Byleth entered the Audience Chamber once the Black Eagles had settled into their rooms. By the time they had returned to Garreg Mach Monastery the sun had gone down and the students were retiring to their dorm rooms. Seteth was waiting for them at the front gates and was surprised by the prisoners Byleth had brought back with Catherine. After much persuasion on Byleth's part, Seteth agreed to take the prisoners to the town's jailhouse, as there was no dungeon at the Monastery itself. Byleth didn't believe that after the discovery of Abyss. He was sure that there would be a dungeon somewhere in the many passageways down below. But he decided not to argue the point now and handed over the prisoners to the Knights of Seiros. Now he walked down the Audience Chamber where Archbishop Rhea and Seteth stood front and centre before him. He noticed Catherine was off to the side too.

"I am glad to see that you have returned safely. The goddess is gracious with her divine protection. But it was not only her divine protection that shielded you, was it?" Rhea smiled warmly at Byleth. He could see that she was looking over him as if there were traces of such divine protection. Unless you count Sothis as divine protection, she'd find nothing on him to prove it. "You are just as skilled as I had hoped."

"Yeah well... My students deserve the praise," Byleth shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't one to take compliments, especially for killing. So he had no problem deflecting the praise over to the students. And if he was honest, he was impressed with some of them. Especially Ferdinand, Caspar and Dorothea. They unlike the rest of the Black Eagles fought against trained knights instead of militia and defeated them. Dorothea had proven that with her magic she had the potential to be an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

"I am not so sure," Rhea pondered as she tilted her head with a smile as she looked to Byleth.

"There's also the matter of the prisoners you seemed to have brought back with you too," Seteth pointed out with his arms crossed, pondering on the next course of action.

"While they fought with Lonato, at the end of the day they are still civilians. Misguided by loyalty to their Lord who took advantage of them. Despite what others say they are just as many victims in this scenario," Byleth imagined that after a stern talking to they'd get essentially a slap on the wrist and sent home to reflect on what could have happened to them if they did not battle against him.

"I heard some of the students were... hesitant about fighting the militia too," Rhea inquired as she tilted her head back upright. Byleth gave a non-committal shrug, whether it was for a moment or not his students still got the job done and kept them alive. "However, we must punish any sinner who may inflict harm upon believers."

Byleth raised an eyebrow. Punish?

"Even if those sinners are civilians."

Byleth began to frown deeply.

"I pray the students learned a valuable lesson about the fate that awaits all who are foolish enough to point their blades towards the heavens," Rhea bowed her head in prayer upon finishing her statement.

Byleth clenched his fists tight.

"Our real concern is what Catherine reported," Seteth stepped in. "The secret mes-"

"Excuse me?" Byleth snapped at the Archbishop. She lifted her head back with mild surprise at Byleth's outburst. "Point their blades towards the heavens? They were scared civilians forced into a battle that could have cost them their lives. I'd hardly call that a declaration of war against the heavens."

"They fought alongside a noble who was openly hostile towards the Church of Seiros and raised their weapons against our knights. They are not innocent, Professor," Rhea explained.

"And what fate awaits them? I've brought them here so that they would be spared from the battlefield," Byleth dared to question.

"Their fate is unchanged. They raised arms against this Church. Tomorrow they will be executed in the Goddess's name for their crimes," Rhea spoke clearly and plainly. As if passing the death sentence was as easy as saying one's name.

"Are you serious?" Byleth was shocked to hear this. He couldn't believe it. When Catherine told him that they passed executions on Lonato's son, he was led to believe that it was a unique circumstance that they were put in that position. But clearly, this Church had no problems with killing anyone that wasn't a believer.

"A regrettable outcome. But not unexpected," Seteth sighed. "As I was saying before, the-"

"These are not soldiers trained to follow orders we are talking about here! They are farmers, gardeners, shopkeepers and innkeepers! They were forced into battle against their will and they are to be executed for it?" Byleth argued back with a glare.

"Professor that's quite eno-"

"SHUT UP!" Byleth silenced the room as he pointed at Seteth. This time Rhea was shocked, her mouth hung agape as she saw Byleth's face contort from controlled anger to rage. Seteth had taken a step back in surprise and Catherine reached and grabbed the handle of Thunderbrand. Byleth turned back to Rhea.

