Quick AN here, but I just really wanted to thank you all for the awesome reviews last chapter. There were so many this time around, and each one made me smile (sorry it took so long to reply, by the way). I'll be honest, I really did feel pretty good about last chapter. I thought it had the chance to be my best one yet, but you never really know until you get it out in the open and hear other people's opinions. So, to see it so well received (and so enthusiastically, too!) I was legitimately overjoyed. Thanks again, everyone!
Quite a few people mentioned how they appreciated my development of Byleth, and in this chapter he'll be receiving some more (and possibly surprising) developments. Stick around and I'll discuss it down at the bottom.
I hope you didn't think the Goddess Tower scene wasn't fully done with yet! Enjoy!
Byleth was sprawled out on the grass, his arms resting comfortably at his sides. The night air was quite cool, but the blanket his father had given him had warmed him considerably. The grass was kind of itchy, but at least it made for a comfortable bed for the young child to lie on.
The boy's eyes were drawn to the night sky, and in particular, a very bright, slightly larger star that hung on the horizon.
"Dad?"
"Hm?" Jeralt raised an eyebrow, glancing over at his son.
Byleth snaked his arm out from underneath his wool blanket, pointing to that big light.
"What's that one?"
Jeralt followed Byleth's small finger, his eyes moving out to the sea of stars.
"You mean the biggest one?"
Byleth nodded. The star he was pointing at seemed so much brighter than the others. It was so… shiny. Why was it larger than the others? Why was it brighter? He wasn't sure, but Dad was smart. He knew these kinds of things, even if his definitions sometimes left something to be desired.
"That's called the North Star," Jeralt answered. "It's got quite the story behind it; would you like to hear it? It was one of your mother's favorites."
The boy did, so he nodded. If it was one of her favorites, he had to.
"There was once a band of travelers lost in the wilderness. They were hundreds of miles away from home and their supplies were dwindling. Food was running out, and they hadn't found a fresh water supply for days. If they didn't find civilization soon, they would either die of thirst, starve, or get picked apart by wolves or bandits."
The boy stared at his father listlessly. These travelers he spoke of didn't seem very experienced in the ways of traveling. Who traverses long distances without packing the necessary amount of food? Who doesn't map fresh water sources? Who travels without weaponry? Foolish, Byleth thought.
"They were running out of options. The older members of their group wouldn't last much longer, and the children were growing hungry and tired. So, do you know what they did?"
Byleth did not, so he shook his head.
"A man from the group suggested they follow the brightest sky in the star. It was a ridiculous notion, and the rest of the group thought so as well, but seeing as they didn't have any better choices, they agreed. They would follow the brightest star in the sky and hope for the best."
Jeralt smiled as he finished the tale.
"And wouldn't you know it? By following that star, they found a village after a day or so without incident."
Byleth's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at his father. That was it? That was the entire tale? He failed to see the impact behind this narrative. Perhaps compelling story lines weren't his parents' strong suit.
"That's not an interesting story."
"Well, aren't we a critic?" Jeralt smirked, glancing at his boy. "It's not about how interesting the story is, kid. It's about what it means; you know, what you get from it."
"There's a point?"
"Indeed, there is." Jeralt nodded. "Most people find a practical lesson in there; that if you ever find yourself lost in the wilds, head north. Eventually, you're likely to run into some kind of settlement."
His father chuckled, the grass rustling beneath him.
"Your mother had a much more… romantic view."
Byleth sat up, his curiosity piqued. He always longed to hear more about his mother, and it sounded like his father was about to let a few gems drop.
"Like what?"
"That whenever you are lost and can't find your way, if you follow the brightest light, you are bound to be found one day."
The young boy tilted his head to the side. That sounded no different than his father's interpretation.
"How is that any different?" Byleth asked, voicing his confusion.
"She didn't mean literally, son."
Byleth frowned, his confusion growing.
"You have no clue what I'm saying, do you?"
The boy did not, so he shook his head.
Sighing, Jeralt pushed himself off the grass. He leaned on his elbow, facing Byleth.
"If you were lost, what would be the very first thing you did?"
The question didn't alleviate any of his confusion, but Byleth answered regardless.
"Look for you, Father."
Byleth began to realize what his dad was getting at.
"I see. So, when I'm lost, I should look for the strongest person I know."
"Not quite, but close," Jeralt said with an amused grin, reaching out to tousle his son's hair. "You'll understand it better once you get older, kiddo."
As Byleth held Edelgard against his chest, one hand cradling her head while the other pulled her closer, he truly understood what his father had been referring to that night so many years ago. He truly understood the lesson his mother had taken from that story.
"I love you," Byleth whispered into her hair, closing his eyes as he basked in the warmth those words gave him.
Finding the right words to say originally terrified the mercenary, but now that he had finally put them out into the open, it was a very freeing feeling. He felt like he was floating in the clouds. Every piece of him felt so very light. If he wasn't gripping Edelgard so fiercely, he might have feared floating away.
It was strange. He originally had a great deal of trouble getting those words out. But, now that he had, they came so much easier to him. In fact, Byleth wouldn't mind saying it another time. It was like some dam that had blocked off his heart gave way, allowing these words and feelings to flow so freely.
"I love you too, Byleth." Edelgard smiled widely, pressing her face into the crook of his neck. "Very much so."
The happiness Byleth felt at hearing her say these words left him dumbstruck. He had never experienced such a strong, powerful feeling like this one. It made him feel whole. Complete.
"It still feels so odd saying it," she confessed, her voice muffled by his clothing. "This will take some time to get used to."
"We've got all the time in the…"
Byleth froze, his unfinished sentence hanging on the air. For the first time that evening, he grew cold. Numb, even.
The princess lifted her head, her purple eyes searching his.
"Byleth?" She called out to him, but he didn't respond.
He frowned, avoiding her concerned look.
"We don't have all the time in the world, do we?" Byleth whispered, his voice cracking as he considered the fate that waited her.
He had been so focused on this night he had completely forgotten everything that still stood in their way. Edelgard was still next in line to be emperor, while Byleth was nothing but a commoner. There was still a war on the horizon. There was still those slithering in the dark, constantly working against them.
There was still… Edelgard's condition. Hanneman and Byleth were still no closer to finding a cure for her and Lysithea. They had made progress, sure, but nothing concrete, and certainly nothing available to them in the coming year or the next.
