24th of the Great Tree Moon, 1180

It had been a few days since the fateful encounter and now they were heading toward Garreg Mach Monastery which was nearby according to Jeralt. Due to the dramas occurring in one single night, Byleth didn't have a chance to ask Jeralt about his contradictory answer about the Academy. He had a little doubt that Jeralt had a reason to lie about it before meeting Alois so it could be rude to pry. However, from what Byleth observed, Jeralt was neither at odds with the Knights of Seiros nor the Academy; in fact, the way they treated him was nothing but friendly and respectful. Maybe when there were fewer audiences later, he could honestly explain his fractured memories to Jeralt and gain his trust which would not make the situation awkward and himself rude.

Speaking of Jeralt, somehow, he started to get more and more odd advice from him after the night he fell asleep on Bylass's shoulder. He could vividly remember how shocked he was to intrude on her privacy and the first thing he did was remind his idiotic mind to apologize to her later. To Byleth's surprise, there was no single hint of anger on Bylass's face instead a cheeky smile guaranteed him that was alright. Moreover, somehow, he hallucinated that there was a single blush on her face when he asked whether anything happened. The girl just laughed nervously before turning her head away and initiating to go back. After returning to the village, Byleth nearly considered preparing for his funeral in case Jeralt got furious once he caught what transpired. Yet again, the father was simply smiling at him and patting him on the head with an encouragement "Good job". Socializing was never Byleth's expertise, but he could sense he just missed something here. Byleth assumed that might be just a trait of father-daughter when it came to teasing so he temporarily put the thoughts away to clear his mind.

Observing his companions, Byleth tried to act as casually as he could while speculating on the personality of each student. Claude was the most talkative guy compared to his friends and he started to get on both Byleth and Bylass' nerves with his teasing. It wasn't like he hated the heir of Leicester for that petty reason; in contrast, he found Claude's jokes entertaining and wished the best to his teacher who had to deal with him for a whole year. Nevertheless, there was something off about the boy as well. Despite his trolling attitude those eyes never reached his smile. Was he a manipulative schemer who wore a fake persona and then betrayed his comrades when the time came? Or maybe not? Byleth had been called many things despite not ever having done any malicious thing so it could be that he was overthinking and there was something personal to Claude that made him act this way.

Dimitri on the other hand seemed to be quite composed as he was behaving casually. They did exchange a little bit about combat experience which Byleth found no problem sharing some of his pointers. However, under those polite smiles and friendly gazes, Dimitri gave Byleth an odd feeling of discomfort, no it was curiosity in those eyes craving some answers which would likely be disturbing. Now Byleth started to remember that Dimitri asked him about how he felt after encountering Kostas. Just like how the truth was, Byleth reluctantly replied the topic was not up for debate. Unfortunately, the answer didn't satisfy him as his eyes narrowed until he changed the topic after realizing the awkward silence.

Lastly, the future Emperor of the Adrestian Empire was the one that had been puzzling him for days and he was still hoping to ask her a few more questions. His first impression of her was how independent she was despite the typical stereotypes of a princess given how she was leading their little team. Since he met her, his memories got even more intense revealing more and more important details of his past. At first, he desperately hoped she would be one of the members he was searching for, which from then she could lead him to reunite with the rest if they were alive. As if fate had been toying with Byleth, she had no trace of recognition of him and treated him politely just like a new acquaintance.

When her eyes met him, it was not warmth that he felt from Bylass or the blurred faces of figures in his memories. She was evaluating him as a potential recruit which made him a little bit uncomfortable since he had never been a fan of being someone's tool. Or that was how he thought he was supposed to think about her. No matter how hard his head was asking him to be careful around her, a wave of sympathy slowly took over his mind begging him to reconsider the wariness. Byleth started to get more stressed with this new development in regaining his memories which he had been desperately searching for. Maybe he should have put the thoughts on hold and waited until they reached Garreg Mach Monastery.

"We are here at last."

