'Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaah! That's our professor!' Caspar roared.

He'd spent the entire morning sitting in silence. Now, he was jumping up and down with all the other students in the crowd.

'Huh,' Lysithea said, looking up at him. 'His opinion changed quickly.'

'A fine shot, Bernadetta. You clearly have a knack for archery!' Hanneman said.

Bernadetta's face reddened. 'I-I... thank you.'

'I lamented the fact that many of us underestimated your professor, but I had no idea you were that skilled,' Claude said.

'I can't believe we did it!' Ferdinand said, bobbing on his feet. 'I find it hard to contain my excitement!'

'Why are you not on the observation deck?' Byleth said.

'I wanted to watch the rest of the fight up close... and I am most pleased I did. Your strategy was simply marvellous... and your fighting skills... (his eyes widened.) I cannot wait to learn under such a mighty professor!'

'You did well, Ferdinand,' Byleth replied. 'You showed bravery (he turned his head to Bernadetta) you both did, and we couldn't have won without your efforts.'

He raised his fist out to them. Ferdinand smiled and raised his fist. Bernadetta quickly pieced together what he meant and did the same.

'Professor... you are incredible.'

Byleth turned to see Dimitri shuffle towards him. Sylvain (whose face was white) and Felix followed behind. All three were clenching their stomachs with one hand.

'I apologise, I did not mean to come down so heavy on any of you,' Byleth said.

Dimitri shook his head. 'I would be insulted if you did not try your best, and I'm certain I speak for most of the students here when I say they'd feel the same. You were amazing today and even though you are the Black Eagles professor, I cannot wait to learn more from you.'

Dimitri extended his hand and Byleth shook it.

'You are super scary when you want to be my man,' Sylvain said, forcing himself to smile, 'but there's no denying it, you are badass.'

Byleth shook his hand, and then Felix came forward and extended his.

'Fair play, Professor. No one has ever taken me down so easily. I look forward to sparring with you more and be warned, I intend to be better than you by year's end.'

Byleth nodded and shook the man's hand.

'Hey, teach.'

Byleth turned. Claude smiled at him.

'It's not too late to become our professor if you don't dig the ice queen. I'm sure you'd get enough votes from the rest of the Golden Deer now to be nominated.'

'My, do not let Manuela know you said that!' Hanneman said, grinning.

The group burst out laughing and Byleth smiled.

'What an incredible performance from the new professor don't you think?' Rhea asked.

Seteth nodded but said nothing. He hadn't spoken in a while and he didn't think he would again for a while.

Close by, Dudley danced and fist-pumped the air.

'What a guy!' Raphael roared.

'He is incredible,' Annette breathed.

'That's our professor for you!' Dorothea said, her heart racing. 'What an unbelievable man.'

Petra was holding a fist in the air. Dedue sat with his arms folded, but with the widest eyes that Ashe had ever seen. Mercedes clapped as did Lysithea. Lorenz sat stunned. Leonie, who'd held her head in her hands since arriving at the observation point, now stood with her mouth gaping. Linhardt yawned.

'I think this shows quite clearly that instead of being in class we need to go fishing as often as possible.'

'No Linhardt,' Edelgard said. She looked at Hubert who sat beside her. His face was expressionless.

'Well?'

'Hmph,' Hubert replied.