1st of Blue Sea Moon, 1180
"Welcome back, Professor, Byleth. It's good to see you return safe and sound."
"Thank you, Edelgard. Was everything alright while I was away?"
"Professor Manuela took over for a week while you were gone, so our studies weren't disrupted too much," Ferdinand explained.
"Unless she failed to show up after getting drunk the night before," Hubert said with a frown.
"That's a relief then. At least my sleep wasn't interrupted." Linhardt began to yawn.
"Everything seems fine then," Bylass said contently and Byleth gave an approving nod. However, the situation soon turned awkward as the Black Eagles were completely silent, and the duo knew where this conversation led.
"Professor, about that night..." Edelgard started to say, only to be cut off by Bylass who waved her hand dismissively.
"I know everyone here has a lot of questions, but I can explain that the circumstances were not ideal for us, so we had no choice but to go without a proper farewell. Besides, I didn't want anyone getting further involved in this." Her voice lingered with guilt.
"So why didn't you two say goodbye? After everything we'd gone through together?" Ferdinand's voice was not accusing but curious, yet it only made the duo feel more guilty.
"I knew that doing so would be unfair for you after all we'd been through, especially after the mission in Gaspard. And that's why we could not bother you any longer. Not after that whole charade in the Audience Room." Byleth explained tiredly, his eyes still avoided their gaze.
"But wasn't that what we signed up for?" Dorothea's voice caught their attention." Professor, didn't you say to us that as long as we stayed together, we would get through together no matter the obstacles?"
"That was different, the circumstance we were in was …"
"Professor! You and Byleth made an impossible achievement that none of us expected. It was thanks to your determination that we finished the task with minimum bloodshed. Moreover, you two also showed us that compassion was possible even in such a dire situation." Edelgard declared firmly, her posture radiating confidence.
"I'm glad you hold us in such a high regard, Edelgard. However, we are just mere mercenaries after all. It is us who don't deserve everyone here." Byleth sighed.
"But you decided to stay in the end. May I ask why?" Hubert questioned nonchalantly.
The duo suddenly widened their eyes and quickly averted their gaze, and a shade of pink surfaced on their cheeks.
"I believe that's the answer then" Edelgard smiled calmly, and the rest of the Black Eagles followed suit.
"So, you will stay with us?" Bernadetta inquired bashfully, and they responded with a light sigh.
"I guess that can't be helped then, we will stay here for a while until the end of the Rite of Rebirth. Thank you, Edelgard! Thank you, everyone! For everything!" Bylass replied.
"What are we going to do without our favorite parents then? Is that right, Edie?" Dorothea chucked which made Edelgard blush slightly.
"Now I think about it, you did call us Mother and Father, right Edelgard?" Bylass joined the fun and asked teasingly.
"It was only a spur of the moment, Professor. Forgive me for being such unprofessional as the House Leader."
"I must admit I was surprised to hear what you called them that night." Ferdinand added." It was a marvelous strategy, Edelgard. No matter why you are their favorite one."
"Ferdinand! For the last time, I'm not…"
"Daughter?" Bernadetta muttered to herself." Edelgard, daughter of the Demons? If she is the Princess, then they will be the Demon King and Queen. A fierce family. I must write it down!"
"Bernadetta, whatever thoughts are running through that head of yours, forget about it." Edelgard groaned which made Bernadetta freak out and hide behind Caspar.
"Nothing has changed then, right Professor?" Byleth gave Bylass a slight smile which she chuckled in response.
"Alright, that's enough. Anyway, it's time to start the lecture now." Bylass clapped her hands, catching the attention of the Black Eagles.
"I believe you will provide us more details about the rumored assassination plan then?" Edelgard asked.
"Correct. That's why …" Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door. As it opened, Bylass noticed a blue cape and some of the Blue Lions students walking in.
"We apologize for this interruption, Professor," Dimitri said timidly. "I hate to ask … but …"
"Manuela is indisposed right now and the boar here won't let us miss his lecture," Felix added with an irritated look on his face.
"It's Your Highness to you." Dedue corrected him sternly.
"Shut up, lapdog! I'll call him whatever I please," Felix spat out insults that caught both Byleth and Bylass off guard, though they still kept their composure.
"Well then..." Bylass cleared her throat, trying to move away from the awkward subject. "What exactly happened to Professor Manuela?"
