threat."

He lowered his head, his brows joining together as he stared at the ground.

"You want us to work with you?" Jeralt asked incredulously. "Why in the hell would we do that?"

Thump.

"To prevent more atrocities like this one," her answer was swift. "That is what you want, is it not?

He lifted his gaze, meeting the Emperor's eyes. The Flame Emperor studied him closely, her eyes darting back and forth as she scrutinized every inch of his face.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

"Consider my offer," she said, turning back to Jeralt. "With the Blade Breaker and your son on our side, we could eradicate those who slither in the dark once and for all."

"Jeralt! Professor! Have you seen Lady Edelgard?!"

Both Byleth and Jeralt turned their heads towards the fast approaching Hubert… Hubert? Didn't he just ask the very same-

"What's wrong, kid?" Jeralt raised an eyebrow, his gaze gravitating back towards where the Flame Emperor stood.

Byleth's own eyes widened as he followed suit.

"Huh? Damn it!"

But she was already gone. Of course… He should have expected Hubert's interference. It was a simple, yet effective method of diverting their attention.

Hubert locked eyes with the professor. They narrowed slightly as he looked at him.

"I'll look elsewhere."

And then, just as quickly as he appeared, he left. Not much of a surprise, but Byleth assumed he'd at least be a little more subtle about it. There was no doubt in his mind now that it was another one of his ploys.

"He's gone…" Jeralt sighed, frowning at the place the Flame Emperor once stood.

And with her disappearance, the drumming sound ceased as well. The dizziness and general fatigue were still present, but… The vibrations stopped. They… They must not have been connected after all.

Byleth grimaced as he rubbed his chest. It still ached.

"Just what the hell was that about? Did he honestly think we would-"

Jeralt froze, his brows raising as he looked at his son.

"Byleth? Are you okay?"

"Huh?" Byleth blinked rapidly, his tongue running across his bone-dry lips. "I-I'm just tired, is all."

His father didn't look convinced.

"You need sleep." Jeralt frowned. "And you should probably check in with Manuela, as well."

"I will," Byleth lied. There were… other matters that took precedence. But he would. Eventually. "But more importantly, what do we do now? Should we search the area for the Flame Emperor?"

It was a weak suggestion, but Byleth felt that it was one he had to make for appearances' sake.

"I hardly see the point." Jeralt scowled, shaking his head. "If he was able to vanish like that in the blink of an eye, I doubt he's staying around long. Besides, it's not like we have the energy nor the manpower for a full-on manhunt."

Byleth nodded, hoping his expression didn't give away too much. He didn't enjoy lying to his father like this, but… It was necessary for the time being. Once things were sorted out, maybe…

"What now, then?"

"What else can we do?" Jeralt shrugged. "Just gather the kids and we'll head back. We'll inform Rhea and Seteth of what happened and take it from there."

"Understood."

As the two made their walk back to the rest of the group, Byleth occasionally glanced at his father. Jeralt still looked slightly angry, but even more confused by what had just transpired. His eyes were narrowed and lost in thought. The hand he had placed atop the hilt of his sword had yet to move. His pupils would dart around, as if he still expected the Flame Emperor to pop out.

The Flame Emperor's offer must have caught him off guard; a rare occurrence.

Byleth turned his eyes back to the path in front of him, a hand idly brushing against his throbbing chest.


The trek back to the monastery had been a slow one; it had taken nearly the rest of the day to return, as the sun was already beginning to make its slow descent under the horizon. They still had the horses they had borrowed to ride to Remire, but with the herd of survivors they now shepherded, the steeds had been given to the injured villagers instead. And with the slower pace they had set to keep the group close together, it was nearly nightfall by the time they returned.

Once they reached the front gates, the group split up. Shamir and Manuela took the villagers that remained to the infirmary to seek treatment for any wounds they might have sustained, while Byleth had dismissed the rest of the Eagles to go and get some sleep.

All that remained of their ragtag, hurriedly put together group was Jeralt, Byleth, and Edelgard. Hubert put up some resistance once Edelgard had told him to retire for the evening, but at her insistence, he hadn't stuck around long.