Edelgard's jaw tightened, her entire expression darkening, but she didn't look away from him.
"You know."
A statement rather than a question.
"Of course, I do, Edelgard. How could I not?"
Byleth lifted his head, his pained eyes meeting her impassive ones. He dreaded asking this question, but it was something that he had to know.
"How much longer…?"
"…Ten years, give or take," Edelgard replied flatly. The princess stiffened in his hold, her hands clenching into fists as they gripped the fabric of his jacket. Now it was her turn to avoid his gaze. "If I'm lucky, I'll make it to thirty."
Thirty. That was just twelve, short years away. Way too short. Way shorter than Byleth would have wanted. He wanted a lifetime with her. Years, on years of happiness. Together, happily, until the end of their days. He didn't want that end to come so soon. Not after all they've gone through and have yet to go through. Not after they were finally together.
Twelve years was way too short. It wasn't nearly long enough.
But he had to be strong. The prospect of Edelgard's early demise chilled him to his very core, but he had to be strong. Her burdens were his, and vice versa. So, he had to be strong. He had to swallow his fear and trepidation and push onward.
Byleth moved his hand to her chin, tilting it upward ever so slightly so that she could see his eyes.
"Do you remember the promise I made you?"
Despite the gravity of the situation they now found themselves in, Edelgard smiled slightly.
"Which one?"
Yes, Byleth had made quite a few promises to her, hadn't he? Each one as true as the next. Byleth had no intention of purposefully breaking them.
"I will not let you die, Edelgard. As long as I breathe, you will outlive me."
"D-don't say it like that," Edelgard protested weakly. The hands that gripped him so tightly began to tremble. "Please, don't word it like that."
Byleth nodded, his resolve crumbling at seeing the usually composed Edelgard seem so stricken by what he had said; even if it was true. He would lay down his life for her if need be, but perhaps that was something he didn't have to assure her of at this time. He didn't want to be the cause of such a sad look on her face.
"Okay, I won't," Byleth murmured, the hand that was holding her chin moving to cup her cheek. "Just know that I will never stop searching for a way to undo what has been done to you, because I… I want us to live a long, long life together."
"If anyone else told me such things, I wouldn't believe them," Edelgard said, her own hand moving to hold his. "But if it's you telling me this… I feel as though you really might find a way. That we might find a way."
Edelgard paused, her smile growing as she stared at Byleth's face.
"I wish to live a long life together with you as well… My Byleth."
Byleth's eyes widened at the name she so hesitantly dropped. Hearing her say that once again made him want to hug her even more. The desire to profess his feelings returned, this time even greater. It was strange realizing how powerful your own name could be when it was said with such love and affection. After hearing how she said it, Byleth doubted he could ever go back to hearing it the same way again.
"But let's not talk about such depressing things at a time like this." Edelgard shook her head. "Tonight is supposed to be a joyous night. Why don't we- ah!"
So, he did just that as he embraced her again. Edelgard yelped as she was tugged forward, that yelp eventually turning into an unburdened laugh. The sound surprised Byleth, as after that conversation, he wasn't expecting Edelgard to make such a noise.
"I didn't realize you could be so affectionate, Byleth," she mumbled sheepishly, the blush in her cheeks returning. Byleth realized he much preferred seeing that bashful look on her face than the lifeless one he had seen seconds before.
"Neither did I," Byleth replied, letting his chin rest on her head. He had never been like this before. He wasn't even like this with his own father. Edelgard was the only one that could elicit these responses from him. She was the sole member of a very exclusive club. "Do you not like it?"
Edelgard returned his embrace.
"I never said that."
Byleth smiled, using this moment to run a hand through Edelgard's white hair. He had always found it so… interesting looking, despite the dark implications it had. There weren't many people with such a color, and her hair always looked so soft and glossy. He was curious what it felt like. Edelgard made him feel curious about a lot of things, but for now, he settled with her hair.
As expected, it was very soft.
"Quite affectionate, indeed," Edelgard breathed, flinching at his touch. She didn't make any moves to stop him, however. Instead, something akin to a purr escaped the princess's throat. "I almost envy your ability to change gears so quickly, Byleth."
That's because it was easy to change gears with her. The thought of what their future might hold frightened Byleth considerably, but when he was with Edelgard like this, he too found himself feeling the same way as she; if it was Edelgard he was with, he had some premonition that it would all be alright. Again, foolish, but he couldn't help that, nor did he want to.
Edelgard carefully tilted her head upward as to not interrupt Byleth's movements.
"May I ask you something?"
"Always." Byleth nodded instinctively.
"How long have you…" Edelgard hesitated, her eyes darting away momentarily before returning to him. "Felt this way towards me? I know you said that you always-"
Edelgard cleared her throat, fidgeting in the hug.
"L-loved me, but I am still somewhat curious."
Byleth hummed in thought, a hand idly fiddling with a lock of her hair as he considered the timeline that led him here.
"Since the day we rescued Flayn."
He very purposefully avoided mention the other one's name.
"That wasn't very long ago."
"It wasn't," Byleth agreed. "But the feelings I hold now went back much further. It took me until then to realize what they meant."
"How much further?" Edelgard prodded, looking very intrigued by what his answer might be.
Byleth's smile grew as he recalled the day.
"It was during the month leading up to Lonato's rebellion. I was eating alone in the dining hall, reading a book on Adrestian tactics. Do you remember?"
Edelgard frowned slightly, her eyes lost in thought as she tried to recall the day he spoke of.
"You asked to share a meal with me, so I agreed. You were testing me, as you often did back then," Byleth reminded her, much to her chagrin. "Then, when you left, you got really flustered when I mentioned your dessert."
Edelgard's eyes widened in horror as she remembered the meeting Byleth spoke of. He felt the slight sting of regret as one of Edelgard's hands let go of him to cover her bright red face.
"Please forget that day, my teacher."
"No." Byleth shook his head. "It was cute, so I won't."
"C-cute?" Edelgard balked at the term.
"Yes."
Edelgard placed her knuckles to her lips, avoiding Byleth's steady gaze.
"I appreciate your brutal honesty, but even I have my limits…"
Byleth chuckled, the sound of his soft laughter causing her to glance back at him.
"Let me ask you the same question, then. How long have you felt this way towards me?"
