Silver Snow Revised

by Cosmic Sky

When Byleth Eisner came to Garreg Mach, he brought an unexpected hope with him. It was a hope Rhea knew she had to nurture, never suspecting that things wouldn't quite work out as she expected. Byleth would show her that wasn't a bad thing. Likewise, she'd become something unexpected but precious to him. This is the story of the silver studded path they walked together.

6. Chapter 5-Behind, Beneath, Beside You

Hey, everyone. In the time I've been writing this chapter seems like we have our next mainline Fire Emblem game. Definitely didn't see that one coming, and I definitely didn't expect to see the old MCs of previous games feature into the story. Still, seeing M! Byleth amongst Engage's apparent 12 "Emblems" was a neat surprise.

In light of the argument that seems to have blown up in the comment section, let me get this out of the way. I appreciate some suggestions, but PLEASE try to keep them somewhat within the realm of reason. There is going to be NO age (or mental) regression of any sort in this story, from Byleth, Sothis, or anyone else. The idea is frankly ridiculous in my opinion.

It's been a while since I've had to say this, but I'll say it again. Any thoughts or rants about how Rhea is Byleth's grandmother and their relationship is incest, give it a rest already! Keep it to yourselves. Go somewhere else. At the start of this story I made it clear what the main pairing was going to be and gave the warning about it.

I do not own anything.

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Chapter 5-Behind, Beneath, and Beside You

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Byleth knew he had to trend very, very carefully from this point onward.

Even with his teaching position he was still a relative unknown to the Garreg Mach Monastery as a whole. Even almost two weeks people were still eying him with unease and suspicion. Not that Byleth blamed them. He tended to have that effect on people…and that effect tended to linger until they warmed up to him. Call it a hunch but he had a feeling that would take significantly longer if it came out he'd been invited to the Archbishop's room. In other cases, he knew rumors would fly like birds during fall migration.

He'd been the subject of those through seventy-percent of his life, having learned to live with them as a result. That said, there were some rumors he could do without.

Brushing aside such thoughts he focused on examining the Archbishop's room. He wasn't looking for anything out of the ordinary but he did keep his eyes open for anything of the sort.

Within seconds he deduced that there was nothing out of the ordinary, but he did have an evaluation of what sort of woman Lady Rhea was. Like him, she was apparently something of a bookworm. The left side of her room was dominated by three massive bookshelves, each shelf stacked to the brim with books and the occasional vase or statue. It was neat and orderly; Byleth was willing to guess that the books had been arranged in a type of order as well. Either by author's name, title, or genre. Before he knew it, he was focusing his vision, reading off titles on the spines. To his pleasant surprise he found some of them were in foreign tongues…some of which he recognized. Ultimately, he concluded that the Archbishop was indeed a learned woman, a very learned woman at that.

Adjacent to them on his right side lay her desk and two doors, one of which he guessed was a closest and another to perhaps her private bath. He caught a rather faint and pleasant aroma floating through the room, which was illuminated by candles placed in four corners of the room. Combined with the sunlight from outside and they provided enough illumination. They certainly illuminated the queen-sized bed that was undoubtedly hers. Well made with fine, fluffy white pillows and sheets, not one thing out of place. Like the rest of her room, it puts his to shame; though that was to be expected all things considered.

Overall, it was all rather…normal-looking. Nothing extravagant or obscene. Overall, the room had a sense of modesty to it that Byleth somewhat appreciated.

"Welcome, this is my abode." Spoke the green-haired woman. "What do you think of it?"

"Modest, nicely modest." He answered. "You've got an impressive book collection, one that I…well, I know those books are yours personally but-"

"If you catch one that catches your interest than by all means, simply ask. I'd be more than happy to loan it to you." He looked at her with surprise, she merely smiled back. "I've done so before. This collection is indeed special to me, but I'm quite willing to share it, especially with people with just as much of an interest in reading as me. If your interests align with your father's than I'm sure I have a book or two that you might want to sit down and read."

