"This really is not necessary, you know. I would have come on my own."

"That's what you said yesterday, Professor. And the day before that. And the day before-"

"I get it, I get it," Byleth sighed, grinding his palm into his eye. "At the very least, there's no reason for you to stay for this part."

Edelgard shot her teacher a disapproving glare.

"And allow you to weasel out once again? Forgive me, but I don't think so," Edelgard scoffed, wiping some imaginary dust from the hem of her pants. "Besides… Your father asked me to make sure you went."

"Of course he did."

Jeralt somehow managed to recruit Edelgard into this before he even sat down once with Byleth. The minute they returned from Remire Village, he was right back out the door with another assignment. Byleth didn't even have the chance to discuss his little slip up with him, let alone give him a proper farewell. How he found the time to enlist Edelgard in his little scheme was beyond him, but credit where credit was due, his methods were quite effective.

The door to the infirmary opened, and in walked one Manuela.

"So, what seems to be the problem today, Professor Byleth?"

The Deer's professor looked up from the clipboard she was reading from, her eyes darting from Byleth, who was sitting down on one of the cots, to Edelgard, who was standing beside him.

"Or, should I say, Byleth and Edelgard?" Manuela smirked, hugging the clipboard to her chest as she looked at the two with an amused expression on her face.

Byleth opened his mouth to speak, only for Edelgard to beat him to the punch.

"Good evening, Professor." Edelgard nodded politely, but that was as far as her gesture went before it was back to business. "My teacher requires a check-up posthaste."

Manuela sat down in the nearby chair, her amused look growing.

"Does he now?"

"That's correct."

Byleth avoided their eyes, turning his head to the stone flooring in a futile attempt to hide the growing heat in his cheeks. For some reason he felt slightly… embarrassed. He never really knew his mother, but he wondered if this is what it felt like for the child when their mother accompanied them to their doctor's visits.

"My, my. I'm a little jealous," Manuela chuckled. "You two remind me of an old married couple."

"What?!" Edelgard gasped, hiding her sudden blush behind the back of her hand. "I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, don't be such a prude." The healer waved her off. "I was complimenting you; it's sweet that you're worried for your professor."

Manuela's expression soured, her hands tightening around the clipboard she was carrying.

"If only Claude could be so thoughtful," she mumbled under her breath, followed by a few choice words that Byleth chose not to hear.

Things were… going wildly off track.

Byleth cleared his throat.

"Yes. I need a check-up."

Manuela blinked rapidly, as if she only now remembered that Byleth was still there in the room with them.

"Oh, right."

The professor leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs.

Byleth promptly turned his eyes to the ceiling. He could basically feel Edelgard's gaze scrutinizing his very being. He had never been one of those men that had… wandering eyes, but something told him if he were to start, he wouldn't live long enough to experience it.

"So, what seems to be the problem?" Manuela asked, completely oblivious to the position she had put Byleth in.

He opened his mouth to respond.

"He's been having dizzy spells."

Byleth turned to Edelgard, giving her a blank stare.

Having seen the look her professor was giving her, the princess coughed into her hand, pointedly turning her head away with a mumbled apology.

"Like she said," Byleth interjected, ignoring the bemused expression of Manuela. "I've been having dizzy spells. General fatigue. A slight fever at one point."

Byleth paused, making sure to give his companion another stern look.

"But they all went away after I rested for a few days. I'm fine now."

Manuela hummed to herself, absently rubbing her chin as she examined Byleth.

"Well, you were right to come see me." She nodded. "It's important to visit a doctor when you notice any changes with your body; no matter how minor."

Byleth raised an eyebrow at the change in her demeanor. She almost sounded… professional. It was strange hearing her speak like that.

"Anything else?" Manuela glanced up at him as she began to take notes on her paper.

The mercenary hesitated, biting the inside of his cheek as he turned his gaze to the floor.

Manuela raised an eyebrow at his response.

"Anything else, Professor?" She repeated.

Edelgard, having noticed Byleth's sudden change, decided to speak up.

"…I can leave if you want some privacy," she offered, motioning towards the door with her head.

Overbearing nature or not, Byleth really did prefer having her at his side, so the decision was simple.

"No, it's fine." Byleth shook his head. "I've been hearing… sounds."

Manuela tilted her head to the side, blinking a few times as she processed his response.

"Sounds?"

"Yeah. Like a… drumming sound. It's rhythmic… I don't know how to describe it."

Once again, Byleth shook his head.

"But, like the other symptoms, they went away after a day or so."

"Byleth…" Manuela smirked. "That sounds like you're describing your heartbeat. It is not unusual to hear your own heartbeat from time to time."

Byleth frowned, his eyebrows knitting together.

"I don't have a heartbeat, so that can't be it."

He said it as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Both of the women present just stared at him, their eyes wide. The room grew so quiet, Byleth could swear he heard a cricket chirping somewhere from within the monastery.

"Heheh, that's a good one, Professor," Manuela chuckled, pointing a finger at him as she rose to her feet. "With that mug of yours, I almost bought it."

"Now is not the time for jokes, Professor," Edelgard sighed.

But he was telling the truth…?

He had to bite back a sigh of his own after their reactions to his reveal. This wasn't the first time someone reacted this way to hearing that information. Byleth was experienced enough by now to let them realize it on their own instead of trying to convince them otherwise.

Manuela walked over to the cabinets behind her, opening one of the doors and pulling out a stethoscope.

"Alrighty, then," Manuela said, stopping in front of him with the medical instrument draped around her neck. "Take that shirt off and let's see what we're dealing with."

Edelgard shifted awkwardly, her brow furrowing as she looked back and forth between her professor and Manuela.

"Are you certain you wouldn't like me to leave the room, my teacher?"

Byleth pondered her question for a moment. While he personally didn't mind at this point, he wasn't sure if it would be seen as 'unprofessional' to allow his student to remain for this part…

But… Well, Edelgard was more than just another student.

"It's fine," Byleth replied, setting aside his pieces of armor and his jacket. "It's nothing you haven't seen before."

Edelgard averted her gaze as Byleth peeled off his shirt, her cheeks growing red once more. An interesting response, he thought. Curious, even. This was hardly the first time she had seen him bare-chested.

