Chapter 15: Field Trip
"And these will need to be moved to the revisionist section." Tomas instructed Goetia as the Cleric assisting the older man set down the box of parchments, the head Librarian having recently returned from his trip to the Imperial Capital with the newly released papers.
"Understood." Goetia nodded "Pre Church split or after?"
"After."
"I will see to i-"
"Goetia." Seteth's voice called out through the Library, the focus of the attention turned towards the entrance, the green haired man striding into the Library with a serious expression on his face.
"Seteth." Goetia answered back with a small nod of his head "I had not been expecting a visit from you."
"I had not been expecting to be placed in a position to visit you either." The green haired man sighed "We received word from the town of Riverside. They claim the Demonic Beasts crossed the threshold of acceptable distance to the town as of a day ago. The Golden Deer house is leaving within the hour."
Goetia turned his attention to Tomas "Apologies, it seems I will be unavailable to aid you."
Tomas waved him off, a casual smile on his face, as obviously false to the Beast as the disguise he wore "It is no trouble Young Goetia, I will enlist the help of some of the Clerics to aid me." he nodded over to Seteth "You are free to join them."
Goetia nodded his head, turning back to Seteth "Where am I to rendezvous?"
"The entrance to the Monastery, do not be late." Seteth informed him "And remember my request, should Professor Manuela request it-"
"I shall provide assistance if I am needed." Goetia cut him off, Seteth stared at him for a few moments before nodding his head.
"That is all I ask." He relaxed his shoulders "I will keep you no longer."
Goetia moved past him, striding towards the entrance to the Library before Seteth called out to him again "A final word of warning, Demonic Beasts are not to be underestimated."
"I will keep that in mind." Were his parting words as he left the Library, making he way towards his own room.
He pushed the door open, revealing the interior of his assigned room before closing it behind him. He had only just begun to set up his workshop, the sad fact was that he actually required his monthly wage before he could afford to purchase the equipment necessary for more precise work.
As it stood, he had been able to scrap together enough material for a preliminary analysis on anything he wanted, provided it lacked complexity to it. He had envisaged the Demonic Beasts being simply phantasmals of some variety, thus they fell into the category of simple enough that his equipment on hand would be more than enough to accurately detail minute parts of their biology and Mystery.
He quickly packed the materials he needed into a bag, and then slung it over his shoulder. Tubes, knives and tubs for transporting samples for further testing. Most of which had been enchanted to serve their purpose better, the tubs having the ability to preserve the samples within them.
He turned around and quickly left his room, shutting the door behind him and departing for the entrance to the Monastery.
"Hm?" He then came across Dimitri, the young boy sent him a surprised glance "Goetia? You are leaving somewhere?"
"I am departing with the Golden Deer for their monthly mission."
"What a coincidence." The boy exclaimed "I myself had just heard that their departure was occurring earlier than expected and went to wish Claude good fortune."
"Von Riegan seems to have a surplus of good fortune." Goetia remarked, causing Dimitri to let out a good natured chuckle as he fell in step with the tanned man.
"You might be right there, Claude always seems to have a luck to match his scheming." He paused "Perhaps scheming is the wrong word, that makes it sound as if he is doing something unscrupulous."
"Von Riegan has the curiosity of a child and the lack of boundaries to match it." Goetia explained "That has been my current, albeit limited, assessment of his person." he frowned "However, that does not detract from his intelligence."
"I suppose it does not." Dimitri affirmed "He has a habit of being smarter than he lets on."
"That is his prerogative." The one armed man gave a non-committal reply "How he chooses to be perceived by his classmates and rivals is up to him." he sent Dimitri a look "Regardless, I will admit I was not expecting you to wish him good fortune."
"How so?" Dimitri frowned "We are not enemies."
"No, but you are rivals." Goetia elaborated "I typically find that humans avoid wishing good fortune on those they compete with."