Her words brought Byleth's mind back to his father. Though a great warrior he wasn't in any way dumb or stupid. In fact, Byleth wouldn't use those words to describe his father in any way. He was the one who taught him how to read, count, and write, the basics of any education. He had plenty of memories of watching his father either reading to himself or reading to him. Granted his father very rarely read him fairy tales like normal parents did their children. They weren't exactly that kind of family. Byleth looked back from the bookshelf to the Archbishop, a sliver of joy squirming within him.

"Thank you, Lady Rhea. I promise I won't abuse your hospitality." He spoke.

"I have absolute trust in you, Professor." She happily declared. "When you are in this room, I don't want you to feel any sense of nervousness. While you are here, I would prefer it if you simply saw me as Rhea, not the Archbishop. Just me."

…Yep, she doesn't have too many people to talk to person to person. Apparently not even her right hand, albeit I'm not sure how much of a conversationalist he is. Heh, not like I'm one to talk. Even though he often had a head full of thoughts expressing them wasn't easy. For starters, Byleth knew his reputation and demeanor tended to scare people off. Even seasoned warriors have outright told him he could be…unnerving to be around. Amongst that group were his own comrades in the Jeralt Mercenaries, albeit that number had somewhat lessened with time. Still…if he could be a little more open with people he'd be a little happy.

To be honest, he was even a little happy now.

The Archbishop of the Church of Seiros was the last person that he expected to ask to be open with him. He never expected her inviting him to her private quarters so they could apparently talk without restriction to each other.

"For that…do I have permission to be honest with you?" As much as a part of him wanted to take that olive branch he was still cautious. Byleth remembered his father's warning about the woman in front of him. That warning though was running headlong into the analysis of her that he'd made of her so far. Amongst that analysis was one thing he believed to be an undeniable fact-this woman still cared for his father despite whatever falling out had happened between them.

"I would greatly prefer it if you were such with me, Professor Eisner."

Her voice was serene; her words reaffirmed his earlier analysis that perhaps she needed a confidant that she felt she could trust. Rhea seemed to see that in him, likely by virtue of his father who shared some close relationship with her. Byleth guessed that he was the knight to her lady, platonically of course. He had somewhat mixed feelings about being given such trust based on nepotism, but he couldn't find himself being too hung up about it. While Rhea was potentially getting a confidant herself, Byleth was as well…not to mention someone who could give him some answers.

"Lady-no, Rhea, I'll do my best to be the same with you." He knew he'd just set foot into something that probably wasn't going to be easy to get out of, but Byleth wasn't looking for an out. Not yet. Besides, someone had just put their trust in him, and that meant there was no going back for him. "I have some questions I'd like to ask you about my father, if you'd be willing to answer them for me."

"Sweet child, I would be more than happy to." Her smile was brighter than before, seemingly because he'd accepted her. Or that the topic of discussion would be his father. At her beckoning they took opposites seats on the couch, sitting directly across from each other. Byleth felt himself relax almost entirely upon sitting down. All his instincts told him that there wasn't any danger to be had, either from Rhea or from anything around him. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be treating you as a child given your age."

"Well, I've been called child before, normally by people older than me. I don't mind it too much. At least you're not quite as condescending as others have been." Byleth informed her.

"Oh, I am happy to hear that, and I will take that to heart. As Jeralt's kin, you don't seem a stranger to me. I feel like I can grant you the same trust that I do him." He quietly noted how she spoke of said trust in the present tenses, aligning with his views on her. "Speaking of Jeralt, may I ask if he ever spoke of me?" Rhea finished with a twinkle in her eyes.

Byleth felt himself shiver a bit. Here I was asking her to be honest with me just a minute ago. He internally laughed at the irony. "He never spoke of you." Byleth said shaking his head.

Her sorrow was very real, and Byleth had a feeling it'd be worse if he told her what his father had actually said about her. "Oh dear. How heartless of him."

"He never talked much about his past. Until we came here, I had absolutely no idea he was in the Knights of Seiros, never mind him being the Head Captain. Or him having a Crest."

