Hey, everyone! Welcome to the next installment of Love in the Dark.
Got a bit of a long one on our hands here. If I'm being honest, I probably could have pushed this one out a few days ago, but I got a little caught up in other things. Finally bit the bullet and bought an arcade stick for muh fighting games, and FINALLY decided to catch up on Season 2 and 3 of Attack on Titan (almost done with Season 3, holy shit man what a show).
Anyhow, just a bit of a disclaimer here: expect a lot of line breaks in this chapter. You'll see why once you finish.
Also, maybe not right now, but soon, expect me to go back and change Eleanor's name to Sitri at some point.
I know, I know. I said I wasn't gonna.
But the name has REALLY grown on me. To the point where I have to use 'mom' or 'mother' when referring to her out of fear that I'll write the name wrong and confuse the shit out of people. At this point, it's basically a personal preference, and it'll make my job easier come some chapters down the line. Plus, it kind of kills me having a different name than canon.
But! In Eleanor's honor, the name will make a reappearance in the future. Take that as you will.
Now, onto the chapter!
Tell me, El.
Their conjoined hands rested on the railing. Their faces were only a few inches away from each other, so close that their noses were nearly touching. For that moment in time, his entire world revolved around the girl in front of him.
You have seen the worst that humanity has had to offer. You have been hurt, deceived, used. Everything that you loved was torn away from you. Everything that you had faith in had shattered. No one helped you. No one saved you. Every day you are tormented by memories of the past. You're but eighteen years, yet you've already been given a death sentence.
And she was smiling.
Not a wide, ear-to-ear grin like a kid might show.
Not a reserved, fake smirk like she might have worn months ago.
So, knowing all of this, how is it that you can still make that expression?
But a small, gentle smile. Eyes that were focused on nothing but him, staring at him so… lovingly. As if, for just this moment, he was the only thing in her world as well. This was a picture that painted Byleth not a thousand words, but millions.
How is it that you can still smile so brightly?
Byleth felt the muscles in his arm twitch, as if his hand wished to instinctively move towards her face. To poke, prod, examine, so that he might better understand. To hold, cradle, cherish… so that it may never fade.
Could I be like that one day, too?
Would it be within that smile, within that stubborn light in a world of darkness, he might find an answer? Within her heart, within her eyes, within her dream… He could finally understand.
I… I hope so.
"Byleth?"
Edelgard spoke, breaking the pregnant silence between the two. Byleth blinked, finally returning to reality. He hadn't realized it, but he had been staring at her so intently for at least a minute now. That expression, still lingering in his vision, had already left, replaced by a concerned look.
"Sorry." Byleth shook his head. "I was just… lost in my thoughts."
A lame excuse at this point. Byleth wondered how many times he could utter it before it lost its usefulness.
But, if Edelgard was annoyed by its return, she didn't show it. If anything, she seemed more concerned. That made him feel… guilty. As if all he did was worry her. He wanted to be the cause of a smile like that one, instead of a furrowed brow and slight frown.
"If you would like to discuss it, you know that I would be happy to listen."
There she went again; reaching towards him without hesitation. Edelgard had always been so… protective of him. Almost like Rhea, but at the same time, nothing like her. There was no deceit or ambiguity to Edelgard's motives. When she looked at him… Byleth was truly the only thing in her vision. It wasn't Sothis, but him.
"I know you would."
He knew that beyond a shadow of a doubt. In fact, she already had.
But…
"This is something I have to figure out myself."
Though they had promised to always share each other's burdens, this… this problem El couldn't help him with. Not verbally, anyways. It was something Byleth had to discover on his own. Without Sothis, without Edelgard, and without his students. He would watch them. Scrutinize them, even. But, in the end, it was an answer he had to find, otherwise, what was the point? He had to decide what he was. Just this once, he had to do it alone.
Noticing Edelgard's tense response, Byleth quickly continued.
"It has nothing to do with you, of course," he assured her, cracking a small smile. "…Just me. Only me."
That wasn't entirely true, but he realized with the way he worded things, Edelgard probably jumped to a negative thought or two.
"Ah." She nodded slowly, but still not fully understanding. "That is fair. Commendable, even."
Was it?
"I'm not sure about that." Byleth's grin turned crooked. "But, thank you, El."
Byleth paused, his gaze turning to the sky. His eyes zeroed in on the moon, but in truth, the image of Edelgard's smile still lingered in his mind. A smile that only he was permitted to see.
As his eyes closed, the moon disappeared, but her smile remained.
It was an unfamiliar feeling for Byleth; to want something without letting anyone else even catch a glimpse of it. To want something solely for himself. Byleth was far from selfless- there were just few desires in this world that he ever truly wanted for himself. So, yes, this feeling of being the only one allowed to see Edelgard smile in such a way made Byleth very happy.
'I am beginning to wonder if a day might come where that fear will no longer exist. If a day might come where others might see the me that only you have.'
And as he recalled the words that she didn't realize he had heard, his thoughts once more drifted to the looming future.
"Though, I do suppose there is one thing you could help me with."
"Oh?" Edelgard rose an eyebrow, immediately perking up. Byleth found it sweet how eager she seemed to help him with this unique conundrum of his.
"Do you recall the legend surrounding this tower?"
"I do."
"Do you think it'd be allowed to make a second wish?" Byleth asked, glancing at her.
"A second?" Edelgard replied, quirking a brow. "You… You made a first?"
"Of course I did." Byleth nodded, very seriously. He had to make up for lost time, after all. "As I'm sure you did as well."
Edelgard lowered her head, mumbling her affirmation under her breath. Byleth didn't particularly believe in blessings or miracles or anything of the sort, but if such things existed, perhaps it would be her blushing face.
"Well," Edelgard cleared her throat, composing herself. "There are no rules prohibiting you from doing so."
"Would it not be selfish to make two wishes?"
Edelgard thought on that for a moment before shaking her head.
"Why?"
A silly question, but for Byleth, it meant a great deal.
"It's human nature, Byleth," Edelgard replied. "No matter how big or how small, we're all entitled to a list of our own hopes, daydreams, and wishes. There's no set amount for one person."
… That would be true, wouldn't it? There had been a time where he had no hopes, no daydreams, nor any wishes. A time where he was known as demon rather than his own name. A soulless, inhuman machine…
"Is that so?" Byleth made a thoughtful sound, turning his gaze towards the ethereal moon.
Now, he had many dreams. He hoped for quite a lot. His list of wishes, some outlandish, some feasible, had grown long.
And at this moment, he had one more he wanted to add.
"El, would you mind casting another wish with me?"
Edelgard smiled knowingly, nodding just once. He supposed with leading questions such as those, his request wouldn't have come as much of a surprise.
"I would be happy to, my Byleth."
As he closed his eyes, El's own term of affection ringing in his ears, Byleth felt himself smile. In the Goddess Tower, beneath the same starry night he had once shared with his father so many years ago, Byleth made his wish.
And as that wish was cast, unbeknownst to Byleth, another one had been granted. One he had never spoken into the air, but so desperately wished for all the same.
After a few more seconds of silence, Byleth opened his eyes. His thoughts were set on the future, while his vision filled with nothing but the stars in the sky. Stubborn, little sources of light that shone so valiantly in the darkness it was suspended in. Byleth couldn't help but notice that the one his father pointed out so long ago, the guiding light for weary travelers, seemed to be shining a little brighter than usual.
Perhaps it was just his imagination.
"What did you wish for?" Byleth retained his smile as he turned to Edelgard. However, knowing her, Byleth had a few guesses.
Edelgard frowned, folding her arms over her chest.
"You know I cannot tell you that."
That frown weakened a little bit as she considered his request.
"Not unless you tell me yours, first."
Byleth chuckled, tousling her hair as he stepped past her. Edelgard, despite her usual calm demeanor, almost let out a gasp in surprise. Of all his student, it was very rare for him to ruffle her hair.
"I am afraid not," Byleth said, his grin seeping into his tone. "Now, come along; if we're going to prepare for this trip to Enbarr tomorrow, it would be wise to try and get some sleep."
Edelgard's eyes widened, blinking a few times as that reality returned to her.
"I-I suppose it would," the princess mumbled, giving the moon one last glance before taking off after Byleth.
Though the thought of sleep disturbed him, with Edelgard's smiling face and his selfish wish still fresh on his mind, he wasn't afraid.
To Edelgard's surprise, when she rose bright and early the next morning, Byleth was already waiting for her.
Standing at the foot of her door, rubbing one eye with a tired look on his face, he greeted her as he normally would.
"Good morning, Edelgard."
The princess blinked, her hand still on the doorknob as she stared dumbly at her professor. Compared to last evening, Byleth looked a little worse for wear. When they left each other, he had been in quite the good mood; chipper even. Maybe he didn't sleep well?
As Edelgard recalled the events of the night prior, she felt herself pinken. She had been so happy that he had agreed to come along, she might have gotten… a little bold.