Dimitri shook his head "Perhaps that is true in spars or mock battles, but Claude is working towards aiding the citizens of the a town within Kingdom territory." he explained "He is in very real danger, it would be remiss of me to not only wish him luck to win against the Demonic Beasts, but also to safeguard the commoners living there."
Goetia hummed in acknowledgement "Your argument is logical. It is admittedly best for the future leaders of the differing factions of Fodlan to build a more positive repertoire."
Dimitri chuckled "You are quite right, it would be better for the leaders to be on friendly terms with eachother. Aid in strengthening Fodlan as a whole."
"True." Goetia admitted "However, I would advise you do not trust all of Von Riegan's words."
"...Goetia." Dimitri regarded him seriously "I said I approved of building positive relations. That does not mean I shall believe everything that Claude tells me, he is very...selective with his words."
"He does not tell an outright lie."
"He does not." Dimitri nodded his head "But I have found, that he never tells the complete truth either."
The pair came to the entrance of the Monastery, the other Golden Deer already assembled near their horses, most wearing simple leather armour, save for Lysithea who wore a brown robe somewhat reminiscent of Goetia's own.
Claude turned around, as if sensing their arrival before raising an eyebrow at them, walking away from the rest of his classmates towards them "Well, here's a combination I never expected to see." he sent Goetia a sly grin "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were two timing on your favourite class."
"Claude." Dimitri sighed "Must you make things awkward? I only came to wish you good fortune in your monthly mission."
"Hey." Claude shrugged, gesturing to himself "Good fortune is my middle name."
"I'm sure." Dimitri chuckled "Still, I only ask that you be careful, Demonic Beasts are nothing to sneer at and if half the stories I've heard about them from the knights back in the Kingdom are true-"
"Don't worry, I wasn't planning on trading punches with a wolf larger than a horse." Claude snorted "Besides." he threw a thumb in Goetia's direction "We have Lysithea's tutor here, how much trouble could be really be in?"
"I am only to intervene should Manuela ask." Goetia pointed out "And I suspect she will only do so if we are placed in a position where the knights are no longer enough to ensure your safety. That should motivate you to remain cautious."
"Well, when you put it like that…" Claude muttered under his breath, then gave a carefree shrug "Still, I'm confident our class can get it done."
"Be careful this is not overconfidence Claude." Dimitri replied with a frown "I would be saddened to hear that you were injured in this mission."
"Don't worry your highness, we'll be careful."
"I have already asked that you call me Dimitri."
"You have, but I've gotten into a habit of calling you 'your highness' already." He shrugged and gave a wry grin "Could be worse, could be sparkles."
"...Sparkles?" Dimitri blinked, furrowing his brow "What do you mean sparkl-…" he cut himself off and then trailed his eyes to the side, pointedly looking at Goetia's hair before shooting Claude a particularly scathing look "Claude, that is most unbecoming behaviour and quite insulting too."
The House leader shrugged "He doesn't seem to mind."
"That does not give you free reign to just-"
"Sparkles!?" Lysithea's voice cried out behind Claude, causing the boy to jolt in surprise and send a glance over his shoulder to see the white haired girl stalk towards him with a particularly heated glare "You call my teacher such a childish nickname!?"
"Are you jealous you can't give him a nickname?" Claude joked, only causing Lysithea's glare to intensify.
"Of all the-" She growled, then turned to Goetia and composed her expression "I apologise on behalf of my House Leader, Teacher. His attitude towards you is highly disrespectful."
Goetia raised an eyebrow at them "I am not personally insulted by the title, if Von Riegan wishes to refer to me with immature titles, he is free to do so."
"...Why do I feel insulted in a runabout sort of way?" Claude asked himself, shaking his head "Anyway, you're actually the first semi professional here. Professor Manuela sent us off before her to gather at the gate."
Goetia shrugged "She likely wishes to dress herself in more appropriate hiking cloths."