Byleth glanced down at his body. To say it was 'lightly used' would be an understatement. His skin was covered in various scars. Some of them slight, some of them long and somewhat gnarly. With just a single glance, he could count at least a dozen off the top of his head. Most of them were from his days as a mercenary, where he had felt the sting of numerous swords and the like, but a few of them were from his days as a teacher.

There was the scar on his shoulder that he received the day of Lonato's uprising. Edelgard had helped him tend to that.

And, of course, the wounds he received at the hands of the Death Knight. Edelgard had helped him with that, as well. He was beginning to see a pattern here.

Byleth froze as his eyes were drawn to the near foot-long mark that went down the center of his chest, his thoughts instantly returning to that day back at the campfire. Right after their battle with Miklan, where Edelgard had likened his surgical scar to the one she bore. He still didn't know the origin of that one, but something his father had said the other day made him believe that Jeralt might have a clue…

As Byleth examined his marred body, he began to feel somewhat self-conscious. An uncharacteristic response for the man, as he never particularly felt ashamed of what he looked like. Though, as he looked down at himself now, he reasoned that most men his age probably didn't bear the number of scars he did. They were all probably sleek and smooth.

And suddenly, he became vastly aware of Edelgard's presence in the room; something that never bothered him before, but now-

What in the hell am I thinking?

He shook the thought from his head-

"Oh, my." Manuela was smiling as she examined Byleth, her eyes wide and… glowing. "Isn't someone packing a body underneath all of those layers?"

Manuela's remark certainly didn't help matters.

"Professor!" Edelgard exclaimed, shooting the doctor an accusatory glare.

"Oh, hush, Edelgard." Manuela shooed her off. "Haven't you ever stopped to smell the roses?'"

"What are you suggesting?" Edelgard frowned dangerously.

Byleth sighed and came to his feet. It was a mistake coming here, after all.

"Ah, ah, ah!" Manuela pushed him back down on the cot by his shoulder. "Goodness, you two are so sensitive! It was only a joke, you know."

Manuela blew a puff of air on the metal piece of her stethoscope.

"This will be slightly cold, but bear with me," she said as she placed the metal bit to his chest. "I just need to check your heart-"

Manuela stopped, her brow crinkling as she listened to the sounds of her chest.

Or, lack thereof.

"Huh. That's… strange," Manuela hummed to herself.

"Is something wrong?" Edelgard asked worriedly, her past annoyance already long gone.

"Only that this damn thing seems to be broken," Manuela scoffed, tearing the stethoscope from her ears and tossing it into a nearby trash bin. "I'll just grab another one."

Byleth rolled his eyes. As he told them before…

After retrieving a second stethoscope, Manuela walked back to Byleth and placed it to his chest. This time, she had forgotten to blow on it. As she said, it was rather cold.

Again, she frowned, her eyes narrowing as she listened to his chest.

"As I told you, I have no-"

"Shh!" Manuela held a finger up to stop him, her other hand pushing the stethoscope slightly further into her ear. She stayed like that for nearly a minute.

After a few more seconds of silence, Manuela removed the pieces from her ears, her eyes wide as she stared at Byleth's chest; although this time, there was no light in her eyes. Only a dumbfounded look as she considered the impossible.

"Er, Edelgard?" Manuela turned her head to the princess, holding the medical equipment out to her. "Would you be a dear and double-check for me?"

"I don't see what use I could be, but I'll oblige."

Edelgard accepted the stethoscope, placing the earbuds into her ears. Manuela kept the metal circle placed to his chest for her.

"I'm not sure what you expect me to-"

Edelgard stopped, her eyes widening.

"Like I said, I have no heartbeat." Byleth shrugged. "Convinced now?"

The house leader slowly removed the stethoscope from her ears as she looked up at her professor.

"That's just…" Manuela trailed off, shaking her head. "Impossible! Byleth, you can't be alive without a heartbeat!"

Edelgard was still too shocked to reply, her pupils moving back and forth between the scar on his sternum and his face.

"I don't know what to tell you. I've always been this way." Byleth shrugged again, holding out his wrist. "Check my pulse, if you'd like."

"Unbelievable," Manuela grumbled under her breath, snatching his wrist out of the air. "I don't know what manner of magic you-"

She froze, her eyes widening even more.

"You… you have a pulse…" Manuela mumbled.

"Yep."

"But you have no heartbeat?"

"That's right."

"And you're saying you've been hearing this heartbeat, which you apparently do not have?"

"Something like that. Although, since I have no heartbeat, that clearly can't be the case."

"Clearly. Cleary that can't be the case."

Something about the tone of Manuela's voice lead Byleth to believe that she wasn't accepting his claims…

"I… I have no clue what to tell you," Manuela huffed, rubbing the back of her eyelids with her hands as she plopped back down in her chair. "In all the years I've worked here, I have never experienced something like… like, like this. I doubt any doctor has."

Byleth nodded. In his experience, they haven't.

"Could it have something to do with this?" Byleth asked, pointing to the scar on his chest. "I've had it for as long as I can remember."

"Possibly?" She replied, but even still, she wasn't sure. "It is a surgical scar… That much I know; I've seen many like it, but if it's connected somehow… I can't say. You don't remember any procedures being done? Jeralt never said anything?"

"No."

Manuela shrugged, shaking her head as her hands fell to her knees.

"I suppose I can draw some blood?" She said, but she didn't sound too certain. "And see if there are any reports of… other individuals… without heartbeats?"

"I'd appreciate it, but don't get your hopes up."

"Don't get my hopes up he says," Manuela snorted, turning her head to Edelgard. The professor pointed towards Byleth's chest. "Did you know about this 'condition' of his?"

Edelgard shook her head, her eyes never leaving Byleth. Her mouth was still hanging loosely open.

Byleth scratched the back of his head. Perhaps the wiser choice would have been to decline when Manuela wanted to check his heart rate…

"Goodness gracious," Manuela sighed, shaking her head. "What am I to do with you…?"

Sighing once again, the doctor pulled out a needle.

Grabbing his hand, she probed the skin as she searched for a vein. Thankfully, Byleth was always somewhat vascular. The veins on the back of his hand were fairly prominent, so it didn't require much work.

