30th of The Great Tree Moon,1180
"Let's rephrase our strategy one more time." Bylass commanded:" Byleth and I will take care of the vanguards as soon as possible; Edelgard and Petra, you will attack the Blue Lions with the assistance of Hubert and Bernadetta."
"What about us, professor?" Ferdinand raised his hand.
"Once we've dealt with their vanguards, I will join the attack on the Blue Lions while Byleth will take care of the Golden Deers. Ferdinand and Caspar, make sure to keep him in line before he does something reckless; Linhardt, heal him as soon as possible if it happens; as for Dorothea, distract our opponents with your magic."
"Here we go again." Byleth sighed.
"Last time I left you for a moment then you returned with injury all over your body." She glared back at him.
"This is just a mock battle, isn't it?" Byleth asked hesitantly.
"Yes, but I don't trust you. On the other hand, who knows what schemes Claude will lay upon us, so you'd better be careful."
"Yes, Professor Bylass." He sighed defeatedly, accompanied by a satisfied smirk from Bylass.
"Is it just me or they were just quarreling?" Ferdinand whispered.
"You've only witnessed half of it, Ferdinand," Edelgard said with amusement.
"I guess Mother cares for Father then." Dorothea giggled, earning unanimous nods from the rest of the Black Eagles.
"What were you folks discussing?"
"Nothing, professor!" They chorused which confused Bylass but she shrugged it off eventually.
"Looks like we just missed the discussion of your strategies." Claude's voice rang over the hall catching the attention of everyone.
"Why does he always show up after we just mentioned him?" Byleth was exasperated, earning a small giggle from Bylass.
"Really? I'm honored that you both hold me in so much regard. You should have picked us instead." Edelgard suddenly got tense; her face was unreadable as she glanced at Byleth and Bylass.
"If I picked your house, you would be bedridden by now with that attitude of yours. Are you perhaps eager to repeat our training?"
"I was joking, Teach." He laughed nervously and whistled.
"Looks like even the master of schemes himself is even afraid of someone." Edelgard smiled sarcastically.
"Master of schemes? I'm always fighting fair and square, princess."
"Is it the same with your tactical retreat that put us surrounded? I will not expect something good coming from you, Claude."
"Oops, looks like I've been caught again. I did not know you could have figured me out though we did not know very long, Your Highness."
"Unlike you, I intend to fight with honor which undoubtedly will bring us a satisfied victory."
"Well said, Dimitri. Therefore, we put our trust in you. Is that right, professor?" Bylass nodded casually.
"The time has come. Everyone, prepare your positions." Then each student left one by one and followed Bylass. Byleth was about to take his leave as well until he noticed Edelgard who was still standing and looking at him with an unreadable face.
"Do you need something, Edelgard?"
"Nothing. I just want to wish you good luck in the battle ahead. You are one of our key players after all." Edelgard smiled genuinely.
"Thank you. I hope you are fine too, Edelgard."
"With pleasure, Professor Byleth." Her comment caught him off guard and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Since when did I become a professor?"
"We agreed that you would teach me swordsmanship, didn't we? Besides, you did ask us whether we had a certain blue-haired professor after all." Edelgard offered a knowing smile.
"Could you please forget it?" Byleth groaned as his eyes looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment.
She gave a nod of understanding before saying firmly,
"It's late now. Time to go, Byleth."
The archbishop and her advisor, Seteth, stood on a nearby hilltop overseeing the preparations of the mock battle. Each house was led by their leader, accompanied by a few knights of Seiros, to their position on the field. The sound of trumpets echoed over the land, fueling each participant's enthusiasm. As the final preparations were completed, Rhea turned to Jeralt with a small smile.
"Dear Jeralt, it is your turn now."
"Thank you, lady Rhea; I am honored," Jeralt said as he bowed respectfully and went ahead.
"Lady Rhea," Seteth murmured in a low voice. "Are you sure about this?"
"What is troubling you still, Seteth?"
"I know we discussed this already," he replied carefully, "but I am still concerned about the pair of Black Eagles, especially the male one whose reputation causes me to pause."