"You're probably right on that front." He raised an eyebrow, looking behind the tanned man before his face grew a sly smile "Huh, looks like I'm not the only one getting visitors from the Blue Lions…" he grinned.
Goetia creased his eyebrows and turned around, only to see Byleth descending down the stairs towards them, a passive expression on her face being completely offset by the small frown on the Goddess floating over her shoulder. Although considering only Goetia and Byleth could see the Spirit, it was hardly a concern.
"Professor?" Dimitri blinked, turning to give the woman his full attention "Are you also here to wish the Golden Deer luck on their mission?"
"...Yes." She responded, after a split second look as if she were a deer caught in the cross hairs of a hunter. She then gave Goetia her full attention "...Good luck."
"Pfft!" Claude snorted, covering his mouth with his hand and turning away, Dimitri stared at Byleth and then at Goetia before he pinched his brow, shaking his head with a slightly amused smile dancing on his face.
"Indeed." Goetia nodded "Although I myself am not expecting to engage in confrontation with the phantasmals."
"Still, best to be prepared." Byleth replied "Missions can always take an unexpected turn."
"Hmph." Goetia grunted, although he did nod to her "That is true, at the very least I have already prepared myself for the possible confrontation of Phantasmal beasts."
"Good." Byleth nodded. The two stared at eachother for several seconds in complete silence, the peanut gallery that was Claude and Dimitri kept looking between the two of them, the former looking like he was moments away from bursting into laughter and the latter seemingly suffering from second hand embarrassment.
"This conversation is dreadful." Sothis moaned, sending the two scathing looks "Honestly, I dare say that the pair of you might be the worst conversationalists here."
Goetia suppressed a reaction, while he wasn't accustomed to human idioms, he was confident that holding a conversation with a spirit which could not be perceived was not considered normal.
"When are you leaving?" Byleth asked, Goetia turned to Claude for the answer, the tanned boy took that as his cue to try and liven up the conversation.
"Oh, as soon as Professor Manuela arrives." He gave a non-committal answer, then looked up at the sun trying to guess the time "Which should be...Soon. Probably."
"Ah." Byleth made a small noise "I see."
Claude leaned towards Lysithea, whispering to her "Do something."
"Do something?" She whispered back "What do you mean 'Do something?' what do you expect me to do?"
"Anything. Try and liven up the conversation."
"Me?" She look scandalised "Why me? And why does their conversation need to be livened up?"
"The ten elites have more life in them than this chat!" Claude whisper shouted "You're his student, try and get them to talk about something a little more...lively!"
"Their conversation is proceeding at its own pace." Lysithea narrowed her eyes "Not everyone needs to rush their talks like you Claude. Teacher is perfectly capable of communing with another of his students."
Claude stared at her for a few moments before he looked over to Dimitri "You do something."
"Me?" The blonde blinked "Claude, I am sure that the Professor and Goetia are fully capable of providing their own topics for discussion."
"Your highness...She came to wish him luck and now they are just staring at eachother." He raised his hands "Now as amazing as Sparkles and Teach might be...I doubt they are capable of talking through their minds."
"Claude, you give them far too little credit, I'm sure they will speak when they are comfortable."
"Do they know we can hear them?" Byleth asked the man in front of her, eyes briefly flickering over to the three students huddled around eachother whispering about their lack of conversation.
"Unlikely." Goetia replied.
"Oh."
"...They are also right." Sothis sighed "You two are awful at this, I've been asleep for as long as I can remember and am only being capable of being seen by you two and I could hold a better conversation than this." she shook her head "Honestly, perhaps I was right. You truly are less than a children, the pair of you."
"Alright, Deers." Manuela's voice called out as the woman descended down the stairs, Goetia turned his attention in her direction and maintained his look of disappointment as she was, in fact, still in her teaching outfit.
Poor clothing for field work, then again, he was wearing a mundane robe with little in the way of protection.