"I…believe your father likely had his reasons." He looked straight at her, slightly surprised that she was defending his father. The more he listened to her the more awe-struck Byleth was by how she was handling their fallout pretty well. It made him all the more curious to learn more about it. "Your father's quite a sharp man as you must know. He rarely does things without reason, or at least he didn't when I knew him. I am sure that he had his reasons for keeping his past from you, Professor Byleth. That said, I believe the time may have come for the past to be brought into the light. Shall I tell you of the Jeralt that I once knew?"

"I'd like nothing better than to ask you all about that." Byleth asked with clear and focused eyes. "Rhea, how did you two meet each other? How long ago was that?"

"It was a few decades ago, he was quite a young man. Why, he could barely even grow a full beard at that point! One fateful occasion, the band of mercenaries he belonged to fought alongside the Knights of Seiros. I was traveling with the knights at the time, and Jeralt jumped in front of an attack meant for me. He was gravely injured, on the verge of death even." Byleth saw the sorrow the memory brought her in her eyes. Yet another show of her honest concern for his father. "I tended to his wounds in a desperate attempt to save his life. Thankfully, my efforts weren't in vain. Jeralt managed to escape a seemingly certain death."

Crossing his arms, he looked straight up and knitted his brow in concentration. He'd seen his father shirtless plenty of times. The phrase "canvas of scars" fit him well; Byleth had counted dozens of noticeable scars on his father's body. There was a scar that ran from the top of his left shoulder down to his right hip. A puncture scar on his right-side abdomen. Another on the lower left side of his back. And one-

"Pardon me, Professor Byleth, but…you wouldn't happen to be trying to ascertain which injury I'm talking about, are you? Has Jeralt gained more scars in the years he's been away from the Monastery?" Came the Archbishop's slightly concerned voice.

Byleth raised one eyebrow at her. "Yes, I am. You've…met people who've done this before?"

"Quite a few." She said with a courteous smile. "I can assure you, the scar has long since healed by now, and for the better as the wound was quite serious." Having only known him as the strongest warrior he knew, Byleth had a bit of a tough time picturing his father being near death after taking such a wound. As his shoulders slacked Rhea took that as an indicator to continue her tale. "I made arrangements for him to receive further care at Garreg Mach Monastery. The moment he was deemed fully recovered, I invited him to join the knights."

"So, you didn't have a problem with accepting mercenaries into the knights?" Byleth suddenly asked.

"No, all who are willing to uphold the vow of the knighthood are welcome to join, whoever they may be." She politely responded. "Professor, is something the matter?"

"No, it's just…with all due respect, Rhea, you're more open than scripture says." He paused waying rather or not to reveal the rest of his personal feelings. Slow down, this is only the first talk. The first of…what may end up being a couple. His immediate thought was that wasn't so bad. "Never mind. Forget about it. Anyways, I'm going to assume he took your offer."

"Yes, he did, and it proved to be the start of quite an exalted career." Rhea happily answered. The twinkle in her eyes was there, and brighter than ever as she reminisced about the past. "He did have something of an uphill climb as the knights retained a prejudice against mercenaries. On top of that, Jeralt was still only a newly graduated squire, a greenhorn as I'm sure you'd say."

"Yeah, that's what it sounds like." Byleth saw his father's face in his mind and tried to picture it younger. He tried to picture his father younger and less experienced. It was actually pretty hard since he'd only ever known him as the supremely skilled warrior who could fell until armies on his own. Complete with his dirty blond beard. "Exactly how…inexperienced was he?"

"He certainly knew how to hold a sword, but he was a far cry from the warrior that he was today." When he continued to knit his brow in frustration the green-haired woman laughed. It was a light, hearty sound that furthered the relaxed mood of the room. "Professor Eisner, not every great warrior possesses natural talent from the start. Even Saint Seiros' blade struggled to find its mark at her beginning."