"I'll take care of Rhea and Seteth, so why don't you two go get some shut-eye?" Jeralt told the two, his hand resting on his hip.

Byleth nodded, but didn't say a word. His eyes were drawn to the sole villager lagging behind the rest of the group.

"We could all certainly use some rest after today," Edelgard sighed. She looked to Byleth. "What do you say, Professor?"

Byleth hadn't heard her.

That villager… He was still crying. He was still crying for the loss of… the loss of his wife. He was still crying as he limped after the others. He was… He was all alone. No one else had noticed him, and he hadn't seemed to notice either.

"My teacher? Did you-" Edelgard tilted her head to the side, her gaze landing on the man Byleth was staring so intently at.

She closed her mouth, her eyes darkening.

When Byleth felt a hand brush against his own, he finally tore his eyes away from the broken man.

He looked down at the smaller woman next to him. Edelgard was leering up at him, her expression a flurry of emotion. She was doing her best to give him a comforting smile, but her eyes betrayed it. They were filled with her own brand of grief.

Byleth gripped her hand, but his hold was much lighter than it had been before back at Remire Village. This time he only held four of her fingers loosely in his palm.

Jeralt watched the two curiously, an eyebrow raised as he looked down at their conjoined hands.

Upon noticing the captain's gaze, Edelgard immediately let go of Byleth's hand as if it had burned her.

"Ah, my apologies." Edelgard shook her head, her cheeks a slight shade of pink.

"No, no, don't apologize." Jeralt grinned. "In fact, I should be thanking you."

Edelgard blinked, surprised by his comment.

Byleth turned his head to his father. That had caught his attention.

"Thanking me?"

"For looking after my boy," Jeralt explained, his grin growing. "He's changed a hell of a lot since we've come here, and that's in no small part due to you."

"Me?" Edelgard's eyes widened, her gaze shifting to her professor.

Byleth sighed, looking away. He knew where this was going.

"Yeah, you. Before the monastery, I've never seen my son bear emotions like he has recently, let alone allow someone to touch him like that. Not once."

Byleth closed his eyes, a frown setting on his face. While he didn't exactly approve of his father divulging such information in front of her like that, he couldn't exactly disagree. His life before the monastery was terribly lonely; miserable, even. It hadn't seemed so at the time, but after all the time he's spent here, well… It was like night and day.

"I originally thought returning to the monastery was a mistake, but…" Jeralt paused, his head angling towards his son. "I'm beginning to think it was a good thing."

"Yes, I agree." Byleth nodded, his eyes lingering on Edelgard. She didn't look quite so embarrassed by his father's sudden praise anymore; instead, she seemed rather enraptured in where their conversation had gone. Unsurprising. Byleth hadn't yet shared nearly as much about his own life with Edelgard as she did with him. She was probably curious to see where this was going.

"You've gotten to experience so many things you were deprived of as a kid. I always felt guilty about that," Jeralt said, placing his hand on Byleth's shoulder. His smile grew wistful.

Byleth didn't know he felt that way…

"But now look at you! You've got a respectable job, you've found friends who accept you, and you've even fallen in love for the first time. I can hardly believe it."

Byleth's eyes widened as his father trailed off. Did he really...?

He spared Edelgard a glance, only to find her already staring at him with those wide, purple eyes of hers.

Jeralt, the father that he was, ignored their little exchange. Byleth idly wondered if that little slip was on purpose or not.

Byleth coughed into his hand, turning his head away.

Jeralt then sighed, closing his eyes as he lowered his head.

"It makes me wonder if there was never any reason for us to leave the monastery in the first place…"

Both of their heads perked up at that, the previous reveal already forgotten at the drop of this new information.

"What?" Byleth murmured, his eyebrows raising. "I thought I was born after you left…?"

"Hm?" Jeralt hummed, glancing at the two. As he saw the surprised expressions on their faces, his own eyes widened. "Ah… I've put my foot in my mouth, haven't I?"

Jeralt ran a hand across his face, mumbling some curse under his breath.

