Chapter 25: The other side

Seteth cleared his throat, quieting down the hall. The entirety of the student body and the upper echelons of the Knight order stood in the main assembly hall having been gathered earlier.

"I am certain many of you are wondering as to why we have called this impromptu gathering." He began, his voice taking a grave tone "In part, it relates to your monthly mission...which was supposed to occur within the next few days. However, recent events have forced us to reconsider it."

There were a few murmurs from the students, Seteth raised his hand and quietened them down. "As I'm sure you are all aware by now, Lord Lonato of the Gaspard territory has recently incited a rebellion within the last week. The original plan was for the Church Knights to swiftly deal with the uprising and for you all to participate in the rearguard action as a means of observing proper combat." a frown came to his face as he let out a heavy sigh "However, that is no longer possible."

He got questioning looks in response, including Catherine and Shamir, the latter having been recalled earlier than would have been preferred. It was unfortunate that he hadn't been able to inform either of them of recent developments earlier, but it saved him time in having to make two separate announcements. "Several days ago, the Knight encampment located at the Magdred Way was attacked by Lonato's army...and massacred to a man."

Several gaps resounded out, Catherine's eyes went wide at the news.

"It is currently unknown how Lord Lonato was able to obtain them, but from documented reports of the few survivors who managed to escape the massacre, they claim that the weapons the militia used weapons which heavy enchantments which turned the rebels into 'berserker's'." He sighed "In light of such news, and your current lack of sufficient training, your monthly mission has been cancelled as we feel we cannot guarantee your safety and losing you so early into your time at this academy would not only be a great detriment to us, but to your respective kingdoms as well."

"What do you mean 'berserker's'?" Catherine stepped forwards with a heavy frown "Surely even with the weapons the commoners were still untrained-"

"They were nearly three times stronger than the average knight and apparently acted like rabid animals." Seteth quickly countered, biting his lip "If we had been able to procure one of the weapons used, I would likely have one of the resident Clerics investigating it to determine its effects in full, but unfortunately the survivors were unable to retrieve any of them."

"How do you know it was their weapons?" Shamir asked "It could have just as easily been some concoction or dark spell."

"The testimony of the knights." Seteth responded "They claim that the militia appeared perfectly sane until they drew their blades, at which point they started to exhibit signs of madness."

"Seteth, if I may." Dimitri raised his hand, the green haired man cast a glance the Prince's way then gave a nod of affirmation "How close is Lord Lonato's force to Garreg Mach?"

"At present, given their last encounter with the knights was several days ago...We believe them to be past the Magdred forest and traversing the Oghma mountains." He revealed "At which point, they will likely be upon us by the end of the week."

"Seteth." The gruff voice of Jeralt cut through, the man moving in-between the students from the back of the hall until he stood at the front of the room "How large is Lonato's army?"

"Our current estimates place it as nearly a thousand strong." He replied "Whether or not they are fewer now is unknown, the testimony of the survivors was chaotic at best, we have no way of knowing how many were slain in their initial attack."

"How many knights are at the Monastery right now?"

"...We are expected to have another thousand recalled from other outposts-"

"Seteth." Jeralt narrowed his eyes "How many."

"...Seven hundred knights are present at the moment." Seteth replied with a tired sigh. Jeralt scowled in response, slowly shaking his head.

"This sounds increasingly like an 'all hands on deck situation.'" He responded after a few moments "And these brats are never going to be able to pick and choose their battles."

"If you mean to suggest I fling them onto the front lines-"

"Absolutely not." Jeralt grunted "They're still brats, well trained brats but brats nonetheless. They don't have the kind of experience needed to face this situation, I don't know if I've ever face something like this." He paused "However the Oghma mountains are treacherous, especially when moving such a large force through."

Seteth paused, raising an eyebrow "You have a suggestion?"

"There's only one route through the Oghma mountains if Lonato wants to get here as quickly as possible and considering his first move was to apparently fling himself and his men at the closet knight camp, we can assume he's being reckless. An ambush on the mountains would work."

"It could." Seteth admitted, then frowned "However it would heavily depend upon what manner of force we have, I assume you have some manner of suggestion?"

"Because it is not my concern." Goetia explained as he slot a book back into the shelf, him being the only one in the library at the time made this conversation far less awkward. He paused, glancing her way "I was also under the impression you could not venture far from your host."