"Good morning, my teacher," she murmured, glancing around. "I was just preparing to head to your class, but… Was there something you needed?"
Byleth nodded.
"I came to walk with you."
Edelgard cleared her throat, trying hard not to look too surprised, nor too pleased by this unexpected change of pace.
"That sounds… agreeable."
Though, try as she might, she faltered near the end.
Choosing to ignore that, she stepped out of the room, closing and locking her door behind her.
"We best be off, then, lest Hubert comes along to discover you have taken his place this morning," Edelgard said with a grin as she turned to face him once more. "He will most likely not be pleased."
Truth be told, she didn't mind the idea of all three of them walking together, especially now that Hubert was warming up to Byleth.
But…
She also wouldn't mind walking with Byleth alone this morning.
"Very well." Byleth nodded again, but Edelgard could spy the subtle hints of a smirk growing on his face.
Only for it to dissipate seconds later.
As that increasingly familiar 'distant' look adorned his eyes.
"Would you mind if we dropped by the mess hall on the way?" Byleth asked as they began to walk. "Getting Seteth to give me a few days leave wasn't a problem. Rhea, however… took some convincing. I need caffeine."
"Not at all," she replied, stifling a laugh at the way he phrased it.
Byleth had always been a tea connoisseur of sorts, so this didn't come as much of a shock. Edelgard was happy to honor his request, anyways. It simply meant they would have a few more minutes together.
The two walked in relative silence towards the mess hall, but Edelgard didn't mind. She didn't feel the need to fill the silence with conversation, as she was perfectly content with simply taking a leisurely, morning stroll. It would be rare that she would have the time to do such things in the near future, so she was practically jumping at the chance.
Though, that feeling did not last long. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Byleth occasionally cast side-long glances her way, then move a hand to fiddle with something at his neck. That look in his eyes hadn't faded, either. For someone touted as the 'Ashen Demon,' Byleth was hardly adept at hiding his emotions. When something was bothering him, he had a way of wearing his heart on his sleeve. Granted, these ways were usually subtle and hard to spot, but Edelgard… watched him a little more closely than others might.
"Are you unwell, my teacher?" Edelgard finally asked.
"I am fine," came the aloof, almost premeditated response. "Just tired."
Edelgard hummed to herself and nodded. It was clear to her that's not all that it was, but she wouldn't press the issue. If he didn't want to speak about it, he didn't need-
Byleth slowed to a stop, letting out a soft sigh.
"That's not entirely true," he confessed. "I just had some… strange dreams, is all."
"Strange dreams?" Edelgard asked in a whisper as they began to walk again.
"Yes. Dreams of…" He hesitated, as if to decide whether he should continue. "Death."
Edelgard's eyes widened, her heart nearly skipping a beat. That she had not been expecting. It was not as if one could control the contents of their nightmares, she was painfully aware of that by now, but she hadn't even thought that Byleth might struggle with that as well.
And the content matter certainly didn't help to alleviate any of her concern, either.
"That is most troubling, indeed," Edelgard murmured.
Byleth made a thoughtful sound, but didn't make any other commitment to answer other than that.
"But, as long as I breathe, I will make sure no such fate befalls you."
Edelgard's voice was resolute, adopting the same tone it had whenever she spoke as the emperor or house leader.
Just as he had promised her, she would promise the same. As long as she breathed, Byleth would outlive her.
And yet… Byleth was silent. For a moment, he seemed to frown when she said that. Edelgard feared that perhaps she had spoken out of turn, but just as that worry began to gnaw at her, Byleth's lips curved upwards as he smiled. There was nothing peculiar about this particular smile; it was the same one he often showed whenever the two spoke together.
"Thank you, Edelgard."
His index finger tapped hers.
She tapped his back.
As they could not openly hold hands in public (not yet, anyways), that was as close as they could get.
Byleth's slow response still troubled her… but seeing as the two had made it to the cafeteria, Edelgard decided to let the matter drop for now. Perhaps she was just reading too much into it. Maybe he really was just tired. She knew she was always a little slower on the uptake when her mind was addled and fatigued, so maybe the same held true for Byleth.
The door creaked open as the two entered the mess side-by-side. The hall was filled with chattering students, merrily eating their nutritional breakfasts as they conversed with their friends and fellow classmates.
At first, only a few turned their heads towards Edelgard and Byleth. As the next in line for the throne, Edelgard was quite used to this. Given Byleth and his near-legend status here at Garreg Mach, the same held true for him.
A few did double-takes as Byleth strode by.
Some tapped a nearby shoulder, heads motioning towards her professor.
Whispers filled the air.
And as the two made their way towards the kitchen in the back of the room, Edelgard could feel every pair of eyes in the vicinity following them.
Edelgard's teacher was always something of a legend among the students and a common topic amongst the gossipers that plagued the academy. It was often that she would hear whispers of the 'mercenary professor of the Black Eagle house.'
For a time, those whispers were almost always malicious, dubious, or downright fearful, but as Byleth's tenure as a professor grew, the mumblings began to change. Students began to see him as 'strong.' Wagers were often made on who might win in a duel between Byleth and other members of the staff. The terms 'handsome,' 'stoic,' and even 'kind' were thrown out like candy. Though Edelgard did not take part in something as juvenile as gossiping, she was thankful that others were starting to see Byleth the way that she saw him.
Today, however, she had a hard time believing this was what they were discussing. Though the voices weren't louder than a whisper, Edelgard occasionally caught the words 'gift' and 'goddess.' Byleth's eyes never pointed anywhere but dead ahead, but she was sure he heard it as well.
It appeared that the cat was out of the bag.
Edelgard frowned dangerously as she met the eyes of an exceptionally loud student. She had half a mind to give this gossiper an ear-full, but a hand fell upon her shoulder before she could.
"It is fine, Edelgard," Byleth whispered.
Edelgard relaxed at the touch of his hand, but that didn't stop her from shooting another fierce glare at the loud student.
Now ignoring the whispers, the two approached the kitchen counter. As they drew near, Edelgard spotted the familiar, large back of one of the Golden Deer.
Raphael's eyes widened in recognition as they fell upon the two.
"Oh, hey, Professor! Mornin', Edelgard!" Raphael greeted them, friendly as ever.
The princess didn't have many dealings with this student, but she was aware of his kind, equally large heart. She was appreciative of the fact that he greeted her with a name, rather than a title.
"Good morning," Edelgard greeted politely.
"Raphael." Byleth nodded at the much larger man.
"Come to eat a big meal before class starts?" He asked.
"Just tea."
"Tea?" Raphael blinked. "You're not going to get any muscle on that body with a breakfast like that!"
The Deer laughed, slapping Byleth on the back. The professor's entire body moved with the weight of the heavy hand, but if he was annoyed by the gesture, Edelgard couldn't tell.
"Raphael!"
Ingrid jumped out of the crowd that was gathered near the kitchen, both of her hands filled with plates of food.
"You shouldn't go around slapping people like that," the Blue Lion chastised him, though it came out slightly muffled due to the bacon she was chewing on. "Especially Professor Byleth."
"Heh," Raphael chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry about that."
"I don't mind." Byleth shook his head.
"Professor Byleth?"
A few of the students waiting in line turned their heads towards the commotion.
"P-Professor Byleth!"
One of the students, a young girl with braided, brown hair, quickly stepped out of the way.
"Please, go in front of me! I-I wasn't that hungry anyways."
Byleth frowned, his eyebrows knitting together.
"There's no need for-"
"Yeah, I don't mind!" A male student laughed, a hand sheepishly rubbing his head. "Professor Manuela will be on my case if I'm late again."
"Same here! In fact, I better run off to class!"
Byleth's frown deepened as one by one the students vacated the area, allowing him and Edelgard clear passage to the counter. All that remained at the front now was Edelgard, Byleth, Raphael, and Ingrid.
"Sweet!" Raphael, none the wiser, barreled towards the offered food. "I'm starving!"
"What was that about?" Ingrid puzzled, chomping on a muffin as she examined the fleeing students curiously.
"It seems word got out regarding my meeting with the archbishop," Byleth sighed, though he did not look too terribly surprised.
Walking up to the counter, her professor grabbed a mug and the freshly brewed coffee.
Edelgard blinked.
Coffee?
"Word got…?'" Ingrid's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. Glancing down at her half-eaten muffin, she hurriedly cleared her throat. Quickly setting her food down on a nearby table, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Her cheeks were a rosy red. "Forgive me, Professor, that was terribly rude of-"
"It is fine," Byleth sighed a little deeper as he poured his black coffee. Taking a long, drawn out drink, he refilled it to the brim then turned to depart. "Come on, Edelgard. Let's go to class."
Edelgard dipped her head, falling into step with him as he walked by.
"Farewell, Ingrid." Byleth waved as he strode by.
