Chapter 12: Recognition

Goetia came to a stop outside of the Archbishops chambers, the cleric in front of him holding up his hand to signal him to wait.

The man stared at Goetia for a few seconds before knocking twice on the door. There was a slight pause for a few moments before the Archbishops muffled voice called out from behind the wooden door.

"Enter."

The Cleric pushed the door open slightly, just far enough that he could poke his head inside "Assistant Librarian Goetia, is here as requested your Grace."

"You may send him in." The Cleric's head returned to the tanned man, gesturing for him to enter as he pushed the door open fully.

Goetia walked past the man, the cleric sending him a warning glance as if telling him to be respectful. Goetia ignored him, he didn't need to be told to be cordial, he was dealing with a phantasmal, and one skilled enough to be proficient in body modification to the extent they could pass as human.

It was certainly an impressive disguise, it could do nothing to hide her presence from him, but he was far more observant than the average mage. He was also very skilled in the art of deception, he had years of experience in such things.

Goetia briefly cast a glance at her quarters. Mundane. The entire room was mundane, a far cry from her rather exotic nature.

The phantasmal herself was clad in her religious garments, sat at her desk with a parchment and quills set off to the side. Clearly having attempted to finish some last minute paperwork before his arrival.

"Welcome, young Goetia." Rhea smiled at him in a somewhat serene, if practised, manner before she turned back to the Cleric "You may leave us."

"Your Grace." The Cleric bowed his head before retreating back through the door, closing it behind him with a quiet thud. Leaving the two alone in the room. Goetia stared at the closed door for a few moments before he turned his head back to the phantasmal.

"You summoned me, Archbishop?" Goetia began, the woman nodded her head and raised an arm to an empty wooden seat opposite her.

"Please, sit." She continued to smile at him as he moved over to the chair and sat himself down. When he was seemingly comfortable, she continued on "How have you found your time so far at the Monastery?"

"Novel." He replied "It is a first for me to be placed in such a situation."

"I see." The Archbishop nodded her head "However, I hear that you have adapted well to your new position. Seteth tells me Tomas has been very pleased with your work as his assistant."

"I do the task that is required of me to the best of my ability." Goetia answered "Besides, I have found other interests."

"I have heard of this also." She titled her head slightly "I hear that the young heir to House Ordelia had started to tutor under you."

"She has." There was no need to deny his role in her learning, besides he suspected that the Archbishop was very well informed of the roles in the monastery. "She was curious as to foreign magic systems, I saw no need to deny her curiosity."

"I see." Rhea nodded her head "Still, I am surprised that you find the time to teach her and manage your role as Tomas assistant."

"My role is simple enough." Goetia waved off her concerns "And Lysithea is talented enough to grasp the basic principles with little explanation on my part."

"I mean no offence." Rhea assured him "I was merely concerned that you would be overexerting yourself." she leaned back slightly in her chair, resting her hands on her lap "I also hear you are to join the Golden Deer House on their monthly mission."

"That is to satiate my curiosity, Archbishop." Goetia explained "I was curious as to the biology of 'Demonic Beasts' and the Golden Deer's objective for this month coincided with mine. Lysithea's presence is circumstantial."

"Is that so?" She smiled, somewhat knowingly at something "I did not infer that you were joining them for her sake."

Goetia remained blank faced at her statement, portraying nothing.

"Still." Rhea nodded her head "If you say you are not doing so for her sake, I shall believe you." her lips thinned "It would be most unbecoming to lie to a servant of the Goddess in her own place of worship."

"...Most unbecoming." Goetia nodded his head, red eyes glinting slightly.

Rhea released a small breath and relaxed slightly "Still, I would not think of this as an interrogation. I am Archbishop of the Church, I was simply curious as to how you found the Church thus far."

"I acknowledge the work you have achieved." Goetia looked her in the eye "You have built quite the pillar of worship within Fodlan, you must care for your Goddess a great deal to worship her so passionately."

"I am merely a humble servant of the Goddess." Rhea countered "I myself have only achieved so much in comparison to my predecessors. And it is important we all show the Goddess our support, considering how much we owe her."

