16th of Harpstring Moon, 1180

Despite having succeeded in their mission, Bylass could tell that something was wrong from the tense atmosphere in the monastery. Everyone seemed to be looking at her and Byleth with unease in their eyes, and Bylass had a feeling that a storm was coming. Suddenly one of the knights broke away from the group and strode toward them.

"Professor, the archbishop would like to have a word with you and Sir Byleth." The knight bowed before them; his face expressionless.

"Understood, inform Lady Rhea that we'll be on our way now," Bylass replied calmly.

"Alright, class. Since we just finished our first assignment I will give you a free day now. Until then, enjoy your day off." A relieved cheer went up amongst the Black Eagles as they dispersed, while Edelgard was glancing at them for a while before departing with her classmates as well.

As soon as they were alone again, Byleth asked in a low voice,

"Do you know what the archbishop wants with us?"

Bylass shook her head.

"I don't know. Let's go and figure it out, shall we?"

"Good morning, professor. I've heard that your mission was successful."

"That's right, Lady Rhea. We've managed to dispose of them without any single student getting harmed." Bylass bowed respectfully.

"Despite the cruel life those bandits led, I pray they finally found absolution in the afterlife."

"I think so too, Lady Rhea. As someone once said: they should regret ever being born into this world." Seteth said mockingly and cast a harsh glare at Byleth and Bylass noticed it immediately, softening her gaze to a frown.

"Sir Seteth, can we move on now?"Bylass's frown had deepened.

"Very well," Seteth said slowly as the air in the chamber seemed to grow still., "Despite my initial warnings, neither of you appear to care as evidenced by what I heard yesterday when the Knights of Seiros reported back to me about what happened at Zanado."

Rhea frowned in displeasure- her lips thinning into a tight line.

"That's right. Professor, I told you the academy is an esteemed institution so we can't sink to such levels when it comes to teaching our students. What you and Byleth did was nothing but massacre according to the knights' reports."

"I did what I had to do and I have no regrets," Byleth replied sternly, his words ringing out like sharp blades through the room.

"And that justifies all of that bloodshed in front of the students?"

"If that was the cost of protecting them then yes." The confirmation seemed to only fuel Seteth's anger even further.

"I worked alongside him as well in dealing with those bandits; shouldn't I be included in this discussion?" Bylass frowned deeply while positioning herself between Byleth and his accusers.

"Professor, may I remind you that this is a professional meeting," Seteth warned sharply as he stepped forward.

"Last time I let it slide when you insulted him but not this time. With all due respect, that was not the whole picture based on the reports." Bylass snarled defensively.

"I fail to see how decimating the bandits mercilessly is not everything. Didn't the bandit leader also call him Shadow of Ashen Demon constantly as well?"

Byleth's grip tightened like iron around his sword hilt as he heard those words. His gaze cutting across the room like a blade he declared coldly and emotionlessly,

"They can call me whatever they like but that won't change my resolve. I will do whatever is necessary as long as no innocent is harmed by those villains. Not like that time ever again." His uncompromising determination solidified like steel in his bones.

"Now I remember that professor mentioned something about an incident between the two of you and the bandit leader many years ago. Could you explain what happened then?" Rhea inquired curiously as Bylass recounted the story to her and Seteth. When the tale had been finished, both Rhea and her advisor were lost in thought until she finally broke the silence.

"I understand your connection to this event from such a tragic loss and I'm truly sorry for that poor girl whose life was lost due to an unexpected turn of events. But your actions at Zanado yesterday shook up the entire Monastery; rumors of Twin Ashen Demons had spread throughout it and I'm still trying to quiet things down. That being said, I'll let this slide for now only and pray that you'll start behaving properly from here on out." Her voice kept its authoritative edge as she delivered her last warning.

"Lady Rhea, are you sure we are letting this off easily?" Seteth protested.

Rhea held her gaze firmly on Byleth. He remained motionless under her scrutiny. "Though I don't agree with his methods, the Goddess has taught us to show compassion to those whose minds are in distress. Since the source of Byleth's horrors has been eliminated, I believe he won't repeat such a barbaric act." Her eyes burned into him as she continued, "You may not care about your reputation, but I guess you do not want to involve the professor, do you, Byleth?"

