chapter 4 choosing a house
Byleth had no idea who to choose. All three of the leaders had promise, as did the students from Konoha. He looked over their skills, strengths, and weaknesses. He decided he would visit the one he was least interested in teaching first to see if he would change his mind.
He went to Dimitri because he had the least interest in him, not because he had anything against him but rather, because of his first impression on him. However, he was hoping to change his mind. "So you came to see me first, what questions do you have?" Dimitri asked him. "I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about yourself? What you feel comfortable sharing, I mean." He truly wanted to know if it was his instinct that was right. "Well, you know I'm the next in line to be King. I doubt that's what you're asking, what. I value more than anything is honor and integrity. I can't trust someone who is dishonest or has no regard for taking lives." He liked that answer; he was heavily considering Dimitri, but he had to hear out the other students first. He looked at the other students, and two of them caught his eye: Ingrid and Sasuke.
"Thank you for taking your time"Dimitri said as he left he went to talk to the other Blue Lions students. He wanted to know what to expect if he should choose this class. He saw Ingrid sparring with Naruto. They looked like they were really enjoying Felix watching with interest. Annette and Mercedes along with a red-haired boy named Sylvain. He was intrigued by both of their skills Naruto despite his appearance was far more capable of a fighter than what his grades say he was definitely interested in teaching him. Ingrid was also a skilled warrior though he noticed a lot of weaknesses in her techniques. At the end though she did win their exchange. "Damn it I lost again Ingrid Chan" Naruto said faking frustration.
"It's not shocking that you lost. You have Kakashi sensei as your professor, but you still can't win. You should give up while you're ahead." The way Sakura said it made Ingrid irritated with Sakura. "At least Naruto is training. What the hell are you doing besides being a cheerleader for Sasuke?" Ingrid defended her friend. "There's nothing special about you. I could beat you with my hands tied behind my back." Sakura challenged.
"You shouldn't challenge anyone unless you can back it up; otherwise, it's nothing more than baseless boasting." Byleth said, scolding her. "I didn't ask for your input."
Sakura said rudely, "Yeah, Sakura. If you're actually going to challenge me, you better actually back up what you have to say with something other than empty words." Ingrid said, irritated by Sakura's ignorant comment. "Don't need to prove myself to you." Sakura said arrogantly. he could tell that her peers were on the verge of losing their patience with her she is not someone he wants to deal with if he ever had to deal with her he would not allow her to disrespect her classmates.
"How typical Sakura challenging someone only to back out knowing you can't win", a blonde-haired girl named Ino who was accompanied by a silver-haired girl named Lysithea who looked like they were from the Golden Deer. "Shut up, Ino pig" Sakura said insultingly. "This girl is as useless as everyone says, perhaps she would be good for a meeting shield in battle." Lysithea smiled as she insulted her from what he gathered; this was something she had done a lot. "Useless says the girl" before she could finish Annette looked at her with pure annoyance. "One more word, Sakura, and I'll make it so you won't be able to go to class for a week because of how awful your hair will look. Do I make myself clear?"Sakura gulped at Annette's threat. She stormed off embarrassed.
For what he got there from the personalities of the blue lions and golden deer students, they were intriguing, but four of them in particular caught his eye: Ingrid, Annette, Naruto, and Lysithea. From what he had researched about them, they all showed promise. He saw the raven-haired boy get up and he looked at him. He was Sasuke Uchiha. "So you want to check all of our houses out?" asked Sasuke. "I would gladly love to spar." He stepped forward into the dueling ring and they offered him a wooden sword, just like Sasuke has. He could see in this boy's eyes just how determined he was. "I want to see what the legendary Ashen Demon is made of." He didn't have much of an idea about the boy's skills, but he knew not to underestimate him.