"F-farewell!" Ingrid nodded stiffly, half-committing to a bow.
As the two left the dining hall (the door promptly being opened for them by some more students), Edelgard found herself stealing many looks at Byleth. Though he had taken a handful of drinks from his coffee, his eyes seemed even more tired.
"It got to you, didn't it?" Edelgard remarked as they walked. She knew firsthand how irritating it could be. When people stepped around her as if they were walking on eggshells, it aggravated her immensely. It was part of the reason she had taken to her Black Eagle class so quickly; outside of the occasional Bernadetta escapade, they all had treated her as an equal… Or, in Ferdinand's case, a hurdle to overcome.
Byleth raised an eyebrow, glancing at her over the edge of his mug.
"What did?"
"The students' reactions."
Edelgard nodded towards a pair that made a point of stepping out of Byleth's way.
"Oh." Byleth frowned as his eyes met the pair. "You could say that."
Byleth exhaled, taking another sip from his coffee. Edelgard had always found black coffee a little too bitter for her liking, but he didn't seem fazed in the least by it.
"I expected it, it's just…"
He hesitated, his gaze moving towards the brown liquid in his glass. What he could be staring at other than his distorted reflection, Edelgard wasn't sure. But he looked at it for a while.
"I preferred that brief time when they saw me for who I was," Byleth mumbled. "Now they see the green hair and eyes and…"
Byleth shrugged it off.
"No matter. They mean no harm."
He picked up his pace, motioning for Edelgard to do the same.
"Come along. We'll be late for class at this rate."
Downing the rest of his drink, Byleth strolled into the Eagles' classroom, Edelgard hot on his trail.
"Good morning, Eagles."
"Good morning, Professor."
To his pleasant surprise, each and every Eagle was present and accounted for. Even Linhardt, the most likely culprit to show up late, was sitting upright at his desk.
He was quite thankful they seemed to be greeting him as they always would, too.
Edelgard split off to take her seat, while Byleth paced towards his own desk at the front of the room.
Placing his empty mug down on its surface, he turned towards his students.
"Before we begin class today, there are two bits of information I want to pass on to you. First, come the end of the month, we have a new assignment."
"That was quick…" Dorothea murmured, brows raised in surprise.
"All things considered, I have difficulty imagining this will be a simple mission," Hubert voiced his opinion, his arms folded across his chest.
"Right as always, Hubert." Byleth nodded. "Our mission will take place in the Holy Tomb, where the archbishop will be holding a ceremony in my honor."
He tried not to sound too bitter as he said that. This whole thing still left a sour taste in his mouth.
"Ceremony?" That seemed to perk Linhardt's interest. Flayn, too, seemed greatly intrigued by the turn the conversation had gone.
"Indeed. By her explanation, I am to receive a 'divine revelation.' You will all be accompanying me for this adventure."
"Uh, Professor?" Caspar mumbled, raising a hand.
So far, the first to actually do so before speaking. Byleth felt a swell of pride at that.
"Yes, Caspar?"
"What exactly is a 'divine revelation?'"
"Your guess is as good as mine." Byleth shrugged. "But, the archbishop seems confident that I will be given a 'message' or 'sign' from the goddess. So, I suppose that."
Byleth's explanation didn't seem to alleviate any of Caspar's confusion, but he couldn't really help that. He didn't have a better explanation to give than that one.
"And the other bit of information, Professor?" Ferdinand asked. Byleth was thankful for the change in topic. If they questioned him anymore, his lack of knowledge might be a little too obvious.
"Edelgard and I will be leaving for Enbarr in two days. Our trip shouldn't take more than a week or so, but during that time, Professors Manuela and Hanneman will be substituting for me."
Byleth quickly shot Hubert a glance. As expected, the brooding mage didn't look perturbed in the slightest.
"You and Edelgard?" Ferdinand blinked. "If I may be so bold as to inquire why?"
"My presence was requested at the palace. I asked for Professor Byleth to accompany me."
Edelgard was quick to answer. Meeting her eyes, she did not waver. Unblinking, she stared back at him. Byleth wasn't blind, he could take a hint.
"That is correct." Byleth nodded.
If that was the way she wanted to play it, so be it. She didn't lie by any means, but still, Edelgard didn't reveal the full truth. It was understandable, all things considered, as her coronation was probably on a need-to-know basis.
Still, he hoped the day would come soon where Edelgard would entrust them with such information as she had entrusted him. He hoped that they might get a chance to know the 'El' that Byleth knew and loved. He understood why it wasn't so easy, but still… He hoped.
"We will return before the ceremony, so no need to worry. Just continue coming to class as you always would, and we'll be back before you know it."
Byleth smiled at them reassuringly, then moved onto his next piece of business. The boatload of coffee he had consumed earlier was thankfully in full effect now.
"Now, then."
Taking a seat at his desk, he pulled out a stack of blank papers and his trusty journal he used to keep notes in.
"All of that aside, the year is coming to a close."
There were a few sad and sullen faces at that.
"So, to see to it that we end the year properly, it is time to commence with the exit interviews."
That caught them off-guard. Even the stone-faced Hubert looked marginally surprised.
"Exit… interviews?" Petra tilted her head to the side, appearing confused at the terminology.
"Think of it as a little question-and-answer regarding your time in my class, and your goals for the future."
"Don't you already know all of that, Professor?" Lysithea asked, giving his infamous journal a pointed look.
"I do. Somewhat."
While it never hurt to reaffirm what he already knew, there were a few reasons for this. One, he truly did want to hear what they had to say before the year ended. Two, after his meeting with Edelgard the other night, he realized their answers might help him formulate his own. And three…
Byleth snuck a glance at Edelgard. She gave him a curious look, but she didn't seem to guess his intentions through his stare alone. Likely for the best. He did not want to hide things from her or the others, but… This was one thing he couldn't explain fully. Not yet, anyway.
Byleth was always well prepared for each and every scenario.
"But, I'm not perfect," Byleth said with a shrug, shaking off that moment of dread. "There are things I forget, and things that changed since our first days. If so, I'd like to hear it. Any objections?"
No one voiced any, at least. They still looked someone uncertain, but in all fairness, most students did when met with a curious assignment.
"Then, if you would, please wait outside the door. I'll call you one by one for your interview."
The chorus of chairs squeaking against the floor echoed throughout the room as every Eagle rose to their feet. Some looked a little more hesitant than others; Linhardt, for example, was likely lamenting the effort required in this activity, while Hubert was likely wondering what merit this activity had.
"Edelgard," Byleth caught her attention before she could make it too far. "Bring your desk up here. I'd like for you to sit in; you are the house leader, after all."
"Very well, my teacher."
She was quick to respond, likely due to the trust she held in Byleth's 'process,' but he could see the unasked questions within her eyes.
Once the Eagles had vacated the room, and Edelgard had meandered her way to where Byleth sat, Byleth opened his mouth to continue.
"And soon, you will be their emperor. It's just as important for you to know these aspects as I, so make sure to listen carefully."
"I know." Edelgard nodded. "And I will."
Byleth smiled at the resolve in her tone, but that grin faltered as he noted the lingering doubt flash across El's eyes.
It was true that she didn't know for sure yet that the Eagles would stay at her side when all was brought to light, but Byleth did. In each and every dream he had seen, they were always together. It was far too much of a reoccurrence for it to be mere coincidence. To Byleth, it was all but a certainty.
These men and women were her closest allies, most trusted confidants, and dearest friends. They would fight, bleed, and if necessary, die for her. So… When the time came for her to take the mantle of emperor and lead them into battle, it was paramount that she was privy to the same information Byleth was.
It was as much for her sake as it was for his.
"Good." Byleth leaned back in his chair, straightening his papers. "Then, let's get underway."
"Bernadetta."
Byleth glanced up from his papers. The small, frightened girl sat quivering in her chair, her hands anxiously toying with her skirt as she looked everywhere but at Edelgard and Byleth. The well-known recluse had grown heaps and bounds since the day they first met, but he knew a situation like this couldn't be easy for her; it likely brought up terrible memories that she would rather not relive. 'Forced' to sit in a chair before her superiors as she was 'interrogated' and 'judged'. Obviously not the terminology that Byleth would use, but he wouldn't be shocked if his student was thinking those things right now.
There were only three questions he wanted to ask, so he'd make it as quick and painless as possible. Like tearing off a bandage.
"Over the course of the year, what aspect would you say you improved the most in?"
Bernadetta's eyes darted to Byleth, then Edelgard, then the floor.
"I-Is this a trick question?"
"No."
Bernie squirmed in her seat.
"C-Could you repeat it?"
"How have you grown this year?" Byleth asked gently, deciding it best to simplify his questions some. Put it in 'nicer' terminology, so to speak.
She jerked her head up and down.
"I, um, come out of my room more," she whispered, though it sounded uncannily similar to a squirrel squeaking. "I-I think I've grown braver, b-but maybe I'm wrong."