"She passed out again after her 'messy' date last night," Annette explained. "It's been the third time in three months."
"I see," Bylass murmured thoughtfully as she tapped her chin with her fingers and looked over at Byleth, who gave her a subtle nod of understanding that left most of the students wondering what that meant.
"Byleth, if you may…" Bylass asked.
"I understand. Let's go wake Manuela up now." The students gaped in astonishment as Byleth and Bylass made their way out of the classroom.
"May I ask how exactly you intend to do that?" Dimitri stammered nervously.
"Just like with Jeralt and some of the mercenaries. A dip in the Monastery Lake should do the trick."
"Wait, wait, are you serious?" Ingrid gasped.
"It works every time." declared Byleth matter-of-factly as he turned to look at Bylass. "Let's grab a rope from my room before we head to Manuela's chamber."
"Rope?" Ashe asked incredulously." Professor, Byleth, though I know you two are experienced but that's not allowed here."
"But don't you want to miss your class today?" Bylass replied flatly.
"Yes," replied Dimitri resignedly, "and that's why we were coming to ask whether it would be possible for us to join the lecture today; moreover, Seteth will not take kindly to finding out his colleague was thrown into the lake."
"That is a sound point," said Bylass thoughtfully. "Agreed then; yes, come join us today; there are seats available over there if more space is needed." The Blue Lions rushed off to find seats while the Black Eagles made some room for their new classmates.
"A rope and a lake." Hubert let out a dry chuckle as he tried to hold back his laugh.
"That's a bit unprofessional if I may be frank," Ferdinand whispered.
"You'd better watch out, Lin. Or they will do so when you sleep again." Dorothea chuckled.
"Please stop, Dorothea. You are just going to give them more ideas."
"Alright, enough chatting! Let the lecture begin!"
"It seems that we are sharing the same duty this time then?"
"Indeed, Dimitri. The Church has implemented extreme security measures due to the high threat levels. Although I'm not overly enthused about this idea, I expect each of you to remain vigilant over the next few weeks and alert a Knight or myself should any danger arise."
Edelgard raised her hand.
"What are your orders for our patrol, Professor?"
"I will pair each of you based on your capabilities and this will be your team until the end of this month. Edelgard and Hubert, you will take care of the North. Ferdinand, I want you and Linhardt to check the stable. Caspar, you and Bernadetta will patrol the West. Dorothea and Petra, I know it's unlikely but make sure to watch out for any suspects in the marketplace."
"And what about us, Professor?" Dimitri interjected.
"Since Professor Manuela is not here now I will inform her later and you can ask her for more information. Until then, stay alert."
"Or how about I join a beautiful lady like you to tackle this perilous mission? We can discuss education and … marriage on our patrol if you are interested." Sylvain winked, which made Bylass's eyes narrow.
"And you are?" Bylass asked warily.
"Sylvain. Sylvain Jose Gautier. It's a pleasure to see you again, Professor."
"Sylvain, could you please not embarrass us in front of our hosts here?" Ingrid scolded him sharply, giving him one of her signature glares.
"She is right. Sylvain, I told you that you could enjoy yourself at night but now we have an important assignment, and yet you still went out and wreaked havoc with ladies till morning." Dimitri added.
"So … A jerk?" Byleth spoke bluntly, making Felix roll his eyes in amusement.
"Ouch, my friend. Life would be meaningless without some fun now and then," Sylvain retorted smoothly. "I must say though, you have quite the look about you—perhaps, you can join me later and we can invite some girls for dinner. I'm sure many would be overjoyed to meet such a handsome man."
"He won't do any such thing!" Bylass replied with a chilling voice that made Sylvain shudder for a moment. While most of the Blue Lions were lost as to what was going on, Dimitri and the Black Eagles rolled their eyes and sighed resignedly, knowing full well where this was headed.
"Bylass, I know you understand that I've never taken interest in such a thing but aren't you taking it a little bit seriously? There is no rule against having dinner with students of another class." Byleth scratched his head.
Sylvain relaxed and put on a mischievous smirk. "So, you're joining us for dinner then?"
"Invite him again and you'll be spending quite a bit of time with Captain Jeralt."The professor's eyes glinted with fury as she glared at him. " As for your answer, Byleth. Yes, there is nothing wrong with making new friends, but I forbid you from sinking to such a level as him. As your professor and partner, it is my responsibility to make sure you stay on the right path." Bylass replied without dropping a beat.