Byleth got a wooden sword from Sasuke and they got into a fighting stance. He let Sasuke make the first move. He was fast, he definitely had skill but he saw a lot of openings in his opponent's weaknesses that could easily be exploited by more experienced swordsman. He blocked every blow and as soon as the match started, it ended. "Not bad, but you leave too many openings that could be exploited easily. You need to practice more." Byleth showed every one of his moves that left him open, which shocked all the students and how easy he was able to replicate Sasuke's fighting style."You live up to your reputation. It'd be a shame if you didn't join our class. I would benefit greatly from your training." said Sasuke, impressed with his skills.
He bid farewell to the blue Lions students he had other people he had to meet the next person on his list was Claude.
Byleth approached Claude; he wanted to ask some questions in order to gauge if you were going to teach the Golden Deer. "So you come to join our class, so what questions do you have? What secrets do you want to unravel? Oh wait I'm sorry you're going to have to join my class for me to reveal that." He said with his trademark smile. "I would just like to know what you're all about and what your goals are."
He asked him if he wanted to know what Claude's agenda was.
"I guess I can tell you a little bit. I wish one day to help break down the barriers between lands so that people all over the world can get along and be able to see each other's past cultural differences."
He was interested and intrigued, but he felt like I hadn't told him enough. As much as he would like to, Dimitri give him any more information than Claude, who seemed more guarded than he appeared.
"If you would like to talk to the other golden deer and they can tell you what this house is about, don't rush. Take your time."
Claude spoke in an inviting manner.
Byleth wasn't sure what to think of Claude at first. He seemed like a charming person, but there was something hidden beneath the surface. He wasn't sure if he could trust him, but he knew that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. From what he had read in her file, he was impressed with Lysithea's skills. However, that was all he knew about her. He had seen the other students in the Golden Deer class, but none of them stood out to him. Except for Naruto and Shikamaru. He couldn't find a girl who is named Marianne anywhere, but of all the students he talked to, he was only interested in one of them because of her raw talent.
He looked at a girl with orange hair who was training fiercely with a spear from what he read in her dossier; her name was Leonie. He was impressed by her ability. There was nothing about her that he read that was particularly interesting and seeing her in action was far more informative than anything he read. Who wrote these dossiers?
He wondered. "So you're looking around to see which house to join?" asked Leonie.
"I'm impressed by your skill, but you leave a lot of openings in your technique. Let me show you what you do that leaves openings." Byleth showed her his technique. She was impressed by his skill. " You remind me of someone? You wouldn't be part of Jeralt's mercenary band, wouldn't you?" she asked him curiously.
"Yes, he's my father." He answered, like it was the most simple thing to answer. The girl looked shocked. "He never said anything about having a kid." She said, not believing him. "Jeralt is my father." He insisted. "What kind of person doesn't call his own father 'dad' but by his name?" She said, feeling offended. "I'm telling the truth." He said, on the verge of losing his patience. "Relax, kid." Said his father, who chimed in. "Is he really your son?" She asked him. "Yeah. I didn't quite tell anyone I had a kid." His father admitted. "Oh, I'm sorry." She said, apologetically. "It's okay; no hard feelings." Byleth let the matter drop; he didn't think it was a big deal.
"Oh, so you're the mercenary who's considering joining our class? I guess you already know my name; it's Naruto Uzumaki. I'm going to be the Hokage someday, believe it!" He smiled in a manner that was extremely friendly. "I saw your sparring with Ingrid earlier. You have a lot of holes in your technique. I can give you some pointers on how to improve." There was more to Naruto than met the eye.
"I doubt you can teach me chakra control or anything to improve my techniques in the fighting style that I'm already using" he had no idea what this chakra was. If he studies it, he was pretty sure he could give some pointers. "I can still help you even though you leave too many openings when you fight. You should focus on improving your defense like this" he demonstrated when he told Naruto to attack him.
He quickly disarmed him, which surprised everyone. "Wow! So, just focus on my taijutsu and improve my defensive techniques. Thanks, Byleth! I think I'm going to really like you, even if you're not part of my class." There's something about Naruto; he sensed that one day he would be someone important. He didn't know why.