Perhaps he needed more clothes. Something to make a note of in the future perhaps.
"Oh?" Manuela paused when she saw Dimitri and Byleth, tilting her head slightly and giving an intrigued look "Come to see us off Professor?"
"Yes." Byleth nodded, then turned back to Goetia. Several emotions went through her eyes, her usually impassive expression creased ever so slightly before she eventually settled on the right words to use "...Be careful."
Goetia raised an eyebrow at her statement before he nodded his head "I suspect little shall complicate this. Still, your concern is…" his expression virtually mirrored her own a few moments ago "...Acknowledged."
"Mmm." She nodded, then turned to Dimitri "You need to remain?"
"No Professor." Dimitri snapped to attention, his expression changing from minor amusement to a polite one in a second "I merely came to wish Claude luck." he turned back to his Golden Deer counterpart "On that front...Good luck."
"Please, do you really think that I, of all people, would need luck?" He chuckled.
"I'm not so sure Claude…" Dimitri shook his head, giving a wry smile "I seem to recall our first encounter with Goetia involving him saving you from an untimely demise."
"...Damn." Claude clicked his tongue playfully "One time thing. Promise."
"I'm sure." Dimitri smiled, turning away and giving him a wave as he departed.
Byleth gave Goetia another fleeting glance and a nod before she departed after the House Leader, Sothis remained for a few moments before she sighed.
"Well, I won't wish you good luck, because I suspect you don't need it." She shrugged "But I would rather that you did not perish until I have figured out what makes you special." she narrowed her eyes "So don't do something stupid like die."
Goetia grunted, turning around, completely missing Sothis stick her tongue out at him before she was dragged away by her link to Byleth. The tanned man turned to see Claude and Manuela grinning at him in amusement while Lysithea merely had a raised eyebrow.
"...What?" He tilted his head, frowning as he did so.
"Oh, nothing." Claude said in a sweet voice, waving his hand "Just nice to see that the new professor is so concerned about her colleagues."
"Indeed." Manuela chuckled "Seeing our newest and youngest staff members express concern for eachothers well-being is always wonderful to see."
Lysithea huffed, rolling her eyes "Honestly, I am far from being surprised that I am the most mature one here." she strolled forwards and grabbed Goetia's wrist, leading him away from the pair and towards the rest of the assembled students "Come on Teacher, I'll help you set up with your horse."
"...She's jealous." Claude coughed into his hand, Manuela snorted in response.
"Still, to think something like this could happen so quickly."
"Well, who's to say what's happening." Claude shrugged "Teach could just very well be wishing him good luck." he nodded "...Bet she makes the first move."
"Claude Von Riegan." Manuela admonished "Are you suggesting that I, a renowned professor, would participate in childish gossip involving the potential love life of my newest colleagues?"
"Of course not Professor." Claude chuckled "Just stating a possibility. They seemed awfully friendly."
"Hmph." Manuela shook her head "Go and see to your House, I have a few more things to discuss with the knights."
"Oh? Trying to get another hot date?"
"Now Claude."
"Have you ever ridden a horse before, Teacher?"
"No." Lysithea stumbled, cringing slightly and turning back to him.
"Ah...D-don't worry about it." She placed her hands on her hips and nodded her head "It is simple once you get used to it. I dare say it would be childs play for someone like you."
"Where is Marianne?" He looked around, then found the blue haired girl. Lysithea blinked as he strolled away from her and towards her more reclusive classmate.
"There you are Dorte." Marianne cooed while stroking the horses chin "That feels better doesn't it?"
"Young Edmund." A voice called out behind her, causing her to jolt slightly and turn around. Then found herself under the blank gaze of Goetia.
"Mr...um…"
"Goetia." He supplied "I require assistance."
"Assistance?" She froze, eyes widening "O-oh no, I don't think I can do much to hel-"
"I have never ridden a horse." He cut her off "Given your affinity towards animals, it would be prudent that I sought your aid." he tilted his head "This is not mandatory, it is simply the easiest process."