"Stay on the right path? Is he getting lost?"
"No, Petra. Our professor is just a bit jealous now. Can't blame her as Sylvain tried to have Byleth go have fun with other girls." Dorothea snickered softly.
"Somehow you remind me of Jeralt how he was frowning when I was close to you after we knew each other." Byleth sighed. "I can take care of myself, so no need to worry, sis." He jokingly emphasized the last word which made Bylass widen her eyes before turning into a hurt look.
"So, after all this time, is that all I am to you? Just your sister?" She hesitantly muttered, averting his gaze which he was still unaware of.
"Oops, major rejection right there." Sylvain sarcastically grinned at the situation, which made Dimitri give him a disapproving look. "I thought you were joking about how the famous duo of the Black Eagles behaved, but this looks truly entertaining Your Highness."
"Believe me when I say this is just half of what we've experienced during our stay with the Black Eagles! Smart Byleth might be, but he is clueless when it comes to the Professor's feelings. Even Caspar could see the obvious crush on her "partner" Dimitri chuckled.
"Hey, Dimitri. What does that mean?"
"Calm down, Caspar - I'm sure His Highness was merely teasing around. Plus, it looks like both house leaders are finally starting to agree on something!"
"Dorothea… Please stop," Edelgard whispered as she rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"What happened?"
"Your Highness, do you remember what Edie did to prevent them from leaving on that night?" Dorothea coyly mimicked Edelgard's voice." We need you. We need both of you. Mother. Father."
"That's right. I recall it now. I didn't expect you to say something like that at such a pressing moment. I'm glad things worked out for you in the end." Dimitri replied with a slight nod.
"It was nothing, Dimitri. Though I am grateful for your help in convincing them to stay. On behalf of the Black Eagles, thank you," Edelgard said dismissively, trying to steer the conversation away.
"But may I ask what spurred you to call them like that?" Dimitri inquired curiously.
Edelgard's cheeks flushed a brilliant crimson as she retorted "I have no obligation to answer that question."
"See Edie, even our friend from the Blue Lions can see it too. You don't have to deny it any longer."
"This is a waste of time," Felix growled with frustration. "I thought we were supposed to be studying right now, not wasting our breaths on nonsense conversations. I should have gone to the Training Field instead!"
"Don't worry. That's what we are going to do once our lecture is finished." The students were taken aback when they heard Bylass's response - her expression turning into a menacing frown as she glanced over at Byleth before addressing them again.
"Given this rare joint class, why don't we have a friendly spar between our two classes? It will serve as an ideal opportunity to test your skills after the mock battle. If that's fine with you, Dimitri."
"It's alright, Professor. I see there is no harm in accepting such a friendly exercise so we will join you after this lecture."
"But isn't there an imbalance between both our respective classes?" Annette raised her hand timidly.
"It's true. It might be hard to believe, but the Professor and Byleth can take on everyone in the Black Eagles with Your Highness and myself. A fair match it is not." Ashe explained hesitantly.
"Do not fret. I have considered this. Byleth, you will join the Blue Lions later if that pleases you."
Byleth nodded in agreement. "Very well then. It has been a while since we have sparred together. Shall we use the same rules?"
"First one to draw blood loses. I look forward to it my student!" Bylass grinned mischievously at Byleth.
"Are they taking this too seriously?" Mercedes asked with a friendly smile, yet a small hint of concern was in her voice.
"Don't worry about it too much. You will get used to it eventually. I'm Dorothea, it's a pleasure to see you."
"The professor and her partner are quite a work of wonders, aren't they? Though I wonder how long this moment will last?" Hubert murmured under his breath, yet a hint of trepidation in his words. Edelgard's narrowed eyes echoed Hubert's sentiment as she softly uttered,
"Yes, Hubert. I wonder."
"Dimitri, I need you to counter Edelgard before she can reach our mages! Felix, don't go after the Professor on your own." Byleth shouted as he gracefully evaded an arrow from Bernadetta.
"Say whatever you like mercenary!" Felix snarled as he darted off into battle.
"Sylvain, enough with seducing my classmates!" Byleth bellowed as he wove through Hubert's miasma.
"Chill out, just making conversation here." Sylvain then turned back to Dorothea and flashed her a debonair smile despite a slight hint of disgust in her eyes. "So, shall we take a romantic stroll around town and have dinner together, my beautiful flower?"