He looked at the other members of The Golden Deer in the dossier, talking with them. It was difficult for him not to choose the Golden Deer House, even though they didn't seem like much at first glance. They all had potential, damn it! One student stood out to him the most, but he couldn't find her anywhere.
"If you're looking for Marianne, she's not here; she's in the stables." He turned around and saw a pink-haired girl with pigtails, who was accompanied by a blonde-haired girl. "And you must be Hilda, right? And you must be Ino?" Some of these names from foreign lands were strange to him. They smiled politely. "Yeah, it's quite a shame if you didn't join our class. You're pretty handsome." Said the blonde girl. "You say that about every guy you see." Hilda said playfully.
"It's not my fault so many guys are in this school I mean damn it's almost not fair now Dimitri what a hunk of a man he is"Hilda rolled her eyes."thank you for telling me I'd like to meet her"I think the two girls and left them where they were.
Marianne heard of a new person who was looking into joining any of the three houses she didn't want to be near anyone she didn't want to curse them with her misfortune. She noticed a new horse in the stables, he was conversing with Dote to, smiling that her friend had someone else to talk to besides her. "Why am I not with the others? I don't want to burden them." She said to her friend. "She really wishes she could make friends. Hinata offered her friendship. She is afraid what if by being her friend she curses her?
"You think I should be with my classmates too?"she asked it the horse that was conversing with Dote."I don't know it's just so much easier talking to animals than people."she heard footsteps and saw a blue haired man who looked at her with fascination.
"I agree animals are simpler creatures to talk to, they're not judgmental and they listen without judgment. Sora listens to me regardless of what I'm saying when I'm feeling sad. I never knew there was another soul that understood animals like me. It feels lonely to be honest; I thought I was the only one."
The way he said it, it was with melancholy; she felt her heart beating rapidly.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to intrude." Marianne interjected quickly.
"You didn't intrude; just; I didn't expect to ever find someone else that could understand animals like I can. I feel less lonely knowing that now." This was the longest she's ever spoken to anyone besides Hinata and Hilda.
"Oh, how rude of me! My name is Byleth. I was hoping to meet all the students of the Golden Deer before I moved on to the Black Eagles."
She already met all the students. Marianne felt she couldn't describe it. Her cheeks were red; something about him drew him to her. She disregarded that thought immediately, no, the idea is absurd.
If it isn't too much trouble, what is your name, my lady? He said politely as he could. She knew he wasn't used to conversing with people so much like her. "Marianne," she heard him say her name over and over again.
"I won't forget a name such as yours. I hope we get to be in the same class." He said awkwardly.
"I hope so too Byleth"Marianne said hopefully he turned his back Marianne if she was able to see would know that his cheeks were red just like hers.
Byleth was going to the last house he was likely to teach the Black Eagles; he looked at all the students, each showing promise. In fact, all the students of every house showed promise. It was difficult to decide. He conversed with each student individually, just as he did with the other houses, just to make sure no stone was left unturned. All the students in the class also showed promise, like the others. He didn't want to repeat himself and he had difficulty choosing who would make or break it for him. The class leader and the representative from Konoha would be crucial.
He saw a girl with long blue hair he met her alongside the other Lords she was speaking to a brown haired girl who was Dorothea alongside a purple haired girl named Bernadetta he decided to listen on the conversation rather than speak to them that way it would be a way for him to get to know them without asking them.
"It's quite a shame that Naruto isn't in our class; he's quite a handsome man."
Dorothea said, knowing that it would make Hinata's cheeks turn pink.
"Please don't tease me about this, Dorothea-san." Hinata asked respectfully, hoping to stop.
"I'm sorry; I just can't help pointing it out. You're so cute when you blush, Hinaa!"
Hinata didn't know why she had this effect on her.
"I don't think you should be teasing her about something like that," Bernadetta said to her, knowing her discomfort.