Finally, he responded in a strained tone.

"If that is what you wish then I will follow. Though I can't promise it won't happen again, I will try to prevent myself from doing so if the circumstance is not dire."

Seteth scoffed at his reply.

"And next time we will not tolerate such an act like today, so you'd better mark our words carefully."

Bylass kept her composure despite the charged atmosphere. She stood tall and proud before Byleth as she asked one final question. "Consider the matter is settled. Do you need anything else from us?"

"This topic is finished, so Byleth may leave now. Of course," Rhea added with a pause, "I have some other things I'd like to discuss with you."

Byleth nodded and bowed his head briefly before turning around. As he left, Bylass watched him go with a worried expression on her face, but she kept all of her emotions at bay until they could speak later in private.

The sound of the door shutting filled the silence between them. Byleth exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of relief wash over him from both the mission and the conversation. He looked around dazedly, unsure of how he should spend his day.

"I guess I should check up on the greenhouse then."

Byleth cautiously opened the door to the greenhouse, half expecting someone to be there already. To his relief, no one was there and he breathed a sigh of relief. He noticed that some of the students around the monastery were giving him strange looks, which made him feel uneasy. He quickly shook off the feeling and entered the greenhouse, taking in the rich smell of soil and herbs that met him at the doorway. He moved towards an empty pot where he had planted some herbs days prior, inspecting them with a gentle hand to make sure they were doing well.

"Oh, so you were the one planting these herbs. Forgive me for watering them yesterday without your notice." A voice chimed in as Byleth turned back, revealing a young student with ashen hair in a hooded uniform.

"Don't worry - you should be thanked for caring for them in my absence. I am Byleth of the Black Eagles; it is a pleasure to meet you."

"Ah, I have heard of you; you are the one who saved his Highness's life! My name is Ashe Ubert of the Blue Lions House." Ashe smiled excitedly.

Byleth shook his head modestly and said,

"My deeds were not accomplished alone - it was thanks to the efforts of Professor Bylass and Dimitri with the other lords as well. Speaking of Professor Bylass, I noticed she was a bit rough to you during the mock battle- please accept my apologies on her behalf."

"It's not a big deal, that was a friendly practice after all. So, do you also enjoy gardening too?"

Byleth nodded thoughtfully and answered,

"You can say so. I feel a deep sense of comfort when caring for them. Plus, the herbs are also good medicines for some of my missions."

"My adoptive father would love to meet you then; he was the real expert in herbs as well," Ashe replied with a satisfied smile.

"Perhaps one day. Do you mind if I ask you something?" Ashe waved a hand non-committedly, "Sure. What do wish to know?" Byleth felt the awkwardness of the situation before him as he began, "When said "adoptive", does it mean…" He looked away for a second before meeting Ashe's gentle gaze again, only to find that he didn't seem to mind the question.

"It's alright, that's not a secret. That's right, I was adopted by Lord Lonato himself. Though we are not related by blood, he had been nothing but kind toward me and my siblings and I deeply feel grateful for his benevolence."

"And he is lucky to have a son like you, Ashe. He may not be your dad but he is surely your father." Byleth said neutrally though his tone was conveyed with happiness since the story reminded him of a certain mercenary who was pretty much the same as Lonato.

"I'm happy to hear that, Byleth. By the way, I heard that you were a mercenary, weren't you? It must be exciting though, traveling from conflict to conflict, unlike the life of regular folk like me."

There was an air of nostalgia wrapping around Byleth as he sighed heavily before replying, "It was indeed exciting though, not because of the nature of the job." Before he could tell more, another voice joined their conversation.

"Greetings, Ashe, Byleth. Did I interrupt something?" Dimitri asked.

"No problem, your highness. I was just conversing with Byleth here." Ashe inclined his head at Dimitri while Byleth waved casually.

"It's been a while, Dimitri. How have you been?"

"I've been doing well," Dimitri answered with a smile on his face before turning towards Byleth again and saying, "I know it's late but congrats on your victory in the mock battle." Byleth shrugged off and nodded casually.

Ashe interjected, "What brings you here, your highness?"