"This will sting slightly, Mr. No-Heartbeat."

She pushed the needle into the vein. The glass bottle in the tube slowly filled with red fluid.

Pulling the needle from his flesh, she removed the now filled tube.

"I have no clue what good this will do, but at least you can't say I didn't try, right?"

"That's all I can ask for." Byleth nodded, smiling slightly at his colleague. "Thank you, Professor."

"That's more like it." Manuela returned the grin with a smug one of her own. "The only thing I can really offer you is to get some rest. I'm not certain how to treat someone with your… problem, but rest always does the body good."

Manuela pocketed the vial of blood, her usual demeanor returning as she gave Byleth a wink.

"Plus, you'll want to be well-rested for the upcoming grand ball. We wouldn't want you passing out on the dance floor before I get my turn, would we?"

Byleth frowned as he tilted his head to the side.

While he had never attended a 'ball' or 'dance' before, he of course knew the terminology. But, as far as he was aware, the academy didn't hold such parties…

"Grand ball?"

"You… you don't know?"

Byleth shook his head.

"Have you even picked a student to represent your class in the White Herron Cup?"

Byleth had not, so again, he shook his head.

"Your lack of knowledge regarding our shared academy's traditions is astounding, despite working here for nearly a year now," Manuela sighed, placing a hand to her cheek. "Thank goodness you're pretty."

The mercenary frowned. That sounded like an insult…

"I hate to say it, but go ahead and put your shirt back on. We're more or less finished up here."

Manuela walked to the door, waving her fingers at the duo as she left.

"I'll see you later, Edelgard. Don't be like your professor here and forget about the dance! I'll be looking forward to your choice in attire." Manuela grinned at the younger girl, winking once again when she met Byleth's gaze. "And Professor, we'll talk again soon."

A confused Byleth mouthed the word 'dance' as he reached for his shirt, only to stop when he realized Edelgard had yet to move, nor speak. She was still staring at Byleth with a perplexed look on her face, her lips set in a firm line.

"Edelgard?" He inquired, his arms stuck in the sleeves of his shirt. Byleth had yet to pull it over his head.

"Hold a moment, Byleth," Edelgard murmured.

She reached for the nearby stethoscope that Manuela left out, donning it and placing the metal piece to his chest once more.

Edelgard closed her eyes as she listened.

It was cold, but Byleth didn't object. He simply watched Edelgard concentrate as she listened to his lack of a heartbeat.

He felt his features soften as he watched her. Byleth didn't know what he'd do if he suddenly learned such an impossible thing about her. It wouldn't change his feelings for her, of course, but he'd certainly worry. Normal people didn't have still hearts… Byleth realized that, but he was far from normal. Of all the crazy, nearly impossible things in his life, he supposed his lack of a heartbeat ranked on the lower end of the totem pole.

"Is that an insult?" Sothis grumbled in his ear. She had been suspiciously quiet during their entire conversation. Byleth had wondered if perhaps she had fallen asleep, but it seemed that had not been the case.

Byleth smiled.

Not at all.

Then, he turned his attention back to his student, who was still listening to the sounds of his chest.

After a few more seconds, Edelgard pulled away, a hand slowly removing the medical instrument.

"You really don't have a heartbeat," she whispered.

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Edelgard raised her head, lifting an eyebrow. "What's there to be sorry for?"

Truthfully, Byleth did not know, but he felt as though he should apologize regardless.

The confused look on her face morphed into one of fear as a thought seemed to occur to her.

"You're not sick, are you?" Edelgard asked. "Is that why-?"

"Of course not. I'm perfectly healthy."

"I am not sure if 'perfect' is the correct choice of words for the situation, but," Edelgard exhaled, a little of the color returning to her face. "I am relieved to hear that."

Byleth smiled at her, which she returned. It was nice seeing a little life come back to her face. He hadn't liked seeing it looking so… bleak.

"Can I put my shirt back on, now?"

"Hm?" Edelgard hummed in response, her eyes wandering down south before immediately jumping to the ceiling. "O-of course, my teacher; forgive me, I suppose my curiosity got the better of me."

Byleth chuckled as he pulled his clothing back over his head.

When his vision was clear, he saw Edelgard smiling at him once more. Though, this one was smaller, and more distant, as if she was pondering something.

"What is it?" Byleth raised a brow.

"It's nothing, I just-" Edelgard shook her head, but her smile persisted. "After the days we've had, hearing you still be able to laugh is… pleasant."

At the mention of their past few days, her smile became strained and she turned away.

He… didn't like seeing that look on her face. He much preferred to see her happy.

Byleth frowned, rising to his feet.

"Would you like me to laugh some more? I can, if you wish."

"Are you saying you would force yourself to laugh just to make me feel better?" Edelgard tilted her head to the side, her lips inching downwards. "Or, are you simply teasing me?"

Byleth took a moment to consider her question.

"…Both."

Edelgard masked a laugh with her hand, shaking her head.

"You continue to confound me, my teacher. You certainly are a mystery."

Byleth usually preferred to hear her call him by name, but there was something about the way she said 'my teacher' that made his chest flutter. Perhaps it was the possessiveness of it, as strange as that sounded. He decided he didn't mind being her teacher.

"Is that a good thing?"

"It's a great thing."

Byleth smiled, turning his head to the ground. So much had happened these past few days, but… Talking with Edelgard as he usually did made it all sting just a little less. The light of her smile made their future seem just a little less dark. This group she had informed him off still hung over his head like a gloomy cloud, but as long as he was beside her, he wasn't terribly worried.

It was insane; illogical, even. Byleth used to be so pragmatic, and yet, being with her made him truly feel like everything could be alright.

"What now?" Byleth asked, redonning his jacket. "I have a meeting with Rhea and Seteth, but after we can hold another one of our tutoring sessions if need be."

Obviously, it wasn't an actual tutoring session, but both had decided it the safest option to use a different word for their secret little get togethers. While he couldn't feel Monica's presence shadowing him as he did a few days ago, he certainly knew Hubert was still following him, and Edelgard was holding off as she thought of a way to broach the subject with her closest ally. A curious decision, but an understandable one. Hubert would most likely not be pleased.