"It's okay, Bernadetta. I don't think Dorothea means anything by it. I just…" Hinata wanted to go to Naruto, but Marianne told her a few months ago that Naruto found her cute and beautiful. However, she didn't have the courage to go to Naruto and tell him how she felt.
"Dorothea, there are some boundaries you need to learn not to cross, and Hinata's feelings towards Naruto are one of them." Part of her was grateful that Edelgard stepped in to prevent this conversation from progressing further."Oh, come on! I wouldn't do anything malicious to our dear Hinaa." Edelgard rolled her eyes.
"Either I'm imagining things or someone is watching us." Bernadetta said, looking at the man who had saved her and her friends a few days ago.
"Are you here to look at which class to join?" asked Edelgard.
"Yes, I was hoping to at least speak with everyone from each class before leaving. I've spoken to the other members from Konoha and the Black Eagles, but you four are the last ones I haven't yet spoken to." The kind of presence Hinata saw in the mercenary named Byleth she couldn't put her finger on; there was something otherworldly about him.
"Be free to ask any of us any questions; we can answer as well as our abilities allow." Said Dorothea, looking interested.
"Well, I was just wondering which class would be the best for me. I've spoken to the other leaders and the representatives from Konoha, and it's hard for me to decide which class I want to be part of. I figured Hinata and Edelgard could help me."
"Well he doesn't seem to be scary. I don't know if I'll be helpful. I'm sorry Hinata" Bernadetta apologized, feeling useless.
"Don't worry about it. You can still be helpful. You could speak your mind." Hinata encouraged.
"You have a pure heart, Hinata. I can see that you care greatly for others, but you're not too confident about yourself. That's a shame. From what I've seen, how you're able to dispatch your sparring partners here, you are quite skilled. Your confidence is your biggest hindrance." Byleth pointed out, seeing something that Hinata didn't feel comfortable with. He saw right through her, even more so than Edelgard. She felt like he knew her better than she knew herself at times. It felt strange to her.
"Thank you, Byleth San," Hinata said, genuinely meaning it. Then she noticed he was looking at Edelgard. She felt so insignificant compared to her that she wanted to excuse herself; she along with Dorothea and Bernadetta left, leaving the two of them alone.
Edelgard didn't know why, but she knew she had to make a good impression. Byleth could be a powerful ally or enemy if she isn't careful. She had to choose her words carefully; everything she said could potentially have dire consequences. If she wasn't successful, she knew he wasn't there to be a student; he was going to be one of the new professors. She suspected this out of all of the potential people, and she knew he was the best option for her goals. She couldn't afford to fail.
"I take it you have spoken to the other leaders of the other houses?" Edelgard asked Byleth.
"Yes, but I have a difficult time choosing which house is truly for me. I was hoping you could help me." This was a good sign. If he wasn't sure then that means she had a chance.
"What is it that you would like to know?" She asked him.
"What is it that you stand for? What are your values? I feel like I can't choose any house unless the values that I have match with the leader of each house. I want someone that will respect everyone regardless of ability. I need someone that can recognize and tell me when I'm doing something that's wrong or tell me something I need to hear. I need a leader and a student that is not afraid to question their teacher."
Edelgard was happy that she didn't have to lie; she could get this man to teach her house without being dishonest. She'd done a lot of things that people would consider dishonorable. At least she could be honest with this man."I agree I can see where you're coming from and I think people should be able to rise above their station to due their own hard work. I don't believe anyone should have their lives dictated based on what they're born with, where they were born, or what class they were born into. That's what I believe. If you believe it, I believe I think you would fit well here, Byleth. I hope. I've met your expectations." She was finished. She hoped she was successful at convincing him. Everything depended on this moment. He looked like he was in deep thought.
"Thank you, Edelgard. I'll take everything you said to heart when I make my decision."
He walked away from her; she didn't know if what she did was enough. She wouldn't find out until tomorrow - one way or the other. Something told her her fate would forever change, whatever choice is made today by Byleth. She didn't know why she had that strong feeling, but she did, and she didn't like it. She hated that fate wasn't in her control. No, she wouldn't think that way. She would take control of her fate, regardless of what his choice is.