"I came back from that mission approving my student's actions! They treated the militia with respect, and gave them food and water when they needed it, telling them their nightmare was over! They woke up believing they were going to live their normal lives until they were forced to the front lines to fight for their lives. They did not know what they were getting themselves into until I had my blade against one of their throats!" Byleth shouted at the top of his voice, swinging his hand around to emphasise. "And now this Church who claims to have the best interest for all lives in Fódlan can become judge, jury and executioner to anyone, misguided or not, that raises a blade to them?"

"The Church of Seiros has protected these lands and the people of the Empire, Kingdom and Alliance for almost a thousand years. We have remained strong against those that foolishly take up arms against us. They fought against our knights. They tried to kill them," Rhea explained further, hiding the frustration that was building up underneath her visage.

"They weren't fighting to kill they were fighting to defend themselves! Are you saying that it was a waste of time bringing those prisoners back and that I should train my students to cut down civilians?" Byleth snapped back, gritting his teeth.

Rhea frowned as she looked down at Byleth from the steps she stood on. She took a deep breath before answering calmly. "I dearly hope they never have to. But it is something I hope they learn to never hesitate again. Those that point their weapons to the Church point their weapons to the Goddess herself. If they have done it once before, they will do so again. I am sorry, Professor. But they sealed their fate. And tomorrow they will face it."

There was a prolonged silence that lingered in the Audience Chamber. No one said a word after that, nor did anyone more. Catherine kept her hand on Thunderband's handle while Seteth looked like he was ready to force himself in between the Archbishop and Professor. Byleth glared up at Rhea with unbridled rage while she looked down at him like a disappointed mother.

"...Fine then," Byleth turned away and began to leave.

"Hey! We are not done here!" Seteth called out in agitation.

"I'm done with all of you!" Byleth shouted back as he reached the double doors. "If you want to teach your students to kill civilians then find another Professor!"

Byleth swung the doors open and looked over his shoulder to Rhea. "I quit!"

Rhea's calm demeanour and inner frustration crumbled in an instant at his declaration. Now she stood flabbergasted and anxious.

"Q-quit?...N-no! Wait!" Byleth did not wait as he turned the corner and left. He did not want to remain in the monastery any longer. Once he made it down the stairs he made a right turn, making his way towards the training hall. There was only one person he had to talk to before he did something he would regret. He approached the Knight's training hall where the sound of spears colliding echoed from within. He turned the corner to see Jeralt and Leonie parting from one another.

"Not bad. You've kept your technique up to scratch the last time I saw you," Jeralt gave a nod and smile to Leonie before noticing Byleth's arrival. "Hey, kid. How did-"

"I quit! I don't care what they say I'm not staying a moment longer in this place!" Byleth slammed his fist into the stone wall to his left.

"Y-your quitting? W-why?" Leonie blinked her eyes in shock at the Professor's outburst. Or was it a former professor now?

"Woah woah slow down there, kid. What's going on?" Jeralt raised his hands to try and calm his son. He was also confused at the anger his son showed.

"I'm not training students to kill civilians! No matter how much this damn Church tries to justify it! I won't do it!" Byleth screamed at the top of his voice. Leonie jumped back in fright, almost dropping her training spear. Jeralt's confusion however changed to understanding and a small nod. He let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his head before looking at Leonie.

"Sorry about this Leonie. Do you mind if we cut this session short tonight?" Jeralt gave an apologetic smile.

"Uuh... y-yeah sure. We can train another time," Leonie nodded her head and went to put her training spear away on the weapons rack. Sensing the tension in the room she gave a last passing glance to Byleth as she quickly passed him and left.

"I heard you brought back militia as prisoners from your mission. I take it Rhea has already passed her judgement on the matter?" Jeralt walked over to his son with his hands on his hips. Byleth nodded his head as he tried to control his breathing. "I still haven't found a good time for us to be able to just up and leave. It was hard the first time I did it. I also doubt Rhea would allow you to leave-"

"Then I'll cut down all the knights in my way!" Byleth shouted back as he stepped forward into his father's face. Jeralt frowned and quickly flicked his son on the forehead hard.

"Hey! Use your head kid. Do you think you'll get far after killing knights? Even if you escaped do you think you'd be able to get back to how things were before without being hunted? Come on I raised you smarter than that," Jeralt shook his head in disappointment. Byleth took a moment to calm himself and look away from Jeralt. Mostly from the embarrassment of being flicked as he use to as a kid. He was very happy that Leonie was sent out.