Of course, Byleth still hadn't actually accepted her proposal. He would, but as she had insisted, he was still giving it some time. So, for now, their little meetings consisted simply of the sharing of information.

And was there a lot of information. Byleth learned many things. While a fair share of it didn't exactly paint Edelgard and Hubert in the brightest color imaginable, and while he certainly disagreed with parts of it (Kostas came to mind), he wasn't fazed by all of the things he learned. Byleth made up his mind. The choice was made. If the darkness was where they had to dwell, he would go there with them.

"Not today," Edelgard replied. "I have some business related to the Empire I must attend to."

Ah, right. With everything going on, he had nearly forgotten that Edelgard was still the heir to the throne. Byleth wagered that duty must eat up a fair chunk of her time. He could hardly imagine the burden that title carried. Preparing to rule an entire country couldn't be a simple task, especially when juggling everything else she had to do.

The two left the infirmary side-by-side. The evening was winding down, and with classes out for the day, the monastery halls weren't as busy as they usually were. A few of the church's faculty were bustling back and forth down the hallway, and a few guards were roaming around, but other than that, it was fairly empty.

"Besides," Edelgard continued, sneaking a glance at Byleth as they exited the room. "The ball's coming up soon. It might be a refreshing change of pace to partake in the festivities. It only comes once a year, after all."

There was that word again. How was this the first time Byleth was hearing about this 'ball?'

"Right, I was going to ask you about that," Byleth mumbled, scratching his cheek.

"You did seem rather taken back when Professor Manuela mentioned it."

"First I've heard of it."

"Hm, that doesn't come as a surprise to me. We have been quite busy."

The two stopped outside of the archbishop's chambers.

"Allow me to fill you in, then."

Edelgard turned to face Byleth, her hand resting comfortably on her hip.

"Come next month, the academy will be holding a ball for the students; the faculty is welcomed to participate, but I know a fair share choose not to. There'll be music, dancing, the usual things you'd expect from a ball."

Byleth pursed his lips. That explanation hardly did him any good. He had never attended a ball, so he really didn't have any experience to go off of.

He looked down at his attire. It was hardly fitting for a black tie-optional event.

"Are you required to wear something fancy?"

"It isn't required, no, but most do. It's a rare chance for us to dress up for a change," Edelgard chuckled noticing Byleth's hesitation. "No one will mind if you simply wear what you usually do, Professor."

Byleth hummed to himself, taking another look at his outfit. He wouldn't mind wearing a suit, but he didn't have one in his wardrobe, or anything close to it, for that matter. There was never really a need to have one. It wasn't like he and Jeralt attended many elegant parties. Hell, they'd never even attended a formal dinner before. There hadn't be an event in Byleth's life where his usual state of dress wasn't sufficient enough.

Where would one even go to buy such gaudy clothing? Maybe there was a tailor in the village?

"Are you going to dress up?" Byleth asked.

The moment the words left his mouth, Byleth instantly regretted it. He… He should have known better. Edelgard had told him firsthand, and on one occasion, even showed him the state of her body. Wearing a dress would probably put many of those scars on display. Given what they meant to her and how she acquired them, Byleth doubted it'd be a simple task for her to wear an outfit that would so clearly reveal them.

"I'm sorry, forget I asked that."

"There's no need to apologize, my teacher." Edelgard smiled ruefully. "It was an innocent question."

Edelgard paused as she adjusted the collar of her uniform to cover a little more skin.

"I'll most likely wear my usual uniform to the ball."

Despite her dismissal of him touching a rather sensitive subject, Byleth didn't feel any less guilty. He hadn't realized it before, but events such as these couldn't be very easy for Edelgard. They probably reminded her of her past, and in turn, things she couldn't get back.

'Then, at the end of the day, my father would hold a grand ball only open to friends and family. We would dance to the music for hours… I used to love to dance.'

Byleth frowned as he recalled what she had told him on his birthday, and as he did, he felt his heart crack slightly.

No.

This wouldn't be easy for her.

"So, you'll be attending, then?" Byleth asked, his lips once again moving before he had the chance to think.

"Indeed. Though, I doubt I'll stay long." Edelgard nodded. "It's more for appearance's sake than anything else. The house leaders and other members of high-ranking nobility usually share a dance to kick off the festivities."

Edelgard smiled again, but just like before, it was just as strained. It wasn't anything like the expression he had seen from her in the infirmary moments before with their previous conversation.

"Even so, it'll just be nice to experience some happier times. After the days we've had, it'll be a welcomed diversion. I'll enjoy living in the present for a change."

Her last bit was muttered softly, her eyes becoming distant as she stared at the ground. Byleth wondered what thought must have occurred to inhibit such a response.

After a few more seconds of silent contemplation, Edelgard shook her head, her gaze returning to her professor.

"Do you know how to dance, my teacher? If you'd like, I can give you a few pointers so you're ready when the day comes."

While the idea of being instructed by Edelgard was rather appealing…

"No need. My father taught me some dance moves, so I'll be fine."

A blatant lie. Possibly the most blatant lie he's ever given. Byleth doubted that Jeralt even knew how to sway to the tunes of music, let alone how to properly dance.

Lying to Edelgard wasn't something he enjoyed, but… he had his reasons. An idea was beginning to form, and to make that idea a reality, he'd need to tread carefully and discreetly.

While he didn't particularly care about this dance one way or another, he did care about Edelgard's happiness; more so than his own. And while he could not rewrite history, perhaps there were methods he could use to make this day more enjoyable for her. If not, then at least make it bearable.

Because, if at all possible, he would rather see her happy and smiling than whatever pained look he had just witnessed. He'd rather she had some happier memories to counterbalance the ones that left her with a sense of longing or regret. Byleth wouldn't dare to try and replace those memories of her past, but… If he could at least create some new ones for her, then he'd be satisfied.

It was a silly thought, and possibly an overstep, but despite what his mind might do to convince him otherwise, his heart was dead set.

"Oh, is that so?" Edelgard raised an eyebrow, looking rather amused. Byleth was relieved to see that. "Color me intrigued. Maybe I'll get a chance to witness these 'dance moves' of yours."

"I'll make sure to save some just for you."

Edelgard blinked, having only now realized that she just propositioned him for a dance.