Edelgard shifted in her seat as Bernadetta lowered her head. Biting her lower lip, Bernadetta continued.
"I can barely make it through a question, s-so maybe I'm still just the same, big dumb scaredy cat I've-"
The recluse flinched when a certain princess interrupted her.
"You and I both know that isn't true," Edelgard assured her. "I've seen firsthand how much stronger you've become."
"Really?" Bernadetta asked, raising her head.
"Yes. There are few people in this world I'd rather have by my side than you, Bernadetta."
Bernie lowered her head again, but this time, Byleth could spy a smile at the corners of her cheeks.
"T-Thanks, Edelgard."
Her head shot up, her lips already sputtering a rapid-fire correction.
"I-I mean, Lady Edelgard!"
Edelgard sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Though, against her better judgement, she let it slide.
Byleth gave a knowing smirk as he continued with his next question.
"And what would you say your favorite part of my class has been?"
"M-my favorite part?" Bernadetta repeated, her cheeks turning a deep vermillion as she stole a glance at Edelgard and Byleth. "That I, um, h-h-have been able to make so… so many friends."
The last bit was barely spoken higher than a whisper.
Edelgard's face slackened, likely due to how closely that answer hit home, but after a moment, the soon-to-be emperor smiled softly.
"And finally…"
Byleth leaned forward, resting his arms on his desk.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
He could sense Edelgard giving him a curious glance, but she didn't voice any opinions to his question.
"Ah… Um…"
Bernadetta met Byleth's eyes, and her blush grew to the ears poking out from beneath her hair.
"A p-p-p-professor, l-l-like you…"
Though he had a pretty decent understanding of his students and their hopes and dreams, that response caught him completely off guard. He expected something involving arts or crafts- perhaps a writer, but a…
As Bernadetta's timid reply registered in his ears, Byleth felt that motionless organ in his chest fill with heat.
"Petra."
Wrangling his focus back to the task at hand, Byleth prepared to interview his next student.
The princess from Brigid sat tall and proud in her seat, perhaps a little too prim and proper, though she did look a tad confused. Her expression didn't betray it, but with the way her pupils moved back and forth from Edelgard to Byleth, and the way her foot was tapping the ground, Byleth could tell she was somewhat anxious for the questions to begin.
"What aspect would you say you improved the most in?"
Petra shifted in her seat, her palms resting in her lap.
"I have feeling that I have better understanding of Fódlan's customs and language."
Byleth resisted the urge to smile at her slight errors in her speaking. Personally, he found her way of speaking Fódlan's language to be somewhat charming, but it was true she was becoming more adept with it.
"Good," Byleth remarked, jotting down a note or two. "And what would you say has been your favorite part of my class?"
"The lecturing." Petra nodded. "Learning new things about this country has been greatly intersecting-"
Realizing her blunder, Petra cleared her throat, a small blush rising to her cheeks.
"Interesting. I have learned much that I can take back to my homeland, and I had enjoyment during your hands-on teachings."
Petra, more than most, certainly did enjoy Byleth's lectures regarding hunting, camping, and other important survival methods and tactics. She had always been one of his most attentive and eager students during those days. Granted, most of the things Byleth taught them Petra already knew, but that didn't stop her from coming to class with an open mind and a readiness to learn.
When the time came, he was sure she would make a great leader.
Writing that down, he asked his final question.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Petra blinked in surprise, her head slightly drooping to the side.
"A woman?"
"Er, he didn't mean it in such a specific sense, Petra," Edelgard chimed in. "What the professor was asking was what do you plan to do in the future. For example, I will be emperor."
"Ah, I have understanding." Petra nodded. "It is my wish to become queen of Brigid and bring my land great peace and pros-prosperity."
The princess hesitated, casting a glance towards Edelgard's side of the room.
"With Edelgard's helping, I would be liking to create friendship between our two homes."
"Of course, Petra." Edelgard smiled. "Together, you and I, we can be the single arrow."
Petra beamed at that, but Byleth was quite confused. What did being a single arrow have to do with this?
But, confusion aside, their camaraderie made him quite happy. It seemed that things were going the way he had planned.
Truth be told, the professor wasn't entirely sure how this next one would go.
Drumming his fingers on his desk, he cast Edelgard a wary look before setting his focus on the next student.
"…Ferdinand."
"Professor." Ferdinand grinned, bowing his head politely.
Ferdinand von Aegir, was in all rights, an excellent student. He was attentive during every class, participated in every discussion, was kind and mindful; albeit sometimes his mouth ran a little too fast. While Byleth believed he had great tact, there had been a few instances where his earnest nature and honesty had gotten him in some hot water with some of the others. His competitive spirit also garnered some less than amicable responses, as well… Namely from Edelgard.
Byleth knew he was a good man, however. A shining example of what a noble should be.
"Over the course of the term, what aspect would you say you improved most in?"
"Everything!" Ferdinand replied eagerly. "My study habits have improved, and under your tutelage, my grades have never been better."
Byleth pursed his lips, scratching his chin.
"Care to be a little more… specific? Perhaps something that doesn't relate to your academics?"
"I can do that," Ferdinand said, sitting forward, posture excellent as always. "I firmly believe that my relationships with my fellow classmates has grown considerably."
That caught his attention.
"How so?" Byleth asked.
"There have been occasions where I may speak without putting much thought into it. That has, to my dismay, caused some anger and misunderstandings in the past."
Well, it's good he's aware of that.
"However, after spending more time with people from all walks of life, my understanding of what others have gone through has grown."
"Is that so?" Edelgard raised a brow.
"Yes!" Ferdinand nodded with a smirk. "Perhaps even more than you, Edelgard!"
The heir sighed, a hand massaging her brow.
"On to the next question, then," Byleth cleared his throat, pretending to write. "What has been your favorite part of my class?"
"Helping others," came the immediate response.
Byleth glanced up from his work.
"Could you expand on that?"
"Certainly." Ferdinand nodded again. "Be it assisting my friends and fellow classmates with their studies, or helping those in need."
Byleth smiled, this time writing a few lines down in his book.
He was thankful that in spite of all they've gone through, Ferdinand was still Ferdinand. Of all his students, he was one of the few he expected the least change from. Not that it was a bad thing; quite the opposite in fact. Ferdinand was just always one of those people that knew what they wanted from life, and knew how to accomplish it. Deep down, Ferdinand simply wanted to help and protect those he cared for, and do it to the best of his abilities.
Granted, there were a few things he could improve upon, but Byleth was content.
"Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up, Ferdinand?"
The noble was silent for a moment as he pondered that question. He pinched his chin, letting out a thoughtful hum.
After a moment of decision, he spoke.
"Someone that gives more than he takes."
Byleth's writing hand paused, his eyes widening.
"That…" Edelgard paused, her lips slowly curving into an approving grin. "Is a good answer, Ferdinand. Better than I could give."
And at that, Byleth had never seen Ferdinand smile so widely.
"Caspar."
Byleth set his quill to the page as he evaluated the boy.
Like Ferdinand, he didn't expect much great change from his student. Caspar could be somewhat thick-headed sometimes, missing cues and not accounting for others feelings, but he was all-in-all a good person. He cared deeply for his friends, and was always striving to improve himself.
The burden of his family always weighed heavily on him, if his dealings with Petra, and on some occasions, Shamir, were any indication. He was perhaps a little too mindful of that due to his strong sense of justice and what was 'right' or 'wrong.' The sins of his ancestors should not fall on his shoulders, but Byleth knew that deep down, he just wanted to be a good friend. A dependable ally.
He respected the hell out of Caspar for that.
"How have you grown this year?" Byleth asked.
"I've grown stronger," Caspar answered, one Byleth expected. While it was a worthy pursuit under some circumstances, he sometimes feared he might fall into the same pitfalls as Felix. "I don't have a Crest, but I think I'm catching up to my father and brother's shadow."
"You are, Caspar," Edelgard interjected. "I have no doubt in my mind that if you continue working as hard as you have, you will far surpass them."
Most would likely smile or flush at such praise, but Caspar simply nodded, his brow set in determination. Those two were quite alike in that regard.
Byleth made a few notes of that, then continued.
"And what has been your favorite part of my class?"
Caspar scratched the top of his head, suddenly looking a tad… apprehensive. Certainly a rare sight coming from him.
"That… you treated all of us the same."
"Why wouldn't I?" Byleth tilted his head to the side, quirking an eyebrow.
"See?" Caspar motioned towards him. "That's what I mean, Teach. Being Crestless or second-in-line never bothered you once. It didn't even occur to you. You didn't care where we came from, or who we were. You treated us all the same as you would anyone else, and I appreciated the hell out of that."
Byleth's intent with his questions was always to gain some insight into what made his students tick; how they felt about themselves, what they valued, and what they wanted from life. Important notes for any leader, and for any friend. He simply wanted a little peek at their own list of hopes, dreams, wishes, and ambitions. Like with Edelgard, he wanted find the source of their smiles, too.