"Look, don't worry about that now. Just focus on getting some rest, okay? Come by my office when you have the time, and we can discuss it then," Jeralt said, his gaze jumping to Edelgard. "And, er, Princess, if you could keep that little bit of information to yourself…"

"O-of course," Edelgard hurriedly assured him. "I only apologize that I was around to hear it; I feel as though I'm intruding."

"Eh, don't worry too much about it." Jeralt waved her off. "I'm sure my boy would have told you about it one way or another."

Well… There was some truth to that. He probably would have discussed it with her eventually.

"Anyways, I better get moving before I let anything else spill," Jeralt sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Get some sleep, and make sure you see Manuela later, Byleth."

"Understood." He nodded. It took a substantial amount of his willpower not to inform him that he just let another thing slip.

"Take care, you two."

Jeralt gave the two a wave, then turned and left. Not a moment too soon, might he add.

Byleth shook his head as he watched his father leave. Perhaps his age was finally catching up with him, as Jeralt never seemed to be so loose lipped before the two had come to the monastery. He could only imagine some of the fallout his accidental statements might cause.

"Well…" Edelgard mumbled, her eyes darting back and forth between Byleth and his retreating father. "That was rather informative."

"You could say that."

"What's this about visiting the infirmary?" Edelgard asked, shooting Byleth a worried glance. Of all the things she could have asked him about, he supposed he should be thankful that was the one she chose.

"Nothing."

Her worried look quickly changed into a disapproving stare.

"I've just had some dizzy spells, is all." He shrugged.

Not a complete lie, but not exactly the truth, either.

"That is concerning." Edelgard frowned. "Perhaps we ought to put our discussion on hold so you can rest."

"No. I'll be fine," Byleth reassured her, this time a bit gentler. "Besides…"

Byleth hesitated, his thoughts returning to the talk they had before.

"I want to continue our conversation. There is much to discuss."

"That there is." Edelgard nodded. "Very well; let's head to my room, then. It's more… secluded, there. We can speak without worry."

Byleth nodded, leading the charge as the two made their way back to her quarters. They had quite a distance to traverse, seeing as how they were only at the entrance to the monastery, where all the stalls and vendors were located. They'd have to walk through most of the place to finally reach the area where the dorms were at.

The two made their way up the grand set of the stairs that lead to the front gate of the monastery.

"Greetings, Professor!" The gatekeeper, a man Byleth often passed by in his comings and goings, shouted to him as he approached. "Nothing to report!"

Despite the mood between he and Edelgard, Byleth allowed himself a small smile at the gatekeeper's usual chipper attitude.

"Carry on, then," Byleth said to the man as he walked by, giving the guard a single pat on the shoulder.

The gatekeeper beamed at him as he strode past.

Edelgard spared the guard a single look before returning her gaze to Byleth.

"It is best we hurry."

Byleth nodded again, picking up his pace.

"Do you mind telling me why?" He asked as they climbed another set of stairs.

Edelgard glanced at him out of the corner of her eye before taking a cursory look around.

"Monica, of course," the princess replied, her voice low.

"Right," Byleth mumbled under his breath. "I had nearly forgotten about her…"

"It won't be that way for long, I'm afraid," Edelgard groused, her nostrils flaring slightly as her anger rose. "She'll make sure of it."

The two walked through another gigantic doorway. They were now in one of the monastery's numerous courtyards, this particular one housing the gazebo he often drank tea with his students at.

"I take it she's one of your… friends?"

Edelgard narrowed her eyes at the term.

"She's… in that circle, yes," Edelgard admitted. "Though Hubert and I would never put such a name to her; or any of them, for that matter."

Byleth quirked an eyebrow as they walked. Her hatred for that group that housed Solon and the Death Knight surprised him slightly. He was now fully aware that Edelgard had some kind of shaky alliance with them, but it seemed that was as deep as their relationship ran. If what she told them was true, it appeared that Edelgard wanted them gone just as much as he.

That fact… was relieving.

"Is it a large group?" Byleth couldn't help but ask. "Your circle of friends, I mean."

The two were in the main hall, now.

"Larger than we'd like." Edelgard frowned, her feet slowing to a stop.

Byleth stopped as well, turning to face her.