Edelgard's brows raised. Her eyes, which had been watching him moments before, suddenly began to jump around the room like a frightened rabbit. Eventually, they returned to him, but her head had angled slightly away.
"I realized my feelings for you right after our battle in the holy mausoleum," the princess muttered, stealing a look at him. "Though, like you, I think they were born much earlier."
"Then, perhaps we are not so different than your mother and father."
Maybe it really was love at first sight. Byleth originally did not believe in such romantic notions, but with her, it was different. Besides, there were heaps of evidence to point towards that hypothesis. The Byleth back then wouldn't just jump in front of an axe for just anyone. He often theorized that there was something he had seen from her that day that drew him to her, and now, he was wondering if that something was love.
Edelgard gaped at him, seeming to be at a loss for words.
But, eventually, she did find them.
"Do you really think so?" She asked quietly.
"I do. With you, I do."
Edelgard closed her eyes, her smile returning.
After a few seconds, she laughed again, much to Byleth's surprise. The sound was reminiscent of bells chiming or birds chirping… or something poetic like that. Byleth couldn't put an apt comparison to the sound, but he loved to hear it all the same.
"What?"
"It's nothing, I just…" Edelgard shook her head, opening her eyes. "I never thought in a million years that I might get to experience a story like theirs. I never expected that I too might get the chance to star in a fairytale."
It took a considerable amount of willpower from the professor not to sweep her back into another bearhug. The coming months would be quite difficult for him. It'd be hard to restrain himself in front of the-
Byleth frowned again as the reality of the situation they were in came crashing back down on him. As happy as Edelgard made him, he couldn't fight off some of those unwelcome emotions that tagged along. As happy as he was, there were many things he couldn't ignore.
Perhaps their story was a little too similar to her parents'.
Noticing his steep change in demeanor, Edelgard spoke his name.
"Byleth?"
"Where do we go from here, Edelgard?" Byleth asked meekly. "Today has been… more than I ever could have wished for, but once we leave this tower…"
"We return to reality," she finished for him, her own expression faltering.
Byleth nodded.
"I am your professor, and you are my student. We'll have to hide this from the others... And soon, when you become emperor, we will have to hide it some more."
While these were things he did not like, they were also things that couldn't be changed at this time.
"One day, you might have to marry for political purposes," Byleth continued. "I don't mind having to be one of your consorts, but-"
"Consorts? Now, hold on, Byleth," Edelgard cut him off, raising a hand to stop him. "You're getting a little ahead of yourself, don't you think?"
"Am I?" Byleth's brow furrowed as he frowned. "I'm a commoner, Edelgard. You and I… as much as I might want otherwise, it would be better for you to marry someone with high political-"
"I fear I must interrupt you yet again, Byleth."
Edelgard stepped away from his hug, placing her hands on her hips as she glared at him.
"You know me quite well by now, do you not?" She asked hotly.
Byleth nodded slowly.
"Then, you should be fully aware that I don't give a damn about these archaic rules that nobility have put into place," Edelgard huffed, stomping a foot on the ground. "I will marry who I please, and no one can tell the emperor otherwise. If that means weakening my own standing in the process, then so be it. I do not care."
"Edelgard…" Byleth blinked, dumbstruck by her ferocity. "Are you sure about that?"
"Absolutely," her response was instantaneous. "And if those so-called nobles take issue with it, then I will just craft laws to make it so."
"Wouldn't that be an abuse of your power?"
Edelgard hesitated, her determined look wavering.
However, when she noticed the amused smirk on Byleth's face, she did find the will to scowl at him. In his defense, it was quite easy to lift his spirits when he saw a feisty Edelgard vow to see their relationship become a reality. It was hard not to be amused after seeing her get so passionate.
"You're teasing me again," Edelgard grumbled, sighing as she rubbed her brow.
"Of course."
Byleth took a step closer to her, recalling the words his father had said to him that first day they visited her mother's grave.
"And in this scenario, who would it be that you'd marry?"
Edelgard's blush returned in full force.
"Y-you know full well who I was referring to," Edelgard stammered, turning her head away as he approached. "You do not need me to spell it out."
"You're right." Byleth grinned, taking hold of her hand. It was so much smaller than his own. "I want to marry you too, you know."
Her eyes widened at his impromptu proposal.
"Is- is that so?" Edelgard blubbered, once again hiding her blush behind the back of her free hand. Byleth could tell she was trying very hard to not let him see her flustered state. He found that side of her incredibly charming.
"Indeed."
In the days leading up to the grand ball, marrying Edelgard was actually something Byleth had considered quite a bit. Marriage had seemed like such a pointless thing to him as a child, but now knowing what it felt like to be with her in that capacity, he could understand the weight that the terms 'husband' and 'wife' held. To tie yourself to another… Byleth found the idea very welcoming. If it was Edelgard, he wouldn't mind tying himself to another human being.
"I cannot promise you anything tomorrow, or even a year from now," Edelgard began after composing herself somewhat. "But I promise you that one day, such a thing will be possible. That one day, we will not have to keep this a secret. Knowing that…"
Edelgard paused. Byleth could tell how hard she was trying to keep that composure.
"Are you sure you still wish to walk this path with me? To still… be with me?" She asked him softly, her voice frail. "As you know, we will have to hide this from the others, and most likely for a while. Are you fine with that? I do not want you to feel as though-"
"Edelgard."
Byleth used both hands to grip hers. He squeezed it tightly, hoping that she might be able to discern his feelings through his touch alone.
"In the end, it matters not if others are aware of… this," Byleth said, jostling her hand to punctuate his loose term. "The only thing that matters to me is that I am with you, and you are with me."
Edelgard didn't have a response for that- not at first, anyways.
Her free hand moved to rest atop of his, her lips mouthing his name silently.
"If that is the case, then I must ask you one thing," she said, finding her voice.
"Anything."
As Byleth watched Edelgard struggle with what to say, he could see the hints of tears swell again in her eyes.
"The next time you say those three, wonderful words to me…" Edelgard began uncertainly, her eyes drawn to their hands as she found the strength to continue. "Instead of Edelgard… would you call me El?"
Byleth tilted his head to the side, raising an eyebrow in question. El? He had never heard anyone call her that before, but given her reaction, it seemed very important.
Edelgard looked into his eyes as she continued.