Rhea sighed softly and said, "Seteth, I understand your worry for your sister's well-being but consider that Jeralt has vouched for him. Therefore, I choose to trust his judgment. You should do so too."
Seteth paused before reluctantly agreeing. "Very well, as you wish Lady Rhea."
At the same time, Jeralt's voice boomed across the field. "Let the mock battle begin!"
As Bylass predicted, Ignatz and Lorenz from the Golden Deer were the first to appear, followed by Ashe who was trying to draw them into the Blue Lion territory. Bylass tilted her head toward Byleth, giving him a silent signal to begin their plan. In one swift motion, she unsheathed her wooden sword while Byleth drew him, and they raced towards Lorenz. Time slowed as Byleth parried each of Lorenz's thrusts, using the power of his arms to push him back. Meanwhile, Bylass used Byleth's back as a pedestal, gathering all of her strength in her right leg before launching off of it. She flew through the air and came down hard on Ignatz, her sword knocking away his bow before he had time to react. He dropped to his knees in surrender.
Byleth continued using a series of hit-and-run tactics, switching between attacking and dodging with every lance that Lorenz aimed at him. As he circled his opponent, he noticed that the force behind the attacks was waning; this gave him an opening to seize the initiative. With a powerful thrust, Byleth knocked the lance out of Lorenz's hands and then sent a kick flying into his chest, sending him soaring backward until he fell unconscious against a nearby tree trunk.
"Phase one has been completed. Everyone, go to your positions and do as I said." Bylass yelled which the Black Eagles followed and split the forces as planned.
"Did she intend to fight two Houses at the same time? I must say she and her partner are always full of surprises." Claude commented.
"What should we do now?" Hilda asked.
"Stick to our plan and approach them slowly. Professor Manuela, we count on you."
"You don't need to tell me twice, Claude."
After departing with Bylass, Byleth soon was greeted by his fellow teammates and prepared for the assault. Ferdinand and Caspar were undoubtedly the most energetic pair in this team while Dorothea was busy waking Linhardt whose eyes started to close despite being in the middle of a battle. This would be fine, he hoped.
"I must say I'm amazed by the flexibility of your cooperation with the professor. It was such an elegant performance." Ferdinand exhaled exaggeratedly.
"Save it for later, Ferdinand. We have a job to fulfill." Byleth replied as he signaled them to take the detour and avoid confrontation with Golden Deers.
As they arrived at the outskirts of the destination, Byleth was soon met with a dark miasma and arrow which he dodged instantly and asked his teammates to keep their distance. From the bush, two figures began to appear, revealing a short silver-haired girl and the cheeky Riegan heir. Byleth did not know the minimum age of this academy, so he blurted out:
"Whose child is this?" The silver-haired girl widened her eyes in shock as she was grumbling with irritation.
"Mark my words, I'm not children."
"Calm down, Lysithea. He treats everyone here including me as children, so you don't need to get angry." Claude laughed mischievously as he was quickly joined by the rest of the Golden Deers.
"Hey there, handsome! Finally, we meet again." Manuela winked at Byleth.
"There she goes again." Hilda sighed.
"I feel a bit saddened that you did not take my offer a few days ago but the offer still stands. I can help you alleviate your injury after this mock battle bit by bit." She said flirtatiously toward Byleth who was still baffled by her directness and remained calm despite the odds.
Suddenly, his back felt cold as if someone was glaring at him. Byleth's first thought of the perpetrator was Hubert due to the circumstances a few days ago. Surprisingly, the Vestra heir was busy assisting Edelgard and paid him no mind. He did not know what the cause of this sudden cold was, so he started to get cautious and eyed the surroundings which got his classmates curious. For some reason, this feeling was similar to what he experienced in the audience room when Bylass suddenly scowled as her eyes were glaring daggers at the Golden Deer's professor.
"Sorry to disappoint but he is taken, professor." Claude's voice chimed in.
"He is right, our mother will be disappointed if she knows this."
"Dorothea, I know you are trying to help me, but I don't think she will approve of what you said." Byleth left a heavy sigh as Dorothea left a small smile and shot him a sympathetic look.
"Enough of this. Everyone prepares for the battle." Byleth repositioned his stance and raised the sword.