Suppose that's a Church saying. Byleth noted. For the first time he thought of the warrior woman from his vision. A time when she was a novice warrior…wouldn't that have been something. Speaking of Seiros, "Did he…know about his Crest before he met you or did he awaken it after he joined the knights."

Rhea shook her head. "I see. I suppose it is natural that he neglected to tell you of his Crest, which you possessed a possibility of inheriting. I imagine it came as quite a surprise to see that he possessed not simply a Crest but the Crest of Seiros."

"Surprise is an understatement." Byleth confirmed.

"Professor, if I may, I do not believe Jeralt ever met to belittle your strength."

Wide-eyed, he looked straight at her.

In response, she gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, it's just…I could see it on your face. Knowing Jeralt, he personally trained you, raising you into quite a fine warrior. If I were to guess, you developed a dream to one day fight him at his full strength and defeat him, correct?" Byleth silently nodded, amazed at how accurately she'd deduced his inner thoughts so far. "Over the years, as you grew stronger you pushed toward that goal, dreaming of the day you would surpass your father. You believed that you knew what his full strength was, but what you saw that notion shattered today." Again, Byleth nodded, his eyes momentarily swerving downward. "After seeing him display the power of his Crest you're wondering if he showed you his true strength. The distance between you two, you believe it to be greater than you originally conceived."

A sudden and thick silence fell over the two, almost like a blanket. Byleth was the one it twisted and constricted around. Seeing that the woman opposite of him worked to untangle it.

"Professor, I'm sorry if I came off as rude or condescending. I didn't mean to." She said with honest sorrow and unease.

"You don't have to apologize, Rhea. You…pretty much laid it out exactly what I was feeling, and what's been eating at me." He slumped over, his arms resting on his knees and his focus on the table. Byleth didn't trust himself to look Rhea in the eye; perhaps he simply didn't want to see the potentially depressive look on his face. "You were especially on the mark about the last part. In all our sparring matches I never once saw him manifest his Crest; I can only assume that means he never used its power. Thinking about that makes me a little…frustrated." Byleth inhaled, taking a deep breath that filled his air with lungs. What he really needed to do was fill himself with courage. That courage was put to use as he lifted his head up and gazed into Rhea's eyes.

She was concerned for him, yet also curious about what he was about to say. While she may have been able to read some of his thoughts, he was still an enigma to her, just like he was to everyone else. Still, she seemed to want to take the time to understand him.

"I'm not the type of person that has any grand dreams of the future; there's only one goal that I have that I think I can consider a dream. It's to-"

"To suppress your father?" She said it with a small but helpful smile. Seeing it actually caused Byleth to relax a little, yet he still raised an eyebrow in wonder. Rhea laughed again. "Respectfully, it isn't an uncommon dream. The children of warriors often dream of surpassing their parents. Broadly speaking, many children with a parent they idolize will perhaps one day dream of surpassing them."

It was a gut feeling that led Byleth to impulsively speak up. "Have you ever felt that way with either of your parents?"

While he internally berated himself for asking so personal a question, he got an answer. "I have a parent that I too deeply idolize and whose example I wish to follow, my mother. She was the only parent I knew in life, but she was more than enough. It is from her I learned much and her example I diligently try to follow, day after day." At first, her voice and face held a cheerful glow that told Byleth much, but it faded once she finished talking, at least for the moment. "As for surpassing her…I…do not believe I came capable of such a feat. It is beyond me."

"But still, don't you feel inclined to try?" Byleth spoke. She looked at him not with anger but surprise. Her response caused him to grab a hold of his emotions and rein them in. "I'm sorry, that was out of line for me."

"No, no, it's quite alright, Professor. The truth is this is the first time in a long while that I have been able to speak with anyone regarding my mother. It is a…personal subject for me." Her quiet voice sounded. Indeed, he saw no anger in her, just a sense of sorrow that he felt oddly drawn toward.

A pint of guilt squirmed its way into his being for putting her in such a position. "For what it's worth, you're the first person I talked to this about in a while. My father's second in-command, Ronald, is the one I usually talk to about my…"

"Dream?" Rhea asked having quickly suppressed her sorrow. Again, Byleth felt a ping of guilt. Was she sweeping aside her own feelings to make him feel better?