Edelgard had turned her head to the ground, her eyes clouded with anger and regret.

"What's wrong?" Byleth spoke softly.

"It's… It's nothing," Edelgard sighed, shaking her head. "We should continue onward."

Byleth nodded, setting out to do as she advised, only to stop when he realized Edelgard had yet to move from her spot.

"Edelgard?"

Clearly something was eating at her still.

Edelgard met his eyes, then took a single look around before taking a step closer.

"I know I just said we need to hurry, but…"

"What is it?" He asked. "We've got time."

Well, he wasn't entirely sure if that was true. While he did want to discuss these matters sooner rather than later, if something was bothering her, he wanted to hear it.

"I only wanted to tell you that you did admirable work back there at Remire Village," Edelgard said, her façade flickering with trepidation. "I realize that might not be something you want to hear right now, but I feel as though someone should tell you that."

"Ah."

Byleth turned his sights to the ground. She was right. All things considered, he didn't really want to hear that; but he appreciated the sentiment at least.

"I really believe that we did all we could to… stop them."

"I wish that were true." Byleth shook his head. "If I had, Solon and the Death Knight would be dead right now."

"No mortal is all-powerful. You are only one man, Byleth. We all share that burden."

Byleth looked up at her.

"Do you truly believe that?"

"I do." Edelgard nodded, her brow furrowing. "If… If I had been stronger, such a thing would have never happened in the first place… And for that, I truly apologize."

Byleth blinked, his eyes widening somewhat.

"There's no need for it."

"Of course there is." Edelgard looked appalled by his easy dismissal. "It is because of me and my… circle of friends that such a thing happened in the first place."

"View it like that if you wish, but that is not what I believe."

"How could you believe anything else?"

"Simple." Byleth shrugged. "As you said seconds ago, we all share that burden. If I had been stronger, I could have prevented it as well. The blame does not lie solely on your shoulders."

Edelgard frowned as if she truly didn't believe what he was saying, but he really did feel that way. If he had been stronger, or if he had a better grasp on Sothis's powers, perhaps there was a way he could have stopped the entire thing before it had even happened. And while he wouldn't deny her influence in what had happened at Remire Village, to say that it was entirely her fault wouldn't be the truth; despite what she might claim.

He had seen the effort she put into saving those villagers. She, and even Hubert, had worked just as hard as he did to undo what had been done. If they were truly at fault for this, such a thing wouldn't have been necessary. They could have put forth the minimal amount of effort required and left it at that.

Of course, he couldn't deny the possibility that perhaps they were simply playing him, but he wouldn't believe that. His trust might have been blind, but he gave it to them all the same.

"And one day, I will grow stronger," Byleth continued, his expression hardening. "The next time Solon shows himself, I will avenge the fallen. For all of our sakes."

"Byleth…" Edelgard's voice trailed off as she looked at him, those purple orbs of hers scrutinizing his face. "If that is your wish, I will not stop you. Just know that you are not alone in this. Never will you be alone."

Byleth held her gaze. For a brief moment, as he stared into her eyes, he truly lamented the position they were in. How simpler things would be if they didn't have to worry about such possibilities… How different would their lives be if they didn't have this hanging over them? Instead of discussing these terrible things when they reached her room, would they have enjoyed a conversation over a cup of tea? Instead of preparing for another eventual conflict, could they have simply prepared for the end of the term?

Once this year was over, could they have simply been together in peace, rather than together in strife?

Pointless speculation; something he was prone to doing as of late. It was hard not to get lost in those endless, happier possibilities…

But, perhaps there would come a day when such things were possible.

Thump.

Byleth ignored the sound as he spoke.

"Thank you, Edel-"

"Edel! There you are!"

That didn't take long.

The frown that adorned their faces was near instantaneous as Monica seemingly appeared from the woodwork.

"I need to ask you something!" Monica smiled as she approached. Her eyes widened as they fell on Byleth, as if she had only now just noticed his presence. "Ah, Professor! I hope you don't mind if I steal her away for a bit?"

His teeth were grinding in his mouth, but Byleth tried to keep his displeasure at seeing Monica hidden away.