Forget about him and focus on your objective, Bylass.
"You don't need to tell me twice." Bylass groaned as she redirected her eyes to the Blue Lions.
After joining Edelgard, everything had been going according to her plan as her students had carefully followed her without breaking the formation. Thanks to the element of surprise earlier, she managed to take down Ashe which eventually forced Dimitri to change his plan and start to advance at her force.
Unexpected to her, one of the students from Dimitri's class suddenly abandoned his position and rushed toward her. She quickly parried the attack and signaled Hubert to shoot his miasma, forcing the Blue Lion to step back. Looking unsatisfied with the intervention, he scowled at them:
"I thought you were a worthy opponent after those amazing stuns you performed. Show me what you got, professor."
"Felix, I told you not to challenge her alone."
"Shut up, boar. I don't take orders from you."
"That's not how you make an impression on a lady, Felix. By the way, my name is Sylvain. Nice to meet you, professor." Sylvain winked at Bylass.
"Looks like you have an admirer already. I wonder if Prince Andryr will be jealous when someone is making a move on his Maria."
"Sothis…"
"Yes?"
"Piss off."
Bylass clenched her hands and gave a sharp command, her eyes narrowing in concentration. With a quick burst of speed, she charged at Mercedes, her sword raised and ready to strike down the opposing mage. But Dimitri was faster, diving headfirst into the fray as he flung himself between his classmate and Bylass. Unexpectedly, Bylass changed course mid-run, turning toward Sylvain with lightning speed. The tip of her sword glinted dangerously in the sun as it slashed through the air toward him, sending his lance smashing into shattered pieces against the ground. Her reflexes were beyond impressive; sensing Bernadetta's arrow coming from behind her, Bylass quickly ducked out of its path, before the arrow met Sylvain, knocking him off balance.
"Good job, Bernadetta. Keep this up and you will be fine."
"It's nothing, professor." She stuttered before getting panicked as Felix ran toward her." No, please don't kill me!"
"Petra! I leave her to you." Bylass ordered as Petra stepped in and counter-attacked Felix, holding him at bay.
"Edelgart, Hubert. I'm counting on you!"
"With pleasure, professor."
The trio surged forward in a calculated attack, their weapons backed by the furious assaults of Professor Hanneman and Annette. Bylass flew into the air and swooped toward the mages with dizzying speed, snuffing out their magic before it could reach its target. Edelgard locked blades with Dimitri as Hubert squared off against Dedue, his wooden sword held before him like a shield. The Blue Lions gaped as Bylass circled them, lending strength to Edelgard's and Hubert's attacks until there was only one foe left standing. Dimitri faced off alone against the three of them, his face grimly determined.
"I've underestimated you, professor. You are truly a master of swordsmanship."
"Thanks for your compliment, Dimitri."
"Don't you think it's time to surrender now?" Edelgard smirked.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Edelgard. I shall fight with honor till the end. Let's settle this now." He got heated up and tightened the grip on his lance.
"If that is what you wish, then I shall fulfill." Edelgard readied her axe as their weapons clashed with each other.
The intensity of the fight was palpable, with both Dimitri and Edelgard trading blows. As her energy started to wane, Hubert's gaze continuously shifted to Bylass, who remained still at first, allowing Edelgard to try and prove her strength. But when it became apparent that the house leader was losing ground, Bylass stepped in, delivering a sweeping kick that knocked Dimitri off-balance.
Casting a glance at the battlefield of the other side, Bylass felt satisfied with the aftermath once she saw most of the Golden Deers were unconscious while the rest surrendered willingly. Even though she was joking that she was worried Byleth would act recklessly and get hurt again, Bylass trusted his capability to control the flow of the battle as well as his leadership. She could not help but wonder what could have been if he were given the same role as her. An image of him dealing with the noisy students while groaning continuously left a small smirk on her face. She would undoubtedly enjoy every moment of it.
"And the winner of the Mock battle is the Black Eagles," Jeralt shouted proudly.
"We did it, professor." Edelgard smiled warmly.
"When I first heard your plan, I thought either you were overestimating yourself or you gave the other houses too little credit. Anyway, thank you for leading us to victory, professor." Hubert nodded respectfully.