"I just wanted to visit the greenhouse for some fresh air. Anyway, what were you two talking about?"

"Byleth was telling me about his life as a mercenary before coming here," Ashe said. Dimitri widened his eyes in surprise at this news.

"I see. I'd love to hear more from such a skilled mercenary of the Blade Breaker's band like you if you're okay with that." Dimitri asked pleasantly.

Byleth ran his hand through his hair in reminiscence and sighed. "The mercenary life isn't all that exciting—we usually just escort nobles or subdue bandits or hunt beasts. But mine wasn't ordinary because I traveled with someone who was…well, unique."

"May I ask who that was?" Dimitri asked curiously.

"My professor now: Bylass, daughter of the Blade Breaker,"

"Interesting, could you please enlighten me more?" Dimitri asked pleasantly as Byleth scratched his head, reminiscing about his time in Jeralt's band.

"In contrast to the rumors and her reputation as a fearless and emotionless mercenary," Byleth continued, "she is capable of comprehending emotion like anyone else. But sometimes, she was too cheeky for her good which often led us to be caught up in troubles and fortunately, most of them were not big deals; or so I thought."

Byleth paused before continuing his story. "There was one time we were supposed to sneak into a stronghold of bandits to steal back a valuable scroll. Everything was fine until she decided to add some fun by having us disguised as bandits to get in there more easily. Unfortunately, her attempts at disguise were not half as good as her acting, so we were eventually caught. It would have turned dire if Jeralt had not come to our rescue. The worst part was I was the only one getting blamed for that incident while the mastermind was giggling cockily." Byleth groaned in exasperation, causing Ashe and Dimitri to giggle.

"I could also see you two are quite close as well," Dimitri said, a knowing grin on his face. "Though that doesn't stop a certain friend of ours planning to make a move on her. If that happens, I hope you will call us to deal with him." He sighed heavily at the thought.

"That's right. Ever since he met the professor, Sylvain had not stopped talking about how elegant the new professor was despite getting smacked by Ingrid."

"I doubt your friend would live to see the next sunrise if he's ever done such thing as she is not tolerable toward such acts. However, shouldn't you mention this to her instead of me?" Byleth tilted his head in confusion.

"Aren't you two…" Dimitri stuttered awkwardly, reluctant to finish the sentence.

"Your Highness wants to ask you what your relationship is with the professor?" Ashe added to save Dimitri from the awkward situation despite feeling embarrassed too.

Byleth pinched his chin and thought deeply, then he gave his answer,

"She is my dearest friend and most cherished family."

However, as he finished replying, Byleth was confused by the way Dimitri reacted to the answer. Dimitri seemed to be stifling a laugh and muttering something about feeling bad for someone. Byleth swore that something was off as if his intelligence was being insulted. Perhaps, he should have reconsidered Ferdinand's offer of social debate with him to learn more about social skills even though that sounded as bad as Bylass's operations.

"I have some other things to do so I will excuse myself now. It was nice to meet you, Byleth." Ashe bid farewell to Byleth and then Dimitri before departing, leaving Byleth and the prince alone.

"Anyway, are you busy today?" Dimitri asked.

Byleth thought for a moment, "It seems not since I did not plan anything specifically. Do you need something?".

"I know you just came back from your first mission, but would you mind sparring with me a bit? I've been curious how you managed to counter the lance with your sword."

"Sure. I don't see why not. Let's head to the Training Field then."

"That's enough for today, Dimitri. You did put up a good fight." Byleth offered a hand to Dimitri who was laying on the ground after being bested.

"Though you are a student, I must say you are capable of dueling toe to toe like the professor herself. Why did you not become the professor?" Dimitri took his hand and stood up, sweeping the dust from this uniform.

"I doubt the archbishop will offer me the same treatment as she did for Bylass. On the other hand, I don't think I will be able to handle noisy kids so I will pass." Byleth replied smugly.

"We aren't exactly young, though I must agree someone is fitting that description," he replied with a smirk. "Regardless, thank you for taking your time today. Though we aren't in the same class, I hope we can spar together from time to time." Dimitri gave a slight nod which Byleth waived casually in response before asking, "If I may be so bold, why are you interested in sword fighting now?"