"That's what my parents and closest sisters used to call me when I was little," she explained in a whisper. "Soon, there will be no one left who calls me El… But if it was you… Well, it would mean a great deal to me."
"Consider it done." Byleth didn't hesitate with his answer. If Edelgard asked him to, he would do it.
Edelgard smiled widely at him, a single tear falling down her cheek. He promptly wiped it away.
"Then I would ask you the same." Byleth nodded. "Whenever we are alone, please continue referring to me as your Byleth. I find it… oddly enjoyable when you say it."
"That can be arranged." Edelgard's grin turned into a smirk as she drifted closer to him.
He barely had the time to react as he felt her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer. Before he realized what had happened, he felt her lips brush against his cheek.
"Thank you, my Byleth." Her whispered words trickled into his ear. Byleth bristled at the feeling of her breath on his skin. "Thank you. For everything."
"Always." Byleth hugged her back, nestling his face into the crook of her neck. Harnessing the feelings swirling around in his chest, he pushed as much of it as he could into his next four words so that Edelgard could feel them as strongly as he did.
"I love you, El."
Edelgard's breathing hitched, a small gasp escaping her lips. Even though they had discussed it seconds before, the nickname moved her all the same.
As he spoke that name that so few called her, her grip instinctively tightened around him. Edelgard's shoulders began to shake as that grip tightened to the point of a crushing him, but Byleth didn't mind in the slightest. He simply returned it in kind.
The tempest of emotions he felt when holding her had returned, and as they returned, they threatened to pull him back under as they did before. It was almost scary how quickly they reappeared. It made him anxious knowing how little effort was required on her part to make him feel this way. Byleth had never had the strongest of grasps on human emotion. They were always there, but they were… muddied. Blurry. As if something was obstructing their free-flowing path.
So, now that he felt these things in full force, Byleth felt anxious. Anxious, but… relieved. Relieved that Edelgard could make him feel this way, and so happy that she could. So happy that she had returned these feelings that Byleth was new to.
"Congratulations, Byleth."
Sothis's voice reverberated softly within his mind, pulling him from his stupor. With everything thing that had happened, he had completely forgotten that she was there.
Her voice now was filled with… love, affection, joy… and-
"I am so very proud of you."
As Byleth heard those words echo endlessly inside the depths of his skull, he squeezed Edelgard and closed his eyes.
He felt a wetness streak down his face.
Originally, Byleth thought crying was only done when you were sad. As Byleth wasn't sad often, he just assumed this was the way it was. He only saw people cry when they were sad, defeated, or heartbroken.
Like with that man back at Remire Village.
Or when he saw Edelgard fall.
But he had also cried on his birthday. On that day, he was just happy. So happy he was when he felt the love his students had given him. In twenty-one years, that was the first time he personally had cried.
And now, here he was, crying yet again as he embraced her. The woman he loved more than anything in the world. As he felt the heat from her body envelop his chest, as he felt the touch of her skin, her clothing, her hair, her everything, he was crying.
He was crying so freely and without restriction.
And it was then, with Sothis's words and Edelgard's love, that Byleth realized one could cry when they were happy, as well.
"Five more minutes," Byleth mumbled into her hair.
Edelgard sighed at her professor's child-like insistence to stay just five minutes longer, but despite that, she found herself smiling all the same.
"You said that five minutes ago, Byleth."
Byleth growled, his arms tightening around her anyways. She was well aware that reaction was born from the anger and disappointment he felt at realizing the two of them would have to leave the Goddess Tower and return to the real world… Yes, well aware.
Yet, as she heard the sound rumble out from his throat, Edelgard shivered involuntarily. It was a… very strange feeling hearing Byleth make such a sound so close to her ear.
Giving her one last squeeze, Byleth stepped away. He patted his chest a few times.
"That should be enough."
"Enough of what?" Edelgard raised an eyebrow.
"Enough to keep me going until the next hug." Byleth nodded to himself, seemingly content with that conclusion. "Seeing as it could be awhile until the next occurrence, I had to get my fill."
Edelgard felt her cheeks heat up considerably. How very honest Byleth was with his affections towards her... She had pictured this moment countless times in her own imagination, but not even Edelgard could have predicted Byleth's enigmatic, yet honest responses.
And though she kept her expression as neutral as she could, as Edelgard realized that perhaps she was the only person in the world that could coax out these responses from him, she was elated. A little proud and teensy bit satisfied, sure, but mostly delighted.
"I see," Edelgard replied, brushing a strand of hair back into place as she tried to appear nonchalant. If she gave into the calls of temptation, she too would find herself requesting just five more minutes. "Well, that is… good."
But, even someone as articulated as Edelgard had trouble finding the correct reply to that.
"Shall we, then?"
Edelgard's eyes were drawn to Byleth's offered hand. The hand that she had always wanted so desperately to hold, and there it was; only hers for the taking.
She bit her cheek to keep herself from smiling too openly as she accepted his hand. Byleth immediately parted his fingers so that hers could fit in between them.
The two made their departure from the Goddess Tower, hand in hand. They didn't set a very quick pace; quite the opposite in fact. Their steps were slow and deliberate, neither one in any hurry to leave. Edelgard almost laughed as she noticed Byleth's hesitation to open the door that led to the outside world.
Sighing, he pushed open the door, and the two stepped out into the moon's light.
It had grown late as the two had been in the tower. Given the moon's place in the sky, it must have been nearing midnight. Surprisingly, the monastery was quiet. Not a soul lingered on its grounds, either because the dance must still be going, or because most everyone had gone to bed by this hour.
Noticing how alone they still were, Byleth's squeezed her hand a little harder. She stole a look at her professor. His slight smile was illuminated by the glow of the moon and the stars.
Never in a million years did she expect to have the chance to walk the academy's campus, hand in hand with the man she loved, yet there she was, doing exactly that.
"Do you think the others are still awake?" Byleth asked quietly as they walked.
"Knowing our class, I wouldn't doubt it."
Byleth snorted, nodding to himself as his eyes surveyed the surrounding area.
"Maybe I should give them detention if I see anyone out and about," Byleth muttered.
"Wouldn't you have to give me detention as well, then?"
"Don't tempt me."
Edelgard masked her laugh with the back of her free hand. What a rare sound it was to hear herself laugh so… freely. She had almost forgotten how joyous it felt to laugh without it being forced.