"Let us regroup with our friends now, shall we?"
Caspar's eyes were shining and his grin was almost contagious as he exclaimed, \
"That was amazing, Byleth! You must teach me those moves sometimes."
"Indeed!" Ferdinand added. "Especially how calm you were when you gave us instructions for our advances. It was like watching the professor herself in action."
Byleth smiled, a wry twist of his lips that suggested he wanted to appear more confident than he felt. "It's years of experience, Ferdinand. Anyway, great job everyone."
Edelgard laughed and teased, "I did say that you would make a good professor, didn't I?"
"Yes, you also often complained that our roles should have been reversed. Maybe we should try it once." Bylass beamed mischievously and added.
"Bylass, could you please not corrupt your students?" Byleth sighed with mock exasperation at Bylass' suggestion and said affectionately, making The Black Eagles burst into laughter while Hubert remained unreadable.
"Mind if I join you, kids?" Jeralt walked in.
"Jeralt, it's great to see you!"
"Congratulations on your victory. Do you know that you two are now becoming the central topic among the Knights of Seiros after the stuns you pulled at the start of the battle?"
"That was nothing, Jeralt. We've just practiced a lot." Byleth shrugged, not caring about the gossip.
"It's nice to see you again, sir Jeralt." Edelgard bowed respectfully.
"It's been a while, princess. I take that you kids had a good time together."
"Indeed, you should have seen how the professor and Byleth were trying to cook for us. It was … quite an experience." Dorothea gave a mischievous giggle.
"It was mainly his fault," Bylass interjected with a smirk. "I told him to let me take charge."
"Somehow I remember it was you who said we should have divided the task equally."
"Until I've found out you were putting water instead of olive oil to fry the chicken."
Byleth waved his hand defensively. "How was I supposed to know that the water bottle and olive oil bottle looked so similar? However, the chicken was edible, right?"
"How many times do I have to tell you that coal mine is inedible, Byleth."
"They look quite close, sir Jeralt." Ferdinand joined in with a chuckle.
The group laughed as Dorothea asked jokingly, "So... when's the wedding?"
Jerald shook his head with a laugh. "Honestly, I've been wondering the same thing."
"Anyway, are you both free now?" Jeralt clapped his hands, breaking them away from their bickering.
"I think so, What do you need us for?"
"Would you mind joining this old man for dinner? It's been a while since we've done this together."
"Sounds like a good plan to me. How about you, Byleth?" He gave her a confirming nod.
"Then let us excuse ourselves. Have a good evening, Professor, Byleth!" Edelgard waved at the trio and left with the remaining Eagles.
"Shall we have dinner downtown then?"
Even though they had agreed to join Jeralt for dinner on the outskirts of town, Byleth and Bylass began to regret their decision when it became apparent that it was the same tavern they had been in a few days prior. They anxiously glanced around, hoping no one would recognize them due to the wild play they had participated in nearby; both trying not to draw attention to themselves.
"I knew it was a bad idea," Byleth muttered, emphasizing his words with a pointed look at Bylass.
"Yes, I know I know," She replied sheepishly. "But we did wear hoods, so it's unlikely anyone will realize who we are."
"As long as your 'marvelous disguises' don't give us away," Byleth said mockingly.
"And I thought someone did not want to bring that up in front of Jeralt here." She smiled teasingly.
"That's not what I… Forget it, sometimes I wonder why I keep listening to your ideas anyway." Byleth left a heavy sigh while Bylass was still giggling.
"You can join me once you are done flirting with each other, you know." Jeralt grinned sarcastically.
"We are not flirting!" They said at the same time, turning to face Jeralt with wide eyes and heightened color in their cheeks.
"Calm down! I'm just joking." He shrugged and stepped forward, gesturing for them to follow him into the tavern.