Dimitri hesitated before speaking, but when he did, there was an earnestness in his voice that Byleth hadn't noticed before. "To be honest with you, I've been teaching swordsmanship to the orphans for a while now."

"Orphans?"

Dimitri nodded slowly.

"Yes, these children lost their families to illness or war. And you might feel that I'm a bit arrogant, but I feel it's my responsibility to help them." The dark cloud of grief that had settled around him dissipated somewhat under Byleth's understanding smile.

"There is nothing wrong with what you are doing, Dimitri," he said softly. "If I were in your shoes, I would do the same." Impulsively, he added, "Perhaps one day I can visit the children with you? And maybe even Bylass if she has some free time."

"Really? Then I look forward to it, my friend." Dimitri offered his hand which Byleth returned by doing the same.

"By the way … there is something I've been meaning to ask?" Dimitri stuttered as if he was afraid to ask.

"Sure, what is troubling you?"

Dimitri's gaze dropped to the floor and he twisted his hands nervously. "Since yesterday, I've been hearing rumors about the mission you and Black Eagles went through. I know it might sound intrusive if it bothers you but were these rumors true?" The atmosphere suddenly changed as Byleth's eyes narrowed and a mask of indifference fell over his features.

"Which parts of the rumors?" Byleth asked calmly, though his words had an edge to them that made Dimitri shudder. He steeled himself however and spoke up again.

"About how you slew the bandits without batting an eye and seemed to be enjoying terrorizing them. One of the knights even said you were laughing in joy as the bandit leader was begging for his life despite bathing in his friend's blood. Moreover, there was also talk about how the professor..."

Byleth abruptly cut him off with a cold voice that sent goosebumps racing down Dimitri's back. "That's enough. You can stop there." Relief washed over Dimitri when Byleth resumed speaking in a more neutral tone, brushing off the topic "As for the rumors, I would say half of it is correct."

Dimitri mustered up all his courage and raised his eyes to meet Byleth's again. "And how do you feel after the battle?" he asked cautiously.

Byleth gave him a long assessing look before responding:

"Before answering your question, may I ask you what is the reason that you wield your blade?"

"As prince of the encompassing kingdom of knights, I use my sword to ensure justice is served by fighting evil and protecting the vulnerable," Dimitri declared with pride.

"Very good answer. But let me ask you this, Does ending someone's life make you satisfied?" Byleth's question caught Dimitri off guard as he was silent for a while.

"I... yes, it has happened," Dimitri muttered hesitantly.

"You don't have to tell me if you'd rather not. But no matter the reason behind it, remember this—there's never any glory in bloodshed." Byleth said firmly before continuing, "As for me, I live by one principle only: death as a last resort. I killed them by any means necessary because there was no other way to protect the innocents and those important to me. However, contradicting popular belief about me, I'm always ready to show mercy when needed."

"Could I ask what type of person deserves your mercy?"

Byleth let out a sigh as if it was the first time he had recounted this story. "A long time ago, there was a group of bandits who happened to target me while I was on one of hunting expeditions," he began, slowly.

"At first, I offered them an escape, but their leader seemed not to listen and I was forced to resort to violence, leading to the decimation of most of their forces.

As I approached the last bandit with my sword raised, I could see fear written all over his face—he was trembling and clinging to his pendant. Then I heard him cry out some feminine names—turns out it was his wife and daughter he was calling for. Something about that made me stop. I sheathed my blade and let him go with some money, warning him never to resort to thieving again."

Dimitri widened his eyes in surprise at the turn of the story.

"I don't know whether what I did was right," Byleth continued wryly, "but Bylass told me at least a family was spared from grief. It's funny, isn't it? The ruthless Shadow forgave someone out of mercy; many did not believe it except Bylass and Jeralt." He laughed bitterly.

"Don't say that, Byleth. There is no word to describe how inspiring that act was. Thank you for sharing the story with me." A pleasant smile crossed Dimitri's face.

"Of course," Byleth replied, the edges of his lips curling upwards into a small smile.

"I'm sorry if my question is intrusive but after this conversation. I can firmly confirm you are not what the rumors made you."

"Someone did say the same thing but thank you, Dimitri. However, I would like to add one final thing."

