"So, this is where you are, kid."
"Father, do you need something?"
"I just want to check on you since I heard the details of your previous mission. That's quite an awful lot of blood on your cloak."
Byleth shrugged and replied nonchalantly." It will come off eventually. Works every time I drown myself in the river."
"Blood doesn't come out that easy kid." ****** shook his head and sighed. "Don't you have another set of armor?"
"I do, but I still like to use this one."Byleth said quietly as he examined the armor with reverence in his eyes." After all, it was your first gift to me, father."
A ghost of a smile crossed his face as he said softly. "You are her son, aren't you?"
"Why so?"
"There was this one time I saw her trying hard to get the dirt out of her handkerchief." His father smiled fondly as he reminisced." And when I suggested that she could use another one, did you know what she said." He put his hands on his hips and mimicked the voice of his late wife." If I still can use this one, I would rather not throw it away."
"That's not the same but thanks for letting me know, ******," Byleth replied with a stoic face, yet there was amusement in his voice.
"And don't forget the flowers that you gave me a few days earlier. To my surprise, the ones you picked were also her favorite type. Can you even inherit that kind of thing?" ****** laughed happily.
"When I picked them, I thought they looked nice and yet there was a sense of comfort in a way. Did my mother do the same?"
"More than you can imagine, Byleth. Every time I took the flowers and surprised behind her back; her face would always light up the brightest torch you've ever seen. That was… the most beautiful sight I've ever seen."
"And yet, she is not here with us." Byleth suddenly trailed off; his voice was getting weaker, weighing down the atmosphere.
"I know, Byleth!" He touched Byleth's shoulder affectionately, trying to lift his son's mood. Moments passed like an eternity as silence filled the air between them until Byleth finally spoke up again.
"But even so, I've never regretted all those years we've been through, father. Despite the hardship, you were always there for me no matter what happened. Moreover, I want to see how this life of ours at the academy plays out, together." his voice strengthened as he said this, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth." Those feelings are never going to change, and I will make sure you know that."
"You don't have to say more, my son." His father shook slightly as he tried to hold back his tears. The duo father and son said nothing as they sat side by side, enraptured by the beauty of the setting sun and listening to the gentle sounds of the flowing river. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Byleth turned to his father and exclaimed joyfully.
"Thank you for bringing me to this life!"
7th of Garland Moon, 1180
Byleth strode across the halls and enjoyed his peaceful day off. However, in contrast to what he expected, something was different today compared to a few weeks ago. News of his victory over Catherine has spread like fire, reaching every resident of Garreg Mach. Even though the Knights were still wary of him, many students started to see him in a new light and often observed him at the Training Field. Being the center of rumors was one thing but to be watched by so many eyes like that, he felt a bit uncomfortable. Therefore, he decided to take refuge in the Greenhouse for some peace and to check on his flowers. Upon arriving, he found Ashe standing quietly among the violets. His gaze was distant and unfocused as he stared at them. When he noticed Byleth's presence, Ashe snapped out of it and smiled politely.
"Good morning, Byleth. Are you here to take a look at your flowers?"
"Yes, I just wanted to see how they're doing now. Aren't you visiting the library today?"
"I suppose I should be... but I find more solace here. Besides, I love caring for these violets; it reminds me of when Lonato took me..." His voice trailed off until he hung his head in resignation and clenched his fists tightly.
"Ashe," Byleth said calmly, "Is something wrong?"
The heavy silence weighed in the air of the greenhouse as Ashe stared into the ground. After a few moments of pondering, Ashe finally lifted his head and began to speak, his voice heavy with worry and confusion, "It's just... I don't understand why this is happening. Lonato took me in and raised me as his own - He's a good man; I know it."
Byleth listened quietly, allowing Ashe to express his fears before responding softly.
"From what you told me about your first meeting with him, you are not wrong, Ashe. To take a stranger along with his family without any resentment despite what happened shows an incredible amount of benevolence and kindness that few people could do. Thanks to him, a family was saved, and a boy was granted a second chance to repay that gratitude." Ashe smiled fondly at the memory, yet there remained some hesitation in his face.
"But then why did he do so? To raise his blades against the Church is one thing, why didn't he tell me any of this." His words broke as tears threatened to overwhelm him.
"It's because he loves you, Ashe., Byleth said with determination, catching the boy's attention.
"I don't know why he decided to point his blade towards the Church or what drove him to do so. But one thing is clear: he did not want to drag you into this battle and that alone is more than enough. The Church may remember him as a greedy rebel, but to me, he was always a good father right until the end. Never forget that, Ashe." Ashe's face started to relax as Byleth finished his speech. A small smile flashed the ashen-haired boy as he cleared his tears away.
"Thank you, Byleth."
"It's alright, my friend. Though, I wish there was another way to resolve this." Byleth mumbled sadly as his eyes looked grim.