"I'm learning." Sothis explained with a small shrug, a minute frown soon coming to her face "In truth, I believe this is the limit of my range, I cannot venture too far from the child."

"Child?" Goetia scoffed "I had assumed you know her name."

"I do know her name." The floating green haired girl rolled her eyes "But she at times acts even more childish than the students she is supposed to teach, as do you for that matter." Goetia scowled at her, before moving back to work. "Such as your stance on this matter."

"I could very easily go out and kill every last man, woman and child is Gaspard territory through any number of methods." Goetia turned back to her "My only obstacle would be time, however it would solve nothing. The disputes between the two groups have merely been buried and it was not settled between them."

Sothis quickly gained a look of understanding "It is a dispute between the Church and Lonato, so let them sort it out?"

"Yes."

"Are you not also employed by the Church?"

"As an Assistant Librarian, not as an enforcer for beliefs I do not hold." Was the reason he provided "If I am going to go out of my way to kill humans, I would require a reason to do so."

Sothis opened her mouth to reply, then paused and squinted her eyes "Why do you always speak like that?"

"Like what?"

"You never say 'people', its always humans with you."

"...Yes, that is what they are."

"Hmph." Sothis grunted in response, then shrugged her shoulders "As you say, however while I appreciate the idea you are not some bloodthirsty monster, I still find it odd you are not offering aid in some form."

"You are partial to their conversation in the hall." Goetia replied with a raised eyebrow "Do you think them in need of aid?"

"Well, they do have some experienced knights with them, although they are currently discussing using the children as an attack force to subdue Lonato while the Knights occupy them from the front." That got Goetia to pause, slowly turning to her and raising his other eyebrow to join its counterpart "Yes, I find it distasteful as well."

"Personal preference aside, is there a reason that the Knights are relegated to the role of 'distraction' rather than offensive force?"

"Some manner of enchantment on the opposing force, it is apparently turning them into mindless thugs."

"Ah, some simple form of Mad Enhancement then." Goetia dismissed "How desperate, especially if it has been applied to the majority of Lonato's army, but I suppose it fulfils its purpose."

"It makes them quite dangerous."

"It's a Madness Enhancement, its supposed to make them dangerous." Goetia scoffed "If it didn't, then they would merely be driving the individuals insane without any form of benefit to them."

"They're also going to send the Children into the thick of the fighting."

"Alone?"

"…"

"They will be quite safe, provided they can keep their distance." Turning away from the Goddess, he moved further along the shelves, Sothis floating after him "Besides, I doubt they are willingly flinging children into the thick of the fighting. This is likely an act brought on by desperation."

"...Would it change your mind if I were to request your help?"

Goetia paused, slowly turning around to face her "You seem unusually persistent on this matter. Is there something I should be aware of?"

"Nothing concrete." Sothis grumbled "Merely a feeling I have. You could call it instinct, but I cannot shake the idea that something terrible might happen."

"It's a battle. There is going to be death, that can already be regarded as terrible." Sothis gave him a dry look in response "You are under the belief that something more serious may occur in regard to your host."

"And the children."

"It is entirely possible this is an early manifestation of Clairvoyance." Goetia shrugged "It is simply relaying the negative outcomes as mere ill-feelings to you."

"You think I can see the future?"

"You think you cannot? If you are already capable of shifting time backwards, would it be a great surprise to assume you can foresee certain events?" Sothis raised her hand to respond, then paused. Her eyes slowly widening in thought before she then shook her head.

"No, I do not believe that to be the case...However I shall not dismiss the possibility for now." Muttering to herself, she then shook her head and faced Goetia again "Regardless, I shall assume that even with my request for help, you will still remain at your post in this library?"

Goetia pursed his lips, brows furrowed in thought for a few moments "...It is not a matter of whether or not I can help you. It is also for the benefit of the children. They cannot expect someone of my power to merely appear at any given time and render aid to them. That defeats the purpose of learning."

"And if some of them should die?"

"You are the one with the ability to manipulate time." Goetia pointed out, Sothis clicked her tongue "Should one of them die, simply revert time if it concerns you so greatly."

"Will you not become annoyed at the repeated jumps backward?"

"That is a rather cynical outlook for you to believe that multiple jumps will be necessary."

"It's the route along Eastern road." Jeralt ran his finger along the map "It's the safest path through the mountains and it's narrow enough that Lonato wouldn't be able to use his superior numbers against you."