"Indeed. Those indebted to an individual often feel as though they must show their gratitude in some form or another." Goetia's voice was impassive "Religion merely elevates this to a much higher form. However, I assume that you yourself have achieved much. Casting off your own achievements to another could be offensive to some. I have little doubt that the actions of 'Archbishop Rhea' have affected more in recent years than the Goddess."

"Every action I take is in accordance with her will." Rhea replied sternly, with narrowed eyes "The actions I take, I take in the Goddess name. Those who are saved, are saved by her and those who are punished as well."

"As you say." Goetia nodded his head at her words "It is expected of you, you are the Archbishop. Still, you must find it difficult to express the Goddess wisdom in such a way. I have discovered that it is seldom true that all see the same truth of the matter."

"It is saddening to say you are correct." Rhea sighed "It is a harsh fact that not all see the wisdom in the Goddess teachings, and there are always those who seek to claim more than she sees fit to gift them."

"I imagine those are most troublesome for the Church." Goetia tilted his head "Humans who are the most ambitious are often the hardest to stop."

"Ambition is a dangerous thing." Rhea's eyes flickered back to the golden haired man "It can so easily destroy a person."

"I suppose it is fortunate, I am not ambitious." The corner of Goetia's lip twitched "Regardless, my original point stands. I have acknowledged that actions of Archbishop Rhea."

"I would prefer you to acknowledge the actions of the Goddess, rather than my own."

"I shall." Goetia nodded "This is her own temple. I suspect I shall witness her actions in the coming months."

"I hope you shall." Rhea replied "I only ask that you conduct yourself accordingly while you remain in the Monastery. The students of the officers academy are young and preparing to take up their roles in life, I would be disheartened to learn they were distracted by outside influences. I trust that you will ensure they do not fall victim to such things."

"Quite the contrary." Goetia replied "Watching their development into their roles as Nobles is far more curious to me. In truth, despite seeing many societies and many religions, I have never quite encountered one like the Church of Seiros."

"Perhaps it is because we recognise the Goddess fully, and embrace her love and teachings."

"Perhaps." Goetia replied "Still, I often find it is those within the Church itself which influence its image." red eyes flicked over her in mild curiosity "Meaning, I have never encountered an Archbishop quite like yourself. Your presence is quite unlike other religious leaders I have seen."

"I shall take that as a complement." Rhea replied with a smile which didn't quite reach her eyes, said orbs were narrowed slightly, looking over the man with an equal level of intrigue. "I confess, even with the occasional traveller to the Monastery, I have never encountered one with a presence like yourself."

"Indeed." Goetia lip twitched upwards slightly. He stood up from his seat "I believe I have taken up enough of your time, Archbishop Rhea." his eyes flicked over to her desk, and the papers on it meaningfully "I believe I shall distract you from your duties no more."

"Perhaps, it is taxing work to bring the message of the Goddess to so many." Rhea nodded her head, gesturing to the door "Perhaps we shall have the opportunity to speak again in the future."

"Perhaps." Goetia replied, voice hinting nothing "I would hope that you would not take time from your duties to accommodate a conversation with a simple worker, however. But, you are the Archbishop." he bowed his head slightly "Have a pleasant day."

"To you as well, and young Goetia?" She called after him as he placed his hand on the door "I do hope you tread carefully in Fodlan, despite appearances, Demonic Beasts are quite dangerous."

"I shall ensure I am cautious." Goetia shrugged off her concern as he opened the door and departed. Rhea watched him leave, the second he closed the door she felt the ominous presence receding.

She frowned, a thoughtful look in her eyes. She had first felt it when Goetia and the young Esiner first arrived, it was a creeping sensation to her. As if something was just out of place, not wholly there. At the time, she had dismissed such feelings as a trick of the mind, however now that she had met with the assistant Librarian a second time she was certain that he was the cause of the feeling.

She doubted that Seteth of Flyan could feel it however, they were not as attuned with their dragon blood as she was in recent years. Then there was his appearance, he was out of place even for a foreigner to Fodlan, his red eyes held a coldness within them.