After ordering at the reception, the trio managed to sit down and started chatting about their daily activities over the past week. Despite some complications with the archbishop's advisor on the first day, Jeralt was pleased to hear that the students of the Black Eagles had been nothing but kind to his daughter and potential "son-in-law". But something else caught his attention - Bylass was getting bolder ever since they came to the academy. At first, he thought Manuela was exaggerating when she told him about sharp glares from Bylass when she flirted with Byleth. However, after witnessing the mock battle today, Jeralt could confirm that his daughter was getting jealous. He found it entertaining and could not help but feel happy for her. There remained another problem that had been plaguing him for months since that talk with Byleth – Would he feel the same after all this time? The question lingered in his mind like a haunting specter as they took the ordered food and resumed their conversation.
"You two are adapting quickly, aren't you?" he asked, looking from Bylass to Byleth.
"I would say so. Being an instructor is a pain sometimes, but I will manage it."
"And yet you are still cheeky during lectures, professor."
"There is no law forbidding having some fun, isn't it?"
"I'm glad you two are having a good time. Moreover, I'm impressed how you got quite close with the leader of the Golden Deers despite not being in the same class."
Byleth raised an eyebrow at that statement and rolled his eyes mockingly.
"Trust me when I say she is a bad influence on every student here," he said which made her hit him on the elbow lightly and pout. "Meanie."
"Don't be so harsh on her, Byleth. I thought you were best friends." Jeralt grinned.
"Join one of our lectures and you will understand." Byleth sipped his mug as Jeralt and Bylass laughed joyfully.
"Anyway, how are you doing, Jeralt?" Bylass asked.
"I'm doing well. The knights were quick to welcome me and I already got used to duty here. Moreover, there will be some missions in the upcoming month, so you won't see me for a while."
"I see. But you will still come back, right?"
"Yes, I will visit you from time to time. Until then, enjoy your academic life."
"Thank you, I bid you a safe travel as well."
"So do I, be safe out there, Jeralt."
"Then let's make the most time we have now, shall we?" Jeralt raised his mug and the pair followed suit.
"Cheers!"
After finishing their meals, Bylass stood up and went to the receptionist to pay for the dinner, leaving Byleth and Jeralt alone. As Jeralt looked over at Byleth, he saw a hint of sadness in the boy's eyes; his mouth hung slightly open while his arms clutched his sides. The silence between them was heavy, but eventually, Jeralt broke it with a quiet question: "Is something troubling you, Byleth?"
Byleth took a moment to contemplate his thoughts, then he began:
"May I ask you something?"
"Sure, I'm listening."
"How do you know if you are falling for someone?" Byleth asked with a timid voice.
The question took Jeralt by surprise as his eyes widened. He smiled playfully despite knowing who he was referring to and said, "I did not expect that from you. Who is the lucky gal?"
Byleth hesitated before replying. His gaze shifted from Jeralt to Bylass who was still busy talking to the receptionist before moving back to Jeralt.
"It's someone very important to me."
Jeralt nodded knowingly and replied softly, "You can say her name, you know. So, I guess you already have the answer to what I asked you a year ago." Byleth blinked and shook his head slowly as if coming out of a trance. With a faint smile tugging the corner of his lips, he uttered plainly yet unconfidently, "I'm still not sure, Jeralt."
Jeralt's voice was gentle as he asked Byleth, "You don't feel certain whether what you feel for her is love, do you?" Byleth nodded in silence.
"Looks like you and I are not different after all," Jeralt said with a slight smile, his eyes full of nostalgia.
"What do you mean?"
"When I was in service of the Knights of Seiros, I got involved in many dangerous missions which got me injured occasionally. Therefore, coming to the infirmary was a daily routine for me to the point I could not care less." Jeralt recalled the story as Byleth listened carefully.
"Then one day, the nun assigned to me started to talk to me. At first, it was just casual talk about how I got injured until we got lost in conversation as the infirmary was already empty." Jeralt held his breath before continuing.
"Surprisingly, I started to pay a visit to the infirmary despite having no injuries just to talk to her. One thing led to another; I'd finally realized that I was in love with her and she felt the same way." Jeralt said, a fondly remembered smile now playing on his lips.
"That was a beautiful tale. So, is she…"
"Yes, she was Bylass's mother!" Byleth's smile withered away as he said apologetically.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Jeralt."
"Don't worry, kid. It's not your fault." Jeralt said comfortably:" However, what I'm trying to say is one day you will find your answer."