She noticed Hubert was right behind her. "You heard everything?" asked Edelgard. "I heard everything, Lady Edelgard Byleth could be a powerful enemy; you know that I don't need to tell you." She knew exactly what he was implying. "Do not be hasty; we don't make a move until we know for sure." Hubert said something that Edelgard was hoping to learn something about. "Monica we know where she's located; we can save her, though it would be a huge risk." She understood completely what he was talking about her alliance with those in the shadows; it could be completely undone if they weren't careful; she didn't want to be in alliance with them but she couldn't break their alliance too soon, otherwise things could end badly. "Keep me posted about Monica; one way or another, we're going to make a move soon." Edelgard ordered; Hubert left her alone to her thoughts; she hoped her gamble paid off.
Hinata was walking around with her friends; she felt so inadequate compared to Edelgard, even Dorothea seemed to be better than she was, and everything.
"Come on, cheer up, Hinata! That man gave you praise—you deserve it! You don't give yourself enough credit." Dorothea pointed out they were near The Stables. Hinata felt at peace here; Marianne was here, and she knew Hinata wanted to talk to her to try to be her friend, but Hinata didn't want to overstep.
"We shouldn't be here; we should respect Marianne's space." Hinata said to Dorothea, shaking her head in disagreement. "That poor girl deserves a friend. You and Bernadetta are alike. You too can help each other. I know you're from different classes, but Hilda could only do so much ." Dorothea said, caring about Hinata's Marianne's well-being.
"Thank you, I just don't want to" Hinata didn't finish.
" Dorothea is right she could use a friend I mean you've been there for me since you joined our class Marianne can use a friend too you're kind Hinata you're not scary like a lot of the students are here you make me feel safe and comfortable" Bernadetta compliment meant a lot to Hinata they've been friends for only a few months they didn't talk about personal things really they just focus on school and just focused on doing things that normal girls in the monastery do. She hung out with Dorothea as well along with some of the other girls in other classes but the one she was able to connect to the most with was Marianne and Bernadetta they were so much like her in a different point in her life but in some ways they're different too.
"Thank you, Bernadetta! It means a lot. I just don't feel like I" She wasn't allowed to say anymore. Bernadetta gently pushed Hinata."Just talk to her. It can't be that hard." She knew they were both in on this . She took a deep breath. She was going to try again.
Marianne was thinking about the man who had come earlier. Something about him made her uneasy. He was the first person to truly understand her in a way that not even Hilda could. She doesn't know if he'll choose the class she's in, but part of her really wants to be in his class, even if he doesn't choose the Golden Deer. She heard footsteps behind her and turned around. It was Hinata, who she had driven her away months ago because of her fear of her Crest. She noticed there were two others behind her.
"It's been a while, Marianne San." said Hinata.
"Yeah, it has." There was an awkward silence.
"I don't want to overstep. I don't want to force the issue. I will respect it if you don't want to, but I would really like to be your friend. If you still don't want to after this, I'll keep my distance out of respect." She was sincere; Marianne didn't think she deserved such a friend. Hinata is way too kind.
"I want to be your friend too, it's just that I'm scared. I feel like if I'm your friend, I'll curse you and everyone around you." Hinata put her hands on hers.
"Nothing you do will cause me any misfortune, Marianne San. You're scared; I know what that's like. I was there once. I was afraid of making friends. I know what it's like to have this anxiety to want to hide. I know what that's like. I won't ask you to change who you are. That's not what I want. I just want to be your friend, and I will respect your decision if you want me to keep my distance."
Marianne wanted to cry. This girl was way too kind. She can see why Naruto likes her. She was everything she's not: beautiful, pure-hearted, honest.
"I would like that too, Hinata." The two girls stood there, and then she heard Dote.
"You're telling me I should go for it?" She asked her friend. The horse answered.