But, he would be lying if Caspar's reply didn't make him feel… fuzzy.
"Thank you, Caspar," Byleth murmured under his breath, writing that down in his journal. "Now, onto the final question: what do you want to be when you grow up?"
As Byleth expected, his response was immediate.
"A better man than I am today." Caspar shrugged, lacing his fingers behind his head. "If I can be that, I'm good."
"Oh, my."
Dorothea fanned her face with a hand as she leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs in a way that would likely earn him scorn from Edelgard if his eyes wandered.
"It's been awhile since I've been interviewed like this. It's enough to really get my heart pumping, you know?"
"Oh?" Byleth sat forward, pushing his notes aside. "Do you need a moment, Dorothea?"
"No, I was-"
Dorothea sighed, her flirtatious attitude slipping as she looked to Edelgard.
"Always literal, with this one," the songstress giggled. "You have your work cut out for you, Edie. I wish you luck."
"Hm?" Byleth glanced over at El, who was now purposefully avoiding his gaze.
"Do you not have questions to ask, my teacher?" Edelgard mumbled, the lower half of her face covered by the back of her hand. To his left, he could hear Dorothea's giggles continue.
"Very well," Byleth drawled, eyes darting back and forth between the two curiously. He saw no reason not to, so he decided to proceed. "How would you say you've grown this year, Dorothea?"
"Hmmm…" Dorothea tapped a finger to her chin, her eyes pointing up at the ceiling as she thought. As her pupils landed back on him, a shiver went down his spine. "Well, I think I've grown quite well this year, if I do say so myself."
Sitting forward, she pushed her chest out slightly.
"Wouldn't you agree, Professor?"
In some degrees, yes. Precisely around an inch or two in height. Approximately a few pounds in weight due to her continued growing. It was hard to say if her hair had increased in length, as she had it cut and fixed fairly regularly, but he doubted she needed that information.
"Compared to your stature at the start of the year, I-"
Something slammed onto the top of his foot. Hard.
Byleth bit his bottom lip to stifle a yelp. Edelgard was still staring straight ahead, her façade betraying nothing, but he could practically feel the dangerous intent she was giving off. It would be in his best interest to keep that information to himself, he was sure.
Dorothea held a hand to her lips as she laughed, her hair fluttering with the movement.
"Sorry, Professor, I couldn't help but try one more time," her laughter settled down into a few chuckles as she calmed herself. "To answer your question, I don't really know. I wouldn't say I've really grown or changed all that much. I'm still the same old me that I've always been. I used to worry about that because I'm not getting any younger, but…"
Dorothea paused as she grew serious, her eyes jumping towards Edelgard.
"I'm not too worried now if I'm the same tomorrow as I am today."
The two smiled at each other. Again, something Byleth was missing out on, but he wasn't too concerned, as it confirmed his suspicions.
Dorothea hadn't really changed all that much. She was still friendly, still flirtatious and a teaser, still kindhearted- perhaps, in some instances, to a fault. He often worried how the burdens of war might affect someone as gentle and caring as her. The fields of war were no place for angels; only devils.
Byleth didn't want her to be a rose of only thorns, as she might word it. He wanted those petals to stay long after the fighting was over.
Truthfully, Byleth didn't want Dorothea to change. If it was of her own will, for her own betterment, then sure. That was completely fine.
But, if she was the same tomorrow as she was today, he would be content, as well. As it was with all of his students, he just wished for her happiness.
And… given the track she was on, he sincerely hoped the love she was constantly chasing after would come to her, one day. Perhaps not the manner in which she expected, but just as… rewarding.
"Understood." Byleth nodded, taking note. "Next question: what has been your favorite part of our class?"
"Our time together." Dorothea beamed. "I know studying and getting good grades is important and all that, but nothing can top that. It…"
Dorothea wavered, her confidence failing.
"It meant a great deal to me to be…"
Byleth didn't need for her to finish her sentence to understand her intent.
To be accepted.
To be loved.
Yes… It was something he understood quite well.
"The feeling is mutual, Dorothea." Edelgard smiled at her friend.
"Heh, thanks, Edie." Dorothea wiped something out of her eye before grinning as well. "And I'll make sure to keep this gooey moment out of your opera."
The two girls laughed at that, but Byleth had drowned it out. His quill rested against the page, neither writing, nor moving.
Maybe that is part of it. This desire to be loved, and to be accepted. Things that run deeper than our base instincts to simply mate and reproduce.
To feel like you're worth something to someone else. Validation that you are capable of being loved…
Is that longing a characteristic unique to mankind?
"Professor Byleth?"
"Hm?"
He lifted his gaze, only to find that Dorothea and Edelgard were watching him with expectant looks on their faces. Had he really been quiet for that long?
Shaking his head, he pushed that internal question to the side as he prepared to ask Dorothea her next.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"Well, isn't that a cute way to ask a complex question?" Dorothea smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Return to Mittlefrank Opera, marry a handsome, well-to-do man, have a happy little family of songbirds."
Dorothea sighed dreamily, her eyes lost in thought as she considered her ideal future.
"Maybe I'll adopt a few little munchkins, instead."
"Oh?" That seemed to peak Edelgard's interest.
"Hmhm. There are so many orphans in this world. I think it'd be…" Dorothea paused, suddenly looking a little timid. "Nice… if I could give even one child a loving home."
Byleth smiled, writing a few notes regarding Dorothea's large heart.
The professor couldn't help but be slightly amused as he watched Flayn sway back and forth in her chair, her smaller legs kicking the air happily, almost like a child might. She looked particularly bright and cheerful this morning, even humming a little tune as she watched the two with an expectant gaze.
So far, of all his students, Flayn was the first to look this excited to be here; not that it came as much of a shock to Byleth. Flayn had always been his most 'excited' student in class. She positively adored being in the classroom, almost as much as she did being part of the group and taking part in their 'delightful' activities. Byleth wondered if part of it had to do with her sheltered upbringing, or if Flayn just happened to be a very social creature, but he had a feeling it was a little of both.
Edelgard seemed to be regarding Flayn with a… curious expression on her face. There was a polite smile on her lips, but also a snag to those purple eyes of hers. Those eyes and that smile didn't mesh perfectly. It was rather telling to Byleth.
Moving forward and making sure to keep note of Edelgard's reactions, Byleth started with a greeting.
"Good morning, Flayn."
"Good day, Professor Byleth."
"Are you ready to begin?" He asked, flipping a page in his book.
"Extremely so!"
"Good." Byleth smirked, placing his chin on his palm. "Question one: how do you think you've grown over the course of the year?"
"Hmmm… It is always difficult task to reflect on the growth of oneself, but I will do my upmost to answer honestly."
Flayn took a moment to contemplate his question, her index finger and thumb pinching her chin as she considered her answer.
"As I have grown more knowledgeable in a multitude of subjects, I do feel as though my self-confidence and independence have grown," Flayn began, a smile growing on her lips. "It has been great fun learning how to properly ensnare a fish and prepare it for eating. Were I ever to have the misfortune of having to survive off the lands without any assistance, I now feel more confident in my abilities."
"Happy to hear it." Byleth smiled back. "Next question: what was your favorite aspect of my class?"
"The course material!" Flayn exclaimed, stars in her eyes. "I loved learning new, exciting things each day!"
Ah, what Byleth wouldn't do for an entire class of Flayn's. Not literally, of course. But her enthusiasm always made him quite pleased. He only wished that a certain handful of students shared that.
Writing a few lines in his journal, Byleth raised his head.
"And finally, what is that you wish to be when you grow up?"
"When I… grow up?" Flayn repeated, tilting her head to the side in confusion.
"As in, where do you see yourself in the future? What would you like to accomplish?" Byleth expanded, waving his quill-hand around. "Stuff like that."
"Ah, yes, of course," the young girl giggled nervously, a hand caressing her hair. "I suppose I have not given that query much thought."
Byleth raised an eyebrow at the small change in her tone and demeanor. She almost appeared… rueful.
"I would enjoy finding a way to help the less fortunate and those in need." Flayn grew quiet for a moment, a familiar, distant look in her eyes. "Preferably at my father's side."
His ears latched onto the word 'father.'
"My apologies." She shook her head, her green twin-tails whipping back and forth. "I hope that answer was sufficient?"
"It was, Flayn," Edelgard replied in a soft voice, her smile becoming more genuine… and apologetic. "Thank you."
He loved all of his students equally, though the nature in which that love bloomed was somewhat different from case to case. Edelgard was a shining example of how that love blossomed into something else entirely- catapulting across the boundaries of teacher and student, pupil and mentor, friend and friend, to something more.