Byleth looked up and found himself amazed by the sight of the Monastery. When he first heard the word, he assumed it would be similar to a chapel- small and simple. However, what he was witnessing now looked more like a fortress rather than a church. 2 layers of thick walls surrounded the main building on the top of the mountain which was likely the Monastery. No matter why the castle served both as a Monastery and an Academy that consisted of future leaders of 3 nations and other nobles alike. If someone tried to assault the castle to harm the nobles, the Church would have the capability to defend against such brutal force until reinforcements came.

As Byleth fought the searing pain in his head, he slowly opened his eyes to a scene of destruction. Smoke billowed from the crumbling walls of the Monastery and thick ash clouded the air. He could hear the roar of flames and see their eerie light as they consumed whatever was left within the great walls. Everywhere he looked, corpses were strewn across the ground, some charred beyond recognition, others still clinging to life. He heard agonized cries for help ringing out from within and knew that it was too late for them.

In the middle of this devastation, Byleth noticed a shadow making its way toward him, illuminated by an orange hue. Closer inspection revealed that it was a person with blood dripping off his body. His vision began to flicker like a faulty video recorder before finally clearing enough for him to make out an expression – a malicious smirk plastered on his face as he let out a sinister laugh, seeming pleased with the chaos all around them.

I'm waiting, Byleth.

"Hey, kid. Are you alright?"

Byleth lowered his hand and looked at the Monastery. The vision was gone as well as the man. "I'm fine, sir. Just stunned by the marvel of the Academy itself."

"Never thought you were interested in architecture, especially coming from you. It's the home base of the largest religion in Fodlan after all."

While Jeralt was fine with the answer and left him alone, it could not be said the same for Bylass who was eyeing skeptically. He wondered whether she could read his thoughts after cutting the ground under his feet before he could even say anything. Deciding to make the move, her soft voice rang in his ears:

"Is there something wrong, Byleth?"

"It's alright, Bylass.", Byleth tried to act nonchalantly but she didn't seem to believe him.

"You can confide in me with everything, you know. Just ….", she reluctantly shrugged off the topic while her voice was uncertain.

"It's nothing, Bylass. Maybe I was just tired from walking for days", he gently touched her shoulder, reassuring Bylass that everything was alright which she nodded and smiled in return.

"Finally", Alois's voice loudly announced.

Arriving at the entrance, Jeralt stood still and looked at the balcony. A woman with green hair in her lavish robe looked at him back in return before moving her gazes to him and Bylass.

"Lady Rhea", Jeralt muttered.

"So, she is the one in charge of this Monastery?", Bylass asked.

"Yes, and that's why you two better behave well when we meet her."

"Roger that", they said simultaneously.

"Listen I know you have a lot of questions since it has been brought up that I was a knight of Seiros. But the past is the past and it's not important. For now, let's go meet Rhea." Jeralt shrugged and guided them to the audience room.

"Thanks for your patience, Jeralt. I'm Seteth- advisor to the archbishop", said a green-haired man standing next to Rhea.

"Welcome home, Jeralt. Looks like this is the will of Goddess that we have another chance meeting like this." Rhea's gentle voice echoed throughout the room; her eyes carefully contemplated the figure of Jeralt before swiftly gazing at him and Bylass.

"Forgive my silence all these years. Much has happened since last we spoke.", Jeralt bowed respectfully.

"Of course. It seems you have embraced your fatherhood outside the Monastery; not once but even two. Are they both your children?", her voice sounded uncertain.

"Here we go again.", sighed Jeralt." The girl is my daughter while the other crossed our path 2 years ago. He got amnesia so we don't know about his origin but I'm pretty sure we are not related."

"I see. What's your name, my dears?"

"My name is Bylass.", she made a respectful bow to the archbishop.

"…", Byleth said nothing as he was lost in thoughts before getting called out by Seteth.

"It's rude to not answer when asked you know.", Seteth got a little heated up.

