Byleth was performing excellently as a knight, just as Rhea hoped. She didn't seem interested in the church, but she got along well with the students and some of the knights when she spoke with them.

The only disappointing observation was that she actively seemed to avoid Rhea. Unless Byleth was needed there, she didn't go to the second floor at all. She never lingered in one area for long, either, aside from the places Rhea didn't often go.

Well…she's been here for two full months now. Rhea knew that Byleth's strength wasn't that of a normal knight—the woman herself reportedly paused during conversations on occasion, something that intrigued her. She relied on second-hand information for much of this observation, but fortunately the people of the monastery seemed to notice Byleth whenever she appeared.

Rhea went to the dining hall before breakfast was served, and asked the chef for a separate meal for her to share with the mercenary. As soon as it was prepared, she sat down at the provided table. For the next few minutes, she waited.

Byleth came in with the Black Eagles' leader, pausing at the door to demonstrate something with a dagger before giving it back to the girl with words that sounded like a promise. As soon as the girl hid the dagger and turned towards the inside of the dining hall, she noticed Rhea and paused; Byleth followed her gaze and did the same.

Rhea smiled and gestured for her to come closer. Edelgard's expression changed—from relative happiness to unease—but nonetheless offered some parting words to Byleth and went to meet with her fellow classmates. Byleth hesitated another moment before approaching the archbishop.

"Have a seat," Rhea offered kindly. Byleth remained standing.

There was a short pause; enough for someone to make a comment, Rhea imagined, although that could be her hopes outpacing reality. After a moment, Byleth sat down across from Rhea and she offered a thankful nod.

Rhea gestured towards the food, just enough for both of them. "You're free to eat as we chat."

Byleth only glanced at what was prepared, giving more attention to Rhea than the meal.

She opted not to waste any more time. She cast a curious look towards the mercenary-knight. "Have you ever been tested for a Crest?"

"No," Byleth replied after a second.

"It would be a good thing to confirm," Rhea said. "Crests are manifestations of great power. There is equipment right here in the monastery to identify them."

After another pause, Byleth nodded. "…I guess it wouldn't hurt."

Rhea smiled again, pleased that she didn't require any more convincing. She entertained lighter conversation while they both ate, which Byleth partially responded to; most of it was asking after her mercenary life, and if she missed them.

Once the meal was finished, Rhea took Byleth to Hanneman's office and directed her towards the device. She had asked to use it the day before, and the professor had no protests—she repeated his instructions on how to use it to the mercenary-knight, who held her hand over it like she was asked.

Rhea didn't expect the Crest of Flames. She initially suspected Byleth had the Crest of Seiros—Jeralt was granted that Crest, after all. Blood of the goddess would not come from her father…

Byleth pulled her arm back again and glanced at Rhea. "Do you recognize it?"

"I do. Could you follow me, child? I'm…curious about something else as well."

The mercenary seemed hesitant to agree, but nonetheless followed Rhea to her room. She wanted the Sword of the Creator to be safe, so she kept it with her ever since it returned. She couldn't bear to part with it again—to risk letting it fall back into enemy hands. She could watch it better—protect it better—than anyone else.

Rhea went into her room, carefully retrieved the sword, and brought it back outside to Byleth. The mercenary frowned, but allowed Rhea to speak.

"Please take this sword." She had the correct Crest. The sword lacked a Crest Stone, but precious few things could lead to someone having a Crest last seen in the King of Liberation.

Byleth accepted the sword without any protests, and it glowed.

Rhea laughed, pure happiness growing into a wide grin by the end. The mercenary had Mother's heart—she had to. She really was Sitri's child.

Perhaps, a bit more importantly… Byleth could be the person Rhea had been hoping to create for years. Even if Byleth was just another failed attempt, Rhea had the means to try again—she just had to keep the mercenary-knight within sight to be able to retrieve those materials.

The mercenary looked at her with some confusion and a hint of concern. Rhea explained the Sword of the Creator, and not her joy at seeing that red glow.

"That sword was once used by the King of Liberation, Nemesis," she said. "Since he died protecting Fódlan, no one had been able to wield it. In that vein…keep it, I insist. Consider it as your closest weapon—just as Catherine has Thunderbrand, I trust you to use the Sword of the Creator in service of the church."

"I'll use it in service of what I believe best," Byleth corrected, frowning slightly.

No amount of dull comments could lessen her elation. Simply, Rhea replied, "Yes, if that pleases you. Use it wisely, child."

"…I will."