"Do you feel at home when you are with her? What is it to you just to see her smile even in your darkest days?"
"Then when the time comes, you will know how much she means to you. Take your time, Byleth."
" When the time came, I hoped you would give this to the person you love as I loved your mother."
"Thank you for your advice, Jeralt. I truly appreciate it" Byleth swallowed his throat, trying to shake the memory away.
"I'm glad to hear it. Take care of her well, Byleth." Byleth blushed slightly.
"I'm done paying, Jeralt. Did I miss something?" Bylass tilted her head.
"Nothing, kid. Shall we head back now?" They nodded and headed toward the front door.
As the trio made their way back to the monastery, they savored the sights of the town illuminated in a soft hue by the street lamps. That is until an abrupt interruption broke the peaceful atmosphere:
"Isn't that our favorite co-stars? I can't believe we meet again."
Byleth and Bylass froze with surprise, unsure how to respond as their eyes refused to make contact with the actor.
Jeralt was scratching his head in confusion before finally speaking with a quizzical glance towards Byleth and Bylass "Co-stars? What play are you talking about?".
"How can I forget the pair that took one of our favorite plays to the next level? Do you know the audience has been begging us for days to cast you both back for another play?" The actor asked in amusement.
Jeralt seemed intrigued by the question. "What is the play about?" he inquired. But before they could answer, Byleth quickly interjected, "Jeralt, we should go back now. I have a lecture tomorrow." His attempt to steer away from this topic was ineffective; Jeralt was determined to learn more about this "play"
"It's a tale of the two star-crossed lovers- Prince Andryr and Princess Maria." The actor replied with great enthusiasm.
A sly grin spread across Jeralt's face as he questioned, "Prince Andryr and Princess Maria?"
"You got the wrong person." Byleth looked away awkwardly, desperately trying to hide his blushing cheeks.
The actor continued, "I don't remember you being so shy compared to how bold you were during the last act of our play. That true love kiss was a masterpiece, my friend!"
"I did not expect you two to be talented in acting as well. I want to see the play now." Jeralt said.
"It's late now, isn't it? Perhaps, we should …" Byleth pleaded to no avail while Bylass started to giggle.
Jeralt smiled victoriously and exclaimed with glee, "I insist!" Without warning, a chuckle of embarrassment escaped from Bylass' lips as she realized there was no turning back now.
"Perfect! I will tell our coworkers now," said the actor with excitement as he started walking away. "See you then!"
Damn it, Bylass.
1st of Harpstring Moon, 1180
"What's wrong, Byleth? You look a bit tired." Bylass giggled.
"Are you asking me now?" He sighed while staring at her intently.
"At least Jeralt promised to keep it a secret, didn't he?"
"And he is the last person I want to know about our misadventures, professor. I should have gone to bed that day instead."
"Is that why you did not kiss me on the lips yesterday?" Bylass asked playfully but with an undercurrent of seriousness.
Byleth felt his mouth go dry. "The script did not specify where I should have kissed." He replied solemnly, hoping that would be enough for her.
"And what drove you to do it the first time?" She persisted, leaning forward slightly in anticipation of his answer.
He could feel himself getting flustered. "Perhaps another time then, professor." He shifted uncomfortably and started walking away quickly from her questioning gaze, though not fast enough to stop her from asking one last thing:
"Come on, just tell me already."
His heart raced and he could feel blood rushing up his neck and into his cheeks before he managed a reply. "Looks like school has started already. See you later." With a tight smile, he picked up the pace and hurried off in the opposite direction of Bylass' imploring eyes.
Bylass watched him go with a wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth; she knew him just enough to realize when he was trying to make a quick escape from an uncomfortable situation. But still, even though she knew this side of him well, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment in her chest as he walked away from her questioning gaze.
"That idiot is always so stubborn like this," she said quietly as she watched him disappear around the corner; though her voice held a hint of exasperation, there was also something else within it—a sound akin to admiration or fondness. "However, that's part of his charms as well." With one final smile for the retreating figure of Byleth, Bylass turned back towards their classroom and whispered: "Don't worry, I will always wait for you, no matter how long it takes."