But, instead of looking flustered by that like he was expecting, Edelgard genuinely smiled as she looked up at him.

"I'll be looking forward to it, my teacher."

Byleth's eyes widened, his chest filling with a familiar warmth. He could feel that heat spread from his center and down to his limbs, then to his face. He suddenly felt rather flushed and somewhat lightheaded.

Given the way Edelgard's own eyes twinkled victoriously as she gazed at him, he assumed it was very visible.

"It is unusual to see you looking so red," the princess giggled. "I am beginning to think the sight of you blushing might be the rarest gift of all."

Byleth stiffened, the heat in his cheeks intensifying. His hand lightly brushed against his chest. He was surprised that after all of that, his body didn't elicit any 'thumps' in response. It felt like they had only occurred when Edelgard was present or on his mind, so he hypothesized that they had something to do with her, but maybe that wasn't the case?

It was confusing, but that was hardly the most confusing thing. The jumble of emotions rampaging through his mind and heart certainly took the cake.

"Well, make sure to save some of your 'moves' for this 'first love' your father mentioned. I'd hate to steal them all for myself."

Byleth froze. Not even his hand moved.

"What, did you assume I had already forgotten?" Edelgard smirked at his reaction, but there was… a twinge in her eyes. Something that Byleth couldn't describe. It wasn't like before. "My memory isn't that short, Professor."

Damn it, Father.

"Of course it isn't." Byleth shook his head, swallowing to wet his dry throat. "And I'll… make sure to."

The idea to lie once again had crossed his mind for a brief moment, but he just couldn't bring himself to. What his father had said wasn't a lie to begin with, she just didn't have all of the facts pertaining to the matter. Besides, he didn't want to have to lie his way out of another situation; if he wasn't believable, Edelgard would catch it, and that'd probably cause more trouble than it'd be worth.

Edelgard's smile grew forced. It no longer reached her eyes. It was as if the rest of her features hadn't gotten the memo that her lips were still smiling.

"Good…"

Edelgard faltered, looking behind her shoulder as if she were searching for something. As to what, Byleth couldn't say.

"I'll take my leave, then. I am sure the archbishop is expecting you; it'd be best not to keep her waiting."

"Right."

"Well, so long, Teacher. Follow the professor's advice and get some rest. I'll see you soon."

With single farewell wave, Edelgard turned and left. Her pace was quickened, and she hadn't looked back once. It was as if she was hurrying to leave.

Byleth sighed, running a hand over his face and through his hair.

"This is certainly an unfortunate misconception your father created," Sothis remarked, humming softly to herself. "How are you going to explain your way out of this one, Byleth?"

Byleth didn't respond right away. His eyes were still lingering on the path Edelgard had taken on her quick exit.

Truthfully, he wasn't sure. He knew he had to do something, as he didn't want to let it stand the way it was. Edelgard thinking he might be in love with another woman was, well, problematic for the things he had planned. Also, he didn't want her thinking that regardless. Edelgard had been, and still was, the only woman in his heart. Nothing, or anyone, could change that.

Byleth wasn't sure what to do to remedy the situation, but he knew he couldn't let it stand as it was. The sooner it was cleared up, the better.

I'll think of something.

In truth, he already had a possible answer to that quandary. It was the very first thing that jumped to his mind. He just wasn't sure if he had the courage to go through with it, or if he even should at this juncture.

But… he couldn't let her think that for much longer. He had no way of knowing Edelgard's own feelings towards him (though, he had a few hopeful guesses), but he knew with certainty that he didn't want to be the cause of the expression he had just seen from her.

Byleth tore his gaze away, turning his attention to the door in front of him.

"I'll get it sorted out," Byleth mumbled as he opened it.

The great wooden doors creaked as they were pushed aside.

At the sound of the door opening, both Rhea and Seteth lifted their heads from their conversation. As Byleth met Rhea's eyes, the archbishop bore her usual serene smile. Her entire expression seemed to brighten as he approached.

Byleth didn't know what to think of her. Seteth, on the other hand, Byleth had become fond of. He wasn't a bad fellow, not by any means. If he had to one day turn his blade against he and his sister, he would truly regret that.

Rhea, however… He just truly did not know. There were so many conflicting emotions at play. Emotions that Byleth had originally pushed to the rear of his mind, but given his new arrangement with Edelgard, they were brought back to the forefront.

It wasn't due to the information he had learned- far from it, in fact. Edelgard hadn't even discussed the archbishop's role in all of this yet. Of course, he could extrapolate how Edelgard viewed her from what they had discussed regarding her opinions on the system in place and how Crests played into it, but when it came to the archbishop herself, Edelgard and remained suspiciously quiet. Most of their conversations had been centered around the group his two students had coined as "Those Who Slither in the Dark."

Part of him wondered if that decision had been another step towards Byleth making his own 'informed decision.' Edelgard had been seemingly honest with him, almost to a fault, but she remained adamant that Byleth must make his own choice, and to not let their closeness be the deciding factor in that choice. It was curious, as he felt that was a valid reason all in itself, but again, he could understand the rationale behind it.

No, it was because of his own experiences with the archbishop that left Byleth confused. So often she would treat him gently, as if he were a fragile antique she feared breaking. That had been… new to him. He didn't dislike being treated that way, but it was certainly a new feeling. Many times, he rather enjoyed the care Rhea had given him.

But, then there were moments where Rhea's decisions had given him pause. He hadn't forgotten that business with Miklan, where the archbishop had neglected to give him the full explanation of what to expect beforehand. That troubled him greatly, as he blindly led not just his own students into a fiercer battle than he had expected, but Dimitri and the Lions as well. Had he known beforehand what Miklan was capable of, he would have handled so many things differently. The injuries Byleth had sustained due to her negligence meant very little, but if one of the students had fallen, that would be something he could not forgive.

Then, of course, there was The Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Given his own precarious position now, the decision behind making the three houses fight against each other wasn't something he could really comment on. Were he to continue on this path, he would play a hefty part in such a battle occurring again. While it left a bad taste in his mouth, he had no room to talk.

But the decisions Rhea made to not be more honest with him was certainly something he could take issue with. It was beginning to feel as if it was a growing trend for her to not be forthright with him. Byleth knew she was keeping things from him. He had no proof to his claims, but something in his gut told him otherwise.