"And that is …?"

"No matter how cruel this world is or even if the circumstance is dire to the point everything seems hopeless, there are still people who care deeply for you in their hearts and will stand alongside you in times of despair. Sometimes, it's not too bad to not carry the burdens alone." His voice was gentle, yet strong as Dimitri looked directly into his eyes and saw a newfound understanding sparkle within them.

"Do you believe there are such people out there?" Dimitri asked conflictedly.

"Isn't the Blue Lion your family too?" Byleth said as Dimitri widened his eyes in surprise.

"Family is not a place or reserved only for those sharing the same blood, Dimitri. Family is where the people care for you no matter what. From what I see, you are quite close with your classmates."

Dimitri widened his eyes in surprise at Byleth's words. He bowed respectfully before speaking again. "I wouldn't say so, but perhaps you are right. Thank you for enlightening me."

Byleth smiled and nodded while he replied, "I only speak out of my experience after all. Anyway, it was nice talking to you."

Dimitri returned the smile and added softly, "It's my pleasure, my friend." Just then another voice chimed in from behind them, breaking their conversation.

"Your Highness, I've been looking for you," Dedue said worriedly.

Dimitri clapped a reassuring hand on Dedue's shoulder. "Calm down, Dedue. Byleth and I were just sparring. This is Dedue—my retainer." Dedue bowed politely at Byleth.

"It's nice to meet you. I heard you were the other mercenary that saved His Highness's life. Please accept this gift as my thanks for your service to His Highness." He offered Byleth a small plant seed.

Byleth stared in shock at the unexpected kindness as he scrambled to comprehend the situation. But there was no harm in taking a tiny seedling, so he graciously accepted it. Perhaps not all retainers are imposing like his classmate, Byleth thought to himself.

"Looks like it's dinner time so I will take my leave now. See you later!" With that, Dimitri and Dedue departed, leaving Byleth alone to wonder what he should do for tonight. Feeling that he was not hungry yet, Byleth decided to visit the last location before having dinner. Directing his eyes to the sky at dusk as he walked around the lobby of the monastery, he muttered.

"Would you be proud of what I've become, my long-lost family?"

"That took quite a while."

"The archbishop somehow was strangely invested in asking about my experience in Zanado. And that is one of the reasons I feel so uncomfortable." Bylass muttered to herself, scanning the area around to make sure no one overheard her conversation.

"Is it about how her manners changed depending on who she talked to?" Sothis asked cautiously.

"That's right. I've noticed how her expression changed when talking to me compared to talking to Byleth. Call it intuition, but I sensed something in her eyes as she was waiting for my answer. I don't like what I'm feeling here..."

"But then what does she want from you regarding Zanado? Moreover, what role of the Goddess play in all this?"

"Do you remember anything about her?"

"Unfortunately, no. But there was something that caught my ears at Zanado." Sothis said cautiously as Bylass put her fingers to her chin.

"So, you heard it too?"

"Yes and perhaps I misheard but the voice was calling for someone. Furthermore, that voice … it was familiar somehow."

"More questions but there is no answer to any of them. I don't like where this is going but we can check Zanado one day. Right now, I have a more urgent matter." She whispered, her hand moving instinctively towards her chest.

"Bylass, I know you are worried for him, but he will manage it. Besides, the mission did not end badly as …"

Bylass suddenly raised her voice coldly, cutting off whatever Sothis was about to say next and frightening her into silence. "Stop! Say nothing more." Furious and sadness were undoubtedly in her voice as she thought of the tragedy that almost happened "I'm sorry, Bylass," Sothis said quietly "I should have known that the incident has still affected you."

Bylass shook her head slowly in acknowledgment, feeling guilty for snapping at her friend even though there was no intention behind it. "Never mind," she said softly "What is important is he is safe and sound and I'm grateful for what you did for me. If it weren't for your power, he would have been..." She trailed off, unable to bring herself to finish that sentence out loud.

"Calm down, Bylass," Sothis said gently "You saved him remember? Besides the bandit is dead now so I think everything will be better for both of you." There was a pause before Sothis continued speaking "Speaking of Byleth do you have any lead where he is now?"