"Indeed." Seteth cupped his chin "However, if your pan is to succeed, it requires the knights to be in great danger, and the children in greater still."

"He won't have everyone in his army turned rabid, he can't be that stupid." Jeralt replied "He'll need some to remain coherent during the battle, and if they are as rabid as has been stated, then Lonato and his commanders will be towards the rear of the army." he pressed his finger into the map "If we can lure them into here, we can send the children and a small battalion to flank around and deal with Lonato. Once he and his commanders are dead, the rest should be easy pickings without direction."

"It is a sound strategy." Seteth mused with a small frown "But to place the children in such a position."

"We're not doing great for manpower right now." The mercenary captain grunted "And considering we'll need every knight at the front to distract Lonato's men long enough to ensure the trap is sprung."

"Yes...I suppose you have made your point." Seteth raised a hand to cut Jeralt off, he closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh before looking back towards the children, away from the table he had been hunched over "I realise this is far more than we had originally asked of you-"

"Seteth." Dimitri cut him off "With all due respect, this is not a situation we can ignore. As it is a Kingdom Territory that has incited this needless violence, I feel it necessary to play a role in ensuring it does not spread further."

"The Adrestian Empire is also willing to lend aid to our Kingdom allies." Edelgard continued on with a stern expression "If we cannot stop Lord Lonato, then I fear the consequences would be dire."

"...Guess we can just leave it to you guys-"

""Claude!"" Dimitri and Edelgard barked at him at the same time, Claude raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Kidding, kidding. Of course the Leicester alliance is willing to do whatever it can to help stop the violence." Turning back around, he sent a smirk towards his classmates "Right Deers?"

"I feel it necessary to demonstrate the role that proper nobility should play." Lorenz crossed his arms behind his back, giving a curt nod and a self assured smile "To think that one as well renowned as Lord Lonato could lead so many commoners to their deaths is something I cannot abide by."

Leonie stared at him in the same way someone would stare at scum on the sole of their boot.

Seteth let out a sigh of relief "I thank you all, and I trust you to take care of your students professor." he directed the question towards Byleth "Unfortunately, as skilled as they are, Professor Hanneman is too old to be near the front lines and Professor Manuela will be needed to tend to the wounded after the battle."

"I see." Jeralt grunted, looking over to his daughter "I trust you can handle it, kid?"

"She will not be alone." Seteth replied, his eyes slowly trailing over to another person in the crowd "Catherine will be joining her in the flanking manoeuvrer, while myself and-"

"Yourself?" Jeralt looked at Seteth as if he had grown a second head "You?"

"Yes, it might surprise you to know that I am quite capable when it comes to combat." He went on, unperturbed by the brief looks of surprise "As I was saying, myself, Alois, Shamir and you will be taking to the front lines to provide a distraction."

"Are we going to have a signal?"

"Shamir will shoot a flaming arrow in the sky. If all goes well, this situation will be resolved swiftly."

"Nice plan." Jeralt admitted, then narrowed his eyes "But whether or not it can be followed through is something else entirely."

"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." Dimitri nodded his head in a sage manner, earning raised eyebrows from everyone else in the room "Oh, do not mind me." giving a disarming smile, he shook his head "It is merely something Goetia told me once."

"Huh." Jeralt blinked "Well, he's right." turning back to Seteth, he blinked as if realising something "Where is the Archbishop anyway?"

"I advised the Archbishop to be relocated to a safer location until the crisis had abated, she should be on her way to our nearest fortification in the Kingdom."

"I was surprised to sense your presence here." Goetia called out, not turning around. Sothis stared over his shoulder in surprise at who had entered the library "I had thought you would have left by now."

"It would not do for the Archbishop of the Church of Seiros to flee in the face of heathens." Rhea replied, gracefully closing the doors to the library behind her "I have no doubt Seteth will disapprove, but I have faith that our knights will emerge victorious."

"I'm sure." Goetia turned around to face her "Regardless, even if they are using enhancements, I have little doubt your knights will achieve victory. Brute force is a poor substitute for skill."

"Of course." Rhea nodded her head "It is why the knights are trained and do not simply swing their weapons like animals...of course some have the luxury of power and skill on their side, do they not?" she cast a glance his way out of the corner of her eye as she paced around the centre of the room, casting her eyes over the bookshelves "I have heard a great many things about your magical prowess, both inside and outside the monastery."

