Edelgard had to give Monica some credit—she tried to help with mundane class work as soon as Manuela let her. Edelgard knew it was just to gain favor and trust, but in the meantime the would've-been graduate didn't bring up anything they discussed earlier; Monica didn't even verbally call for Edelgard's attention whenever she did something noteworthy like some other students had, although she did glance at her on occasion for approval if the task was particularly noteworthy.

Classes resumed about two weeks after they found Flayn and Monica. The latter officially returned to the Black Eagle house—they offered to reenroll her without any charge, considering their negligence prevented her from graduating—while Flayn was placed with the Golden Deer so someone constantly had an eye on her. Seteth seemed intent on believing that her disappearance was due to the lack of knights watching her, whereas Monica's kidnapping was blamed partially on the knights and partially on Monica herself.

Edelgard went into class a little early; Hubert naturally came right behind her, whereas Monica came after a few minutes to offer her services in getting everything ready for the day. She didn't expect Manuela to come right on time—all three were still recovering, already being disallowed from going on the month's mission.

Not much needed to be set up or put away, so after a bit of silence Edelgard tried entertaining conversation amongst them. Monica was the only one of the two that put in some effort, and even then she didn't say much. Dimitri came in after a few failed attempts, saving her from trying again; Dedue was right behind him.

She nodded her greeting to the Blue Lions' leader. "Did you switch rooms, Dimitri?"

"Another student wanted to be moved," Dimitri explained. "I'll be with the Black Eagles until my class gets a new professor."

"I heard you were told of any progress on that?"

"No news yet. They wouldn't have given Jeritza the position if they had another professor lined up."

They continued with the conversation for a while, with Dedue eventually bidding farewell to go into the Golden Deer's classroom. Students from the two classes came in after another few minutes, and when Manuela came the school day officially began.

Effort was made to make sure the morning's topics were understood by both sections of class. They didn't require as much uniform instruction for weapons—by now, many had chosen and focused on a specific field of study, so it wasn't needed—and when they met up again in the afternoon most of the time was spent reviewing what they went over earlier.

"Edelgard and Dimitri should stay behind," Manuela said at the end, "But everyone else is free to go."

Chatter immediately sprung up after the dismissal, and Edelgard waited until most of them left before she stood to be closer to Manuela's desk; Dimitri took a spot on the other side. Manuela waited until all but one or two students left—with at least one or two standing right outside the door, including Hubert—before she spoke.

"It's just an update about missions," Manuela said. "What it boils down to is that, for now, you should just stay alert—the knights are making some progress in their investigation about what happened during the Blue Sea Moon. They're hoping to figure out where they are soon, and all three classes will provide their reinforcements. Make sure everyone can manage, or find good enough excuses for them to stay behind."

"Is there nothing else we need to do until the knights know for sure?" Dimitri asked. "I heard House Gautier had some trouble with thieves last month; another stolen Relic, if I recall."

"Fortunately, there were already knights in the area," Manuela replied, looking at him. "They were able to recover everything that was taken, so you kids weren't needed."

Dimitri nodded, and Manuela continued.

"Either way, next month is the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Recovering the Relic is top priority, but they are still looking for another professor. If there's a replacement before then, all the professors will be with their classes for the mock battle—if it's still just me and Hanneman, then you're on your own."

Both of them murmured some agreement. There wasn't anything they could do to change it, after all. But Edelgard did have something she needed to add.

"I do have a request for next month, however," Edelgard said to Manuela. "I was asked to come to Enbarr whenever I next had time to spare."

"Is everything all right?"

That concern again. Dimitri's kindness towards her was unexpected on most occasions, seeming unwarranted due to how little they spoke outside of the shared meals or downtime during missions. It made her feel like she was missing some piece of information, but still hadn't managed to speak with him alone.

"It's nothing urgent," Edelgard answered, glancing towards Dimitri for a moment. "Not as far as I'm aware, at least. Just some things I need to be present for."

"I don't have a place to tell you that you need to stay here," Manuela reasoned. "Before or after the mock battle, do you know?"

"Preferably after, but the schedule is still being decided. Hubert will likely come along as well."

"I guessed as much. Just let me know when you're leaving, then all you have to do is catch up on any schoolwork you miss."

"Thank you. I'll let Hubert know as well."

Manuela nodded her reply, then looked at Dimitri as well. "All right, that should be it. Have a good afternoon, you two—I'll see you tomorrow, if not a little earlier."

Edelgard and Dimitri gave their own goodbyes, and left. Unsurprisingly, Hubert was still right outside the door—Dedue was close enough to join Dimitri's side almost immediately—and he didn't need her to relay the information. She did, however, give Monica a warning; she was one of the better choices to lead the Black Eagles in her stead.

Still, she had everything set. With any luck, she could lower Thales's numbers this month and further her own goals afterwards. Things will get busier in the coming days, but it meant she was moving forward.

She couldn't stay at one part of this walk forever.