(A/N: All right, I want to point this out for clarification reasons. For those who slither in the dark, the names used reflect who they look like. Hopefully that makes sense; I figured it was slightly easier than having Edelgard and Hubert say their actual names while everyone else uses their aliases. Also, as a clarification, Edelgard and Hubert know Arundel is Thales and Jeritza is the Death Knight, but aren't aware of anyone else. I just want to point that out in case and before I'm questioned.)

Claude seemed rather determined to make the house leaders' previous shared meal a repeated occurrence—Edelgard couldn't quite tell if it was for better or for worse at this point. She agreed when he brought up the idea of eating together again, if only so it didn't seem like she might be avoiding the other two.

When it came time for dinner, they took roughly the same spots as the last time—including Hubert's position on a different table. Claude once again led the conversation.

"So, the mock battle last week was…interesting," he noted, eating a little before continuing. "It was almost amusing to see Professor Hanneman and Professor Manuela argue with each other—until they managed to both get routed, anyway. I was hoping to land a win, but I didn't think Professor Jeritza would be so much stronger compared to the rest of you guys."

"Are you suggesting everyone else is weak?" Edelgard asked curiously.

"Oh, no," Claude said teasingly, shaking his head, "You and Dimitri were almost frightening. Terrifying, even."

"I can recognize sarcasm," she pointed out.

Claude chuckled a bit and leaned back in his chair. "No need to get defensive. Everyone did pretty well, as far as I can tell—and you knocked out a fair amount of opponents when you ended up as the last of your class. Even if the Black Eagles was the first class to make a full retreat."

Edelgard opted not to comment on the mixed opinions. Dimitri spoke instead.

"I do think they should have given the winning title to some other class," he mused. "I don't wish to speak ill of Professor Jeritza, but I will say that his instruction was…less than thorough. I feel that it's a little unfair for the other two houses, that the Blue Lions were in such a disarray but still won."

"Eh, it can't be changed now," Claude said, sitting forward again. "You just have to hope that you don't lose as many people as quickly on actual missions."

Dimitri seemed to agree, but didn't continue on the conversation. They all proceeded to eat in relative silence for a few moments. Little over a week had passed since the mock battle in question; nothing could really be said that wasn't already known.

The conversation around them carried on—a few clear shouts in one direction, laughter in another, someone left and more people came in. Edelgard glanced at the doorway and frowned when she recognized the man standing there.

"It looks like someone's here to speak with me," she noted. She stood up as she continued, "I'll return once I talk with him."

"You won't finish eating?" Dimitri asked. "I'm sure whoever it is could wait a few minutes."

She shook her head. "It won't take very long."

He nodded after a moment, allowing her to fully stand up. Edelgard pushed the chair back under the table and went to meet the man. She somehow managed some passing resemblance of warmth.

"I wasn't expecting you, Uncle."

Arundel noticed her, returning her greeting with a similarly feigned smile. She could hardly remember a time when their meetings were genuine—if a time ever existed mutually.

"Good—I don't have to go in there myself," Arundel said. "How has academy life been, Edelgard? I heard there were quite a few intriguing characters here."

"I would prefer to get straight to the point," Edelgard replied simply. "Something happened if you're here—so tell me what it is and we can speed this up considerably."

"So cold! But I don't expect anything else at this point." He took a few steps away from the dining hall and the chatter therein, and she followed only to a point where they wouldn't be overheard.

"I 'heard' of what happened earlier last month, on the expedition," Arundel began. "Thieves came and attacked the three house leaders—coincidentally, the next of Fódlan's rulers. None of them were greatly injured."

"If you wanted a better job, you'd have done it yourself," Edelgard pointed out. The conversation was already tiring. "The thieves came and did about as well as I expected. I got what I wanted out of that night."

"We must have different ideas of success regarding that, then." Arundel frowned, adding quieter, "I recall telling you to make sure they were on their way to their death at least."

"I recall that I agreed to work together, not for you. How often will you need the reminder, I wonder?"

He paused for a moment. Seeing him having to catch himself from acting too oddly gave her some fraction of satisfaction. He continued after he took a breath, but his tone was barely any different. They could be exchanging barbs, and any onlookers would only see a friendly conversation between family.

"I've hired some mercenaries to take care of the problem," Arundel announced.

Edelgard frowned. "Mercenaries are just as likely to 'fail' as thieves are—cost doesn't necessarily translate to skill, and generally mercenaries tend to be less desperate for the payment."

"I didn't ask for your thoughts," he retorted. "You're fortunate that I'm warning you at all; your life in particular does not mean much more than anyone else's to me."

Her response was to hold back a frustrated sigh and turn around. "Is that all?"

"I have something for you to give that woman—the archbishop. Arundel territory has been inundated with trouble of late, and we lack the proper resources to handle the problem ourselves; I'm sure the church would be more than pleased to lend their aid, with their students in tow."

Edelgard only turned enough to accept the letter. "I'll take it to her now."

"Your cooperation is much appreciated. If only I heard that respect a little more often."

"I have no respect to give to a man like you."