Felix was a different case. When Byleth first came across the boy, he had instantly taken a liking to him. Partly because his gruff, to-the-point nature and his lack of care for what would be deemed 'common courtesy' had been something Byleth valued. His skill with a blade was second to none, and his prowess on the field of battle had been no less. A sharp mind, keen eyes, and good instincts. To Byleth, those had been the makings of a valuable ally.
It didn't take long for Byleth to connect their similar dots. He saw himself in the boy. Quiet. Didn't speak if it wasn't needed. A skilled swordsman. An experienced killer. A stoic façade that hid droves of loneliness and hatred. A self-proclaimed lone wolf…
Their situations couldn't be more different, however. Felix's personal quest stemmed from an oath to surpass the fallen brother he could never best, while Byleth's entire existence had relied upon being stronger than anyone else. In short, it had been about survival.
The professor had a few years on him, so he knew all of the stops. The road to strength, while it could be noble when chosen for the correct reasons, was one with many pitfalls. If you weren't careful, you were bound to be lonelier at the end than you were when you started. The top of the mountain might have a breathtaking view, but what good was it if you were alone?
Jeralt, Sothis, Edelgard, and the rest of the Eagles had saved him from such a fate. He hoped the same could be said about the former Blue Lion.
"Felix."
"Byleth." Felix nodded curtly at the professor, his sharp eyes moving towards his partner. "Edelgard."
"I'll keep this short and sweet."
The teacher already knew the ways in which his student had grown; he had witnessed it himself.
But, still, he felt the need to ask. While it was true Byleth was aware of these things, Felix might still have been blind to it. Just as a lonely view was pointless, so was growth if one was not aware of it.
"Over the course of the year, how would you say you've grown?"
"Do I truly have to answer that?" Felix frowned, looking a tad uncomfortable.
"Yes."
"And these answers will help you in some way?"
"It'll help all three of us."
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Edelgard raise an eyebrow as she stole a glance his way.
"Very well," Felix mumbled, though he did not look entirely convinced. "Since joining the Eagle house, my skills with the sword have-"
"No. Something that doesn't involve how well you can swing a blade."
"Professor?" Edelgard whispered towards his ear. He could hear the confusion lingering in her tone, so he raised a hand to placate her.
Just as this was for their benefit, it was for his students, too. Some lacked self-confidence, like Bernadetta, and to an extent, Caspar. Some likely hadn't given the future much thought, such as Linhardt. Some… wrongly believed their future was already set in stone- that fate was a scripture written long before their birth, unable to be changed. Some just needed a little shove.
Just as it was important that Edelgard knew these things about her allies, it was important that they themselves did, as well.
Edelgard nodded slowly, turning her gaze back to the slightly miffed Felix.
"So, what, then?" Felix shrugged. "Are you telling me you want to hear about unquantifiable drivel?"
"Yes."
Felix placed a hand to his head and sighed.
"And I'm supposed to believe that my growing taste for sweets is somehow relevant?"
"Yes." Byleth's smirked. "And I think you know it is, otherwise, it wouldn't have been the first thing you mentioned."
"I-"
Felix hesitated.
Scoffed.
Crossed his arms and turned his head.
Byleth made a quick note of Felix's growing relationship with Lysithea, how it affected him in ways he might or might not realize, then continued with his next question.
"Question number two: what has been your favorite aspect of this class so far?"
"Having a class more suited towards my goal."
Byleth's brows rose slightly at that. It was an answer that wasn't even remotely unexpected, but there was something beneath those hardened eyes of his that caught Byleth's attention. Something about the edge to his voice…
"That goal being?" Edelgard, too, seemed intrigued.
"To find a path. My own path. Not my father's, and certainly not his."
"His?" Edelgard's expression darkened. "Am I safe in assuming that you are referring to…?"
"Indeed. The boar prince himself."
Felix scowled as he spoke, his hands curling into fists on his pantlegs. As he gripped the cloth to his uniform, his knuckles turned white.
"They are nothing but fools blinded by their archaic notions of virtue and chivalry… Mindless lapdogs that believe a cruel death is something to be lauded as a 'great service' to a beast masquerading as a king."
Felix exhaled slowly, his eyes darting to the closed door behind him. What he was looking for in that wood, Byleth was not sure. But, whatever it was, it seemed to calm him.
"That is not the path I wish to take. I do not wish to be blinded by obedience. I want to think for myself, and cut my own way forward… Just as Glenn had taught me."
The swordsman was silent for a moment, his eyes still lingering on that closed door. For a moment, Byleth expected him to continue. But, just as he thought he would, Felix closed his eyes and turned back to Edelgard and him.
"Does that answer prove sufficient?"
"It does." Byleth frowned, glancing down at his journal. "But tell me this: how far will you go for your dream?"
"As far as it takes."
As far as it takes…
Byleth's heart plummeted into his stomach, only now realized what a grave mistake he may have made.
"Thank you, Felix. You may go."
"That's it?" Felix rose a brow.
"Yes." Byleth nodded. "You answered all of my questions."
Felix stared at him curiously for a moment, his gaze drifting to Edelgard. When the princess provided no answers to his unasked question, the former Lion simply shrugged and rose to his feet.
It was a noble goal of his. Everyone should have the chance to decide their own fate. To cut their own path, as Felix put it.
But, what would Felix do when that path led him to Dimitri? To Ingrid? Sylvain? His father?
What would he do when their blood coated the very ground he walked on?
Would he hold true to himself?
Or become the very thing he hated?
Byleth's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, the paper wrinkling beneath his grasp.
Maybe it was true that due to Byleth's meddling, Felix's trajectory was different now. Perhaps his path was no longer the forsaken path that Byleth once walked along.
But, had he simply taken Felix down a fork in the road and towards an even worse fate?
In five years, would those still be the eyes of Felix?
Or of a boar?
"Professor?"
Byleth blinked, his hand relaxing. Smoothing out the crinkled paper, he turned to Edelgard.
"Is something wrong?" She asked, her eyes gravitating towards his journal.
Byleth met her eyes, then looked to his journal.
"What do you think of Felix?" He asked her quietly.
"His skill is rivaled by very few here at the academy. He doesn't bend to the 'norms' that many of the nobility set for themselves, and… he's incredibly determined. Perhaps to a fault," Edelgard replied. "In a way, he reminds me of myself."
"I thought similarly," Byleth agreed. "But I worry…"
"About?"
"Felix's disdain for Dimitri runs deep. I never understood his hatred for the prince until I saw it for myself."
When the wound was still fresh, there was very little Byleth remembered outside of Jeralt's… demise on that day.
But, with a slightly clearer mind, Byleth could recall rather vividly the change that took place in Dimitri. Byleth always had his suspicions, but that day truly brought Dimitri's mental trauma to light.
That detached look in those dilated pupils. The way his voice had been sharp enough to cut glass. His… drastically different way of speaking. That thirst for violence.
Granted, Byleth was hardly in a position to cast the first stone. To fault Dimitri for something that he himself had been guilty of would be hypocritical at best. Plus, he was quite fond of Dimitri.
But, it did help him view things a little clearer between the two Lions.
The night Felix lost Glenn, it was likely that he lost Dimitri, as well. He couldn't imagine what his student must have went through when the gentle boy that had once been his childhood friend, someone he loved, respected, and admired, turned into a 'boar' that killed without hesitation. It would be easy for anyone's faith to be shaken after that.
"It is true. Dimitri is hardly the man he once was."
Byleth was quick to pick up on the lingering regret in Edelgard's eyes. There was something between those two, as well. That much had been clear through Dimitri's actions towards his house leader, but Edelgard herself had shown a few hints of it as well.
"Yes." Byleth nodded absently, his eyes still on El. "I only worry what might become of Felix if his chosen path lies across his former allies' graves."
"As do I…" Edelgard murmured, her gaze moving to the door that the former Lion had just stepped out of.
Originally, Byleth had called Hubert in to take the next interview.
…But, unfortunately, it seemed that Edelgard's aide 'mysteriously' disappeared while everyone was waiting for their name to be called.
Byleth had hoped that Hubert would humor his request, but perhaps that was wishful thinking. It likely didn't matter much in the end, so Byleth wasn't too distraught. He had a hunch that most of Hubert's answers would involve one striking similarity. It didn't require much of his imagination to guess what that might be.
Hubert wasn't ready to consider a future without Edelgard's ever-looming presence in it just yet.
Byleth was confident it would happen one day, though. That one day, Hubert would start to consider what he wanted from his life outside of his service to Edelgard. It might not be today, or even the next, but it would happen eventually.
At least, he hoped so. Hubert was scarily intelligent, as strong as anyone, and loyal to a fault. If he truly desired it, there wasn't much in this world that he couldn't attain… Ignoring his dark and often unsettling demeanor, of course.
Shifting mental gears, Byleth flipped his journal a few pages forward towards the next entry.
"Professor."
Byleth lifted his gaze towards Edelgard. The emperor had spoken in a whisper, her eyes never leaving the next student that was approaching them.