"I don't know how you do that, Marianne-san. I can't understand animals like you do. You're too hard on yourself. You have a pure heart, only someone who understands animals like you do could be someone who's truly pure. If anything, you're everything I'm not."
She didn't agree with Hinata, but she didn't want to argue with her. She was tired of being alone; she just wanted a friend. Hilda is her best friend, but she doesn't understand her in ways Hinata does.
"Me and Bernadetta are planning on having lunch with Dorothea. Would you like to join us?" Hinata asked her. A day ago, she would have said no, but the man she met today has changed things for her. She's still afraid of causing misfortune to others, but she's afraid of being alone even more. "If it's not too much trouble, yes." She took Hinata's hand and left, and for the first time, she smiled.
Annette was getting annoyed with Sasuke, he was always looking at Mercedes, eyeing her almost every day, yet he wouldn't do anything; it had to stop. Her boyfriend, Felix, was getting irritated as well, along with Sylvain; even Dimitri was at his wit's end. "Sasuke, how long are you going to put this off?" asked Dimitri, now getting annoyed.
"You're acting just like Naruto! I mean, God! Just talk to her." said Felix irritated with Sasuke having cold feet.
"We have a work assignment we have to do. I can't just go around asking for a casual conversation."
Sasuke said, trying to come up with another excuse like he did yesterday and the day before that and the day before that.
"If I'm going to be honest with you, Sasuke, you're acting like a shy boy reluctant to talk to a pretty girl. Come on; it can't be that difficult." Sylvain said to his classmate.
"Sasuke, I've known Mercie for years; just talk to her. What are you afraid of?" She asked her friend. He took a deep breath; it was difficult for him to be open. She could tell whatever happened in his past made it difficult for him to connect with others. The fact that he was even willing to be around her and her boyfriend at all, along with her other friends, was a miracle.
"I don't know the first thing about talking to a girl", Sasuke admitted embarrassedly. The guys at the table laughed at such ridiculousness.
"Oh, come on, Sasuke! Grow some balls and just talk to her. Have a simple conversation about whatever. Stop getting cold feet; you're starting to remind me of Naruto, and it's pissing me off." said Felix, who had seen Naruto's reaction towards Hinata too many times to count and even Ingrid.
Rather than rebuking anything they said, Sasuke left the table and headed to the cathedral where Mercedes was headed.
"That might have been a little harsh," said Dimitri, not really sure if that was the right approach.
"Someone had to say it; it was driving me crazy, seeing him mope and basically simp for Mercedes. With any luck tomorrow, they'll be on speaking terms, and who knows? Maybe Sasuke and Mercedes will start dating in a few months. I mean, someone has to lighten up the emo kid from Konoha." remarked Sylvain.
Annette looks where Sasuke is headed and wishes her friend good luck. She resumes her chat with her friends before she studies for the night. She will know one way or another if Sasuke truly talked to Mercedes or if he caught cold feet like he has been doing for the past few months since seeing him. She will know one way or another if Sasuke truly did talk to Mercedes or if he caught cold feet like he has been doing for the past few months since laying eyes on him.
Sasuke was at the cathedral he couldn't help but admire it even though he had never been to anything resembling a church before he couldn't help but admire the architecture. The monastery was over a thousand years old. The stone that it was made out of was ancient but it almost looked as good as it was when it was first built. He looked at Mercedes, from the blue lions she was praying to the goddess but he never asked about her faith. Why did she pray to a god? She got up from her position and she looked at Sasuke and smiled at him warmly. He did not know what to say damn it. Why was it so hard to say something? "Hey Sasuke, how's your day been so far?"Mercedes asked him why it was so hard just to say something."I saw you sit in a kneeling position as you prayed. What's the purpose in that?"Sasuke asked her finally able to talk even if it's a question about her faith.