"My bad, sir Seteth. My name is Byleth, Lady Rhea", Byleth inclined apologetically.

"It's alright. From the bottom of my heart, I'm thankful for what you did to save those students."

"Let me guess, you want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros, right?"

"And I have another offer as well."

"That was unexpected. What do you have in mind?"

"It would be an honor to have Bylass teaching at our Academy given one of our professors was vacant due to the bandit attack."

"Lady Rhea, please reconsider. Do you think it's a little bit inappropriate to apply someone this young?"

"Even though we barely met, I must agree with you."

"I've made my decision. Besides I trust the capabilities of your child, especially after hearing praises from the students they rescued."

As the heated discussion about Bylass's qualifications as a professor echoed throughout the hall, Byleth felt his heart sink with dread. Jeralt and Bylass securing jobs at the academy brought an end to their band of mercenaries, making his role obsolete. Although Jeralt was his boss, he had never created any boundaries between them and even welcomed him like family- something that Byleth had not experienced in a long time.

The thought of saying goodbye to Bylass made a lump form in his throat. With her hands full adjusting to her new major, there would barely be any opportunity for them to meet again. Despite searching for his past being his main priority, Byleth couldn't deny that the moments he shared with Bylass were some of the best days of his life. She had melted away the ice surrounding his heart tainted with unknown sadness and allowed him to experience what it meant to have a family once again. His heart ached knowing that he still hadn't been able to thank her for what she did on his birthday- why did this farewell feel harder than anything before?

However, to Byleth and everyone's surprise, Bylass made a bold proposition:

"Thank you for your high regard for me, Lady Rhea. But I do have one request if you don't mind."

"Sure, my dear. What do you want?"

"I wish to have Byleth enrolled as a student in the same class as mine."

From what Byleth observed, it would not be exaggerated to say everyone including Rhea who had been keeping up her appearance was caught off guard and opened her mouth for a mere moment. She shot him a glance and winked at him with that iconic smile. If it weren't for the fact there were many attendees now, he would rush to hug her and let the tears run as long as they could.

"I believe this is also a good opportunity as well, lady Rhea. You might not know but they do make a good duo in combat so it will be beneficial for Bylass to have someone assisting her in visualizing the experience.", Jeralt stepped in and vouched for Byleth which brought a small smile on his face.

"If that's what you want, then I shall …"

"With all due respect, I must ask you to reconsider this one.", Seteth denied vehemently.

"What is bothering you, Seteth?"

"Based on the rumor that I heard one year ago, there was a ruthless mercenary that showed hardly any emotion after killing someone."

"And your point is?", Bylass started to get irritated.

"The most important part caught my ears the most was the depiction of how he handled the bandits. Bodies were mutilated gruesomely despite being dead as the mercenary was bathing in blood and enjoying their terrors. The bloodthirsty monster and nightmare of bandits- Shadow of Ashen Demon."

"What is it you want to say, sir Seteth?", Byleth was frowning as his voice got deeper.

"It will not be a good model if he is employed here in the Academy even as a student. What would the public and nobles think about this? A merciless mercenary standing next to their children and sparring together as well. Lady Rhea, you must think twice about this."

"Is it true, Jeralt?", Rhea's frown was also forming on her face now.

"I put my honor to confirm that all of that was rubbish rumors made by ignorant villagers and mercenaries who were clouded by fear. Byleth's method here indeed is… barbaric; however, he took no join in drowning his enemies' blood. All he did was for the sake of rescuing the captives.", Jeralt stood up vouching for him.

"Even then, I also start to agree that Seteth has some points here as well. Our academy here is teaching students to fight with honors not falling that low to use such violence like those heretics."

Byleth remained silent as the accusations started to throw at him. Honestly, he could not believe that even these supposedly "elite class" also have such clouded judgments based on some rumors. If Byleth had to admit, he would love nothing more than flipping them a bird and making a mock for their ignorance. However, he realized that doing such a thing would only make matters worse and cause trouble to Bylass and Jeralt. Therefore, he left a heavy sigh, preparing to refuse her proposition.

