"Professor Kratos- er, I mean Sir!" Upon hearing Dimitri's call from the Reception Hall, Kratos turned to find the young man, along with the rest of the Blue Lions, all hurrying towards the brigand with bright smiles on their faces.

"Ah! Hello there lads and lasses!" Mimir greeted the children from Kratos' hip with a warm smile. "I see that you're all basking in the spoils of war from the recent mock battle!"

"Of course!" Dimitri agreed enthusiastically. "Although, to be completely honest, this victory would not have been possible without either of you. Professor Mimir, with your superb tactics and Sir Kratos' leadership, our opponents never stood a chance!"

"Aye, that may be true. However, you lot are the ones who deserve all of the glory. Kratos and I merely stood on the sidelines, and you were the ones who put in the effort to make that happen."

Kratos spoke up, "You have all performed exceptionally well today. But do not let this victory lead you to complacency. While each of you has demonstrated commendable effort, there is still ample room for learning, both in victory and defeat."

"Ah, you hear that, children? Savor the praise while you can, because with Kratos, those will be few and far between from now on."

"And we shall accept it with absolute gratitude." The prince said with a smile and a sincere bow. "In any case, Sir Kratos and Professor Mimir, we were all hoping we could share a meal together. You know, as a class. It could serve as a victory celebration and a post-battle analysis. What do you think?"

The brigand was silent for a moment. "You want me to… join you?"

Sylvain spoke up. "Come now, Sir Kratos! We can't celebrate without our key to victory present!"

"That's rich coming from the one he smoked last week." Felix sneered.

"Hey, come on, Felix! Even I know when to give credit where credit's due."

"He's right!" Annette chirped up, "We were only able to win thanks to both of our professors!"

Felix gave a wry smile while looking over at Dimitri. "Yes. Compared with that boar who knows nothing but frontal attacks, your tactics were unmatched."

Ingrid scowled at the blue-haired swordsman. "Felix! You really ought to stop picking fights with His Highness."

"Don't worry, Ingrid. I encourage all to speak freely. And I must agree with everything Sir Kratos has told us. I still have much to learn."

"Oh, sure, but today was exhausting!" Mercedes, the oldest of the class, reflected. "I'm so hungry I can barely stand…"

"To be honest, so am I." Ashe the archer complied. "Let's head to the dining hall. Together."

Everybody broke up and began to make their way towards the dining hall, except for Dimitri, who stayed behind to have a final word with the other two men. "Sir Kratos, and Professor Mimir. I'm sorry to intrude, but despite the compliments, you don't seem to be very proud of our accomplishments today."

"I do not know what you are referring to." Kratos stated bluntly. "Elaborate."

For the first time since he'd first met the boy, Kratos watched as the crown prince of Faerghus flustered slightly as he said, "Well, it's as I've said. To the rest of us, today was an absolute success, but... you don't seem to share in our satisfaction."

"I am satisfied."

Had it been anyone but Dimitri, the conversation would have ended right then and there for whomever had the guts to confront Kratos in this line of questioning. And yet, the blonde stood firm as he pushed forward. "Your eyes tell a different story. It's as though you've already seen something like this countless times, and that it doesn't seem to matter to you anymore."

"Let me stop you right there, Your Highness." Mimir interjected. "Kratos, if I may?"

The ashen warrior responded immediately by bringing Mimir's head to be eye-level with Dimitri's. "Listen lad, Kratos here may not show it often- if not ever, but I am absolutely certain that I speak for both us when I say how proud we are so far. The thing is, when you've been around the block as much as my friend here has, you'll start to know what it feels like to see both success and failure. There's a depth to experience that goes beyond expressions, and Kratos carries that with him no matter where he goes. It's a different kind of satisfaction that comes with wisdom; one that you yourself will come to experience one day as you get older."

"I understand." Said the prince, nodding. "It's just that… well, to be completely honest, I believe I too speak for the rest of the Lions when I say it doesn't matter who you are or where you came from. To us, what's important is that we'd like nothing more than to share our happiness with you. Both of you, to be more specific. Joy can be so fleeting, as I'm sure you are aware. And since we're all in this together… I hope you'd consent to that. You and Professor Kratos."

"Ah, lad." Mimir said with absolute sincerity. "That's very kind of you to say, and I've no doubt in my mind that your kin feels the same way. You've got good friends in your company, Your Highness. And we'd be honored to join you alongside them. Right, Kratos?"

"Hmm."

Dimitri smiled brilliantly. "Thank you, Sir Kratos! In any case, late us enjoy the fruits of our labors!"

x-x-x

"Your work with the students is beyond anything I've ever imagined." Rhea told Kratos from within the Audience Chamber. "You have clearly demonstrated your capabilities as an effective leader. I hope you were able to use the occasion to bond with the students."

"Why, thank you very much, my lady." Mimir said politely. "And aye, I'm sure you've had your initial worries when we started, but the children themselves seem to be quite adept under Kratos' guidance."

The Archbishop smiles. "I am so happy to hear it. Nothing would please me more than if you used this coming year to grow closer still."

"Yes, well, that is, assuming we are not kept here for longer than what is necessary, correct?"

"You may lay those concerns to rest, Professor. I have no intention of withholding any information that you or Master Kratos may require to facilitate your return to your homeworld. I did swear upon the Goddess, after all."

"Ah, well, that's good to hear, I guess."

Kratos did not bother trying to hold back a dissatisfied grunt.

From the Archbishop's left side, Seteth spoke. "Of course, the mock battle was mere practice; as I'm quite certain you were already aware."

"Hmph." The brigand simply replied.

"The real fight is the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, which will take place during the Wyvern Moon. You are expected to properly train your students so as to not humiliate the academy during the long-held tradition that is the coming battle."

"A large-scale battle between the three houses, you say?" Mimir said with intrigue. "Sounds an awful like some other traditions that I used to be rather fond of." He pauses. "Only, I'm assuming that beheading is completely off the table in that regard, right?"

This statement causes in Seteth to scowl, even if he knew the talking head was jesting. Rhea, however, chuckles. "As for today, I have called you here to tell you of your mission for the month ahead."

"I am ready to receive it." Kratos responded.

"Your class is to dispose of some bandits causing trouble nearby."

Mimir hummed. "Teaching the wee lads to be accustomed to killing already, I see?"

"Those affiliated with Garreg Mach Monastery have a moral obligation to help those in need, regardless of social standing." The priest said sternly. "Students are no exception. Each month, before the newly birthed moon departs, each house of students must complete their assigned mission. You shall work to complete the task at hand alongside your students and report back to the Archbishop before the deadline. Is that understood?" He narrows his eyes on Mimir. "Because after all, this is the job we've hired you to perform, no?"

"Aye," the Norse god said quietly. "It is."

"Good. I will soon provide you with the necessary details for your first mission. If I told you now, I expect you would only forget, and I despise repeating myself."

Mimir opened up his mouth to come out with his own retort, but Kratos spoke up before he could get the chance. "Thank you. I shall inform the children of the coming task. We will take our leave."

As Kratos turned to walk towards the main stairs, Mimir waited until they were well out of earshot before he mimicked what Seteth had said in his own voice, "' If I told you now, I expect you would only forget.' Pompous twat, did he himself forget that he was talking to the smartest man alive?"