"Look. Go to a bar in the town and calm yourself down. I'll talk to Rhea in the meantime. If you still want out... uhm... look you'll have to wait till tomorrow morning. Then maybe I can think of something. Just... don't do anything stupid okay?" Jeralt crossed his arms. Byleth let out a sigh but gave a nod to his father. He turned away and began making his way out of the Knight's Training Hall. He walked down the corridors and main halls without stopping for anything. He was pretty sure he heard a student call out to him but he did not look back. He exited through the main gate and walked down the stairs. All the shops and market stands were closed, but luckily the main gate was still open. He did not give any of the guards a passing glance as he marched by them and headed down the path towards the town. Jeralt was right. He had to calm himself down before he did anything stupid. But finally, since coming to Garreg Mach, instead of sipping out of teacups that for some reason were more pricey than his own sword, he was going to have a real drink at a bar.

88888888

Byleth woke up that morning ready to walk out of Garreg Mach Monastery. It had been a strange two months as a teacher. But he was ready to put it past him and get back to how his life used to be. Where he was just given a mission to complete without compromising his ideals. No longer losing focus while looking out for others. Things would be easier and simpler.

"This does not feel right. You shouldn't be leaving," Sothis's voice echoed in his mind.

"You agree with the executions then?" Byleth asked aloud as he left the room he rented for the night.

"No... No, I don't. But I still don't think leaving is the right choice," Her voice sounded uncertain as if she was in conflict with herself.

"I won't kill civilians... not again... and I sure as hell won't train others to do so," Byleth walked down the corridor for the stairs.

"...not again?" Sothis questioned. He could imagine her readjusting on her throne, no longer resting her head on her hand as he did when bored. Byleth didn't elaborate. He continued down the stairs. He planned to meet up with the rest of Jeralt's Mercenaries who decided to linger in the town. He would plan to leave with them on whatever mission they had at the time.

"My Teacher!" A familiar voice called out. He looked up to see Edelgard standing at the entrance to Inn taking heavy breaths. She must have run the entire way here from the monastery. Her stoic nature which she once compared to his, was replaced with evident worry and fear. "What are you doing? Y-your leaving?"

"Edelgard... you shouldn't have come," Byleth stepped down the stairs and went to pass her. But she pressed a hand against his chest and pushed him back in, marching forward as she did.

"Of course, I should have! Someone has to talk you out of this," Edelgard frowned angrily up at Byleth. The clear height difference not mattering to the future Emperor.

"There's nothing to be discussed. After everything I told you that night about civilians, I'm to follow with the church with what they're about to do? I'm not throwing away my principles nor will I train people to do the opposite," Byleth removed her hand from his chest.

"Then make a stand against it! Don't turn your back on it and let it continue!" Edelgard continued with her fists on her hips.

"It's not my job to. I'm not a liberator or champion of the people. I'm a simple mercenary," Byleth shook his head and went to walk by her again, but she stepped in his way.

"You are more than a simple mercenary, Professor. Your lessons have made an impact on your students. Your skills with a blade far outshine many of the knights of the Empire. And your care for those underneath you shows great qualities in leadership," Edelgard listed off the qualities she saw in him. "There is so much more that we can learn from you. That I can learn from you."

"Learning from me is the last thing you and the class needs. Ferdinand, Caspar, Dorothea and Ashe all saw the real me when we fought Lonato and they were scared," Byleth frowned, clenching his fists tightly. "Whatever you see in me Edelgard, it's not worth it."

"I don't believe that," she shook her head vehemently and pressed her palm into his chest, where his heart was. "Whatever you see yourself as is not what's in here. It's not how you show yourself to all of us. Whether you like it or not, the two months we've known you have given us plenty of reason to care about you. Enough for me to run all the way from the Monastery in this early hour of the morning, without breakfast, without letting Hubert know, to stop you from leaving us!"

Edelgard finally lowered her hand from his chest and looked deep into his eyes. The only person that has ever cared about Byleth was his father. It was how it always was in his life. Sure there was the odd girl or two in the teenage years that showed interest in him. But he wasn't interested in that kind of objectifying attention. But to hear and see from Edelgard that there were now more people that cared enough to stop him from leaving their lives? It wasn't something he was used to and if he was completely honest. It wasn't something he knew how to handle. Suddenly the door behind the bar opened and a burly man stepped out.

