Sometime later, Byleth walked out of the infirmary, having been healed (and hugged tightly) by Moira the nurse and Flayn, two women who'd supported him when he'd been at his lowest. It was a good thing he'd shut the door behind him upon leaving the infirmary, because Seteth was waiting for him out in the corridor for him when he exited.

'Care to join me for a walk, Professor?'

Byleth nodded.

Seteth said nothing as they walked along the corridor and down the spiralling staircase. They passed a few monks and knights as they went but otherwise the place was dead. The students had the rest of the day off after the mock battle and Byleth suspected most of them would be recovering in their dorms. He and Seteth exited the chamber and out into the sunshine which had since broken through the clouds again. Out on the steps, Seteth stopped.

'You do realise that if that'd been a real battle then you would have lost the lives of six of your students?'

Byleth nodded. 'But if that were a real battle, we would not be there.'

It only occurred to him after saying that that Seteth might disapprove of his response, but the man nodded.

'You were unfortunate to be ambushed by both the other Houses. I daresay that I didn't give the idea enough thought myself when I was preparing the Black Eagles.'

Seteth fell silent and looked up. His browed was furrowed and Byleth could sense he was trying to find the right words to whatever he intended to say.

'The archbishop was pleased with your performance, and you have managed to develop a bond with your students over the past few days that shone through today, both on the battlefield and in their support of you as spectators on the observation point. Even Caspar was singing your praises at the end. Incredibly, you even managed to help Bernadetta push past her anxiety and fears, something that no one else, myself included, had managed to accomplish before you. I had trouble the whole week just to get her to speak and yet you seemed able to bring out the best in her. The hug she gave you at the end was quite astonishing. As I'm sure you know, she is not the "outgoing" type. She has clearly placed a lot of trust in you, as the other students have as well.'

He turned and faced Byleth.

'I hope you understand the importance of that, and never take it for granted. They will be expected to undertake combat assignments throughout the year across Fódlan that render aid to others in the name of the Church of Serios, combat assignments that could see them being killed if things go wrong instead of just losing their sash. You must prepare them well for these assignments and lead them safely and successfully through them. Tell me, with everything you have experienced so far, and with everything I have discussed with you, do you still wish to be a professor? I will not be offended if you say no. I am quite certain Lady Rhea would happily have you in the Knights of Seiros with your father if you desired it. It is up to you.'

Byleth had already promised Bernadetta he'd stay as their professor, and he knew that that promise was something he couldn't break. In truth, however, he wanted to remain professor anyway, and the reason was quite simple. Being a professor, allowed him to walk away from what he used to be.

It's allowed me to let go of the Ashen Demon.

'I will want to be the Black Eagles professor.'

Seteth eyed him for a moment and then nodded. 'You still have a lot to prove in my eyes but… you have made a good start. The archbishop shall want to speak with you soon. She has a lot to catch up on, having been away for a week, but she shall find you tomorrow, I'm sure. For now, however, go and rest and don't forget to be on time for the celebratory dinner this evening.'

Byleth nodded. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a large man walk into the courtyard ahead of them. He looked and saw Jeralt.

'I shall leave you two to catch up,' Seteth said. He extended his hand. 'Congratulations on the mock battle victory.'

Byleth shook his hand and the man strode back into the hall, leaving him alone with his father. Jeralt walked towards him, his smile was wide and proud, yet he shook his head as if in disbelief. It once again reminded Byleth of that day out in the river when he'd caught his first ever fish. The thought made him smile, and when he did, Jeralt froze. His father's eyes widened and suddenly tears streamed from his eyes and down his cheeks. He wiped them away and moved to Byleth, embracing him in a deep hug.

Byleth felt the sun shine on them as they embraced and he heard the gentle, soothing sweeting of birds nearby. To him, it was a near-perfect moment that he'd never forget for as long as he lived. Jeralt eventually pulled away and looked at him with red eyes.

'Kid… what I saw out there… (he shook his head) I have never been more proud, and I can tell you that your mother, Alain, Arthur and Lilia would have been the same. D-Did you enjoy it?'

'I did,' Byleth said.

Jeralt studied him, as if hardly believing what he was hearing. 'Do… do you want to remain professor?'

'I told Seteth that I did.'

Jeralt wiped his eyes again. 'I'm glad. I'm so sorry for pulling you into all this against your will, but I think it was meant to be, because the role clearly suits you well and I'm not surprised. You're going to do amazing.'

He pulled Byleth into another hug. 'And I'll be here as well to help you.'

'Hey, dad.'

'Yes?'

'There's a really good spot in the monastery where we could go fishing later if you want.'