Taking into account his father's statement about being at the monastery before… Rhea would have known that as well. Rhea would have known all of that information, yet not once had she ever tried to explain it to him.

Byleth didn't appreciate that. He had so many questions regarding his past, questions he desperately wanted answers to. Why? Why would they keep this from him?

Well, one way or another, he would find his answers.

"Good evening, Byleth," Rhea greeted him as he grew close. "It is wonderful to see you."

Her sweet smile persisted. In a way, it was disarming. Byleth didn't doubt the authenticity of it, but… he wondered if perhaps there were other things at play that he wasn't privy to.

"You did well handling that awful business in Remire Village."

Rhea's beaming face flickered into something more unsightly at the mention of the destroyed village.

"I am certain the goddess shares in our grief at the senselessness of that calamity."

Byleth's brow twitched. Those pious words didn't change the fact that the town was in ruins.

But, he supposed he should at least be thankful that the church took in all of the refugees.

"Yes." Byleth nodded, keeping his visage as neutral as he could manage. "And thank you both for housing all of the survivors."

"That isn't necessary, Byleth." Seteth shook his head. "As the Church of Seiros, it is our duty to help those stricken by calamity."

Byleth glanced at the green-haired man. He wondered if there was a chance that Seteth might hold the same information that Rhea would.

"I was shocked to hear our own Tomas was actually a dark mage," Rhea sighed, her face overcome with guilt. "I must reflect on our blindness."

Byleth's gaze returned to the archbishop. That had been something Byleth thought as well. Sothis, a figment of his mind, had grown suspicious of the librarian long before any church official had.

"You surely must!" Sothis exclaimed, reading his thoughts. "You failed to notice that a rat was hiding in your home. Pathetic! How did Tomas escape your gaze?"

The mercenary had to bite back the surprise he felt at hearing his companion react so fervently.

Of course, he knew full well now where Tomas came from, but…

"How did Tomas come to the monastery in the first place?" Byleth asked. It was a question he was rightly curious about.

"He came to the monastery forty years ago, by recommendation of House Ordelia of the Alliance," Seteth explained.

Byleth's brows raised. Ordelia? Lysithea's house?

"Around eight years ago, he went back to House Ordelia before returning to the monastery once again just last year."

Eight years? Lysithea would have been around seven years old by then.

"After having worked at Garreg Mach for decades, why would he betray us now?" Seteth closed his eyes, shaking his head just once. "Just what did he hope to accomplish?"

If Tomas worked here for near forty years without incident, then something happened in that seven-year span where he returned to House Ordelia that changed him. No. Something happened to the man once known as Tomas in that seven-year span, and Solon had taken his place.

Knowing what he knew regarding Monica as well, it was a safe assumption that this group Edelgard spoke of was somehow able to take up the appearance of another. That was deeply concerning, as that meant there was no way of knowing who among them was friend or foe. Edelgard informed him that no other ghastly beings inhabited the monastery, but actions always traveled quicker than words. There was no way of knowing when another could sprout up, so Byleth would have to remain vigilant. There was a reality where another member could appear without Edelgard's knowledge, as it seemed this group she was in cahoots with often did their own work behind the scenes, and in most cases against her will- if Remire Village was any indication.

House Ordelia… That little nugget of information was perhaps the most disturbing of all, however. If Solon was somehow related to Lysithea's house… Could it be possible that he was the one behind her condition? Solon seemed awfully enraptured in his 'experiments.'

Through his own independent research, Byleth learned bits and pieces regarding his student's house and homeland. He was aware of the fact that House Ordelia had been punished by the Empire for their role in House Hyrm's rebellion. Lysithea would have only been two at the time, as that was thirteen years ago.

So… Was it possible? Could this group have been around for that long? Could they have played some part in Lysithea's surgeries? It was something he could ask Edelgard about, but seeing as she would have been a child at the time, it might be something she didn't have much information on.

Perhaps he should ask Lysithea herself… No, that wouldn't be wise. One thing both Edelgard and Lysithea had in common were their tight lips when it came to their conditions. To bring up this subject with Lysithea would probably result in a tongue-lashing. It would have to be done gently, and with tact. Things that Byleth wasn't the most proficient in.

In time, however.

Byleth was pulled back from his reverie when he realized Seteth was still talking.

"Jeritza became a professor at the Officers Academy because of a recommendation from Imperial nobility," the man continued, seemingly oblivious to Byleth's internal dilemma. "Supposing that he is the Death Knight, that means our enemy is an organization that has taken root in at least two territories."

Byleth nodded in agreement having rejoined the conversation. That much he did know. Edelgard had informed him of Jeritza.

"In the long history of the Church of Seiros… No, long before even that…" Rhea paused, her jaw tightening. "There have been an endless number of threats to the peace of Fódlan. Yet, those who oppose us still operate in the shadows, their identities a mystery. I believe that Solon and the Death Knight are merely one part of a much larger whole."

Byleth raised an eyebrow. Yes… A week ago, he had believed the same. And while the alliance Edelgard had to this shadowy group gave him pause, he was beginning to realize that it was two parts working in tandem rather than one single whole.

This group, these people… He could stand with Edelgard. He could support her and the goals she had.

But not this group.

Never this group.

Byleth would never work with them, and that was his one stipulation to walking this path beside her. He had to be assured that one day they would be punished for all of the heinous acts they have committed. That when all was said and done and the dust had settled, they would be put down. One by one, until they were all disposed of.

Hearing that Edelgard and Hubert had the same aspirations and same hatred for them was perhaps the greatest comfort.

"Hm, I agree," Sothis hummed. "These foul creatures must be stopped. It would be unwise to let them slither around for long; I certainly hope your cohorts know what they are doing."

Byleth bit the inside of his cheek. He had to trust that they did.

"What now?" Byleth asked.

"We have dispatched the knights to investigate matters," Seteth replied.

Ah. So that's where his father had gone.

"For now, you and your class should focus on your training."

Already done. He had been sparring with Felix quite frequently since they had returned. The swordsman had a way of keeping Byleth on his toes.

"But, on a lighter topic-"

Rhea's peaceful smile returned, as if it had never left to begin with.