He wasn't a dragon like herself or the others, but she wasn't convinced he was completely human either.

She affirmed herself to keep a closer eye on Goetia in the future, with so much at stake now, she couldn't risk it being jeopardized. Either Goetia was a threat to the Church or he wasn't, if he wasn't then there was little reason to be concerned. If he was, then she would not allow him to threaten all that the Goddess had created.

Goetia moved back through the halls, an almost amused smile on his face. That had been most interesting.

He hadn't expected the phantasmal to be so human in her declarations, her almost fanatical love for her progenitor was an unexpected development, but one which he thought would make for an intriguing variable. Especially with said Goddess currently residing within the Church right now, albeit in a weakened state.

He had little doubt that the situation would progress until the machinations of the Archbishop were revealed, she was certainly hiding something and her not so hidden threats to him made it clear she wouldn't tolerate a threat to the Church.

Still, he was quite disappointed to see that even with a phantasmal directing an entire Religion, it hadn't displayed anything unique to it.

Still, there was time.

He moved back into the library, then paused as Byleth was already there, waiting for him. The green haired Divine spirit floating next to her.

"There he is!" The Goddess pointed at him, causing Byleth's head to turn and face him "Where were you?" the Spirit demanded as she floated towards him, crossing her arms and staring down at him.

"In a conversation with the Archbishop." Goetia replied, moving past her "She wanted to ensure I fully understood my position within the Church." he stopped in front of Byleth "However, this does not explain your presence here."

"Haven't had much of an opportunity to talk." Byleth replied, her eyes flickered over to the Divine Spirit as she floated over to the pair "...Also Sothis doesn't like not being able to see you. Paranoid."

"I am not paranoid!" Sothis huffed "I just find it best that we keep the only other person who can see me close at hand."

Goetia's eyes flicked between the pair before he spoke "I assume you have a topic you wished to discuss?"

"You were doing research into Crests, weren't you?"

"I was." Goetia nodded "However material has been limited in that field, meaning I will likely have to conduct the tests myself." he titled his head "You have a question?"

"My Crest." She spoke up, frowning slightly and looking down "Professor Hanneman claims it might be a new one."

"Is that so?" Goetia raised an eyebrow, cupping his chin "A curious development." his eyes wandered to Sothis "A result of your companion perhaps?"

"Don't know." Byleth shrugged "Figured I'd ask for help, don't know that much about magic."

"I lack the same form of equipment as Hanneman." He frowned "In truth, I have yet to set up my workshop."

"Workshop?" Sothis leaned forwards, looking slightly curious.

"A place where I will conduct experiments." Goetia explained "I already have several in mind." he looked back to Byleth "I would be able to better aid you once it is set up, some would involve you."

Byleth tilted her head, raising an eyebrow "You want to experiment on me?"

Goetia scoffed, looking insulted at the suggestion "Nothing so crude as to what you would no doubt consider 'experimentation'. Research into the biology of local humans, I was not planning of dissecting you."

"Well, that's a cheerful thought." Sothis muttered under her breath, Goetia's eyes briefly flicked to her before moving back to the blue haired woman.

"However, if you would seek to learn magic, I would not be adverse to instructing you." Byleth crossed her arms, looking thoughtful.

"I thought you were teaching Lysithea?"

"We have only just covered the basics." Goetia replied "Besides, I have reason to believe that you would be better able to understand Runecraft."

"Why?" Sothis asked.

"A hypothesis." Goetia replied without missing a beat "Arguably it would be easier to teach you Runecraft from scratch rather than have you learn Scandinavian Magecraft and Fodlan magic simultaneously."

"...What are the benefits?" Byleth asked.

"Of Runecraft? From a tactical standpoint, which likely interests you more, it can be used to increase eyesight, physical strength, weapon durability-"

"How much physical strength?"

"A more notable practitioner was able utilize a degraded rune to augment her fists." Goetia explained "More than capable enough to destroy a human skull with a single punch."