"Hm? Bar's not open yet folks. If this is some kind of spat going on then I'll ask you to take it outside. I've got to-" the man trailed off when the Inn's front door opened, and he stood mouth wide open. "L-Lady Rhea!"

Both Byleth and Edelgard quickly turned to the front door and shockingly, there she was. As regal as royalty with a warm smile on her face. Despite her glowing appearance she stuck out like a sore thumb standing in this low-pay establishment.

"I'm glad I could catch you... Byleth," Rhea bowed her head to him as she cupped her hands in front of her. She gave a nod to Edelgard with a warm smile. "May I please have a private word with your Professor?"

Byleth could see the change in Edelgard. Before she was almost vulnerable as if she opened the gates to who she really was to him. But the moment Rhea came her gates slammed shut and she became very stoic. Byleth pondered on what her real thoughts of Rhea would be and if his situation affected them. But the Archbishop made the effort to come all the way to this almost run-down Inn to see him before he left. So he decided to at least hear out what she had to say. Maybe his father had a word with her.

"It's okay. Go," Byleth patted Edelgard's back, motioning her to leave. She seemed very hesitant but straightened up and gave a respectful nod to Rhea before walking around her and leaving through the door. Once Edelgard left the Inn Rhea looked around the establishment.

"So this is the kind of place you used to stay in?" She slowly walked further into the room. She let one finger run across a tabletop, frowning slightly at the line she made through the dust.

"Either here or in tents. I've not had a drink yet, you want one?" Byleth shrugged his shoulder and made his way over to the bar.

"If the gentleman behind the bar does not mind?" Rhea turned to the innkeeper with a warm smile.

"S-sure, whatever you want," he quickly agreed as he reached his hands under the counter for mugs. Rhea heard Byleth speak further with the innkeeper but her focus was on trying to find a clean enough chair to sit on. In her robes, it would not do well to have them stained with... whatever that yellow substance was on a particular chair she stared a hole at. Eventually, she found a chair and table that would just have to do. She slowly lowered herself down onto it and kept her hand on her lap. She soon heard Byleth walking towards her table.

"Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I-" A large metal tankard with froth spilling from the rim was placed down in front of her. Byleth held a matching one as he sat opposite her across the table.

"You won't find any tea in a place like this. Besides, this is usually what I drank in the mornings too," Byleth said as he took a small gulp from it. He was lying. They did serve tea but he just wanted to put her on edge. He reckoned she was out of her depth mingling with the lower folk and wanted to keep her uncomfortable. Was he being an ass? Probably. Though he got a little bit of satisfaction watching the Archbishop's face morph from her warm smile to chagrin.

"...If that drink isn't to your liking I'm sure we could-" It was Byleth's turn to be surprised. Rhea grabbed the tankard, brought it to her lips, and gulped it down. And she kept gulping. And gulping. Byleth couldn't stop his eyes from widening as Rhea downed the entire tankard in one go and placed it down. She wiped her mouth with one hand and adjusted her posture to face Byleth with her hands on her lap.

"...Okay I'll admit I was not expecting the Archbishop to knock one back like that," He conceded defeat. Rhea let out a small chuckle as she shook her head with a smile.

"One mustn't judge a book by its cover. Unless you are able to look into someone's eyes and read every page," Rhea explained. Silence washed over the table as Rhea pondered on her next words.

"I had spent the night thinking over my recent decision. Your father also found the time to announce his opinions on the matter too," Her index finger tapped her hand as she began to speak, looking away from Byleth as she collected her thoughts. "The Church of Seiros has been a shield to its people and with it a sword to those that seek to harm it and its followers. However... there are times when nothing is black and white. Times where we must weigh the bad and the good. Do the sins outweigh forgiveness? How much vulnerability must we show for the chance of mercy? Do we take a leap of faith?"

Byleth crossed his arms and peered at Rhea. He didn't want to give anything of his thoughts away. Rhea took a deep breath and looked at Byleth.

"Therefore, I have rescinded my previous orders of execution. I will meet with them individually, hear their plights and I will return them home to Gaspard," Rhea nodded her head with a warm smile. Byleth was happy to hear that. But this brought a new question to his mind. A question he had since he came to Garreg Mach. It had bothered him for over two months now. The longer Byleth remained silent the deeper the frown grew on Rhea's face. "This is what you wanted is it not? I have revoked a previous judgement I had made since a time I cannot remember."

"That's what's bothering me," Byleth honestly answered.

"Excuse me?" Rhea was truly perturbed by this statement.