Unfortunately, that did not sit well with Bylass who started to burst out.

"With all due respect, please take back what you said. If it weren't for him, many would be sold as slaves or ended up in worse situations- being killed as hostages."

"Miss Eisner, from what I recalled, even those hostages were afraid of him when he approached them with body reeking smell of blood. Most importantly, what type of person shows no remorse after claiming lives?"

"Then doesn't that also make me a demon since I also share that trait?", Bylass snapped back infuriated.

"Of course not, my dear. What Seteth is trying to say is that Byleth doesn't fit the principles of our Academy. That's why I must reconsider your request."

"Why do you…"

"Please, stop!", Byleth spoke calmly, masking his face with stoicism despite wanting to cry out now.

"Byleth …"

"If it were inappropriate for me to remain here, then I would leave this place as once."

"Don't, Byleth. It's not your fault here. Look I will try to sort this out, alright!"

"No, Bylass. You've sacrificed too much for me thus I can't put you down anymore. There is a brighter future for you ahead which you've dreamed of. Don't worry, I can take care of my own."

"Not without you in the picture!", Bylass weakly spoke; trying to remain calm as her eyes refused to break gazes with his.

There was an awkward silence lasting for a while until she broke the ice.

"Alright, I made my choice. Lady Rhea, I appreciate your offer but I'm unfit for such an esteemed position."

"Wait, of course not. You deserve it, my dear! Maybe we can talk it out …",

"I made a vow a long time ago that I would never leave him alone ever again. If the future of me staying here doesn't include him in the picture, please count me out."

"Bylass, you don't have to …"

"I meant it after what we promised to each other that night. Wherever the future takes me, it's somewhere with you.", Bylass said affectionately; her words rang over his ears, making his heart drop a beat.

"If that's what it takes to convince you, I shall grant your request."

"Is it true?", Bylass sounded uncertain.

"This matter is settled so you may accompany him to your class once you choose one of the three Houses."

"Then with all my gratitude, thank you for your kindness!", Bylass bowed at the archbishop and soon followed Byleth who did the same thing.

"I'm afraid I must take my leave now. 2 current professors will fill you out all the necessary details including which house you are going to teach. Moreover, it's in Bylass's best interest to associate with future students since she will be tutoring them for a year. Good luck to you!", then she left.

"That was intense, kids.", Jeralt cut to the chase.

"I can't sit there and do nothing while Byleth got insulted for doing nothing wrong."

"It's ok, Bylass! I'm used to it so I will manage myself."

"We will discuss this topic another time. Bylass, are you sure this is what you want?"

"Well, since this is Officer Academy which trains students with weapons and luckily that's my best expertise."

"I mean … will you be fine with those nobles?"

"Don't worry, the 3 kids I met were sociable enough so I think it will be fine."

"I hope you will give Claude intense sparring lessons if you end up picking his house."

"On that, I must agree with you. But his jokes were good enough so I can't say I don't feel entertained." Bylass blushed a little bit when she remembered what Claude said.

"You both can handle things from here. Meet me at my office later once you finish your business."

Right after Jeralt left, two newcomers entered the hall and Byleth assumed that these were the two professors.

"Look at what we have here. What a fine young and handsome man! I'm professor Manuela Casagranda. It's a pleasure to meet you, cutie!" the woman finished her introduction with a wink at Byleth, giving him a good impression.

"He is not the one you're looking for. Bylass Eisner, new professor of the Academy.", Bylass suddenly growled, her eyes glaring at Manuela.

"Oh, it's you then? But you are so young …"

"Forgive her manners, Professor. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Professor Hanneman and a Crest Scholar of the Academy."

"If you are the professor then who is he?", Manuela tilted her head.

"He is Byleth – a member of Jeralt's mercenary brand and my student.", She boldly emphasized the word without dropping a beat.