"Oh you are a foreigner from a different land and customs. I can explain it to you with no problem. In the religion of the Church we do it as a way of kneeling in a way of submission for the goddess to listen to our prayers. There's also other ways to."she put her two hands together and put her palms near her nose. "That's another way of praying. There's other ways of doing it too but I prefer doing it when I'm alone"Mercedes explained. "There's so much I don't know about this place, the monastery I know next to nothing about the deity Sothis, who is she and why is she so important?"Sasuke asked her he truly did want to know he was not religious. He hadn't been religious since Itachi murdered his clan though he didn't think she needed to know that. "She came down from the sky one day and saved all of mankind from the darkness that engulfed the land. She led mankind to the first golden age where there were many years of peace. If you believe in her and you pray, she will listen to you and answer your prayers, though not in the way that you would expect." Mercedes answered.
"How do you know she will listen?" Sasuke asked her. "You just have to believe if you pray to her and believe in her, she will listen to you. I know you're not religious, Sasuke. I won't force my religion on you, but I would like to learn more about where you come from. What is the religion of the Uchiha clan?" The woman looked curious; she wanted to learn about his clan's religion. What was the point he thought he was the last of them. "My clan didn't really have a religion because the religion Konoha has is a religion that many nations where I'm from believe in." The woman looked at him wide-eyed.
"I never heard of such a religion, who is the sage of six paths?"
Mercedes asked excitedly. "It would take a long time to explain that I'm not as knowledgeable about it as Hinata. The only thing I do know is he brought peace and prosperity to the land I'm from, at least that's what the legend says."
She looked like she wanted to know more. "There's so much more I'd like to learn Sasuke, but to be honest, I'd rather learn it from you."
She was close to him. Sasuke noticed when he saw her up close; it was different. He felt like he was in the presence of a goddess. "I do have a book about him, but I'd have to translate it. It's not in the language here."
Sasuke admitted he didn't know why he still had it. Wasn't nostalgia enough? To remind himself of his clan? He didn't know when he pushed those thoughts aside for the time being.
"I would love that Sasuke, could you answer another one of my questions?" the woman asked him curiously. "Sure, go ahead." Sasuke wondered what kind of question she would ask. "Can you explain to me the honorifics where you're from?" Mercedes asked him. "Sure, that's no problem." Sasuke went into detail about what each of the honorifics meant. He noticed that Mercedes was looking even more wide-eyed. "I see. I really like them. Do you mind if I call you Sasuke-kun?" the girl asked him. She truly did want to call him by an honorific. "Sure, go ahead. If it's okay with you, I can call you Mercie." Sasuke turned away, embarrassed. He didn't realize that Mercedes was also blushing.
"I'm hungry. Would you mind continuing this conversation at dinner?" asked Mercedes. Sasuke walked out of the cathedral with her, and they continued their conversation. Sasuke enjoyed listening to her talk about the religions that existed on the continent where he was. He felt like there was a huge world out there, and for now, he forgot his mission of vengeance. He felt peaceful when he was around Mercedes; he didn't deny that he liked her. He felt calm when he was around her. He wouldn't tell Naruto how he felt if he did, he knew he would never hear the end of it.
He was in front of the archbishop, a decision had to be made: what class was he going to teach? Every student of every class had potential, but he couldn't teach them all. There was one girl he truly wanted in his class. Regardless of which class he chose, she couldn't transfer if that's her wish." The archbishop was looking at him, waiting for his decision on which class he was going to teach. He had to be careful; he had to tread carefully. He didn't know why, but he felt like his choice would have ramifications. He ignored it for now; he couldn't be swayed by one girl."
Dimitri was an honest man, and he had a deep darkness inside him. The students who were with him were talented in every way. Sasuke Uchiha was possibly one of the most talented students in Garreg Mach. In fact, the Blue Lions had some of the most talented students of any house, but he wasn't picking a house just because of that.