"Edie? Is that you?"
Both Byleth and Edelgard stiffened at the sound of Dorothea's voice cutting through the darkness.
Byleth frowned considerably, instantly letting go of Edelgard's hand. The warmth still lingered on hers. It was regrettable that warmth would soon dissipate in the cool, night air.
A few seconds later, Dorothea and Caspar stepped out from the shadows and in front of their path. Caspar was none the wiser to the closeness the two of them shared, but Dorothea had immediately picked up on it. With an amused grin, her eyes darted to their startlingly close hands, then to Edelgard, quirking an eyebrow.
Edelgard avoided her stare.
"There you two are," Caspar sighed, a hand rubbing his head. "Geez, we've been looking everywhere for you. Is Hubert with you guys as well?"
Byleth raised a brow, glancing behind him before looking back to his student.
"No, can't say he is. Why?"
"We thought a little class get-together would be a fitting way to cap off the evening." Dorothea's grin grew as she examined Byleth. "But we can give you two a few moments if you'd like."
"No need. After today, a class meeting sounds pleasant." Edelgard smiled politely, looking to Byleth. "What do you say, Professor?"
"Pleasant, indeed."
Dorothea looked back and forth between the two, then giggled.
"Well, if you're sure."
Caspar frowned, scratching his cheek.
"I feel like I'm missing something here…"
"You're not missing anything at all, big bro," Dorothea cooed, ruffling his hair. Caspar jumped in place, mumbling a handful of curses under his breath. "Now, come along; let's head back to the classroom."
As a group, the four of them made their way through the monastery. Caspar and Dorothea led the way, the latter poking Caspar's blushing face as she continued to make suggestive remarks, while Byleth and Edelgard followed closely behind. Not much distance separated the two, and on occasion Edelgard could feel Byleth's fingers brush against hers…
"So, neither of you saw Hubert out and about?" Dorothea asked having finished with her teasing, her head turning back to them.
Byleth's hand returned to his side.
"No."
"Neither have I," Edelgard added.
Now that she thought about it, she realized she hadn't seen Hubert at all today. That didn't come as much of a surprise to her, as she was sure her aide wouldn't want any part of today's festivities. But, still, it was somewhat curious. At the very least, she expected Hubert to do as he had always done and stalk the professor, yet it seemed Byleth hadn't seen him either.
"How strange," Dorothea mused, pinching her chin. "Maybe he's getting lucky?"
Edelgard broke out into a coughing fit.
"Please don't say something like that," Caspar sighed. "I don't want that… imagery in my head."
Caspar's whole body shivered as he shook the thought out.
"'Getting lucky?'" Byleth frowned for a brief moment before nodding in realization. "Ah, I see. You think he's having inter-"
"T-that's far enough, my teacher," Edelgard spluttered, clearing her throat a few times before continuing. "I am sure that whatever Hubert is doing, he'll find us eventually."
Where is she?
Hubert paced through the shadows, his breaths coming in short, controlled gasps. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. He had to find her. He had to find her before it was too late.
His head was on a swivel as he desperately searched the grounds for any sign of her.
Where is she?
She couldn't have left yet, could she? Hubert had just seen her the other night; following Her Highness as she often did.
Where is she?!
Hubert growled, slamming his fist into a nearby wall.
Could she possibly have vanished already?
His hand clenched around the hilt of the knife he carried. The light from the moon reflected off the blade's surface.
Had he already failed? Had he missed his chance? Hubert had promised Lady Edelgard that he would deal with her… She had used up her worth, and therefore, had no reason to remain among the living. Hubert had garnered all he could out of that insufferable filth. She no longer served any purpose. As she was now, she only a detriment to Lady Edelgard and her… professor. Hubert had to do away with her before she could cause any long-lasting damage.
"Damn it!" Hubert hissed, punching the wall again.
He had waited too long. The night of the grand ball seemed to be the perfect night for murder. All members of the academy would be toiling away in the monastery, dancing the night away, completely unaware to the spill of blood by Hubert's hands. Magic was traceable. Anyone with a brain could narrow down the suspect pool to those who practiced magic at the academy.
But a knife? Now, anyone could wield that.
It was all so perfect. He would coerce her out with lies about their shared purpose, only to plunge the knife he now carried into the depths of her chest. In the shadows, over the sounds of the music and dancing, no one would have heard her scream. No one would have seen her bleed. Hubert would have been able to carry out this plan with relative ease, but…
He was too late.
She was gone.
Hubert sighed, sheathing his knife and hiding it away in his uniform.
"Forgive me, Lady Edelgard. I have failed you."
Now, all Hubert could do was hope. A foolish notion, as Hubert didn't believe in such optimistic things. Yet, with nothing left to do, he had to hope. Hope that his failure didn't have any drastic ramifications. And vow…
Hubert took a deep breath, his shoulders slowly rising and falling.
"I should return to the others before they notice my absence."
…Vow that that whenever Monica did reveal herself again, that it would be his blade that ended her contemptible existence.
"Ah, Hubert!" Edelgard's eyes widened as they watched her aide enter the classroom. "There you are. We were wondering where you ran off to."
"My apologies, Lady Edelgard." Hubert bowed. "There were… issues that I had to attend to."
"Oh?" Edelgard raised an eyebrow. "Well, no matter. All that matters is that you are here now."
"I am, indeed." Hubert nodded, his eyes moving out to the Black Eagles that had gathered in the classroom. "What seems to be going on here?"
"We're just chatting." Dorothea shrugged. She sat atop a desk, her legs swinging back and forth as she smiled slyly at him. "So, Hubie… Could it be that you were having a little midnight snack? Was that why you were so late?"
"Please," Hubert scoffed, stopping to stand beside Edelgard and Byleth.
Byleth narrowed his eyes as he examined Hubert a little more closely. His student's reactions were a bit… suspicious, but Byleth supposed many of Hubert's actions were. Though, why did he seem to be trying so hard to control his breathing?
"Did your night go well, Lady Edelgard?" Hubert asked in a whisper, sneaking a glance at Byleth before his eyes landed squarely on his liege. "Am I safe in assuming… it was without incident?"
Edelgard blinked, clearly surprised by Hubert's sudden question.
"Yes, I had a splendid night." Edelgard nodded, only allowing herself a small smile.