"...You want help...to ride a horse?" She blinked several times, then drew her arms into her chest, looking away "I...I don't think I can help you that much…"
"What?" Lysithea blinked incredulously as she came up next to Goetia "Of course you can, I've only known you a few weeks and I've yet to see anyone come close to caring for the animals as good as you." she frowned "Is it because you don't like Teacher or something?"
Marianne widened her eyes at the insinuation, sputtering and gaping like a fish as she looked between the two of them "N-no! No! That's not it!" she looked somewhat downcast "Its just that, learning how to ride a horse takes a while and isn't really something that can be learned quickly…"
"Understandable." Goetia nodded, then looked around "In truth, I would need only instructions, then I would do the rest."
"Well I…" Marianne bit her lip before closing her eyes and nodding to herself "Well, I suppose I could show you, if only so both you and the horse don't get hurt." she turned back to the horse she'd been speaking to "I'll be back in a moment, Dorte."
The horse neighed in response.
"Make sure to position yourself evenly." Marianne instructed as Goetia stood to her side "She doesn't like loud noises or sudden moves, so its important that you're there to calm her down."
"Her name?"
"Hm?" Marianne blinked, turning to him in surprise before she gave the barest hints of a smile "Her name is Ilse."
"Very well." He looked back at the horse, removing his bag from his shoulder and hanging it from the saddle.
"Do you need help getting up?" Marianne asked, Goetia paused, staring at her for barely a second before turning back to the animal.
"I shall be fine." He replied, then floated up, turning his body and then floating back down, sitting perfectly on the saddle and gripping the reins with his hand. He looked down at Marianne "Your assistance is...acknowledged."
"Your welcome." Marianne nodded, then looked back at Ilse "Just remember to take care of her." she moved to turn around when Goetia called out to her again.
"Your talent at communing with animals shows promise." She blinked, turning back to him "I would suggest improving it."
"Oh, I can't do something like that." Marianne shook her head, a look of self-depreciation on her face "I'm good for taking care of their needs but that's it."
"...If you say so." Goetia hummed "It is your choice." his face changed into a thoughtful expression before he looked back at her "Do you believe you could commune with the Demonic Beasts?"
"Oh no." She shook her head "I'm not good for something like that, they're a lot more complicated than Dorte." she bowed her head again, backing away "I'll leave you now."
"Hm." He frowned as he watched her leave, a complete lack of self-esteem. Certainly hamper her ability at being useful at anything.
He sighed, still that was not his concern. Not truly, it was up to the likes of Claude to break her out of that personal problem, besides.
He knew he wasn't exactly an expert at social interactions.
"Teacher." Lysithea called out to him as she rode her horse up next to him "How did it go? Are you alright? Do you need more help?"
"I am fine." He replied "I Young Edmund's advice has been noted and I intend to follow it." he looked over to see the other students already gathering at the main gate "Come, we should make haste." he looked down at the horse "Let us depart, Ilse."
The horse let out a soft whine before she began trotting along towards the rest of the students, leaving Lysithea blinking before she smiled and followed after him.
"-nd remember." Manuela's voice got louder as they approached "The Knights, myself and Goetia are only there for an emergency. Should the situation arise, we shall step in and assist you."
"How bad does the situation need to get?" Ignatz asked with a slightly nervous expression.
"If it becomes apparent that you are in danger, or should I decide the situation has escalated beyond control." Manuela replied "We are only expecting one or two Demonic Beasts, should more emerge, then the Knights and myself shall provide a more active role."
"Don't worry, Ignatz." Rafael grinned, reaching over and slapping the boy roughly on the back "We're gonna be just fine. Especially after all the training I put us through!"
"Ha...haha...yeah…" The lime green haired boy winced, rubbing his shoulder with a still awkward expression.