"Oh my, someone is possessive here I see. You got a good catch, dearie!"

"Anyway, I believe Lady Rhea mentioned that … you could inform me of the school system?", Bylass coughed and kept a stoic face.

"Right, the Academy is divided into three Houses, each of which represents their respective nation. Black Eagle of Adrestian Empire; Blue Lion of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and lastly, Golden Deer of Leicester Alliance."

"Got it, I can already guess who the leaders are so I will be fine now."

"Then I bid you farewell. As for you, handsome; come to my office if you ever change your mind. My door is always open for you.", Manuela winked and disappeared. Bylass was about to say something, but she decided to drop it now.

"The gist of that woman.", Hanneman sighed." By the way, do you both have Crests? Since this is my field of study I always love to discover new ones."

"Crests? I've never heard of this. Do you know any of this, Bylass?"

"Unfortunately, this is also the first time I've ever heard about this."

"I thought this was basic knowledge that is common to everyone. Where have you guys been all this time?", Hanneman exclaimed.

"Busy courting each other in a remote area, of course."

"Now it's not the time, Sothis."

"Anyway, come to my office and I will test whether you have Crests or not. Don't worry if that's not the case, having Crests is rare these days.", Hanneman finished his offer and left.

"You should start meeting those 3 Lords and make a final decision. Meanwhile, I will take some time exploring the Academy."

"That's a good plan. I will meet you outside Rhea's chamber once I've finished my business then we will meet Jeralt."

"Then have a good day, Professor.", Byleth waved and smiled gleefully.

"You too, student."

Byleth did not expect that the first person he spotted at the Reception Hall would be Edelgard who was deep in thought before her eyes met him and waved at him. Despite the messy state of his brain, Byleth politely waved back and approached her.

"Never thought we would meet again at the Academy. It's a pity that you both did not choose to work for the Empire."

"Life is unexpected, Miss Hresvelg. But who knows, we might end up together this year."

"What did that mean? And please I'm just a student here so there is no need for formality.", Edelgard blushed a little.

"I mean we will be classmates if Bylass ends up choosing your house. Sorry for my poor language, Edelgard.", Byleth inclined his head.

"It's alright! Wait, so you won't be the Professor?"

"Nope, that duty will fall to Bylass and I will enroll in whichever class she chooses."

"Interesting, then if I may ask; where is she now?"

"She is busy for a moment so you can expect to see her later."

"I see.", Edelgard nodded.

There was an awkward silence between them until Edelgard asked another question.

"If you don't mind me asking; why did you shield me from the attack?"

"Everything ended up alright, wasn't it?"

"But taking that blow for me would put you out of commission for a long time assuming that was the best scenario. Why sacrifice yourself for someone you barely know?", Edelgard's face remained neutral; her voice piqued with curiosity and yet something else.

"That …"

If the cost of happiness is having you tormented by this wicked world,

I will suffer for you all the time just like that day, my ****.

"Byleth, can you hear me?", Edelgard approached him.

"I'm fine.", Byleth swallowed, fingers pinching his forehead trying to regain consciousness.

"As for your question… let's say I'm just self-destructive or that's what Bylass called me."

"Even for someone you barely know?", her voice sounded skeptical.

"Every life has meanings, Edelgard. Besides, most of my plans did work anyway so no need for concern."

"She did not seem pleased with that strategy of yours so I hope she will not catch you saying that.", Edelgard giggled.

"Then can I trust you with this secret?", Byleth put a finger on his lips.

"I promise that this will stay between us. You have my words."

"Then until we meet again. It was a pleasure talking to you, Edelgard!"

"You're more than welcome. May our paths cross again, Byleth."

After saying farewell to Edelgard, Byleth moved out of the Reception Hall and kept exploring the Academy. Wandering without asking for a guide, he somehow managed to get out of the layers of the buildings and reached the classrooms of Three Houses. Some students were peacefully reading their books while others were conversing with their classmates. His eyes scanned the courtyard for a while until he caught sight of a Yellow Cape.