"That's rather violent." Sothis grimaced "I don't know about th-"

"I'll learn them." Byleth answered instantly, the pair of inhumans looked back at her. Both noticing that despite her blank face, there was an excited gleam in her eyes.

"Should I be concerned that you look excited at the prospect of punching peoples heads off?" Sothis raised an eyebrow at her host.

"It was understandable she'd be more interested in the practical aspects of Runecraft." Goetia replied to the Goddess before he looked back at Byleth "Lysithea had basic notes of the earlier lessons. Speak with her for copies, if you are so interested, we meet in the library on Sundays at mid-day."

Byleth nodded her head, moving out of the room however Sothis remained behind, staring down at Goetia with an unusually serious expression.

"I was under the impression you could not stray from your host." Goetia began, the noticed her form flicker slightly "I assume you are strained to maintain your appearance right now."

"There's something about you…" Sothis muttered, then leaned down and closely examined his face "Something about your presence is...disturbing to me."

"Is that so?" Goetia raised an eyebrow at her words before shrugging his shoulder "I am afraid I am at a loss as to what it could be."

"I doubt that." Sothis scoffed, most of her body already flickering off as she was being pulled back to where Byleth had gone "You know more than you are telling."

"I know many things that I have not seen fit to inform you of." Goetia replied "Very few of them are relevant to you."

"I've got my eyes on you…" Were her parting words as she vanished. Goetia stared at the spot where she had been before his lips twitched slightly.

"Indeed."

Claude had an amused smile on his face as he wandered into the Golden Deer classroom, his eyes scanned the room before he caught sight of his target. The long white hair with purple highlights stood out, target in sight he approached the young girl.

"Hey. Lysithea!" The girl jolted slightly, then looked over her shoulder to see who had called her, then her face scrunched up in annoyance before she released a groan.

"What do you want, Claude?" She asked, turning back to her desk and looking over her notes.

"Is this the greeting I can expect as leader of the House?" Claude recoiled in mock hurt "You wound me Lysithea!"

"Unless you want me to actually wound you-" She began, turning around and openly glaring at him, Claude chuckled and raised his hands in a placating motion.

"Alright, alright." His laughter died down "But I thought you'd be interested in what I just heard."

"Overheard you mean." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms "I have no interest in your gossip, Claude. Nor do I care to remain informed at to who you have eavesdrop-"

"I hear that the new professor is going to be joining in your lessons with someone's favourite Assistant Librarian."

"...Eh?" Lysithea's eyes went wide "What? Who did you hear this from!?"

"I thought you didn't care for gossi-"

"Don't play games with me, Von Riegan!" She huffed, standing up and marching over to the man, threateningly pointing a finger at him. Her attempts at intimidation earned her a barely suppressed laugh from the boy. "Who did you here this from?"

"The man himself." Claude smirked, placing his hands behind his head "Apparently the professor will be coming to you for notes." he raised an eyebrow "I guess you now have an under classman."

Lysithea narrowed her eyes at him, slowly withdrawing her finger from the boy before crossing her arms. "I think I shall believe it when I see it. I will not place stock in whatever rumours you happen to-"

"Lysithea." A voice called out from the entrance, Claude and the aforementioned girl both looked to see Professor Byleth hovering at the door. "Can I speak with you?"

"Told you." Claude leaned down and whispered to her, the girl's eyes snapped to him in annoyance before she composed himself and pushed past him.

"Professor Byleth." Lysithea bowed her head slightly "What can I help you with?"

"Goetia offered to teach me Runes." The Professor began, looking down at the girl "He said you had notes about earlier lessons."

"And you wish for my help?" Lysithea inquired, at the teachers nod. The girl crossed her arms, pretending to be thoughtful.

"Well. I suppose it would be best if I were to help with my under classman in this situation." She muttered to herself, before a smug smile formed on her lips and she pointed at the Teacher "Alright, I help you with my notes. But just because you're a Professor, don't think I'll let you get away without understanding them properly." she paused for a few moments before adding on "Respectfully."