"Don't worry, Byleth. You've gone to so much extent to ask the Professor for my assistance in this task and that was more than enough for me. Even though there is not much hope of saving him, I still want to talk to him one last time." His expression softened and he offered Byleth a thankful smile.
"Until then, I hope you and Dimitri enjoy your time at the Black Eagles. Rowdy they may be, but they are good people." Byleth said coolly, trying to lift the mood which Ashe returned with a pleasant smile on his face.
"Then I shall not disappoint you, my friend. If you'll excuse me, I have an urge to go the chapel now." Byleth nodded as Ashe left the Greenhouse leaving the blue-haired student alone.
"That was a great speech you gave, kid."
"I just spoke out of my experience, Jeralt. How long have you been there if I may ask?"
"Right after you went to the Greenhouse and spoke to that Blue Lion boy. Though I'm quite surprised you seem so experienced when it comes to counseling. If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were talking about me, Byleth." Jeralt said teasingly yet Byleth replied with a soft sigh, followed by a satisfied smile as he looked at Jeralt.
"I can't ever forget what you've done for me all these years. It might be arrogant of me to say this, but I see you like family, Jeralt. Same for Bylass as well."
"I appreciate that you hold me in such a high regard, kid. Speaking of Bylass, where is she now?"
"Why is everyone always asking me her whereabouts?" Byleth scratched his head before answering,
"I think it's already established since you are often together even when we were mercenaries. It seems the students here also have the same thoughts as mine."
"That woman, I swear I will make her the bait for our next hunt expedition." Byleth mumbled before continuing." I believe she's busy making some sweets right now since we are going to visit the orphans later this evening."
"Since when did you two start doing this?" Jeralt inquired curiously.
"It was around a month ago when Dimitri gave us the offer," Byleth explained. "We have been training the kids ever since and promised them some treats during our next visit."
"You just keep making me amazed, don't you?'
"I beg your pardon?" Byleth replied confusedly.
"Never mind. Anyway, are you free now by any chance?"
"It seems so. Do you need anything from me?"
"Let's go fishing now, shall we?"
"You are quite good at this."
"The first time I touched the pole, it felt so natural to me as if I'd done this before. By the way, I believe you got one as well." Byleth pointed toward the pole which started to move. Jeralt chuckled, his hands pulled back on the fishing rod.
The two stood silently on the bank of the river, their fishing rods dipped in the water. The sun was a faint orange glow on the horizon as the birds began to sing their morning song. The surface of the water shimmered beneath the pale light, glowing like sapphires. A gentle breeze danced across the water, bringing with it a symphony of sounds that filled the air and lulled them into a peaceful, tranquil state.
"It's been a while since we are hanging out like this, aren't we?" Jeralt smiled into nothingness and looked toward Byleth. "When was the time you and I went for a drink? Two years or a year ago?"
"You mean the time when I had to carry you back home once you passed out after the fifth drink., Byleth replied sarcastically as he added another fish to his bucket.
"We can do it again if you like." Jeralt said teasingly before he stared into the calm water with a nostalgic look in his eyes." Time surely flies, doesn't it?"
"Indeed." Byleth nodded understandingly. A moment of quiet passed between them until Byleth spoke up.
"How did your mission go?"
"Why sudden interest in my expeditions?" Jeralt raised an eyebrow.
"I just want to ask."
"Well. It went fine basically. Though instead of bandits, it was rebels that we had to face this time." As Jeralt mentioned this, Byleth's grip tightened on the fishing rod and a chill filled the air.
"I assume it was Gaspard region, wasn't it?"
"Yes, and if I heard correctly, that would be where your class would come to for this month's task."
"A task that I hoped we would not be forced into." Byleth's fists clenched so tightly, that his knuckles turned white, nearly breaking the fishing rod.
"This is the first time I've ever seen you this angry, kid. What happened?" Jeralt asked softly.
"It's just … I thought we came here to study self-defense and survival skills. Instead, what they are teaching us is how to cut down misguided civilians." Byleth's voice started to rise in volume as he spoke, and Jeralt frantically looked around to see if anyone was listening.
"If I were you, I would lower my voice, Byleth. The Church doesn't take it lightly when it comes to blasphemy and that I can guarantee."
Byleth replied quietly."I know but I can't stop thinking about how they forced her into this madness. I don't know what Lady Rhea wants from Bylass but I won't allow it to happen again – not like that time."
"The day the "Ashen Demon" showed emotions." Jeralt said the title with loathing." To this day, I've never forgiven myself for taking that contract. If only…"
"It wasn't your fault, Jeralt." Byleth said softly yet a subtle determination shone in his eyes as he continued speaking, "None of us could predict how that would end up and the past is the past. What matters is you were there for her and that was more than enough." A small smile tugged on Jeralt's lips at the words, and he relaxed his stance slightly in relief.