Hubert shot Byleth another harsh look before he sighed, closing his eyes.
"That is… acceptable."
Edelgard glanced at Byleth questioningly.
Byleth shrugged. That's right; she most likely wouldn't know of the little conversation he had with Hubert.
"What are you three mumbling about over there?" Dorothea asked, and rather loudly at that.
Byleth would have to be careful around that one. Her eyes and ears were much more discerning than she gave them credit for.
"Nothing," Byleth answered blankly. Lucky for him, his poker face was foolproof. "We were just reminiscing about the ball. Did you all have a nice time tonight?"
"Well, I had a fabulous time. So many potential suitors and wonderful dances!" Dorothea beamed. Her look turned mischievous as her eyes landed on Bernie. "But, what about you, Bern? Did my eyes deceive me, or did I spot you dancing away with the dashing Prince Dimitri?"
Byleth's brows raised at that. Dimitri?
Bernadetta blushed a beet red as she let out something akin to a squeak. Her hands hurriedly jumped up to cover her red face.
"P-please don't speak of it!" The recluse exploded before the embarrassment caused her to simmer down. "I was so embarrassed…"
"Could there be more to this story, per chance?" Ferdinand inquired, his gaze moving from the shaking Bernadetta to the smirking Dorothea.
"Oh, nothing, nothing," Dorothea replied in a sing-song voice, her feet kicking the air.
"You didn't see Bernadetta step on Dimitri's feet during the dance?" Caspar asked the redhead, oblivious as always to the mood. "She basically tripped over him while he was dancing with some girl. I don't think I've ever heard Prince Dimitri shriek like that. Poor guy didn't know what to do."
Bernadetta whimpered, lowering herself into a squat on the floor.
"Do not be crying, Bernie," Petra soothed her, patting her on the back. "After the incident, the prince seemed to have great amusement."
"Yeah!" Dorothea giggled. "And you got a dance with a handsome stud out of it. It couldn't be all bad, could it?"
Bernadetta groaned, tossing her head back and forth.
"P-please, merciful Goddess, just smite me now," Bernadetta mumbled into her hands. This only proved to get her more pets from Petra.
Edelgard, who had been suspiciously quiet during this exchange, decided now was the time to clear her throat.
"I am happy to hear that. It sounds like you all had a… nice time?" she said, glancing at Bernadetta with a concerned expression.
"Ha! It was a wondrous time, indeed," Ferdinand boasted, grinning as he flicked his nose with his thumb. "I danced my heart out!"
The boy winced, a hand absently rubbing his thigh.
"Though, I fear I danced a little too enthusiastically."
Byleth grinned at his antics, his gaze moving out towards Felix and Lysithea, who were stationed near the back of the room. He could spot Lysithea occasionally stealing glances at the swordsman, while Felix kept his head level, his eyes staring straight ahead at nothing in particular.
"What about you, Felix? Have a nice time?"
Felix flinched at Byleth's voice, his mind clearly being pulled back into the present as his eyes focused on him.
He crossed his arms, as usual, but this time he didn't turn away.
"It wasn't bad."
The same couldn't be said about Lysithea, however. Though, before she turned her head away, Byleth could see her smile slightly.
"Good." Byleth nodded.
"Well, seeing as we all had a nice night, I have a proposition for you all."
Byleth looked to Edelgard, who had now stepped into the center of the room.
"Why don't we agree to meet back at the monastery exactly five years from today?" she put forth, confident as ever as a hand rested on her hip. "And, together, we can share another joyous night then as we are now."
Byleth tilted his head to the side. That had not been the proposition he was expecting.
"Like a class reunion?" Caspar aired the same thoughts Byleth was having. "That's a great idea!"
"Excellent as always, Lady Edelgard." Hubert nodded. "Five years from today will be the millennium festival for Garreg Mach Monastery, after all. I've heard the magnitude of the festivities will exceed all prior years."
"Ooh, how exciting!" Dorothea exclaimed, hopping down from her perch on the desk. She turned to Byleth, smiling sweetly at him. "Sounds like a great excuse to come visit our dear professor."
Petra was the next to join in on the Eagles' circle.
"You will be seeing how much growing I have done." Petra smiled at him as well. "You will be pleased, Professor. This idea is good!"
It was hard not to chuckle at Petra's endearing enthusiasm.
"Who knows where each of us will be in five years' time, or who we will become…" Edelgard mused, her eyes immediately moving towards Byleth. The two shared a knowing look before she continued with a subtle smile. "Still, I have faith that all of us will gather and celebrate our reunion."
Linhardt, who had been slumbering away prior to the conversation, yawned as he stepped forward.
"That's assuming the professor is still here in five years… and not enjoying a cozy early retirement."
Byleth's brows knitted together as he stared at Edelgard. Five years… That day seemed so far away, yet at the same time, it was so close. Five, short years.
He and Edelgard had already discussed what he had envisioned in his future. Byleth wanted to remain by Edelgard's side, and she knew that.
"Hm," Ferdinand made a thoughtful sound as he rubbed his chin. "I suppose I have never given that much thought myself. What do you see yourself doing five years from now, Professor? Will you still be teaching here?"
"No, I don't imagine I will."
The classroom grew quiet, shocked by this sudden revelation. Only Byleth, Edelgard, and Hubert knew the truth that laid behind his words.
"But… you'll still make it to the reunion, won't you?" Lysithea asked. She was fighting back a frown.
"Of course. Nothing would stop me of that."
"Then what will you be doing?" Felix raised an eyebrow. "Back to mercenary work?"
"Nope." Byleth shook his head. "In five years, I'll…"
Byleth paused, his eyes returning to Edelgard. She had a distant smile on her face as she watched him. He wondered if she was considering the same future he was.
However, not even Edelgard knew of the true future Byleth envisioned for himself.
"…I'll want to settle down. Get married. Stuff like that."
Truthfully, what Byleth secretly longed for was to start a family of his own.
He wanted to father a child. Maybe two. Even three.
Byleth wanted to be what Jeralt was to him for someone else. To give a child the mother that Byleth never had the chance to experience. As he considered his and Edelgard's shared future, he realized how deeply he wanted to start a family of his own; if only to give his future child something that he himself never had. A life so full of happiness and love, where he or she never had to worry about what the future might hold. A life so full of endless possibilities.