"I'm sure you have." He replied "I hardly made it a secret."

"Indeed, which is why I confess myself rather confused and, dare I say, concerned when an individual of your calibre decides not to lend aid." She paused, her back to him "At first I would have believed you simply disliked violence, except there is evidence to the contrary."

"Violence is not an end goal." Goetia responded with a small frown "I judge the situation and deem whether violence is appropriate."

"And this is not such an occasion?"

"I have little personal interest in the affairs of Gaspard and their Lord. If he wishes to incite rebellion and lead his people to their deaths, that is entirely up to him. I personally have no quarrel with him."

"Even if he currently seeks to tear down the very place you are employed within?"

"I will only have issues when he acts in a manner which directly affects me."

"And your pupils?"

"...They have the freedom to make their own decisions. I will not beget them their rights to use their knowledge for their own purposes. If they wish to employ their skills on a battlefield, that is their wish." He paused "Or rather, that is the Church's wish."

"The Church represents the voice of the Goddess in all of Fodlan, an attack on the Church is an attack on the Goddess herself." Rhea turned around to face Goetia, her expression set in a perfect mask "And it is in those times, that those with the power to render aid should do so."

"Is that right?" Goetia's eyes twinkled as Rhea's narrowed. She disliked that subtle expression on his face, as if he found what she had said particularly amusing in some way.

"Indeed."

"I suppose that should expect help from you as well?"

"...I...I beg your pardon?" Rhea pupils narrowed into slits "To what do you refer?"

"I merely suggest that you yourself are likely capable." Goetia responded innocently "You hold the position of Archbishop within the Church, your devotion and faith are likely the highest attainable. I would hazard a guess in stating that among the Church officials, you are perhaps one of the more skilled."

"A...fascinating theory." Rhea settled on, giving him a smile which utterly failed to reach her eyes. Which now held a subtle green glow to match his red "However, I fear you overestimate my skills too greatly."

Goetia stared at her for a few seconds before he shrugged his shoulders "Perhaps, I very much doubt you have been near a battle in some time. That and any injury to your person, however unlikely, would be considered a blow to the Church itself." he shrugged "In that regard, it is understandable that you would not be one of the first to enter the front lines, in the same way that as a mere librarian, I would not be expected to take to them either."

"A mere librarian with the power to defeat Demonic Beasts single handedly." Rhea pointed out with a frown "However, you have made your point. It would sully the Church's image if we were forced to use Clerics in combat in such a manner, or use of foreign magic's to aid us."

"Foreign magic's." Goetia scoffed "You make me sound as if I am no more than some heretic sorcerer."

"Are you not?" Rhea tilted her head "I have yet to see you break bread with any of the church's faithful in commune."

"Admitting that your Goddess exists does not mean I should worship her." Goetia responded in a cold tone "I do not share the same connection with her as you."

"...Yes, I suppose that is true." Rhea turned away, slowly moving back towards the doors "However, the church is always looking to spread word of the Goddess love to the faithless. I would be more than happy to see your soul saved in such a way." with those parting words, she slipped out of the library, leaving Goetia and Sothis still stood there.

"Was it just me or were you two having completely different conversations to the one I was listening too?" Sothis muttered as she stared at Goetia with a raised eyebrow. He cast her a mere glance before turning back to his work.

"I cannot say. Regardless, she made whatever point she wanted to make and I made mine. That is all that can be said on the matter."

"She looked quite upset." Sothis replied with a minor look of concern "I fear you were close to pushing her too far."

"She was equally close to testing the limits of my patience." Was his immediate reply "If I had a vested interest in this rebellion, I would act. I do not, therefore there is not need for me to act."

"Yes, yes." Sothis sighed, waving her hands "I suppose you have made your point, I had also better get back to the young child. I can at least tell her not to come to you expecting help." she noticed that, for a split second, Goetia's hand paused in its movements before continuing. Deciding to file that away for later, she dissipated into the air, returning to her host.

Goetia remained silent in the wake of her departure. A strange feeling slowly bubbling in his chest as she said those words. An undercurrent of disappointment had filtered through him for barely a few moments. Although he was unsure who it was directed at. He shook his head, filtering away those irrelevant thoughts. He knew that if the Church was to take action, it would likely be within the next few days.

"We're close now." Lonato muttered under his breath, leaning over his table as he stared at the map "So close to making that foul woman pay."