Byleth stared down at the girl before bowing her head slightly at her, "I'll be in your care."

Lysithea preened at the statement, puffing out her chest with a confident smile on her face. Said moment was ruined for her by muffled laughter, she turned around to see Claude with his hand slapped over his mouth, failing to contain his amusement at the situation.

It was only made worse by seeing Leonie stood next to him, with a determined look on her face.

"Don't think I'm letting you get ahead of me, Professor!" The orange haired girl cried out, advancing on the pair and crossing her arms, a challenging smirk on her face, then her eyes flicked down to Lysithea "Don't suppose you could help with with some of the notes, could you?"

"Way-to-go Lysithea!" Claude called out to her "Keep this up and you'll put the professor out of their jobs!" he howled with laughter, the girls face burned bright red with indignation.

Elsewhere, Goetia sneezed. Then blinked in surprise. "Unusual…"

"What news of our informant in the Monastery?" The hulking figure asked, floating above the pale skinned man in dark armour.

"They continue on." Thales replied with a frown "It appears as though the girl's use of common bandits failed and has brought about new variables."

"Their failure was within expected parameters." The figures eyes narrowed at Thales "What of these new variables?"

"A professor and a librarian." Thales huffed "Some mercenary and a vagrant foreign mage."

Dead eyes now gleamed with mild interest "Are they a concern to the goal?"

Thales scoffed in indignation "Hardly, their own notable trait is that they are now employed at the Monastery, they are hardly worth mentioning otherwise."

"This remains your plan." The Figure replied "Ensure proper countermeasures are put in place in the event of these variables causing disruption."

"Fine." Thales agreed, waving off the concerns "How has your manipulation of the Western Church progressed?"

"Trivial. Lord Lonato is beginning to see the pattern, as are a number of Western Church officials." The body shuddered slightly, something Thales took note of "They will be convinced shortly."

"Your host is giving your issues?"

"It will require further preparation before it can fully contain my form." The figure looked down at their hands, a sneer of their face "It seems even a human modified with Divine blood cannot fully contain my power." it looked back up "It is of little concern, it will be rectified."

"...As you say." Thales muttered, then looked back over his base "It is approaching...after centuries of planning…"

"I still find it curious as to how your race became subservient to dragons." The Figure titled their head to the side.

"We are subservient to no one." Thales hissed "Those...abominations on the surface are barely human. Mockeries of what we once achieved. Pupated around by an arrogant creature wearing a thin disguise."

"...As you say." The Figure shrugged their shoulders, looking over to the experiments "We are still in need of a subject for the further experiment." the figure spoke up after a few moments "One of the phantasmals."

"Solon has found one." Thales replied "One of their young ones. We will need an opportunity though."

"An opportunity will present itself." The figure waved him off "Your patience will be rewarded."

"We have been patient for nearly a thousand years." Thales frowned, then sighed "We can be patient for a few more months."

"Indeed." The figure replied 'The final form these Agarthan's take when they reclaim the surface...I wonder if it shall be as lamentable as the humans…'its eyes trailed up, looking at something that wasn't there 'Fear not, My King. I shall realise your great work, in some capacity.'

Omake: Magical Girl

"How long has it been since she was last spotted?" Seteth inquired of Alois, the knight fidgeted under the stare before he sighed.

"A few hours." He cringed at Seteth's expression "One of the guards said he saw her flying west…"

"Get a search party out there, and get her back!" He snapped, Alois saluted and sprinted off, Seteth then turned around "And someone bring Goetia to me!"

"For what purpose?" A voice called out, everyone in the room looked over to see the tanned man leisurely enter the room "The Monastery has been in a panic for nearly an hour, I admit to becoming curious at this current moment."

"As if you don't know!" Seteth growled out and marched up to the man "What manner of inane experiment were you performing this time!?"

Goetia raised an eyebrow at the clearly angered man before he wore a puzzled expression "I was experimenting on the durability of local fauna. They are remarkably stronger than the plant life of my land."

Seteth gaped at him for several moments "I'm not talking about the tree's! I'm talking about that damnable stick!"