"We are planning a grand ball for this month."

"I have heard. Professor Manuela and Edelgard mentioned it to me."

"You already know, then. Yes, we are all quite excited for it; I believe we are all in need for a little celebration after all that has happened."

Byleth nodded. His grasp on irony wasn't his strongest suit, but it was somewhat interesting that both Rhea and Edelgard held the same sentiments.

"While training is indeed important-" Rhea shot Seteth a sidelong glance, who pointedly looked away. "Please make sure that you and your class take the time to enjoy yourselves. It is not often we have peaceful times like these."

"We will," Byleth said, his brow furrowing slightly as he recalled another thing Manuela had mentioned. "The professor also mentioned something called the 'White Heron Cup…?'"

"Ah, yes." Rhea's smile widened, her eyes lighting up. "That is an event that will be held on the eve of the ball. It is a dance competition, of sorts. A representative of each house will compete with a selected dance, to be judged by a panel of our most experienced faculty members."

Rhea held a hand to her mouth as she laughed.

"I am particularly looking forward to that myself. Do make sure you inform Professor Manuela of the Eagles' representative before the day arrives. It would be a shame to see your house disqualified."

"…Understood," Byleth acknowledged. A dance competition was not what he had been expecting, but given the appropriately named event, he should have realized it sooner. "Then, if that is all you have for me, I will excuse myself to… consider my contestant."

"Yes." Seteth dipped his head. "We shall call for you should another mission come up."

Byleth placed his arm behind his back and bowed, then turned on his heel to make his exit from the chambers. There were many… confusing things to consider. Dances and dance competitions… the mercenary was certainly out of his element now.

"Professor, please wait. There is one more thing I wish to discuss with you."

Byleth stopped in his tracks, turning his head back to glance at the archbishop. Seteth also looked intrigued by the series of events. Whatever it was, it seemed that Rhea was going off script as she often did.

"What is it, Rhea?"

She smiled apologetically at him, then angled her head towards the ground.

"I know there is much that you still do not understand."

Byleth blinked, her sudden statement catching him off guard.

"However, one thing is clear: you possess great power. I believe that you are destined to be a great source of hope for all."

He cocked an eyebrow, titling his head to the side curiously.

"Where might she be going with this…?" Sothis mumbled softly, sharing his sentiments.

"In any case, I expect great things from you," Rhea continued, unaware of the voice in Byleth's head. "Walk this world proudly, dear Byleth."

Rhea clasped her hands to her chest in prayer, then lowered her head.

"May the goddess Sothis protect you."

Sothis?

Byleth's breathing hitched. His blue eyes widened to the point where he feared they might pop from his skull.

Thump.

His chest began to throb.

"The goddess Sothis?! Is that what she said?!"

Thump.

Sothis was practically shouting in his ears, but her voice almost sounded muffled, as if she were in some far-off place.

Before he had even realized, his body had turned to face Rhea completely.

Thump.

"Is something the matter?" Rhea inquired, looking confused by Byleth's sharp reaction.

"I… had never heard the name of the goddess."

Thump.

"I see." Rhea frowned, disapproval flashing across her features. "Sothis is the goddess's true name. Please do not use it carelessly."

Thump.

Byleth gripped his chest, shaking his head, as if perhaps the action might dispel the drumming sound in his ears.

Thump.

"Do not say something that we may regret!" Sothis exclaimed, the pitch of her voice dwindling as she continued uncertainly. "She… I… What exactly am I? I… We must leave. Leave this place. Please… Go!"

Thump.

Byleth swallowed, running his tongue across his impossibly dry lips.

Thump.

"I-I will take my leave," he fumbled, turning to make a quick exit.

"Farewell, Byleth."

Thump.

Rhea had called out to him as he left, but her voice was about as loud as a fly buzzing somewhere in the distance. It was barely even an afterthought as Byleth nearly ran from the room.

Thump.

The minute the barrier of the chamber's wooden doors were between him and Rhea, Byleth pushed his back to the wall, his breathing coming in short gasps as he all but clawed at his chest. It was way more intense than before.

Thump.

"Professor?!"

Byleth lifted his head to see a startled Manuela run up to him.

"What's wrong?!" She asked hurriedly, tilting his chin back and forth to get a good look at his ashen face.

Thump.

"I-It's happening again," Byleth gasped, closing his eyes as he tried desperately to try and stave off the feeling.

Thump.

"'It?'" Manuela's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "Quickly, come with me."

Byleth didn't put up any resistance as the professor tugged on his hand, leading him back to the infirmary. It all passed by in a blur. He barely even registered Sothis worriedly calling his name, asking if he was okay.

Before he had even realized what had happened, Byleth felt a weight push down on his shoulders. He had fully expected to fall straight to the ground, but one of the infirmary cots had stopped his fall.

He looked up to see Manuela looming over him, stethoscope in hand.

She pushed the familiar steel beneath his shirt and to his chest, closing her eyes as she concentrated.

After a few seconds, Manuela pulled away, her lips contorted into a deep frown.

"I'm sorry, but I… still hear nothing."

"W-what? H-how is that possible?" Byleth stammered. "It was just-"

He stopped.

The sounds were no longer there…

But why?

Byleth sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Why?

"Go ahead and lie down, Professor. After you've rested for a while, I can check again."

"I cannot do that." Byleth shook his head, rising to his feet.

There were so many things he had to do. He had to go to the library and research this, he had to go to the cathedral and gather information, he had to hone his skills with Felix, he had to speak with Edelgard…

And, as ridiculous as it was given the circumstances, he had to prepare for the ball.

Byleth didn't have the time to take a nap while his body recuperated. There was too much to do. His body would have to suffer through it.

"Byleth."

Sothis was whispering in his ears.

"I know you are stressed and worried- I am too. I as well want answers just as much as you, but…" The… the goddess hesitated. "It will do neither one of us any good if you pass out on the way. You should listen to her."

Byleth shook his head. No. That wouldn't do. He had to get up and-

"Please, Byleth."

The sheer amount of pleading in her tone was what finally broke his resolve.

Sighing, Byleth nodded, crumpling against the bed.

"Very well," he muttered, hanging his head.