"No, not at all," Byleth replied, glancing at Edelgard. "I'm sure there is much to discuss after our absence."

Edelgard met his eyes and nodded.

"Then, if you'll excuse me, Professor," Edelgard said as she bowed. Back to formality.

"Thanks, Professor!" Monica gave him a cheerful wave as the two made a quick exit.

It was only brief, and Byleth honestly wondered if it was his own imagination and his perception of Monica altering his vision, but…

As the girls walked away, he could have sworn he saw Monica sneer.

Byleth's fists clenched at his sides.

Turning, he set off in the opposite direction the two had gone.


It was nearing midnight when Byleth finally made his way to Edelgard's room.

His hand rested on the doorknob, but that's where it had stopped. It didn't move, nor did it twist the metal to open the door. Edelgard was most likely waiting for him inside.

Byleth hesitated, running a hand across his heavy eyelids.

"Shouldn't this wait until after you have rested?" Sothis suggested. There was worry in her tone. "You have barely slept a wink these past few days; I'm sure the little one would understand."

Byleth looked up and down the hallway. There was no one around.

"I'm fine," Byleth sighed. Their concern for him was noted, and appreciated, but it wasn't necessary. There once was a week-long window where Byleth survived with only a few hours of sleep while he was on a stakeout, so this much was nothing. He wasn't a child; two days without sleeping wouldn't kill him.

Sothis didn't seem very pleased with his reply, if her groan was any indication.

"Look, I'll sleep once I'm done here. Okay?"

"Fine, fine. Well, go on. Let's get this over with."

Taking another cautionary look around, Byleth pushed open the door and stepped inside.

It had been awhile since he last set foot in this room… The last time had been when he-

Byleth's eyes landed on the stuffed bear that was resting on Edelgard's bed. It was placed squarely on her pillow, the front of the doll facing him.

The professor had to resist grinning as he remembered that day and the note he had left her. He only wished he had the opportunity to witness Edelgard's face as she read it.

As expected, Edelgard was wide awake. She was standing at her desk, her arms crossed as she examined some papers on its surface.

At the sound of his entrance, she lifted her head.

"Were you followed?" Was the first thing she asked.

"Yes." Byleth nodded, stepping into the room and gently closing the door behind him. "This time, by two people. I gave them the slip, however."

The second presence came as a surprise. Hubert, he was expecting. Hubert nearly always followed the professor, but Byleth hadn't seen the harm in it, so he continued to let him. In fact, Hubert's constant shadowing of his every move had its benefits.

Monica, however… That was new. He had never noticed her presence before, but today… She stuck out like a sore thumb. Maybe it was just because of Byleth's hyper awareness of the girl now, but he had hardly taken a step out of his room before he felt a shadow following him.

He wondered for how long she may have been following him. Could it have been since the beginning? If so, she was much more adept than he gave her credit for.

"Good."

Edelgard smiled slightly at that, only for her expression to sour a moment later.

"I take it Monica has joined Hubert in his… hobby?"

"Indeed. It was curious that neither seemed to notice the other."

Or… perhaps one of them had. Hubert's intelligence and awareness rivaled his own. It was almost scary how insightful that man could be. It wouldn't surprise Byleth in the slightest if Hubert had been aware of Monica's movements long before he had.

"You need to be careful," Edelgard cautioned. "Hubert, despite his demeanor, means no harm. Monica, however…"

Edelgard frowned dangerously, her fingers clutching the fabric of her clothes.

"I do not know what methods they'll use, but Hubert deduced that their aim was you, Byleth, and I have to agree with him."

Byleth raised an eyebrow. Hubert?

Hm. Interesting.

He reeled in his surprise at hearing that.

"Can't say I disagree," Byleth remarked. "Solon and the Death Knight seemed… curiously intrigued with me."

"As they should. You, my teacher, are their greatest enemy."

Byleth tilted his head to the side.

"Me?"

"Yes." Edelgard nodded. "You wield the Sword of the Creator. If anyone can instill fear in their lifeless hearts, it would be you. That is why we believe they chose Remire Village; they wish to soften you up and rattle you. I fear the day is approaching where my uncle will try and do away with you once and for all… He doesn't want me getting any ideas were we to join forces."