"Still...Demonic Beasts?" Hilda huffed "Why couldn't it have been something easy like the Black Eagles, they get to escort some merchants."
"It is the role of the Noble to protect the commoners no matter what danger they may face, Hilda." Lorenz replied to her in a pompous voice "Besides, I very doubt we have much to fear from mere animals."
"Hrrrgggghhh…" Hilda released an annoyed groan and slumped her shoulders, then looked around before her eyes landed on Goetia, her expression brightening as she trotted her horse over to him "Hey! You still haven't talked to me about your hair yet!" she frowned "I was being serious about that offer to style your hair...unless…" she paused, then grinned, leaning forwards "Are you shy around pretty girls?"
Goetia closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath before he opened them again "I see little reason to affix my hair in any capacity."
"Sure?" She frowned "I think it would look quite nice in a pony tail." she looked him over with a thoughtful expression, then cupped her chin "Actually, I think you would also suit a braid too, like that girl from Brigid has."
Goetia's mind flashed back to a man with white braided hair.
"Absolutely not." He replied with a slight edge, taking Hilda off guard before she shrugged.
"Alright, you're hair I suppose." She sighed "Still, I'll think of something...what about twin tails?"
"Are you harassing Teacher?" Lysithea hissed over "We're supposed to be paying attention to the-"
"And with that, let us depart." Manuela cut her off, turning her horse around and trotting through the gate "It is a day long trip to Riverside, fortunately for us the roads into Charon territory are well travelled."
"Ilse." Goetia called the horses name, moving past Lysithea and Hilda and towards the gate as the other students departed.
AN: Okay, maybe not an action packed Chapter yet, but we are out into the open and into the countryside.
Meaning Goetia is going to have a look at some Demonic Beasts and do minor tests on them...and considering how Demonic Beasts are basically animals absorbing mana through Crest stones...yeah, he'll probably pick up on that.
Anyway...We're away!
Also the omake this time will not be a continuation of the last one, but the 'Visitors from Home' will be intermittently updated.
Along with the 'Back Home again' for reasons you shall soon see.
Omake: Back Home again
The pillar of light shot up in the summoning room, Ritsuka raised his hand to cover his eyes slightly before lowering it.
His last few summons had been a little weird, he wasn't expecting people from across the Kaleidoscope or whatever Doctor Roman called it to show up, what was that land called again? Fodlan?
But he wasn't going to complain, from what Caster, Archer and Saber had told him it was actually pretty cool. Like something out of a fantasy novel or game!
The pillar died down, revealing a man with tanned skin, long glittery golden hair, weirdly familiar features and clad in a simple brown robe appeared on the platform.
"Servant, Caster." The man spoke up "I am…" he trailed off as he looked down at Ritsuka, the boy squirming under the sudden intensity of his red eyes, then they trailed behind him, widening as they found Mash before he settled into a more composed expression. "Hmm...I see." he nodded to himself, stepping off the platform "To think it would be an event like this…" he muttered to himself before shaking his head "I...shall keep my true name hidden for now. Refer to me as Caster."
"Really?" Ritsuka blinked "We don't judge that much." shaking his head "We have Gilles de Rais and Jeanne Alter helping us, if you're concerned about how you would be perceived-"
"All the same." Caster cut him off, expression still blank, although he noticed it appeared strained.
Ritsuka shrugged, then smiled "Alright, pleasure to meet you Caster." he extended out a hand to the servant, the paled when he saw he was trying to shake the servants right hand,
Which didn't exist.
"…"
"…"
"...I am so-"
"Its fine." He huffed, moving past him "This is Chaldea?" the doors opened and he moved through "How qu-"
"Ah, Fujimaru? You summoned a new…" Doctor Roman trailed off as he came face to face with Caster.
Caster stared at him with an indiscernible expression.
"Huh…" Ritsuka stepped forwards, looking between the two before he snapped his fingers "Thats what it was, we have loads of Saber faces and now we have our first Romani face." he grinned, patting the doctor on the back "Congratulations."