"Thank you for always looking out for her, Byleth!"
"I appreciate it. After all, she is my first and dearest friend." Even when he said so, his heart twitched as he said those words. What was this feeling, he wondered.
"Speaking of Bylass, was it true you asked for a duel with Catherine to defend her honor?" Jeralt suddenly raised his voice as his tone was getting deeper.
"That's correct." Byleth replied calmly." However, there was also another reason."
"May I ask what drove you to escalate such a situation with one of the strongest Knights of Seiros?" Jeralt asked hesitantly. Byleth hesitated for a few seconds before speaking, his gaze cast downward and fists clenched at his sides.
"The moment Catherine issued threats toward her; it reminded me how I lost the most important person to me a lifetime ago," Byleth said through gritted teeth, trying to keep his emotions at bay.
Jeralt understood immediately and knew where the conversation would lead to. But before he could say something else, Byleth continued.
"Do you remember when you asked me about my father?"
"Yes, and I did not want to press further after seeing your reactions. You don't need to force yourself if you are not comfortable, kid."
"It's alright, Jeralt! You deserve to know it after everything we've been through." The sadness in Byleth's voice was almost palpable as he spoke of his father for the first time in years.
Jeralt swallowed heavily, "So, where is he now?"
"He was gone." His voice was monotone and empty of feeling as he uttered the painful truth aloud.
"My condolence." Jeralt placed a comforting hand on Byleth's shoulder as he nodded subtly. An awkward silence hung between them until Jeralt decided to break the ice.
"What was he like?"
Byleth smiled sadly as memories came flooding back to him; though most of them were hazy and distant, "I don't remember much about him but I'm sure he was a strong fighter- always breaking his enemies' blade in every battle."
"Really? And here I thought I was the only Blade Breaker. He would have made a fine opponent then." Jeralt said jokingly, trying to lift the mood as Byleth replied with a small smile.
"If things were different, perhaps I would have introduced my parents to you. I can guarantee you two will get along very well."
"And how will that turn out?"
Byleth stared into the lake, ignoring the fish that swam away after eating his bait. "You two will become drinking buddies while I try to clean up the aftermath - not that there'll be much of one after your brawls," Byleth forced a laugh as he imagined it. "Then my mother and Bylass will have nice tea parties while we sit back and suffer through her teasing just like how she normally is - which I'm sure she'd enjoy thoroughly."
"Every mother would love to meet her daughter-in-law, wouldn't they?" Jeralt smiled teasingly as Byleth was flushed with embarrassment.
"We are not like that," Byleth said timidly, unsure whether to believe his own words.
"Whatever you say, kid. I can't deny how much your presence has brightened up Bylass' life since you made that garden for her. I've never seen her smiling that brightly; not even once before you came."
"I believe she told you then?"
"Indeed. Though I'm surprised at your choice of the flowers you picked for her. May I ask why?" Jeralt inquired curiously.
"It was my mother's favorite flower. She always adored it when my father gave it to her." Byleth said nostalgically as he thought about the dream. Unbeknownst to him, Jeralt widened his eyes in surprise before letting out a hearty laugh.
"What's so funny, Jeralt?" Byleth asked confusedly.
"Nothing. I just find it strange to know that all of us share so many similarities. Would you believe me if I said Valerian is Sitri's favorite one as well?"
"I did not expect that." Byleth stuttered." When I looked at those flowers, I just thought they looked calm in a sense."
"And that's what Sitri told me when I gave her those flowers. Talk about coincidences."
"That's pleasant to know, Jeralt." Byleth gave him a grateful nod." It must have been hard for you, raising Bylass without her mother by your side."
"I know." Jeralt trailed off as he thought about his wife." I won't deny that I'm still missing her even to this day, wondering what could have been if she were here. But that's not what she would have wanted me to do, and I believe you would agree with me. No matter where they are, I pray that Sitri and your parents will finally find peace in their afterlife." Byleth inclined, trying to hold back his tears.
"Thank you, Jeralt!" He whispered gratefully as Jeralt gave him a soft pat.
"It's alright, kid. We are family here, aren't we? By the way, I believe it's time for you to meet her then." Jeralt looked at the red sky which started to turn black.
"Then I shall take my leave now. I know my memory is still a mess, but I will try to let you know more about my past. It's only fair if I can do the same as you did for me."
"It's not a competition, kid. But I would love to hear more from you. Have a good evening, Byleth." Jeralt waved his hand as Byleth bid him farewell and started to depart. His presence was getting smaller until disappeared once he turned to the corridor, leaving Jeralt alone. With a smile still lingering on his face, he turned toward the lake as his eyes were staring into nothingness, whispering into thin air.
"Would you two be proud of him – the friends that I could never meet in this life?"