Uncle?

Edelgard's brow was set in determination. Before he could question her on that aspect, she was already speaking.

"But I promise you, I will allow no such thing."

'I will do all I can to protect you.'

Thump.

Byleth placed a hand to his chest, his fingers scratching at his clothing.

He pushed aside the feeling.

"The Sword of the Creator…"

The mercenary looked down to the weapon at his side. It laid dormant. The bone-colored sword was without its usual red glow.

If he was understanding it correctly, it was because of him and this sword that all of this was happening. Monica's emergence, Solon's treachery, the Death Knight's thirst for his blood… What else would happen simply because of his presence in Edelgard's life? Would Monica cease her constant interruptions to opt for something more vicious? Would Solon plan another attack? Would the Death Knight continue to hunt him down?

Byleth frowned as he recalled the day the sword had made its way to him.

"This sword almost seems more trouble than it's worth…" Byleth murmured as he stared at it. It was obviously very powerful, and he was quite thankful for its strength after days like this one, but… He couldn't help but wonder if things might have been different if he never found it.

Probably not. Terrible things would still happen; sword or not.

"Don't speak like that, Byleth."

Edelgard seemed to share that sentiment.

"With that sword… you have the power to change the world. You can create a Fódlan where days like today never have to happen again. Don't throw that power away now."

Byleth looked up at her. As she spoke, he was reminded of another crucial detail regarding that day in the holy mausoleum.

"Edelgard, now that you've shared this information with me, there's something I have to ask."

To be more honest, there was something he had to know.

His student raised an eyebrow in question.

Byleth detached the sword from his waist. The blade began to glow as he raised it.

"Back at the holy mausoleum… If it hadn't fallen into my hands, would it have fallen into yours?"

Edelgard tilted her head back, her brows knitting together as she thought.

"I had not expected the sword to be in Seiros's tomb, but… Most likely, yes. But who's to know if I could even wield it?"

Byleth glanced at the sword, then back to Edelgard.

He offered it to her.

I have to know.

"Then take it."

"What?!" Sothis exclaimed, unable to keep herself in check. "What in the world are you thinking?!"

Edelgard's eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"You just said this sword holds the power to change the world. That is what you want, is it not?"

Her pupils bounced from the offered sword back to her professor, her jaw hanging open.

"Of course it is…"

Edelgard's gaze was now steady on the Creator's sword.

"There was a time where I'd take you up on that offer, but-"

She pushed the sword away.

"I no longer require the Sword of the Creator to accomplish that." Edelgard shook her head. "I only require… you, Byleth."

Thump.

That had been the answer he had hoped to hear. Were he to stay true to his word and continue to stand with Edelgard, he had to know that she wanted him there and not just his blade.

…Though, he had not expected her to word it as she did.

Thump.

Byleth returned the Sword of the Creator to his side.

Maybe this was the decision that Sothis was alluding to. Maybe this was the choice he had to make. Joining Edelgard… that would require casting himself into the darkness as well. The darkness didn't frighten him, nor did the shadows give him pause. It was a place he had been before, and a place he knew well.

So his decision was quite simple.

Thump.

"Then you have me."

Thump.

The sounds were increasing with each passing second.

However, contrary to what he was expecting, Edelgard almost looked… disappointed to hear that.

"This isn't a decision you can make lightly. While I truly do want you by my side, I would prefer it if you took the time to consider your options."

An answer he didn't expect to hear.

"As I told you before, there is no place I'd rather be. The decision is simple; I'll do whatever is required of me."

Thump.

"Byleth…"

Edelgard lowered her head, worry etching onto her features.

"While I'm overjoyed that you place such trust in me, I…I want the choice to be your own. I don't want you looking back in a decade, full of regret over the things we've done."

Edelgard paused, her eyes closing. She was having difficulty continuing.

"And while I would do anything to have you walk beside me… I would feel less guilty if you took your time to make an informed decision."

Byleth frowned, tilting his head to the side. But that's what he was doing?