This was something Byleth had never considered until he arrived at the academy. Again, another thing that Edelgard had helped him realize.
Of course, he had enough tact to understand he shouldn't voice all of that dream right now, however. Discussing the future and a possible marriage was one thing. Throwing children into that equation… well, that was probably something that wasn't usually done on day one. He wouldn't want to overwhelm her with his expectations. In the end, what he wanted the most was her.
Edelgard bit her thumb and turned away, but at this angle, Byleth could see the hints of a smile bloom.
"Can't say I'm surprised to hear that," Felix replied, a knowing smirk on his face as he shook his head.
"I didn't peg you as a fellow romantic, Professor"
Ferdinand was loud as always as he spoke. He was still pinching his chin as he examined Byleth, his head bobbing up and down as he thought.
"Interesting, indeed! Do you envision children in this future of yours, Professor? I am quite intrigued to hear your response."
Byleth flinched, his eyes hurriedly jumping to-
The princess seemed to be choking on thin air as she coughed rather violently into her hand. Hubert paled considerably, his mouth agape as his eyes darted back and forth between the two.
Sighing, Byleth pinched the bridge of his nose. The professor could control the flow of time, so he truly should have seen that question coming.
Perhaps he should say something before things got out of hand, as they always-
"You? A dad?" Caspar blinked dumbly at him, raising an eyebrow as he looked the professor up and down. "That's… surprising. No offense, but you don't seem like the type."
Byleth frowned at that, his previous notion of ending the conversation getting dislodged from his mind.
"…I see."
…Caspar was likely right. While Byleth had good intentions, he probably didn't scream 'father figure.' In the end, he knew nothing about what it meant to raise a child. His only point of reference was Jeralt, and while Byleth loved his father and his parenting methods considerably, even he was aware that his dad's methods could be… a tad unorthodox for a normal child.
All Byleth had ever known was war and violence. Could someone like that really be a stable part of a family? Could someone that ended so many lives truly be allowed a part in creating one? Could someone so sullied by the blood that stained him truly raise something as innocent and pure as a child?
…Perhaps not. Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself.
Noticing Byleth's sullen response, Edelgard quickly recovered from her shock and stepped forward. The volatile glare she was throwing Caspar's way caused the boy to shrink considerably.
But, before she could properly scold Caspar, Dorothea had beaten her to the punch.
"Oh, stow it, Caspar."
Dorothea stomped on his foot, eliciting a startled cry from him.
"Yow!" Caspar cried, hopping around on one foot as he gripped the injured one. "I-I didn't mean anything bad by it, geez!"
Dorothy pointedly ignored him and turned to Byleth.
"I think you'd make for an amazing father, Professor."
"You…" Byleth's eyes widened. "You do?"
"Oh, absolutely." Dorothea nodded. "I'll admit, you have some… interesting quirks, but I've seen how incredibly gentle and caring you can be with us."
Byleth? Gentle and caring? These were attributes he had never thought he had.
"Um… I-I could see it, too…"
Byleth turned his gaze to Bernadetta, who was fidgeting with her fingers as she avoided looking directly at him.
"Y-you… when you, um, pat my head," Bernie mumbled, her cheeks turning a deep shade of vermilion. "I-It used to make me super embarrassed, but now… i-it makes me kind of happy…"
Happy?
Byleth took a step towards the recluse, who had shirked away as he drew close as if she feared he might discipline her. Slowly, he reached out to tousle her hair.
"Thank you, Bernadetta." Byleth smiled as he looked down on her.
Bernie's eyes were glued to the ground, a small smile on her face as she jerked her head up and down.
"You certainly have the role of over-protective parent down," Lysithea remarked upon seeing the display, eyeing the professor cautiously. "…I am sure whatever child you had would enjoy that…"
"They would be well taught. A child of your genes would probably be a master of the sword." Felix hesitated, averting his gaze. "And you do give sound advice on occasion..."
"I'm sure they would appreciate your patience," a lethargic Linhardt mumbled as he rubbed his eyes. "I know I do."
Their praises meant the world to Byleth… They really did, but…
He turned to Edelgard, only to find that she was already watching him. Intently. Her eyes cloudy and lost in thought.
"What do you think, Edelgard?"
While his students' words meant the world to him, it was Edelgard's he wanted to hear the most.
"I think…" Edelgard paused, her lips curving into a smile as she met his eyes. "Whatever child you fathered would be so incredibly loved."
Again, Byleth felt that familiar stinging in his eyes. He was finding it incredibly difficult to swallow.
Dorothea, who had been watching the two a little more closely than the others, smiled as she heard Edelgard's response. Unlike before, there was no mischief or slyness to her features; only the genuine smile that spread across her face.
Byleth coughed into his hand, drawing everyone's attention back towards him.
"Now, that we've agreed to meet five years from today-"
He was going to have the steer the conversation away from this topic lest he get too emotional.
"Let's bring it in for another bonding moment."
Byleth held out his arms, beckoning with his fingers for his students to come closer. No one moved as they all stared at their professor with dumb looks on their faces. He knew he originally stated he was only going to do this once, but… After the night he had, and after many of their kind, kind words, he found that once more he really wanted to hug them all.
"Professor… Could this mean?" Ferdinand was the first to speak, his eyes wide as saucers as he looked at his teacher and his outstretched arms.
"Yes." Byleth nodded. "It is time for another Eagles' group hug."
This time, no 'gentle' persuasion was necessary on his part. Ferdinand, Petra, Bernadetta, and Dorothea all happily obliged as they huddled around their teacher for the group hug. Caspar, Linhardt, and Lysithea were a bit more hesitant, and in one instance, a bit more disgruntled by the sudden offer, but they too eventually joined the clump.
Byleth locked eyes with Felix, who was eyeing the group curiously. A far-cry from his original response months ago.
"Come on, Felix," Byleth called out to him, motioning for him to join.
Felix frowned, his brow creasing slightly.
"I'm not built for these… bonding sessions. You'd be better off without me."
"Not true." Byleth shook his head. "You're one of us, now. It's not complete without everyone."
Felix's brow twitched, his eyes meeting Byleth momentarily before they gravitated back towards the others.
Closing his eyes in resignation, Felix sighed as he joined.
Byleth smiled proudly as he patted the boy on the back, then turned his sights to Edelgard and Hubert.