"Isn't this one of our famous mercenaries? The angel of death himself coming to claim my soul. What have I done wrong, my Goddess?", Claude held both his hands praying with his sarcastic voice.

"You know that was a joke, Your Highness! If I were the reaper, you would present in front of my Lord now", Byleth sighed.

"I also notice that one guest is missing here. Where is Mama? Is she lost now, waiting for you to come to her rescue?"

"Your Highness!"

"Yes?"

"Have a good day.", Byleth turned back and walked away.

"Relax, sheesh, you can't take some unharmed jokes, can you? Anyway, what do we owe your pleasure?"

"I'm just exploring the Academy here and having a little walk now. As for Bylass, she is preparing for her duty as Professor."

"I did not expect that. Will you also be teaching us as well?", Claude couldn't help but wonder.

"I'm sorry to disappoint but I will be a humble student just like you. By the way, I think you should watch out from now on unless you want "special tutoring" if you keep up with those jokes.", Byleth warned him with a slight smirk.

"Oops, I will keep that in mind then. Enjoy your exploration, my friend."

As Byleth returned to the exploration, his stomach soon growled so he decided to check the Dining Hall. At first, he originally planned to eat there but he kept receiving curious stares from students, making him a bit uncomfortable despite bearing no insults like the ones from the mercenaries. Therefore, Byleth purchased some sweets and carried them with him to somewhere secluded. However, he did not expect that the place was occupied by a white masked man who was taking a nap. Before Byleth could move to somewhere else, the man woke up and stared at him in return.

"I've never seen you around here. Are you one of the mercenaries that people have been talking about?", the figure asked in monotone.

"I think so, but the title will not be suitable anymore. I'm Byleth- a new student of the Academy.", Byleth replied politely.

"Jeritza-fencing instructor."

They both were staring at each other without starting a further conversation. For a minute, Byleth thought he was looking into his mirror self who looked more intimidating. An idea hit his mind as he reached for one of the sweets he got and handed it to Jeritza.

"What is the meaning of this?', Jeritza asked skeptically.

"Here, have some snacks, Professor."

"Why are you giving me this?"

"My friend told me giving snacks to someone you met is a good impression. Or perhaps you don't like sweets?", Byleth said casually.

"…", Jeritza said nothing and stared at Byleth for a while until his hand reluctantly grabbed the cookies.

"Forget what you saw today!", Jeritza shot a warning and disappeared.

"I guess Bylass was wrong then.", Byleth shook his head, simply enjoying the lunch and peaceful moments of his own.

As the school bell rang, Byleth took it as a sign the day was finished so he decided to wait for Bylass. Once the door opened, he raised his hand to catch her attention, which she soon noticed and waved in return.

"So how was it going?"

"It was alright. I decided to pick the Black Eagles and as for your uniform; the decision was unexpected so they've decided that you may wear your current outfit."

"Why do I have a feeling that you seem disappointed by that?"

"I would love to see you in that attire, my student.", she eyed him and giggled delightedly.

"Stop messing around, professor. Unless you want to cause some scandals before your first day.", Byleth poked her forehead.

"Meanie", she pouted.

"By the way, shall we meet Jeralt now?"

"Sure, this way."

"I guess that everything is settled then?", Jeralt put down his paper and greeted the pair.

"Yes, she will teach the Black Eagles starting tomorrow. Anyway, sir Jeralt; could you please enlighten me something?", the mood suddenly turned serious as Byleth's voice got deeper.

"I trust it also relates to what you asked me a year ago about the Academy then?", Jeralt said carefully; trying not to be tense to avoid misunderstandings.

"I did not want to be rude, so I never pried on that matter but since we've come to a mutual understanding; why did you avoid answering about the Academy?"

"Honestly, when I first met you…"

"…I thought you were a spy from the Church."

"…", Byleth's eyes widened as he was shocked by the revelation.