Though, he could understand Edelgard's point of view. From his understanding, Edelgard wanted to do away with Crests and the church's rule all together, moving towards a system that rewarded those with potential rather than those with special bloodlines. It was a monumental task, and one that would no doubt stir up droves of conflict, but a noble one.

If he were in her shoes, he would be struck with guilt if Edelgard joined him simply because it was he who was asking. Byleth would want her to at least share some of his vision. So, he could understand where she was coming from. It would be hypocritical if he didn't; that's why he asked about the Sword of the Creator in the first place, after all. He wanted to be assured that Edelgard didn't want his allegiance just because of the sword he carried. And while he truly didn't believe that was the case, it was something he had to make sure of.

So, if it made her feel more comfortable, he could wait a little while longer. It was pointless, as Byleth felt that he already had enough information on the subject due to his own studying and his own experiences with the matter, but if it made her feel better, he could wait.

"Very well," Byleth relented. "If that is what you wish, so be it. Just know my answer won't change."

Thump.

At that, Edelgard allowed herself a small smile.

"Thank you, Byleth."

She looked genuinely happy to hear that. Her eyes were glistening with hope…

Though, knowing her, Byleth wondered if she fully believed him.

"Well, then." Edelgard motioned to her empty desk chair. "Why don't you take a seat and I'll fill you in on everything else."

Byleth nodded. If that was what it took for his 'informed decision' to be made, he would sit and listen to it all.

Thump.


And there you have it! Sorry for the slightly longer wait this time. I was a busy boy since I last updated, had a buuunch of stuff to do.

As you can see, the story is beginning to change! Given the way I have written Byleth and Edelgard up until this point, it just didn't make sense to me to continue with dancing around Edelgard and her little schemes. And you know, truly, in a scenario where Byleth comes to her with his suspicions about what she and Hubert were up to, I don't think she'd continue hiding it. It just doesn't benefit her cause, and throughout this entire first half of Black Eagles, she goes to great lengths to assure Byleth that she isn't involved in the terrible things Arundel and his boys do. I felt the logical next step for her would to be honest with him, as that would be more beneficial at this point(although, as you can tell, that wasn't her sole motivation here...).

Plus, it doesn't take away from Byleth's decision later on- in fact, I think it's going to set up an interesting dynamic once we reach the big death in Chapter 9. The fact that I've made Byleth this clear with his feelings on the matter and his feelings towards Edelgard is very much on purpose, and I feel slightly cruel for saying that. I know he's pretty blunt with his intentions here, but... Well, there's a lot of things coming that our boy doesn't know yet!

With this change in direction, I didn't want to throw away ALL the scenes there... So, I retooled them to fit around this new direction I'm taking. Appearing as the Flame Emperor still makes sense to me, as 1. For Byleth, it confirms the conversation the two had that I hinted at in the very beginning, and 2. Jeralt was still there. I'm sure her the main point of her agenda in this scene (in the game) was to let Byleth know that the Flame Emp wasn't involved, so that when her identity was revealed, he might not have to wonder if it was her that was behind everything. But I think the same holds true to Jeralt, as well. She's rather fond of Jeralt at this point, and I don't think she'd want him thinking she committed these murders also.

That's something I'll continue doing. If I can find a use for scenes in game, I'll either fit em in there, or change them up slightly to fit the flow my story is taking. Like with the Flame Emperor, Monica's timely interruption, or Byleth's "dizzy spells."

Ah, and if you're wondering about the egregious amounts of 'Thumps' in this chapter, well... There is a very important point to that, but I don't want to give it away just yet. That one I'm excited for. Let me know what you think! I absolutely LOVE reading your guys' thoughts on these little, yet substantial things I toss in there. I get even greater joy when you get it right! That means I'm doing my job!

And, if you couldn't tell, their romance is moving right along. We're reaching some big moments coming up soon, lads. I can't believe I'm saying this, but we're actually going to get to the Ball scene in like, two or three chapters. I'm literally shaking, guys. Also, if you're worried that I'm only going to touch on Jeralt's little comment near the end, well, don't worry. We'll get to that soon.

Anyhow, thanks for reading everyone! As always, I greatly appreciate all the support and love you've given me so far!