"I have no idea but perhaps asking the staff here won't do any harm, will it?"

Unfortunately, it was not easy as she predicted as the staff and students of the academy seemed to be avoiding her. True to Rhea's warnings, the rumors had already spread across the Monastery like wildfire, and she could feel their stares digging into her back as she passed by. She silently cursed the knights who had come up with these exaggerated reports and ruined the hope she had built for Byleth. That's why she needed to find him now. After minutes of wandering around the Monastery and asking various people if they had seen him, Bylass groaned internally and pinched her forehead to focus. Somehow, she had ended up walking to the marketplace which was empty except for the gatekeeper who was standing at the entrance and waved at her excitedly.

"Greetings, professor. Nothing to report."

"Greetings, gatekeeper. I see that you are enjoying your shift so far,"

"Are you going to buy some supplies now?"

"No, I'm searching for someone," Bylas said as she looked around the marketplace. "By the way, have you seen a blue-haired man with a cape by any chance?"

"Blue hair and wearing a cape," The gatekeeper muttered thoughtfully. "Is he the man that you went with a week prior?" Bylas nodded at his question.

"I think I did see him earlier, heading towards the fishing pond just straight ahead." He pointed to her left and continued." If what I saw didn't fool me, then he should still be there."

Bylass released a sigh of relief, grateful for the help. "Thank you. Have a good day, gatekeeper." She bowed and began to turn away before she heard his parting words that made her stop dead in her tracks: "Enjoy your date, professor."

Bylass felt her face flush in embarrassment, but she decided not to correct him and instead flashed a polite smile before continuing on her way. Inwardly, Sothis snickered at her embarrassment, making Bylass grumble under her breath,

Ignoring Sothis's teasing, Bylass pushed the thought away and started her journey to the lake. As she got closer, meows like those of cats reached her ears. When she peered around a corner, a remarkable sight met her eyes. A small group of cats surrounded Byleth, who was crouching down spreading chunks of freshly caught fish from his basket onto the ground. The cats devoured their meal with enthusiasm, but when they were finished, they looked up at Byleth as though expecting something more. To her surprise, Byleth seemed to understand and began delicately scratching behind each cat's ears and under their chins; one of the cats even jumped onto his shoulder and made itself comfortable. Bylass couldn't help but giggle at his unexpected show of tenderness.

"Laugh all you can," he said sternly as she slowly walked toward him, still stifling a laugh, "but I remember that you were fond of feeding these little ones back at Remire."

"Forgive me," she replied apologetically, "but this is the first time I've seen you being so comfortable around pets. Do you remember your first time interacting with them?"

Byleth smiled wistfully before replying. "Of course. How can I forget how those little devils were hissing at me as I was trying to approach them and you looked quite amused at my misery?" He paused as he stood up; one of the cats still perched on his shoulder regarded Bylass warily before purring softly as she scratched its chin. "I swear that black cat was glaring at me as if I were its nemesis."

Bylass smiled knowingly and replied, "But this black one seems to attach to you, doesn't he?"

"Anyway, how did the meeting go?"

"It was fine. The archbishop asked me some odd questions, most of which were … uncomfortable."

"What happened, Bylass?" His voice was quiet and full of concern.

"For some reason, she was insistent on finding out my experience at Zanado as if I was supposed to know how it felt. Despite those polite smiles and gentle voice, I sensed some ulterior motives."

"It seems Jeralt was right. So, what do you intend to do?"

"For now, I will remain cautious around her as possible as I can. But there is something I want to ask you." Bylass paused before exhaling." Are you alright?"

He widened his eyes in surprise at her question and opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out. After a minute of silence, he gestured towards a nearby bench. "Let's sit down first, shall we?" They sat down; the cat quickly found himself comfortable in Byleth's lap.

"How long had we been over this?" Byleth asked, his voice heavy with a sense of resignation.

"Ever since I first met you, Byleth. You know I thought that settling here would be the best thing for you, but with the recent events it feels like nothing has changed- the people are still scared of what you can do." Bylass said sadly as he sat there in silence, looking at her with a stoic expression; until he finally sighed deeply.

"If this had happened a month ago, then my answer would be different."

"So…"

"But don't you still want to live the life that you always desired?"