Then there was Claude. He didn't know what to think of him; it was difficult to read him. He wasn't someone who revealed much; he wasn't necessarily the most honest. On the other hand, Naruto was someone who was completely honest and told people how he felt. Many people underestimated him, and that would be their downfall. But he didn't think he was needed to teach Naruto. He had learned many things from his mentors, including Kakashi, Jiraiya, and many others.
Edelgard much of what she said resonated with him. About having people rise above their station on their own merit and hard work, and not have it predetermined based on societal norms. Then there was Hinata. She was talented, possibly one of the most talented women in Garreg Mach. Her biggest obstacle was her lack of confidence. Then there was the other students as well. He spoke to all of them, unlike most of the professors who only paid attention to the students that had talent.
It was a difficult decision. He wanted to choose all of them, but he could only choose one. Then he thought about what he strongly believed in his convictions. He had to go with his gut; he had to go with what he believed was right.
"Have you made a decision?" asked Rhea.
"Yes, I have." Byleth made his decision; there would be no turning back.
"The house I'm going to teach is."
Shaz watched Byleth talk to everyone, the students she talked to them as well but not very much, but she was interested in it. She heard his decision and walked out of the cathedral. She was not going to be weak; she knew the class that would likely benefit the most from his teaching. She saw Kakashi's teaching methods. He could help make her strong with his teaching methods. She felt she would be able to defeat the Ashen Demon.
"So you've made your choice, Shaz", asked Rhea.
"Yes, I have. I will choose the Golden deer." She was confident in her decision; she would not lose. She would get stronger and she will win. She will never be helpless before the Ashen Demon ever again.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Rhea?" Seteth asked, concerned about Byleth and Shez."I am positive of my judgment, Seteth." Rhea said confidently with her choice of allowing Byleth as the professor of the Black Eagles."I understand, but that other one, Shez, concerns me." She understood his reservations; she has a lot of features that resemble those of the Agarthans, her mysterious powers also are a concern."I will have that one watched and monitored." Rhea said, she is dangerous, potentially."Seteth asked another question."You're telling me she is potentially more dangerous than Naruto Uzumaki, someone who literally carries"She interrupted him because she didn't want him to bring up the name of the nine-tailed fox."Don't mention his name in these halls; it's dangerous." He was taken back by her outburst.
"I mean, Naruto so far hasn't shown any sign of doing any harm to anyone. He's friendly to all his classmates and is liked by the house leaders, which is more than we can say about Sasuke Uchiha."
She had her reservations about Sasuke due to the history of the Uchiha clan and Madara Uchiha."What about the Hinata girl?" Asked Rhea. "Well, without diving into her privacy, I found something that's common knowledge in Konoha: It took months to find it, but from a conversation, whatever was heard, Hinata Hyuga is in love with Naruto Uzumaki." This didn't surprise her in the slightest; she noticed the signs immediately as soon as she walked into the monastery."I think all three of them could be our greatest enemy or our greatest friend." Seteth said matter-of-factly.
"I have a strong feeling Naruto Uzumaki is going to be an important person someday. His determination, his ability to change people for the better, she had heard about it from her old friend. She was disappointed when he didn't choose the Blue Lions. Dimitri could have used someone like Naruto; thinking about the past is useless; she had to focus on the present. "Have you found anyone connected to the Root organization?" Asked Rhea."No, they are difficult to find. Jiraiya informed us as such; we likely have an operative here, but we don't know their identity." Seteth answered. "There is another thing we need to discuss." She looked at her colleague. He looked serious.
"There are rumors of a rebellion and the leader that's inciting such a rebellion his voice is getting stronger his support is getting stronger we have to put down the rebellion soon or it could lead into a war."she did not want to deal with such a rebellion but she knew what he was talking about."will deal with it after the mock battle"she dismissed Seteth. Things were a lot more complicated than she originally thought first the son of Siri returns then a mysterious mercenary named Shez. She has a feeling something sinister is at work and she can't put her finger on why she has that feeling. For now she puts that aside for now in order to focus on the present she hopes it's only her imagination but she has never been wrong on her feelings when things are about to go wrong.