"Byleth, permission to kill?" Dorothea joked as Sylvain roared with laughter.
"Now, now, your wit is as sharp as your beauty, Dorothea. Besides, I believe that he won't…"
"Go ahead Dorothea, he's all yours!" Byleth hastily responded and moved on to his next target, leaving Sylvain speechless and terrified.
Despite taking the role of Blue Lion's "professor" only for half an hour, Byleth felt like his headache was getting worse with each second. He had already met Dimitri, Ashe, and Dedue - though he knew Dedue only briefly - but barely knew Ingrid, Annette, and Mercedes. But the girls were friendly enough to welcome him and followed his orders well. That couldn't be said for Felix and Sylvain, however.
Minutes after the match began, Felix already ran on his own, ignoring his advice, and rushed to face Bylass, only to be driven back continuously. Meanwhile, Sylvain had been continuously flirting with most of his female friends, excluding Bylass as the red-haired student started to avoid her after the lecture. Yet, that still did not change the fact that Gautier's heir failed to slow the opponents' advance due to busy flirting with his classmates, which was why he had to take his place to disarm Petra instead.
"I must say, you have come to terms with your role quite quickly," Edelgard said as she lunged at him from behind, only to be blocked by his sword.
"And I start to regret doing this after calling out both Felix and Sylvain for the fifth time. You guys should have let me and Professor wake Manuela up instead." He groaned as Edelgard smiled.
"Well then, best of luck to you. Shall we carry on?" She readied her blade and took an aggressive stance, showing no signs of hesitation or fear.
"It seems our training was worth it after all. Show me what you can do, student." He retorted sarcastically and raised his sword in preparation for battle.
"With pleasure, professor."
As Edelgard plunged toward him, Byleth wielded his place with precision, each movement was calculated and efficient. Edelgard, on the other hand, brandished her sword with strength and determination.
Byleth struck first, a swift and precise slash aimed at Edelgard's side. The future empress parried with a powerful block, the clash of wooden swords ringing through the air. Edelgard countered with a series of quick strikes, forcing him to step back and defend.
The training swords danced in the air, a display of skill and agility. Byleth's movements were like flowing water, adapting seamlessly to Edelgard's relentless attacks. Edelgard, fueled by determination, pressed on with a combination of slashes and thrusts, aiming to break through his defenses.
But just when it seemed like Edelgard couldn't hold on any longer, Byleth stumbled backward. She saw an opening and seized it, ready to finish Byleth off with a final blow. Suddenly, Byleth raised his free hand and flung his sword towards her, making her duck out of the way just in time to dodge a fireball that had been aimed at her. The magical spell singed the ground where she had been standing before and she cursed under her breath as she felt the sting on her back from another near miss. Even though she was already defeated, Edelgard could feel the ache on her back settling in for hours.
"Nice job, Annette!" Byleth complimented the orange-haired Blue Lions as she smiled shyly.
"You're welcome! I'm just following your orders, Byleth. Is it alright if I call you by your name?" Panic swept across her face as she said that, making him chuckle slightly.
"It's alright. Just like Dimitri said, we are equal here, aren't we? I'm counting on you, my friend." His voice was blooming with encouragement as a friendly grin stretched over her lips in response.
Instantly, Bylass leaped from his shoulders and flew at Annette with a loud whoosh. Both of them were surprised by the sudden movement and Annette tried desperately to concentrate on her magic but to no avail. Instead of plunging directly at her, the Professor landed on the ground just a meter away from the Blue Lion and knocked her off balance with a sweeping kick.
Glancing around the training ground, Byleth could see that most of the students had already been defeated and were now watching him duel from the sidelines. Felix looked irritated as Mercedes healed his bruises; Caspar was complaining something to Linhardt who was covering his ears and yawning in response; Hubert was glaring menacingly at Byleth until Edelgard interrupted him, yet he still kept his eye on him intently.
"It appears it's only us two now." Bylass's voice interrupted his thoughts as he moved back at her.
"I see someone is eager for this. Looks like being the Professor doesn't change your hunger for victory, does it?"
"You've known me well, my friend. Are we still applying the old rules for the penalty?"