Edelgard needed no words of encouragement at all. She paced over to where Byleth and Lysithea were, only to stop when she turned back to Hubert.
"Come, Hubert. This will prove to be an effective moment of camaraderie."
Hubert glowered at the display, turning his head up in disapproval.
"No."
"Hubert, just so you are aware, this is an order."
Hubert's eyes widened, staring at his liege with an astonished expression on his face.
"Lady Edelgard…?"
"Hubert."
Hubert's scowl returned as he held Edelgard's gaze. When he realized she truly wasn't going to back down from this, Hubert nodded slowly.
"Very well."
The ever-loyal aide followed behind Edelgard, flipping a strand of hair away from his eyes.
"But I refuse to fully take part in this repulsive display."
So, instead, Hubert simply placed his hand to Edelgard's back as he stood about a foot away from the group.
"Satisfied?"
"Thank you, Hubert." Edelgard grinned as she wrapped her own arms around Lysithea and Byleth's shoulders.
The Black Eagles' shared that 'repulsive' moment together in the arms of their professor; minus Hubert, of course.
On a night where so many wishes had been granted and created, they shared that final moment together not as a class; but as something more. The titles of 'student' and 'professor' were forgotten as they lost themselves in the embrace of each other. The call of duty was pushed aside as they focused on the moment, each of them considering what the future might hold, and if in five years' time, they would still be together in it.
And as Byleth glanced at each face before him, laughing and smiling as they held each other so tightly, he realized that perhaps that perfect idea of 'family' he reached for had been right there in front of him all along.
Edelgard closed the door to the room behind her, finally allowing herself to relax now that she was out of sight from her classmates… and out of sight from her professor.
Byleth was… relentless today.
It felt as though she hardly had the time to catch her breath before he went and said something that made her heart skip a beat. Love… Marriage… Children. In the dead of night, with no one watching, she often daydreamed such things. She often imagined what it would be like to form her own family one day… but the imagery always left her with such pain and regret, so those daydreams of being a wife or a mother never went very far. They were always dashed before she could allow herself to picture what kind of face her hypothetical child might have; dashed before that pain turned into agony.
These impossible things that Edelgard never thought she herself might get to experience, yet… there they were. Right there in front of her.
For so long the path that she walked only ever went in one direction.
It only ever went towards the darkness. Towards the pits of despair she called her own. Towards the shadows that called her name and beckoned her closer.
Towards that gruesome death that she often envisioned at the end of that road.
But now… It felt as though the path she walked had branched off into so many separate directions. So many directions, each brighter and happier than the next.
So, could it be? Could it be possible that Byleth, her Byleth, could truly give her these things?
Edelgard was always so full of doubt before, but now she truly believed that such dreams could reach that fairytale end.
The princess smiled as she walked further into her room, a hand placed to her cheek as she considered their wonderful future.
"To think Byleth of all people would truly consider such things as well," she murmured to herself, her smile growing as she pictured it. "He continues to surprise-"
Edelgard stopped as her eyes landed on a bundle of bright, red colors waiting for her on her desk chair.
She paused, taking a quick look around to make sure no one was in the room with her before she stalked over to the out-of-place object- or, should she say, objects. There were about a dozen of them tied together.
Her eyes widened as she picked up the bouquet of flowers.
They were carnations.
Her favorite.
Edelgard's surprise morphed into amusement. There were only three people that would be privy to such information, and she highly doubted Hubert or her father sent her flowers on this night.
Her fingers brushed against something that was tied to the stems.
It was a small card.
She twisted it around so that she could read what was written on it.
To: Edelgard
From: Your Byleth
Edelgard blew a puff of air from her nose, her smile growing as she shook her head. Byleth was a sneaky one, she'd give him that. How long have they been waiting here for her? Just when did Byleth find the time to put these here? Could he have placed them there before they met in the Goddess Tower?
"Awfully presumptuous, aren't we?" Edelgard laughed softly, allowing her rear to fall upon her bed.
Placing her nose in the center of the bundle, she closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply.
They smelled wonderful.
Edelgard fell back on her bedspread, her smile now reaching her ears. She clutched the flowers to her chest, savoring the warmth that they had left her with.
And there you have it! Thanks for reading, everyone!
First, I'll touch on the Goddess Tower scene. As you can tell, I kind of mushed together aspects of their A and S supports for the entirety of the events in the Tower. I was originally planning on pushing back the "El" discussion until later, but it just felt right in a moment as emotional as this one. And, as some of you deduced, I do plan on having the whole "My Byleth" thing be similar to Byleth as El is for Edelgard. It just makes me feel good :).
And, as you probably also noticed, I do LOVE a good reference to a past chapter. There are quite a few here, by the way. Some of them obvious, some of them not as much. For example, the opening lines of the final scene with Edelgard is near identical to the very first Moments Lost in Time. I always enjoy showing how much a character has grown by putting it side by side to a chapter that took place ages ago.
Now, on to Byleth!
Him longing to make a family of his own is a bit of a hard read I have on his character. In my opinion, when you have a past like Edelgard or Byleth, you'll come to one of two realizations about yourself when the time comes: that you'll either vehemently distance yourself from the idea of "family," or you'll openly and earnestly chase it. Personally, I chose the latter. I'd like to think when Byleth realizes his/her feelings towards someone, they'll also begin to realize how fiercely they'd want to form their own family. This is something I hinted at way back in Chapter 7 (titled Longing, heh, get it?), and it'll be something I bring up later on down the road. Like, way down that road. For the sake of clarity, I'll inform you now that the "epilogue" of this story will focus on that. As the description states, this story will follow them "until the very end."
So, that's just my take on Byleth and Edelgard. One never had a strong familial structure in place to begin with, while one lost it all rather tragically. I'd like to believe that both would really want a future where they could form their own happy, little family, if only to give their children something they themselves never had.
Of course, there were a few other reasons I had the "five years from now" talk spiral out like that. One was for the obvious feel good moment, but the other is probably something you'll grasp in a few chapters from now.
Oh, and shoutouts to the group hug. As some reviewers mentioned the first time it happened, I absolutely had plans to bring it back down the road. This was one of those plans. I was getting kinda emotional near the end of that scene, man...
Anyhow, next chapter we'll get some more fatherly moments when Jeralt comes back into town. As always, thank you all for your continued support!