"Yes, Edelgard?"
"Would you mind if I take this one?" Edelgard asked, finally looking Byleth's way. "I would very much enjoy the opportunity to interview her."
The professor blinked, stealing a look at the approaching Lysithea, then met El's eyes once more.
He had planned to take the lead for these interviews so that Edelgard could sit, listen, and occasionally add her own input, but given the two's past…
This worked just as well. All things considered, it was probably even better this way. He didn't mind taking a back seat and letting her take the initiative. It was what he wanted, after all.
"By all means."
Edelgard gave a slight nod of thanks, then steeled herself as her focus returned to the former Golden Deer.
"Thank you for joining us today, Lysithea," Edelgard spoke as the younger girl took her seat.
"It's… not a problem?" Lysithea replied, sounding confused by Edelgard's sudden formal way of speaking.
"Do you mind if I begin?" Edelgard asked, placing her clasped hands on the desk before her.
When Lysithea nodded, El asked her first question.
"How do you think you have grown over the course of the year as a Black Eagle?"
Lysithea shot a look Byleth's way, but he only shrugged and motioned for her to answer.
"I haven't."
Byleth quirked a brow, glancing at Edelgard. If the answer surprised her, she didn't show it.
"What makes you say that?" Edelgard questioned in response. "Your grades are exceptional; you work harder than any other student under the Eagles' banner. By any definition, you have grown the most among us."
"Academically, sure. But not in a way that matters."
"Then, what does?"
Lysithea hesitated, shifting in her chair.
"Making sure the people I love are well cared for. It is a step in the right direction, but high marks alone won't accomplish that."
"But strength would," Edelgard murmured, her expression softening.
Lysithea nodded.
"I see." Edelgard nodded a few times, mostly to herself. "…Your parents mean a great deal to you, don't they?"
"They mean everything. All that I do is for them."
Edelgard hummed to herself, her eyes forlorn and distant.
"Then, if I may ask, what do you envision for yourself?"
Lysithea blinked, her head tilting to the side. It was almost as if she had never considered the possibility before.
"Huh?"
"Once your parents are well cared for, what will you do?"
Lysithea frowned, her eyes lowering to the floor.
"I suppose I haven't given it much thought," she mumbled. "My parents have always been my first concern; giving them the life they deserve before I…"
She paused, her eyes jumping back and forth between the two, as if she only now realized they were here with her.
"That's all that really mattered."
"Hypothetically speaking, let us say you have all the time in the world. What is that you want from life?"
Lysithea's frown deepened.
"You can't possibly promise-"
"I can, and I will."
Her eyes widened in shock, but they remained solely on Edelgard, never straying for even a second.
Byleth leaned back, sinking down in his seat, hoping to minimize his presence as much as possible. He realized that in this conversation between these two, his best course of action was to remain silent.
Although, as the two continued to stare at each other, not a single word breaking the fragile silence that filled the air, Byleth suddenly felt the need to say something. The tension was almost becoming too much to bear.
Thankfully, however, Lysithea seemed to find her words.
"Then…"
The mage lowered her head once more, her voice but a whisper.
"I would very much enjoy a normal life."
"And what would 'normal' mean to you?" Edelgard asked quietly.
"I don't know." Lysithea shrugged. "Perhaps a small cottage in the middle of nowhere, free from all burdens… Just my parents, and me, baking sweets together as we once did."
Lysithea smiled. It was normally a happy thing to see her smile, Byleth thought, but this particular expression only filled him with grief. Her smile was so… pained. It… It was the look of someone that knew exactly what they wanted from life all along, but also knew it was something they could never achieve.
"…That is a very nice wish." Edelgard nodded. "And as your house leader, I promise that I will do all that I can to bring it to fruition."
Byleth fully expected a pessimistic response in reply to that. Something alluding to Lysithea's shortened lifespan, that time was fleeting, or that as long as her parents lived happily, what happened to her did not matter.
"Thank you, Edelgard."
He was incredibly grateful when none of those responses came.
"But, there's something I want you to promise in return," El continued.
"That being?"
"That you'll never stop fighting for that dream. Not for one second, and no matter what happens."
Lysithea opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by the sounds of the church bells, signaling the end of class for the day.
The two waited patiently for the chiming to end, once again only staring at each other.
Once they did end, however…
"I promise."
Again, Lysithea smiled.
Byleth couldn't help but note how much brighter this one was compared to the one he witnessed only moments before. Not a wide, ear-to-ear grin like a kid might show. Not the defeated smile of a girl slated to die.
But a small, gentle smile. Eyes… brimming with hope. Byleth found himself wondering how it was that Lysithea, someone who had suffered through many of the things that Edelgard had, could make an expression as bright as that.
Realizing how intimate this little question and answer activity had become in such a short time, both girls cleared their throat awkwardly, breaking eye contact with one another.
"That'll conclude our interview for the time being," Byleth spoke, finally allowing his presence to be known. "Thank you."
"I-It was my pleasure," Lysithea stammered, her eyes darting to where Edelgard sat. "And thank you, as well."
This entire process had taken longer than Byleth had anticipated, but he just chalked that up to his poor time-management skills rather than the activity itself. A handful of times he had gotten carried away with his own thoughts and musings, which certainly slowed the process down some.
No matter. There was still one more student left to interview.
"Lysithea, would you mind calling Linhardt in for us on your way out?"
"Linhardt?" She blinked, returning to the present. "I would be happy to, but… Professor, he's been sprawled out on the grass since this entire thing started."
Byleth resisted a groan. Truthfully, he should have seen that one coming. It was dangerous leaving Linhardt without the proper supervision; the man could sleep standing up if he really wanted to.
"Linhardt," Edelgard grumbled under her breath, her glare growing a tad fierce. "Allow me to retrieve him, my teacher."
"No need." Byleth shook his head, an idea occurring to him. He had originally planned to go about this a different way, but… This would work, too. While it was still fresh on his mind. "I'll take care of it."
Closing his journal and pushing it aside, Byleth rose to his feet.
"You are excused for the day, Lysithea."
The younger girl nodded. Giving the two a polite farewell, eyes lingering on Edelgard, she turned and left.
There was the matter of Linhardt and the 'make-up work' Byleth would assign him for sleeping during class, but first, there was still a conversation he wanted to have with Edelgard. Linhardt would probably thank him for taking his time, anyway.
Once Lysithea had left the room, he looked to Edelgard.
"Did you pay close attention?"
"I did." She nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "Sometimes I forget what a… passionate, rambunctious group we have."
Her voice was much… softer than the words said had implied. A far cry from the similar response she had given on the first day Byleth entered this room.
"Then, I hope you noticed."
"Noticed what?" Edelgard asked, frowning in confusion.
Byleth motioned to the door, where through its gap, the backs of a few of the Eagles could be seen as they went their own ways.
"That the passionate, rambunctious group of Eagles didn't voice one complaint to your presence. Not one of them felt hesitant sharing their honest, personal answers in front of you. Even Felix, Flayn, and Lysithea, our newest members shared their answers with you."
Byleth had made a point of waiting to ask Edelgard to sit in with him until after the others had made their way to the door. He purposefully neglected to inform them that she would be present for all of their interviews as well.
Of course, it could have backfired in his face. One of them could have felt insecure about sharing the whole truth. One of them could have objected to sharing this information with Edelgard as well, and this hope of his would have been all for naught.
But, they didn't. Not even Flayn, and she…
Pushing the thought from his mind, Byleth refocused on the conversation.
"They trust you, just as much as they do me," Byleth said, his face growing serious as he turned to her. "Don't forget that trust, nor misplace it."
They will need you as much as you need them, El.
Edelgard nodded slowly. Her smile diminished as the resolve and absolution of a leader took its place. It was a bittersweet moment for Byleth. He was grateful that she had seriously considered his words, yet at the same time…
Byleth shook his head. As dear as the Goddess Tower's wish was to him, there was still work to be done.
And, to that end-
Walking out from behind his desk, Byleth moved to Edelgard's side.
"My homework for you tonight is to give that some thought." Byleth smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll meet up with you later to iron out the details of our trip?"
"Of course," Edelgard replied, returning to the present. "And I will, Byleth."
"Good."
Patting her shoulder, he made his way to the door. Placing his hand on the knob, he turned his head to give Edelgard one last glance.
Though, he found his eyes landing on the journal he left behind instead. The leather-bound book where he had documented every little bit and piece of info on his beloved students. It looked so small laying on his desk… Almost forgotten.
It felt strange not having it on his person.
Byleth sighed, worry filling his heart as he stepped out into sun's golden light.
"Wake up."
Linhardt flinched as he felt something tap against his forehead.
As his eyes fluttered open, his blurry vision began to clear. In his sleep, he had felt as though the light shining down on him had grown darker, and the air slightly colder.