"The loser must do whatever the winner commands. Though I will refuse it instantly if it is anything like our last "exploration"." He glared at her while she chuckled in response
"Said the one who always agreed in the end. Now tell me, my student - are you ready?
"Come, then. Professor!"
The training grounds at Garreg Mach Monastery were bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun as Byleth and Bylass clash their swords together, the wooden swords clanging loudly as sparks fly. The clash of their practice swords echoed across the training grounds, a harmonious yet intense melody of combat. The sparring match unfolded with a series of rapid exchanges—each block, parry, and counter adding to the ebb and flow of the duel.
The students watched in awe as the duel unfolded, the combatants evenly matched in skill and determination. Byleth's expression remained impassive, a mask that betrayed none of his thoughts, while Bylass wore a determined smirk, her eyes glinting with a fierce determination. The Training Field became a stage for their prowess, a battleground where the clash of swords symbolized the eternal struggle between duty and desire.
As the duel continued, the combatants seamlessly shifted from offense to defense, each anticipating the other's moves. The dance of their blades became a mesmerizing display of skill, leaving the spectators entranced by the ebb and flow of the battle. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows that danced with the movements of the dueling pair.
It was in the waning moments of the duel that the true test of their abilities emerged. Byleth, known for his unyielding resolve and strategic mind, pressed forward with a flurry of strikes that would have overwhelmed a lesser opponent. Bylass, however, met each blow with fluid grace, her sword a whirlwind of counterattacks.
The spectators held their breath as the clash reached its zenith. The Training Field seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the inevitable conclusion. But in a surprising twist, the duel reached a sudden and unexpected stalemate. Both combatants stood locked in a precarious balance, their swords crossed in a deadlock until Byleth suddenly knocked the blades out of their hands and caught her by her neck with his arm, which left them mere inches from each other's faces as they fell to the ground.
Time seemed to stand still as the combatants stared into each other's eyes. Byleth's steely gaze met Bylass's fiery determination, and for a fleeting moment, the world around them disappeared. The onlookers were forgotten. The Training Field is irrelevant. There were only the two of them, bound by the invisible thread of destiny that had woven their fates together.
In that moment of stillness, he felt a stirring in his chest as their eyes met and held each other's gaze. It was nothing like he had ever experienced before – not even during their most playful moments together. Her lips were so inviting, but he hesitated; what if this wasn't what she wanted? What if it wasn't what he wanted either?
To his surprise, Bylass closed her eyes and waited for something. At that moment, time seemed to stand still as they were both lost in their thoughts. With each passing second, his doubts grew stronger, but his heart also beat faster as their faces drew ever closer.
"If you are going to do that, I suggest taking it somewhere more secluded." Felix's irritated voice beamed as they regained their composure despite blushing intensely.
"Jeez, Felix. You don't have to interrupt such a beautiful moment, you know." Sylvain said cheerfully which Felix replied with a scoff.
"My, my, I did not you and he were …" Mercedes trailed off in surprise.
"See what I said? Our parents treasure each other, don't they?"
Dimitri began to whisper nostalgically, "Do you remember our first meeting with them at Remire?"
Edelgard sighed softly before replying neutrally, "For once, I must admit Claude was right."
"Anyway, we are even then." Bylass coughed awkwardly, trying to steer the topic away.
"Right." Byleth nodded neutrally, though there was a small blush on his face.
"That was an incredible fight, professor. The way you swing your swords, the way you dodge. It looks like a beautiful dance." Ferdinand complimented.
"Well, we have been training together for more than two years now...Though it has been a while since we've done ever since coming to the Monastery."
"Though, I'm surprised that Byleth seems experienced when he takes the role as our instructor." Dimitri's eyes lit up in admiration as he added in awe.
"That's right, your Highness. From managing our manpower and allocating the right units, it's like he had done this before. Though a certain someone did not seem to care at all." Ingrid glared.
"Don't look at me, Ingrid." Sylvain raised his hands in surrender." What about Felix? He always runs on his own to after the Professor."
"Don't drag me into this." Felix scowled.
"Back to our topic." Dimitri interrupted. " Professor, did you teach Byleth everything he knows about strategy?"
Bylass replied casually."Believe it or not, it was Byleth who taught me the strategies." The class collectively gasped in shock.
"Wait, is that true, Professor?"
"Yes. What is a big deal, Ferdinand?"
"Of course not. But then why wasn't Byleth given the same position as you?" Edelgard chimed in, her curiosity piqued.