"Of course, I do! However, I wish that we could enjoy it peacefully, Byleth."

"I know you're concerned, Bylass - especially because of what went down in the audience hall. But didn't we promise each other that no matter how hard things get, we'll stay on this path together? No matter what we do, people will always be afraid of us so why not embrace those titles instead of running away from it." He scratched his pet cat's ear gently.

"Besides, I'm sure they're right about one thing – that I'm Shadow – blade of the Ashen Demon and her only loyal servant." He half-joked weakly, eliciting a small giggle from Bylass.

"I thought you said you were the Angel of Death."

"That was another nickname of mine before I was banished from heaven."

"Still joking even in this circumstance. That's the Byleth I know."

"Said the one who continuously drags me into trouble to this day. Though I must admit some of our adventures were fun." Byleth replied sarcastically as the cat meowed knowingly in agreement.

"Like the one in the Empire?" Her eyes lit up as she teased.

"Except for that "operation"."

"Come on, it wasn't like you didn't enjoy it."

"Somehow, I remember it was the first time I got a migraine ever since I've known you. Let's hope our friends will not find out about that messy incident."

"Friends … You've changed a lot, haven't you?"

"I did give a thought about what you said yesterday." His lips curved into a smile "I hope to enjoy this academic year with you and everyone here."

Her eyes softened as she looked at him, "Me too, Byleth. Then I leave our students in your care." With a teasing glint in her eye, she added,

"Isn't that supposed to be your job?"

"A professor needs her rest sometimes, you know. Don't worry, we can try reversing our roles one day if you like."

"You and that attitude of breaking the rules… what did the archbishop see in you anyway?" He sighed mockingly.

"By the way, it's late now. Shall we have some dinner?"

"Sure. What about you, Shadow?" The cat meowed happily.

"Naming the cat already, aren't you? You've never given me nicknames before." She pouted.

Byleth groaned good-naturedly at her reaction. "I did and that earned me some glares from Jeralt. I may be reckless, but I still value my life."

"And yet you both are often drinking together," she said with an amused shake of her head. "He may look intimidating, but he trusts you with all his heart, Byleth. Besides, no one is capable of handling a drunkard Jeralt except you." She recalled the story fondly as Byleth gave her a disapproving look.

"I can see the resemblances now. I start to wonder whether he was cheesy like you when he was your age."

With an amused shake of her head, she grabbed his arm and started dragging him along the hallway. "Who knows," she said with a chuckle. "Nonetheless, let's go now!"

"I guess something has never changed then. Lead the way, professor."

19th of the Harpstring Moon, 1180

"So, what is our schedule today?"

"Since it's Monday there will be a lot of work and I still have not graded everyone's assignments yet." She sighed irritated.

"Speaking of everyone, do you have any idea where they were? I have not seen any of them since the mission."

"I don't know but I doubt they will play hide and seek with us; especially Edelgard and Hubert. Let's hope that's not the case or we will have to search for each of them."

"Looks like our students are corrupted already," Byleth said sarcastically, raising his eyebrows at her.

"Byleth, I can give you a special "treatment" for the upcoming exam if you like." She gave him a warning grin.

"It was just a joke, professor. Anyway, we are here now."

As the pair reached the front door, Bylass slowly opened it before she suddenly stopped, not saying a word. Curiosity hit him as he opened the left door and he was left frozen like her.

Inside the room was every member of the Black Eagles, that were smiling at them. The chairs and tables around them were neatly placed; each was displayed with a set of forks and plates. The aroma of meat and various dishes filled the room, bringing an odd sense of comfort.

"Everyone, this is…"

"Welcome to the Black Eagles."

"Didn't we have dinner together on our first day? And since when did you prepare this?" Bylass asked in shock as she surveyed the room.

"My apology for not informing you but I thought that we could have a little celebration for the succession of our first assignment. Though we just got to know each other for nearly a month, you've done so much for us, so we want to repay that kindness." Edelgard explained as she smiled pleasantly.

"That's right, professor. Words can't describe how grateful I am for your leadership and guidance. I, Ferdinand Von Aegir …"

"What Ferdie wants to say is he is thankful for what you did." Dorothea interrupted as Ferdinand gave her a pointed look.