"I don't know if I'd call it a dream." He sheepishly responded.

"I would say it is, and one that is undoubtedly worth striving for." Came the encouraging voice of the Archbishop. Her words had him hooked, something she took advantage of. "I can say from personal experience that Jeralt is a mighty warrior, but he is also a fair one. While he was training you, I'm sure somewhere in the back of his mind he thought of you surpassing him, and worked to help you do so. As for his Crest, just because you never saw it manifest doesn't meant that he never used it. Perhaps he did, perhaps you have already confronted the power of his Crest, and you stood strong against it, presumably without relying on your own." Smiling brightly at him, she continued after giving him a minute to absorb her words. "Does the presence of his Crest mean you will shirk away from continuing to try to surpass him?"

The answer came to him like a bolt of lightning. "No. In fact, thinking about it…it…makes me a little excited to be honest. I've never shirked away from a challenge, no matter how great it seemed to be."

"Excitement and determination, I would say those two things do indeed create a dream." Rhea jubilantly affirmed.

Byleth could have sworn he felt his cheeks heating up a little. His talks with Ron and the others had never been like this. He'd never had someone be this…encouraging of him. "I suppose they do. Thank you, Rhea. Thank you for telling me the story about how father came to the Monastery. I…never knew it, and I don't think I'd ever had if we hadn't come here."

"It is not a story that I often tell. Even at the Monastery, there are not many who know that." She confessed. Hearing that led Byleth to raising another eyebrow. "I tell you this because…you are the son of the one who saved my life all those years ago. I believe you deserve to know of your father's valor. Even if he's lived as a common mercenary, I have no doubt he's kept to an honorable code of conduct."

"He has, he'd just rather not say so." Byleth chuckled as best he could, which being himself didn't amount to much. "Even amongst mercenaries he's always stuck to a code, and by extension he's always had the Jeralt Mercenaries stick to a code of conduct. At some point I suspected that father used to be a knight because he sometimes acted like one."

"And now you know he was amongst the greatest knights in the Church of Seiros' service. And you feel even prouder to be his son, I can see it on your face."

"R-Really?"

"Yes." She affirmed with a giggle. "Shall I get you a mirror so that you may see? A demon you may be called, but you're still very much a human being in desire and emotions."

Byleth could have sworn he felt his jaw hit the floor. It'd been…it'd been years since anyone had said such a thing to him. He'd almost forgotten what it felt like being told that, especially by someone who he'd hadn't spent years beside.

Amazement turned into embarrassment as he realized he was gawking at the Archbishop. Fast as he could he seized back control of his composure. "T-Thank you, Lady Rhea." His cheeks burned red as he realized he'd slipped back into using honorifics. Rather than be annoyed she simply smiled at him, very much willing to let it pass. "Back to my original question…did my father ever tell you if he possessed his Crest before he joined the Knights of Seiros or was it discovered afterward?"

"Afterward. Your father possesses quite a unique bloodline, which can be traced back to Saint Seiros herself." She answered.

Images of the warrior saint filled his mind, her skill in battle and the ferocity she displayed when coming face to face with King Nemesis. "The blood of Saint Seiros," he repeated.

"Allow me to be precise, you see the Saints did not directly sire children, but they did pass their blood onto others, ones they deemed worthy. It is quite possible your father's ancestor proved himself worthy, and Saint Seiros' power manifested in a worthy host." Rhea explained.

He absent-mindedly scratched the side of his head. "I…suppose that's one way it could be possible."

"You speculate there to be another?"

He looked at her with his trademark blank stare. After a minute he sighed. "If I say this, can I rest assured this won't reach Edelgard's ears, or Hubert's for that matter."

"You have my word."