Byleth spoke up before Bylass could answer. "The archbishop and adviser have never been fans of mine since our first meeting. It's a miracle I've even remained here this long."
Ashe looked down at his feet with guilt written all over his face. "I'm sorry Professor, Byleth. If it weren't for me..."
"We've already talked about this, Ashe. Whatever happened on that day, it was our decision alone and we chose to follow it to the end without any regret. But are you alright now, Ashe?" Byleth asked with concern.
"I'm fine. I'm just frustrated with how little I could do." Ashe sighed." I know he was trying to protect me, but he never really told me anything. In the end, I don't think I understand his feelings at all."
"But we did save all of the villagers, didn't we?" Bylass's voice caught his attention." Though I wish for a better outcome, we did what all we could and that was more than enough."
"But still, if I weren't so caught up in my ideals, I would not turn a blind eye to his sadness, his hatred. I'm far from being a knighthood, aren't I?"
"Perhaps, perhaps not. Knowing someone well doesn't mean you know how they feel." Felix's voice beamed, catching their attention." To know someone's sorrow and turn blindly toward it… That is an act of a fool."
"Felix…" Dimitri sighed.
"But pursuing your ideals is not foolish at all."
"But I thought you said…"
"I said to be moderate in your passion… Not to abandon your ideals. It's okay to be who you are." Felix finalized confidently, which made most of the Blue Lions widen their eyes.
"Hey, Byleth. I think you found your long-lost brother." Bylass whispered teasingly.
"Last I recall I do not directly challenge you or give verbal insults like that." Byleth countered.
"Since we are talking about the latest mission, could you please enlighten me on something?" Felix asked bluntly.
"Sure, what do want to know?" Byleth replied neutrally.
"I've heard stories about your monstrous cruelty after you defeated your enemies!" Byleth's eyes started to narrow and Bylass did the same." Many rumors have been told about the destruction that follows in your footsteps. So, tell me, was it true? Were you as ruthless as they said?"
"That's quite rude to ask, you know." Edelgard scoffed with a deep frown.
"I'm sorry, Byleth. He's always been like this, but he doesn't mean to offend you. I will make him learn some manners and apologize after this." Dimitri bowed out of respect which Byleth waved off humbly.
"It is alright, Dimitri. Felix, was it? You must forgive me for not answering right away; these rumors have been circulating for some time now. And to answer your question; yes, I can be quite violent in certain circumstances."
"And what could drive you to such atrocities? Do you simply relish in bloodshed?" Felix asked skeptically.
"That's enough. Say one more word and I will…" Bylass began to threaten before Byleth cut her off with a knowing look.
"You may not believe me, but after countless battles and witnessing lives lost along the way, I've come to a realization - honor has no meaning in this world of tyranny that preys on the vulnerable. How many fathers will lose their daughters if we bend the principles of honor? How many lives will be lost to those monsters if we're afraid to do something different? That's why I chose the most difficult decision of my life - instill fear in my enemies by any means necessary.
"But does that excuse the slaughtering? Is your thirst for blood your only justification?"
"Think whatever you like. But I won't stand idly by as these monsters rip families apart. Never again." Byleth boomed suddenly, causing Felix and those gathered around them to jump in surprise.
"Is this why you disobeyed orders from the Archbishop and the Knights of Seiros? To protect rebels you barely know?" His voice was calmer now, tinged with curiosity.
"Everything I said when Lonato drew his last breath was truth," Byleth answered definitively. "If this world truly desires a Demon, then let it have one. I refuse to put away my sword while there are still those oppressed and people important to me in danger, no matter the cost."
Byleth's declaration hung heavily in the air as all eyes turned to them. Dimitri and Ashe offered Byleth a look of understanding, while the Blue Lions stared in shock. Felix's usually hard expression softened and his brow furrowed in what appeared to be deep contemplation. The Black Eagles glanced nervously at Byleth, worried he would suddenly fly off the handle as he sometimes did when overwhelmed by emotion. Meanwhile, Hubert and Edelgard were glancing at Byleth with a glee of interest in their eyes which the latter did not seem to hide. After what felt like ages, Felix finally broke the silence, laughing softly with an edge of tenderness in his voice.
"It seems we are not different after all. At least you are not one of those who romanticize blind obedience and the glory of death."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Byleth replied cooly.