Starring up at a green head that was now obscuring the light from the sun, Linhardt realized why.
He slowly sat up, yawning as he rubbed his hands into his tired eyes.
"Good afternoon, Professor," Linhardt mumbled.
"Good afternoon, Linhardt."
Linhardt had been in this position before; caught sleeping when there were other things that needed to be doing. It had always annoyed his professors in the past, and he was sure it annoyed Byleth to some extent, but he had always been a little more… patient with him. Instead of a lecture or a stern talking to, he had often resorted to disapproving stares or heavy sighs. On occasion, a flying piece of chalk and an extra assignment.
He idly wondered which one it would be today.
"My apologies for napping during class," Linhardt mumbled, fighting back another yawn. It was unavoidable; Byleth had woken him too early. "You were working so hard, I didn't want you to overdo it."
"So, you elected to take a nap to ease my burden?" Byleth raised an eyebrow.
"Precisely."
"How thoughtful," Byleth sighed.
Ah, there it is.
Linhardt was happy. A sigh was much better than more troublesome, unneeded work.
"Come on, get up."
The boy let out an uncharacteristic yelp as his professor drug him to his feet.
"I can't exactly scold you, considering I went over the time period," Byleth remarked, brushing a strand of grass from his uniform. "So, instead, I will enforce an extra credit opportunity."
"That's hardly 'extra credit' if it's enforced."
Byleth gave him a blank look.
Linhardt recognized that one.
"Thank you for the opportunity, Professor," he sighed, hanging his head. It was unavoidable. His fate was sealed.
"You're welcome." Byleth smirked. "Now, come along."
He motioned with his head, signaling Linhardt to follow. Sighing, he walked after him.
"Truthfully, you can decline, if you wish. I won't actually enforce it," Byleth said, glancing back at him. "But, it is my hope that you'll oblige my request."
'My request?'
That piqued Linhardt's curiosity. Usually in these scenarios, it wasn't so much as a request as it was a demand like Byleth's previous statement.
It took quite a bit to intrigue Linhardt and wake him from his usual stupor.
But his attention was certainly hooked, now.
"Uh, Professor?" Linhardt finally spoke up, his eyes hovering on the door's nameplate the two found themselves at.
"Yes, Linhardt?"
"What might we be doing at Professor Hanneman's office?" He asked, a hand rubbing his chin.
When Byleth spoke of 'extra credit' and his 'request,' the last place Linhardt expected to wind up would be at the door to the Blue Lions' professor. That isn't to say he wasn't fond of the Crest scholar; quite the opposite, in fact. But it didn't make sense. Not unless it was some kind of inter-house assignment, but he doubted it.
The only other possibility he could think of was that it had something to do with Crests, given the fact that Linhardt was as equally fascinated by them as Hanneman, but that seemed almost as unlikely. The Eagle professor didn't speak of the subject much, and if this extracurricular activity truly did involve such things, Linhardt didn't understand why Byleth led him all the way here without explaining it beforehand.
"You'll see."
Was all Byleth said before he entered the room, expecting Linhardt to follow after.
Strange.
Linhardt always envied the way his professor could go about his day as blank-faced as he did. Things like smiling, laughing, getting angry or sad, could be such tiring things sometimes. When Linhardt smiled for too long, his cheeks grew sore. Crying hurt his eyes. Getting angry was exhausting. There were times he wished he could have a poker face like Byleth's.
And yet, as his professor entered the room, there was something about his green eyes that betrayed that poker face.
Perhaps Dorothea was correct… But, then again, what exactly does a head lost in the clouds look like?
If Linhardt had the time, he would have examined that quandary a little more closely.
Following behind his professor, Linhardt walked inside.
"Ah, if it isn't Professor Byleth!" Hanneman grinned as he met the fellow professor's gaze. "I didn't expect to see you so soon after our last study session. Did the allure of Crests-"
Hanneman stopped on a dime as his eyes landed on Linhardt.
"Hm?" The older man hummed, adjusting his monocle. "Well, if it isn't Mister Hreving. A good day to you, child."
"Hello," Linhardt greeted back.
"Professor Byleth?" Hanneman raised an eyebrow, glancing his way.
Byleth's hand fell on Linhardt's shoulder, giving it a reaffirming squeeze.
"Linhardt here will be taking my place for the time being."
"I-I beg your pardon?"
Linhardt watched the two curiously, Hanneman's surprised reaction catching his interest.
What exactly am I taking over, now?
"Have you lost interest, Professor?"
"Not in the least."
Linhardt's brows raised at the steely edge to Byleth's voice. Very rarely had he heard his professor speak in such an adamant tone. Only on the battlefield, really.
"But, I leave for Enbarr in a few days. After that, it's unlikely I can assist as I normally would," Byleth explained. "For all I know, this 'ceremony' might take me away from you longer than I would like."
"Ah, of course." Hanneman nodded, rubbing his beard. "I should have realized that myself. Your time will likely be divided entirely between the church and your students."
Byleth was silent for a moment. Linhardt wasn't entirely sure why those green eyes seemed to jump to him immediately.
"Something like that."
But, as the hand that gripped his shoulder patted it a few times, that look on Byleth's face all but vanished.
"I don't want your work to diminish once I leave, so I thought I'd rope Linhardt here into it. He's much more informed in this subject than I."
"Work?" Linhardt broke his silence. "In Crests, I presume?"
Byleth's eyes widened for a moment.
"That's correct." He nodded, the surprise fading. Byleth looked to Hanneman, pointing towards his desk. "Professor, would you grab my notes for me?"
Doing as he was asked, Hanneman opened up a drawer and pulled out a thick stack of papers. Easily the size of a small book.
These are his notes?
Byleth accepted them, his thumb idly flipping through the pages as his distant eyes glossed over his handwriting.
"Linhardt."
The boy stopped trying to peek at the writing on the paper and lifted his head.
"This work," he began, shaking his hand and the papers with it. "Means a great deal to me."
And yet, I still don't even know the specifics…
"I am not giving these to you out of necessity, but because I trust you. You might sleep a lot, you might be somewhat lazy on occasion, but I know when something captures your interest, there isn't a person on this planet that would work harder than you to find the answer."
Byleth pushed the papers into his hands.
"And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you can do far more than I ever could."
Linhardt slowly accepted them, flipping the stack around so that he could read the very first page.
The mage's eyes bulged as he spotted two familiar names.
This… This is…
Linhardt eagerly flipped through a few more pages, his eyes scanning each word.
Crest experimentation.
Crest implantation.
Blood reconstruction surgery.
Charon, Gloucester, Seiros… Flames?
I had always suspected such a thing could be the case, but… not to this extent. Did the professor truly write all of this?
The Crest of Flames... Before the professor, only Nemesis has been known to bear such a Crest. But, Edelgard-
"Linhardt."
A hand invaded Linhardt's vision, smacking down atop the papers. He had been so engrossed in the material, he nearly jumped out of his skin.
He lifted his head, only to find Byleth already staring at him. Closely.
"This information is very private… and very personal. Can I rely on your discretion?"
Linhardt bobbed his head up and down.
Byleth sighed in relief, his features relaxing.
"So, you'll help us?"
"Of course," Linhardt said, shooing Byleth's hand away. "I've never seen such detailed notes on those that bear two Crests… Not even to mention the Crest of Flames… How fascinating…"
Linhardt flipped through a few more pages, than met Byleth's eyes again. Except, this time, there was a strange look on his face…
"I won't promise you anything, but I'll do what I can."
How strange, indeed…
Linhardt had just been idolizing Byleth and his way of using minimal effort when creating facial expressions, but there the professor was, smiling away. Granted, it wasn't one of those wide, ear-to-ear grins like a kid might show, nor one of those smirks he'd grow at witnessing the antics of the Eagles.
"Thank you, Linhardt."
It was… smaller than that. A little gentler, too. Almost like a proud parent.
Yet, as small as it was, Linhardt could still feel the waves of happiness emanating from it.
And he decided that he might like the smiling version of Byleth more than that impassive one.
And, there you have it!
As you can see, the reason for the line breaks were the interviews. This idea came to me as I was about halfway through the chapter, and I liked it too much to not include it. It's something that isn't exactly necessary, but giving the Eagles some light never hurts. Plus, it's a nice addition to this running plot point of Edelgard growing closer to the Eagles as a leader, and their growing trust between each other.
And… it fits in nicely to whatever future thing Byleth is preparing for!
One more thing of note regarding those interviews: some people have asked in the past if there will be other pairings, what I have planned for the Eagles, etc…
So, if you remember their endings from the game and look closely at certain segments…
You might be able to spot a clue or two!
In fact, this whole chapter is basically just one giant build-up moment for future chapters. Some easy to spot, some a little less so. Can't reveal my whole hand yet!
Anyhow, hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Next time, we'll get to the beginning of Enbarr!
Stay safe everyone!