"Let me finish my thoughts. Yes, I did suspect you were working for Rhea to spy on me, but that suspicion was soon gone once I got to know more about you. Besides, none of the staff at the Academy including Rhea seems to know your existence until today.", Jeralt muttered to himself," And thank goodness my hypothesis back then was incorrect."

"But if you were afraid of Rhea, why would you willingly return to her now?"

"I must agree, Jeralt. Isn't this like going straight to a den of snakes?", even Bylass started to sound worried.

"It's a bit … complicated. Let's say I do have a debt to the archbishop which I intend to repay. However, there is something that makes me wary of her nature."

"I could also notice it as well, sir Jeralt.", Byleth's eyes narrowed as he recalled the event earlier.

"What do you mean, Byleth? And please drop the title sir, we are family here after all."

"When Bylass said she would refuse her position in favor of me; for a minute, her face was pale as snow as if she was terrified of losing something dearly. Perhaps that also explains why she swiftly changed her decision despite being at odds with me."

"But why would she hold me in so much regard despite barely knowing me? Does she want something from me?", Bylass's face looked uneasy; her brain cell was rotating wildly trying to figure out the answer.

"That's what has been troubling my mind for some time now. Anyway, you two should be careful around her."

"Understood.", they nodded at the same time.

"It's late now so you two should take a rest. There are two vacant rooms next to each other in personal quarters so pick whatever you like."

"Looks like you are stuck with me again, Byleth.", Bylass winked.

"Jeralt, if she got fired in the next few days. Could we return to our old mercenary business?", Byleth joked casually until she hit him right on his elbow, earning a laugh from Jeralt.

"Anyway, enjoy your evening, kids."

"Are you going to read these books for the whole night?", Byleth asked while handing her some books.

"It depends. I've never taught before; therefore, I don't know whether my knowledge has some gaps to fill out. If there is nothing from the materials of these books, I will go to bed so no worries.", she took the books and settled on the table.

"By the way, Bylass…", Byleth asked hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"About what happened in the audience room…", she put a finger on his lips before he could finish the sentence.

"Stop…", he was speechless with that single word, laced neither with anger nor irritation. But with guilt.

"…never doubt it again… I would never allow anyone to speak ill of you… not even yourself."

A brief silence passed as her head lowered facing the ground.

Until she felt a warmth on her cheek.

"I've never thought that night held so much meaning to you.", his voice sounded so small, and yet it also consisted of insecurity making her heart ache despite having no heartbeat.

"But that makes me want to cherish you even more."

Bylass's ears perked as she positioned her head to look up at him. She was gazing into his eyes, searching for any trace of lies. Instead, as if his eyes were watering, she could not help but silently hug him.

"I'm sorry for asking such a question.", his hands gently brushed her hair. "I'm truly an idiot, aren't I?", he laughed nonchalantly.

"A kindhearted idiot.", she positioned her head on his chest, enjoying the warmth she had grown used to.

"2 years ago, I made an offer for our friendship…"

"…", she said nothing, waiting for him to finish.

"But may I ask you to take a new pact with me?"

"Sure, I'm all ears."

"I don't know what fate has plans for me nor what cruelty waiting for me ahead. Even if the search for my past comes to dead ends, making my family lost to me forever. I'm glad it will not make me lose the will to move on anymore.", his eyes slowly opened as their gazes met.

"Because this time, as long as I breathe, nothing will harm you and Jeralt- my family."

"And I won't back down on this promise no matter what happens!", Byleth said determinately.

"As I will not let anyone harm you, Byleth. From now on, let us walk this path together."

"I take that is your answer then."

"Of course. Let's watch over each other, shall we."

"Deal.", he nodded his head, satisfied with the aftermath.

"It's night already. Good luck with reading the materials. I look forward to your lecture tomorrow.", his eyes caught sight of the moon shining through the window.

"I'd better start reading now then. Sleep well, Byleth.", she slowly broke the hug and waved.

"Goodnight, Bylass.".