"You've admitted you've done something you never do. You had conviction when you made your judgement and now you are back-pedalling on it. To keep me here teaching," Byleth frowned.

"I have taken into-"

"A mercenary you had no background knowledge of aside from that I saved the three heirs of Fódlan with my father. It would have been understandable to have him teach here with your history with him. Instead, you chose me, someone, you had never met before, to be responsible for the student's education and lives. That is someone no sane person would give to a mercenary you had no background knowledge of. And you don't strike me as someone insane," Byleth moved his tankard aside and leant forward on the table. "I want to know why? Why do you want to keep me here in the Monastery? What do you know about me that's important enough to put me in the position I'm in now?"

Rhea kept her gaze down. The frown on her face had faded away. For as long as Byleth knew her this was the first time her façade of the kindly motherly Archbishop faltered. The perfect image wavered and showed imperfection. She struggled to find the words to say. Did she really not expect him to question her about this? She eventually looked back up with a weak smile. "Would you believe me if I said I believe fate plays a part?"

"Fate... really?" Byleth leaned back with a frown. He was not a fan of the answer given.

"You do not believe in it?" Rhea asked.

"If fate was real then I have no choice in anything I do. My life is written out before me and it's a path I must walk no matter my feelings on the matter. If there's one thing I've learnt from being a mercenary is that I like freedom. Free will. To believe in fate means I've no control of my life," Byleth explained as he grabbed his tankard and drank from it.

"I'd like to think that over the years I have become quite proficient in looking into one's eyes and reading them like a book. Your cover may be that of a cold mercenary, an... Ashen Demon, am I right?" Rhea tilted her head as she asked. Byleth turned his head away. "But if I know Jeralt as well as I do for as long as I have. Then I know he'd raise an exceptional young man in both strength and wisdom. I saw someone that holds all the potential in the world and in these months you have proven that. I know you aren't the cover you present yourself as. Why would someone who is known as a demon care so much about the civilians otherwise?"

Byleth grit his teeth as memories of the deepest regret play in his mind. The blood that was spilt. The rage he felt that night. The only time when the named Ashen Demon showed emotion. And the night fell silent in fear of it. Byleth clenched his fist tightly to his chest.

"No one needs to know about that night. Nor will I let it repeat again," Byleth muttered as he shut his eyes. Suddenly he felt a soft hand turn his face back. Rhea had gotten up from her chair and stood to his left, her soft hand now resting against his cheek.

"I wish I could give you an answer that you would be satisfied with. But even I can't predict what fate or the Goddess has in store for us. But I know... deep down inside me... that your place is here. That fate has brought you here for a purpose. If my words can't convince you to stay... then please... stay until the end of the Rite of Rebirth. If not for me... then for your students," Rhea smiled hopefully down at Byleth, her hand stroking his face. "They speak fondly of you. The coolest Professor in the world I believe young Caspar Bergliez once said. I think they deserve a proper goodbye if you are to leave instead of leaving without a word, do they not?"

If this was any other mercenary woman that was stroking his face he'd have pushed them off by now. But Rhea was different. It wasn't rough and callus hands that tried to get a sexual reaction from him. They were soft and tender hands of unconditional love. He could tell that for some reason Rhea cared about him and saw great things in his future if he remained here. As much as he wanted to believe that Rhea was genuine, his father's warning rang in the back of his mind. Despite that, however, she was right about leaving without mentioning it to his students. If they cared about him as much as both Rhea and Edelgard said they did, then it wouldn't be right to respond to that care with his actions.

"...Fine... until the Rite of Rebirth is over I'll stick around. Maybe stop this planned assassination on you while I'm here too," Byleth sighed as he reached for his tankard again. Rhea removed her hand from his cheek and with a warm smile once again on her face she gave a small bow as he drank from it.

"Thank you, Professor. I hope in that time we both find out what the Goddess has planned for you. May she continue to watch over us," Rhea held her hand up and clasped as she offered her prayer.

"I suppose I better finish this quickly and head to class then," Byleth said as he stood up. He brought his tankard to his lips but then Rhea quickly reached over and pushed the tankard down again.

"I'm sorry, but since you are remaining as our Professor, I will not tolerate my teachers drinking alcohol on the job," Rhea somehow managed to master the art of having a playful smile while her eyes showed serious intent. Byleth reluctantly lowered the tankard back on the table. "Now hurry and escort your head student who is no doubt waiting outside to class."