"And don't forget our classmate. Byleth, this celebration is for you too." Edelgard gave him a pleasant smile.

"I'm humbled but I did not do much, Edelgard."

"But it was thanks to the efforts of both you and the professor that we achieved those victories. Plus, I have not thanked you for what you did for me."

"What was that Edie? I sensed something here?" Dorothea teased mischievously.

"Forget what I said, Dorothea." Edelgard blushed slightly.

"Can I go to sleep now? My schedule had been interrupted since the last weekend." Linhardt covered his mouth as he was yawning.

"Weekend?" Byleth and Bylass asked simultaneously.

"That's right. It was Edelgard who initiated the plan after we came back from the mission."

"And to make sure neither of you noticed, we spent two days hunting on the outskirts of Garreg Mach. Fortunately, we have a skilled hunter here." Ferdinand added.

"I'm pleasing … pleased to offer my help."

"So that's why I could not find any of you this weekend."

"My apology for keeping silent but Lady Edelgard said this was supposed to be a surprise for you. Though I should have expected this since this was the second time, she did this." Hubert grinned amusingly.

"Second time?" Byleth tilted his head.

"Hubert!" Edelgard coughed awkwardly.

"My lady, wasn't you who also suggested that we should have had a surprise party for our classmate here after he recovered?" Byleth's eyes widened at the revelation, leaving him utterly speechless.

"That's enough. What is important is we all deserve a good break, don't we? Professor, I know I should have informed you earlier so if this interrupts your schedule, I will take responsibility."

"It's alright, Edelgard. Given what happened you will have a day off today. Let us celebrate, shall we?" Bylass smiled warmly.

"Excellent, I'm hungry already!" Caspar shouted excitedly.

"Caspar, it's rude to start without waiting for the main guests."

"Don't look at me. Bernadetta has tasted some cookies already."

"Forgive me. Bernie, you messed up again. Useless. Worthless. Unmarriageable."

"Calm down, Bernie. You just want to taste your achievements, don't you?" Dorothea gently brushed her hair.

"There they go again." Bylass smiled happily and directed toward Byleth. "Let us enjoy the party now. Byleth?"

The other Black Eagles gazed at him in shock" What's wrong, Byleth?"

"I'm fine," Byleth responded firmly, not knowing what they meant.

"But … you are crying."

He felt the warmth of the tears on his face as he touched his cheek. His heart raced as he tried to make sense of the strange mix of emotions that flooded through him. Joy and sadness seemed to be intertwined, and a vague image appeared in his mind's eye as familiar voices returned.

Professor, we did it.

******, don't shake him like that. That's not how nobles should behave!

Though we have many differences, I must agree with you on this.

It's alright. Everyone here is equal, isn't it?

That's right. But the person who said it is the most arrogant here.

*******, I know you hate me, but would you mind not bringing this up here at this moment?

Relax, love birds. I can give you a day off for tomorrow's lecture if you need it.

We are not a couple!

We are not a couple!

There they go again. Just feels like the first day, right professor?

I guess Father duties seem a bit much for me.

Professor, we are not kids, you know. Except ********, I guess.

How dare you, ******.

You seem to enjoy this, professor.

I'm quite pleased to watch them playing around like this. It brings me …joy and a strange sense of peace.

Didn't we already confirm this?

You are our family too, professor!

"Byleth? What's wrong?" He flinched, seeing the concerned looks on his classmates' faces.

"Did we do something to upset you?" Ferdinand asked, his voice tinged with both worry and confusion.

"No—I just never expected you'd have so much faith in me..." He held back tears as he bowed his head slightly.

"We understand how hard last week has been for you, so I came up with a plan for us all to show our support. We consider you one of us, Byleth."

Tears welled in his eyes as he forced a smile. "Everyone…I would be honored if you would accept me again."

The Black Eagles smiled in approval as Edelgard stepped forward, reaching out her hand to him and said warmly.

"You don't need to say anything. However, if you're comfortable with it, then I look forward to what the future lays for us. Are we ready to start the celebration now?".

Reaching out hesitantly, Byleth slowly wrapped his fingers around hers and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I would love that."