"...I had not begun experimenting on the branches yet." Goetia replied "Were they sacred in some capacity?"

"Were they-No!" He snapped at him, then his eyes searched for something from the man for several moments before they slowly widened "You...you really don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" Goetia looked around "I assume it is in some way related to the current crisis?"

"Ha…" Seteth released a bitter laugh "Crisis...Talk about Scandal." he huffed "I very much doubt the Church will be able to live this down…"

"Sir!" A knight ran into the room, panting heavily "We caught sight of her! She's heading back here!"

"Get the others ready!" Seteth commanded the room, then pointed at Goetia "You are coming with me, while you may not be behind this mess, I suspect your involvement will be crucial."

"Very well." Goetia nodded "Lead on."

A group of nearly forty knights stood on just beyond the gates of the Monastery. Amongst them were Seteth, Goetia and Byleth.

"Why is Byleth here?" Goetia asked, Seteth sighed and shook his head.

"The other teachers were on patrol in the town to try and find her before she escaped." he looked exceedingly tired as he gestured to the blue haired professor "She was the only one I could find still at the Monastery."

"Because she was asleep." Sothis helpfully supplied, although only Goetia and Byleth heard her "What is all this racket for anyway?"

"You keep alluding to 'her'?" Goetia turned to Seteth "What do you refer to?"

The man's face suddenly soured, eyes darting around so as to not look directly at Goetia "That is…" he coughed "I cannot…"

"I see it!" Someone pointed out, their armoured finger gesturing to the horizon.

Everyone squinted their eyes as a pink light began to approach the Monastery.

Goetia inwardly frowned, that was a high density of mana comparable with a Servant that was approaching them.

He clenched his hand, preparing himself to launch any number of offensive spells at the incoming target.

At least that was the plan…

Until a voice boomed out from the direction of the concentration of magical energy.

"Heathens take flight!" Goetia's shoulders instantly slumped as he recognised the voice.

"Is that not…" He mumbled out.

"Monsters prepare to fight!"

"Isn't that?" Byleth pointed out, eyes now wide in surprise.

"For the Goddess, I strike with all my might!"

Seteth palmed his face and let out a sigh of exasperation "It is…"

The pink projectile came to a stop and slowly cleared up, revealing the form of a humanoid figure.

Archbishop Rhea, floated above the assembled guard, green hair flowing freely in the wind and a wide grin on her face.

"Rhea!" She called out her name, raising her hand and the object in it at the same time. Surprising everyone when the stick cried out as well.

"Ruby!"

"For its justice I bring and love that powers me! All those who slither in the dark, will fear me!"

"Hahaha! That's good Rhea-chan! You're a great magical girl!"

The Archbishop...clad in a pink frilly dress, fairy wings on her back and white thigh high boots.

"I don't know why…" Sothis muttered as she looked up with a cringing expression "But I'm torn between being personally embarrassed of her...or cheering her on…"

"...R-right…" Byleth stuttered out, scarcely believing her eyes.

"Goetia…" Seteth turned to him with a desperate expression "Can you do anything?"

Red eyes flicked down from the 'Magical girl' and to the green haired man "I...Will attempt to do so…"

"Rhea-chan!" Ruby suddenly called out "Look down there! That guy with the outrageous gold hair! I sense an evil presence about him! He must be a demon lord!"

Rhea gasped in horror, before fixing a glare at Goetia.

Said person instantly felt the atmosphere change.

"Demon Lord! You will not threaten these innocent people!" Rhea called out with righteous fury.

"Or the chastity of maidens!" Ruby added on.

Goetia's eyes looked down at the ground for a few moments "...Fujimaru Ritsuka...I wish you had killed me…"

AN: *Cackles* You were expecting magical girl Flayn, but it was really I! Rhea!

Yeah…

Some of my idea's really are batshit crazy...anyway. The story develops on.

And Goetia is ending up with more people than he was expecting…

*Grins and raises thumb* Good luck, Demon Lord!

Edit: Memory was faulty, it was the Western Church not Eastern Church.