Byleth sighed again but gave a nod to Rhea and went to the door of the Inn. Just when he was looking forward to being back on the road again. But he began to wonder how much of the convincing came from Rhea, or from the future emperor of Adrestia. Once he opened the inn door he saw Edelgard passing back and forth with her arms crossed waiting. Once she noticed him she quickly walked over.

"It would appear I'm sticking around at least for a little longer. The Archbishop is not executing the militia," Byleth informed his head student. She smiled in relief, then quickly corrected herself. As if she was punishing herself for showing more emotion.

"I am happy to hear it. If it's only for a little longer then we best make the most of your education. I suggest starting seminars on Sunday," Edelgard suggested with a hand on her hip and a confident smile.

"Not on your life," Byleth began walking down the path toward the Monastery. Edelgard quickly caught up and walked by his side. Byleth quickly peered towards her from the corner of his eye. The smile she had before went away when she looked upon the monastery towering above on the rise.

"So. Not a fan of the Archbishop?" Byleth perked up. Edelgard turned to him with slight surprise but quickly hid it away with confusion.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Edelgard answered. Byleth peered at the shorter girl. No confirmation or denial of the question. Deflection with a question. How she acted before when Rhea entered the Inn and her attempts to hide how she felt now. He had the answer he needed.

"Yeah... me neither," The two said nothing more. The silence allowed them to get lost in thought as they returned to the academy to continue Byleth's life as a Professor.

88888888

"To think that the Archbishop would also catch you in the early hours before you left. She really must have valued you," Balthus commented as he rested against a tree. The group had been travelling long through the night and had finally reached the border of the Empire and the Alliance. Yuri went ahead to scout while the rest of the party remained behind to rest up.

"Now we know why. You think she knew about your... current specialness back then chatter-box?" Hapi asked, sitting cross-legged against another tree.

"Absolutely," Byleth simply replied. He chose to leave out the detail of Sothis and the ability to time travel to save his students. He still wouldn't trust anyone else with that knowledge yet. Only one other knew of his Divine Pulse and even then he really didn't want to tell them. But circumstance left him no choice. So far that decision hasn't bitten him in the ass yet. But he was still cautious.

"And not a month later you end up wielding one of the most prized weapons in all of Fódlan. If you offered yourself to either of the three nations you'd have been offered nobility of the highest station! If only I found such a priceless relic hidden away in Abyss the noble House Nuvelle would be restored to its former glory!" Constance proclaimed. Suddenly a ray of morning sunlight shone through the trees upon her. Within seconds her confident standing melted away to meek submissiveness. "I apologise profusely... I tried to take away your accomplishments to talk about myself as if I deserved anything. I am nothing but the dirt under your feet, that does not deserve to be in your presence. Please allow me to crawl underneath a rock and be forgotten."

"Welp, there she goes," Balthus grinned as he crossed his arms.

"Don't go crawling away Coco, we need to wait for Yuri-bird," Hapi got up and walked over to Constance, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"I am sorry for inconveniencing you... would licking your boots prove to be an acceptable punishment for me?" Constance depressingly replied, keeping her gaze low.

"Well... I wonder if Alois made it back okay. He was a good guy," Balthus commented as he leaned his head back, looking up to the orange sky as dawn continued to rise. Suddenly a twig snapped which alerted everyone to draw their weapons. Byleth kept a firm grip on his silver sword, ready to lunge forward and cut down whoever would ambush them. Luckily there was no need as it was Yuri who emerged through two bushes close together.

"Damn Yuri, you nearly gave us a heart attack," Balthus sighed as he lowered his arms, which held his gauntlet relics Vajra-Mushti.

"So how's it looking Yuri-bird?" Hapi asked, leaning on Constance's shoulder.

"Worse than I could have predicted. There's no way we're getting across the border now," Yuri pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"What why?" Byleth frowned as he lowered his sword.

"We can't slip by and cross the bridge undetected... because the Myrddin is under attack," Yuri explained resting his hands on his hips.

"What?!" Hapi almost shouted, but managed to keep her voice low enough. Byleth felt his heart drop to his stomach, hoping Yuri wouldn't say what he feared he would. Unfortunately, life wasn't fair. And it decided to make things all the more complicated.

"The Adrestian Empire, led by Emperor Edelgard herself, are attacking the Leicester Alliance in full force. Right here. Right now."