"Good." Manuela smiled at him, though it wasn't triumphant nor conceited… She was genuinely relieved to hear him give in. "You take a catnap, and I'll be back in an hour to check on you."

"Make it half an hour."

"Byleth…"

Both Manuela and Sothis nearly spoke in unison, both tones just as disapproving as the other.

"Fine," he sighed again, letting his body rest against the mattress. "An hour."

"That's the spirit. Was that so hard?"

Manuela shot him another grin before she turned to leave, only to stop when Byleth's hand shot out and latched onto her wrist.

The professor looked down at his hand, then to Byleth, raising an eyebrow.

"Later…" Byleth faltered, purposefully avoiding Manuela's gaze. "Would you… Would you teach me how to dance?"

"I beg your pardon?" Manuela's eyes widened.

He felt like such a fool for uttering such a ridiculous thing, but… On that long list of things he had to do, learning to dance had its own priority.

"I do not know how."

"And that's what you're worrying about right now?"

"It is one of many, yes."

Manuela scratched her cheek, sighing as she shook her head.

"You are a strange one, Professor. As anyone ever told you that?"

"Yes." Byleth nodded, feeling a little strength return to him now that he was lying down and the sounds had stopped. "Is that a no, or…?"

"Of course I'll teach you," Manuela scoffed, brushing her hair back. "I love dancing, after all. I'd be thrilled to."

"Thank you."

Manuela gave Byleth another look, her gaze traveling up and down his form one single time before she let out a slight snort.

"Very strange," Manuela whispered to herself, grabbing a nearby blanket and draping it over him. "Get some sleep, Professor. We can talk more of this later."

Byleth nodded, finally allowing his head to rest against the pillow beneath it.

His pupils followed Manuela until she left the room, but not before giving Byleth a wink and blowing him a farewell kiss on her way out

That's Manuela for you.

Byleth turned his gaze to the ceiling above him.

"Goddess Sothis…" he mumbled to himself, his eyes scanning the wood for answers.

Have you recovered any memories of your past, Sothis?

"Bits and pieces…" Came the reply. "But it's all so confusing… Hardly any of it makes sense. None of it feels familiar… And it seems as though every time I reach out for them, they constantly slip through my fingers."

Sothis was silent for a moment before continuing.

"Truthfully, I do not know what or who I am…"

She sounded genuinely distressed by that.

Byleth closed his eyes.

It all came as such a terrible surprise. Like she said, none of it made sense. Things that didn't make sense frightened Byleth.

But… there was at least one thing he knew with certainty.

Regardless of who or what you are, you will always be my friend, Sothis. Don't forget that.

The supposed goddess grew quiet. Seeing how he couldn't visibly see her, he couldn't tell if that statement gave her any comfort or not.

"Thank you, Byleth."

Instead of the smarmy reply he had half expected, Sothis had given him a heartfelt one.

Byleth exhaled slowly, allowing his body to sink into the mattress.

So many thoughts raced through his head. So many questions blared through his mind. It felt like with each passing day, they kept growing and growing. Byleth had so many questions, but zero answers. Would he ever find any answers? Or would the questions just keep coming?

At least he could take solace in the fact that Edelgard had alleviated some of that.

…And he could feel relieved that despite what title Sothis might have, she wouldn't change.

She was still, and always would be, one of his dearest friends; goddess or not.

If that didn't change, maybe the finer details didn't hold as much weight.

As Byleth rested his head against the comfy pillow, he felt his eyes begin to grow heavy. Perhaps he was more tired than he originally thought.


That's all for now! Thanks for reading everyone! As always, stick around for the author notes if you want to hear some of my thought process and explanations regarding certain aspects of the story!

First off, lemme touch on them 'thumps.' Basically everyone got it right that it was indeed Byleth's heart, and made the correct connection to Edelgard, Sothis, etc. So, why don't I explain my reasoning behind it, as it runs a little deeper than Byleth's feelings:

So, I'm not sure if you all remember this particular aspect of the two choices you make in the Black Eagle route (the coronation and choosing Edelgard), but in both scenes there's a heartbeat sound effect in the background. Go back and check if you'd like, I missed their significance first time through. It's a sound you'd expect to hear in a story altering choice, so I kinda just glossed over it.

But, then you realize that "hey, Byleth's heart doesn't beat."

And suddenly, those little sound effects carry a MUCH greater weight. Personally, my belief on the matter, is that in these decisions that drastically affect Byleth's life, and in turn, drastically affect the chances of him reclaiming the humanity that he lost when the Crest Stone was put in place, Byleth's heart begins to beat. Almost like a "you're getting warmer/colder!" type thing. So, as you've probably noticed, all of the 'thumps' come in during scenes that influence that eventual path towards reawakening his heart. They happen right after his conversation with Edelgard at the start of last chapter, during the Flame Emperor scene, and begin again right at the very end of the chapter, right after the line "But, perhaps there would come a day where such things were possible."

Then of course, they start back up again here when the realization that Sothis is the goddess, and unbeknownst to him, the cause of his heart's stillness.

So, I thought it would be a nice touch to expand on this really cool element from Three Houses. That's not to say I'll throw them in EVERY time a conversation comes up where it might touch on the future (that'd be some word vomit if I did it every time), but for some big decisions coming on down the line that might directly affect Byleth and his little quest to become more human, they might get added into the fold. And, you know, while they're not necessarily connected to his own emotions and feelings regarding Edelgard, that isn't to say they might not intersect (wink wink nudge nudge). After all, she is perhaps the biggest proponent to that eventual change. Crimson Flower IS the only route in the game where Byleth becomes fully human.

Anyhow, that about sums it up. After this chapter, we'll have a string of at least two more where things are a bit more happy and a little less ominous/foreshadowy. Gonna get some use out of the "Romance" part of the "Drama/Romance." I can hardly believe it myself. Twenty-two chapters it took for us to get here!

Oh, and if you're worried I'm going to milk the generic cliche that is the "classic misunderstanding," don't be. As a man who reads a hefty amount of romance manga and the like, I hate it as much as the next guy. Don't expect that to last past this little grand ball section. That gets resolved VERY soon. Given these two goofballs, it's a pretty effective tool to lay the groundwork and spring some action.

What's a Byleth to do? Well, we'll find out soon!

See y'all next time!