"Y-yeah…" Romani nodded, slightly pale, then extended his right hand to the servant "I'm Doctor Romani Archaman, acting Director of Chaldea."
"...Caster." He stared down at Romani's hand for a few moments before he tentatively reached out and shook it.
"So…" Ritsuka coughed "Where are you from?"
"...Fodlan."
"Really?" Ritsuka beamed "That's weird, we've got a few other servants from there as well."
"...Oh?" He turned to Ritsuka raised an eyebrow "Classes?"
"Well, we have a Caster, a Saber and an Archer."
"...Lysithea, Von Riegan and Byleth?"
"...Yes...You knew them?"
"We've met." He sighed "Take me to them, I suspect we have much to discuss."
"Alright." Rituska shrugged "Come on, I think they are in the cafeteria now."
"Its rune magic lass." Cu shrugged "And I'm telling you, if you run into my teacher, you'll be in for hell." he cringed "Especially with those Primordial runes you keep slinging about."
"And I shall not be intimidated by your teacher." Lysithea replied with a huff "I am a trained Caster and Runecrafter. I am not some scared little girl."
"...I'm a demi-god and, not one to boast here, master spearmen and I'm scared of her." He chuckled nervously "But hey...its your funeral."
"I don't know Lysithea." Claude chuckled "I think we should listen to the half-god. If he's scared of someone…"
"This guys smart." Cu pointed at the Archer "He knows when to put on a brave face, and when to shit yourself."
"...Thats a tactic?" Byleth asked, titling her head.
"Of course its not a tactic you dunce!" Sothis threw her arms up "What kind of barbarian would do that!?"
"...Oh."
Sothis rolled her eyes "Honestly, what would you do without me…" she trailed off, eyes narrowing "Wait a moment...I sense a presence...a presence I haven't felt since." her eyes snapped over to the edge of the cafeteria as the doors opened.
As she had suspected, Goetia strolled in behind their Master. Although she very much doubted that Ritsuka knew the nature of the one behind him.
Especially considering their current situation with the singularities.
"Hey, Lysithea!" Ritsuka called out, the white haired girl turned to him "We got another guy from-"
"Teacher!" Lysithea gaped, shooting to her feet and virtually tripping out of her chair as she darted towards him "I knew you would arrive."
"Yeah…" Claude chuckled, shaking his head as he approached the man "I knew you would to."
"Hm." Caster grunted, then shook his head "Have you spoken of me to them?"
"Only in passing." Claude replied "...No names."
"Good." He nodded "I am...not revealing my true name. Refer to me as Caster."
"Sparkles it is then." Claude nodded, Ritsuka snorted off to the side, earning a twitch of the eye from Caster.
"Sparkles." Ritsuka let out a quiet chuckle, then looked back at Caster "Can I call you that?"
"No."
"Doing it anyway."
"...Of course you are." He scowled, shaking his head, then looked past them "I see the troublesome Goddess is here as well."
"Yeah." Claude nodded "You never told me you could actually see her as well."
"You never asked."
"How the heck would that ever come up as a conversation topic?"
"You want to continue the tour?" Ritsuka asked Caster, he went to answer before Lysithea cut him off.
"I can show him the rest of the tour!" She virtually cried, Ritsuka blinked at her, then looked at Claude, the man chuckling.
"She gets possessive over her teacher."
"Teacher, huh." Ritsuka nodded, then turned to Caster "You taught her Rune Magic?"
"I did." Caster nodded "And Byleth."
"Yeah...but she only uses it for punching things." He shivered "...Kind of intimidating too."
"Anyway!" Lysithea interrupted, grabbing Casters hand and dragging him away "On with the tour, Teacher! They have the best deserts here!"
"...She really does act like a kid sometimes." Ritsuka chuckled.
Claude nodded "Yeah...specially around him."