"And it seems to explain why it drives you to be so strong given how you fight. I'm looking forward to crossing blades with you soon."
Byleth sighed. "First me, and now him. I should probably speak to Manuela later about this..."
"I'm sorry, Professor. I promise I will do something about this." Dimitri nodded apologetically.
"It's alright, Dimitri. Looks like class is finished now so I bid you farewell. Until then, stay safe." Bylass waved her hand dismissively.
"Before we left, there is something I would like to add, professor." Hubert suddenly raised his hand.
"What would you like to say, Hubert?"
"Don't you think this assassination plot is more than a little suspicious?" Hubert said slowly, making sure every student was taking in his words.
"I believe you want to say it's a distraction then," Bylass replied confidently and Hubert gave her a nod.
"A barely concealed message, trying to distract us from whatever's going on. Sloppy to say the least." Edelgard added." And while everyone is out searching for a phantom assassin, they'll be free to achieve whatever their true goal is."
"Maybe they're after the treasure vault. There's also lots of valuable stuff in the library and Professor Hanneman's quarters." Annette said.
"True. The monastery undoubtedly houses many weapons that rival even the Heroes' Relics."
"So instead of hunting for an assassin, what we should be looking for is evidence of their real goals, correct?" Byleth tapped his chin.
"Yes, and we should be prepared to fight them as well if it comes to that. Though, due to what the Professor said earlier, we will contact her, or any Knights should it come to that." Dimitri added.
"That should work then. Thanks for your insights, Hubert." Bylass complimented and he nodded.
"When Felix mentioned Heroes' Relics, are they the same as the Thunderbrand that Catherine wields?" Byleth asked.
"Precisely. The Relics are distributed amongst the descendants of the Ten Elites - and I will receive mine once I am crowned King." Dimitri clarified.
"What about the Sword of the Creator then?" Bylass asked which surprised everyone." Has there any descendant of Nemesis claimed it yet?"
"Not that I've heard of, but I would be delighted to meet a descendant of the King of Liberation himself." Edelgard suddenly said with enthusiasm.
"But weren't Nemesis and the Ten Elites corrupted by the power they wielded that drove them to commit many atrocities during the war?" Byleth asked with confusion.
"Indeed, but in the end, they are still descendants of the heroes who fought against the Wicked Gods and brought peace to what became Fodlan. Though the whereabout of the Sword of the Creator became unknown after the battle of Tailtean Plains."
Linhardt yawned as he added, "Even with his powerful sword and might, he couldn't defeat Seiros - though I'd like to study his Crest if such an individual appears."
"At least get their permission first, Linhardt." Edelgard sighed.
"But you seem talkative today, Byleth. Did you suddenly take an interest in history?" Bylass turned towards Byleth curiously
"Maybe…but there's just something familiar every time those names come up. It's almost like I've met them before." Byleth trailed off, unable to explain properly.
"Hey, are you okay in the head? It's still early now." Felix said bluntly.
Dimitri added, ignoring Felix's comment." I know this might not work given you're having amnesia, but, is there any recollection of when you last heard those names? Any clue at all?"
Just before Byleth could explain, a sharp pain surged through him as he let out an agonized cry. Memories of a battle flooded his mind, and he saw an all-too-familiar sight: the capital consumed in raging flames. Yet something was different this time - in the middle of it all, wearing a cape with black armor was a man with green hair and eyes. He knelt on the ground, tears streaming from his face, seemingly inconsolable by the victorious cheers of his comrades. Despite the odd colors of the hair and eyes, Byleth was shocked to the core as his brain gears started to process. There was no mistake... that was him.
Millions of questions started to flood his mind. How did he get those appearances? What was happening here? And most importantly, why was he crying despite his comrades' cheering voices? He heard someone proclaim, "Glory to the Empire," yet the words only stoked confusion. Questions tumbled through his mind, but no answers were forthcoming, leaving him dumbfounded by the sight before him. Until he started to his "past" cry.
"Seiros… Nemesis…" The words were filled with a seething uncontrollable rage, as "Byleth" snarled like a wounded animal.
"Fodlan… Fate…" His fists contorted and clenched until his hands turned white, the anger boiling inside him like a cauldron of scalding hot magma. He threw out his arms and slammed them on the ground, while rocks shattered beneath his power.
"I'm sick of all of this!"