"Indeed, Lord Lonato." The cloaked figure reassured him in a calm voice "You and your men are close to fulfilling your mission."

"Hmph…" Lonato grunted "I admit myself surprised, I had not thought your claims were justified."

"I am pleased to have proven myself in your eyes." They bowed their head slightly "Myself and the Western Church only wish to see to the best interests of Fodlan."

"As you've said." The man responded, moving around the table "However the side effects...they…"

"Are regrettable." Nodding their head, the figure slowly turned towards the direction of the main camp "However, the effects only last as long as the weapons remain in their grasp, as I have told you. Once the false Archbishop has been removed, then you and your men will be hailed as heroes."

"They will try to stop us." Lonato nodded his head "They'll likely ambush us along the mountains."

"They likely shall, however it is a desperate final attempt Lord Lonato." The figure replied "Myself and the Western Church have every confidence in you."

"Yes...I suppose that is why you are here?"

"Indeed, Lord Lonato." They smiled down at him "We feel it best to witness this mission of yours from beginning to end."

"Well...I have no objections Lemegeton." Lonato frowned "But I had thought you were only capable of creating those special swords."

"I am, but I have a vested interest in this." Lemegeton replied "I want to see this from beginning to end."

Lonato remained silent for a few moments before nodding his head "Very well, however I would advise you be careful."

The hooded man nodded his head in response, the carefree smile under his hood still barely visible.

"Worry not, Lord Lonato. I am more than aware of the consequences for carelessness."

AN: Oooooh.

I mean Lemegeton is obviously an alias, but it is the name of the complete works of Solomon, so for now that is how we shall address our Demon Pillar friend. Anyway, yep we've hit a minor change in lore. Whereas the original battle took place at Magdred way, now we fight at the Oghma mountains.

Anyway…

Omake: Gossip

"I understand that you are young and prone to gossip but I would ask that you all refrain from spreading rumours about the staff." Seteth called out across the hall full of students "It is both unprofessional and very disrespectful towards them."

"So Goetia's father didn't have nearly a thousand wives?"

"...The personal life of Goetia's family-"

"Holy shit he did!" Sylvain choked out a laugh "That's crazy! He must have been an absolute powerhouse!"

"Or a man whore." Felix remarked as he cleaned out his fingernails, earning him a glare from everyone else on the blue lions table "What? Are you seriously suggesting that a man who willing lies that that many women isn't simply passing himself off to them?"

"Felix…" Seteth sighed "Please do not insult people's families."

"So does Goetia know who his mother is?"

"I-I beg your pardon?"

"Well if his father slept with so many women-"

"Please do not imply that Goetia is ignorant to his own lineage."

"What do you guys think mothers day was like for him?" Ashe asked, genuinely curious.

"Probably hell." Claude chimed in from the other side of the room "But on the bright side his birthday was probably something special."

"Claude that is a revolting insinuation!" Lorenz scowled, everyone blinked at him in surprise "What?"

"...I was talking about birthday presents." Claude looked at Lorenz with wide eyes "What were you talking about?"

"...Absolutely nothing at all." Lorenz looked away in a vain attempt to hide his shame.

"If we could please get back to the topic at hand-" Seteth attempted to cut off the conversation before another question got asked.

"I confess, I have a question as to this situation." Ferdinand raised his hand "If the relation of Goetia's father is to be believed, then he was obviously quite popular with women."

"If you've got nearly a thousand wives you're probably doing something right." Dorothea hummed in amusement.

"Exactly my point...Has anyone else noticed that the students for Goetia's tutoring is comprised entirely of women?"

"…" A deathly silence spread across the hall, slowly the eyes of the room fell onto the respective students.

"What?" Lysithea looked around "He merely teaches me things! He has made no attempt at courtship! Such things are below his notice."

"Don't look at me." Leonie shrugged her shoulders "I've got no interest in all that."

"Well, I don't think I'm really marriage material." Mercedes replied with an awkward chuckle.

'Wyvernshit' The entire room thought in unison.

"Hey...Where's Teach?" Claude looked around the room in confusion.

"...Excuse me for a moment." Seteth turned around and quickly sped out of the room.

"Do you think now is a good time or a bad time to tell him that Flayn sometimes talks to Goetia?"

"Claude." Dimitri sent the boy a cringing expression "It is probably best that Seteth does not learn about that just yet."