"Another theory I had is that my father, and perhaps Caden, could simply be descendants of Emperor Wilhelm, who also bore Seiros' Crest. Bastard children certainly aren't uncommon when it comes to imperial and royal families." He watched for Rhea's reaction. He was fully aware what he just said could have been taken by an insult. Byleth had a feeling that if either his imperial pupil or his attendant were present they'd have been displayed, especially Hubert.

"You are not wrong, and what you have said are indeed possibilities." She calmly and directly said. An internal sigh of relief was breathed out as she seemingly took no offense to his statement.

"Of all the Crests, the last one I expected to see was Seiros'."

"Why is that?"

"From what I've read it's quite rare, even amongst the Knights of Seiros. I heard someone say that this'll be the first time in years that the knights are led by someone who actually possesses her Crest." He paused and looked straight at her, silently debating if it was worth it to ask the question bubbling within his mind.

Smiling, the green-haired woman stretched out her right hand. In emerald-green light which looked quite familiar appeared the Crest of Seiros. Byleth leaned forward, his wide-eyes examining it.

"You too?" he whispered.

"Yes, I too can claim lineage to Saint Seiros, just as several others can."

"You're the fourth person I've met at the Monastery who has it. Seems like it's a popular Crest around here." No sooner had he spoke was he following his whimsical impulse. His own right hand was stretched out, fingers curled as he concentrated. In a sudden burst of light his own Crest manifest, the knot-like insignia that had been wielded by the bandit chieftain.

Its manifestation caused Rhea's eyes to widen and her face to shimmer with emotions. What mattered the most to Byleth was the recognition in her eyes.

"You know what Crest this is." He plainly and directly declared.

She nodded, looking at the Crest as if it were a meteorite fallen from the sky. Her hands reached out to it, trembling as they did so.

"Rhea," Byleth called again hoping he wouldn't have to shout to knock her out of her trace.

Luckily, his quiet voice was enough. "Y-Y-Yes, Professor, what you possess is the rarest Crest of them all, the Crest of Flames, otherwise known as the Crest of the Goddess."

Yeah…who happens to be in my head, and napping. Closing his hand, he caused the now identified Crest to dissipate. "So, I'm guessing it's…strong."

He felt a jolt run up his spine when the pious woman suddenly seized his hand in hers. She was holding onto it like it was a prayer bell. Given what he just heard he couldn't say he blamed her. Byleth had a feeling that once word began to spread of his Crest he might start getting this kind of treatment a lot more. He was at a crossroads on how he felt about that. His gut told him that so too would a lot of other people, especially the faithful.

"It is the strongest of them all, Professor." Rhea affirmed in a quiet voice. Her focus was on his hand where his Crest had manifested. "That means…you have an immense responsibility."

Byleth wondered if Sothis would concur with her statement. Technically speaking, he was using her power, and she'd made it clear she would have a say in how it was used as best she could. His mind moved past her to the brawny, scar-chested man he'd seen in his dream vision. He too had wielded the Crest of Flames; through him Byleth had seen a sliver of the Crest's power. That same power was theoretically his to wield. The thought sent a jolt of excitement racing through him. As had been the norm for the last several days, he was filled with questions whose answers he was going to have to seek out.

"Professor," Pulled from his thoughts he looked into the leafy green eyes of the Archbishop. Having pulled his dream vision to the forefront of his mind he was reminded of Saint Seiros when he looked into Rhea's eyes. They were the exact same shade of green, but lacking the fierceness that she had. Everything about her was totally opposite of the warrior that he'd seen slaying his predecessor. "While there are numerous Crest scholars at the Monastery, including Hanneman, if you…have any questions about your Crest in particular come to me. I shall do my best to help you answer them."

"You sound like you know a lot about this Crest." He noted.

She gave a short and humorous laugh. "Well, I am the head of the Church who worships the goddess whom it belongs to."

If Byleth could have, he'd have laughed too. "Fair point, suppose it comes with the territory." His blue eyes went back to his hand, and hers. Rhea seemed to realize that she was still holding onto his and quietly withdrew her hands. Byleth felt the immense loss of her presence through his gloves. "I appreciate the offer and I'll try to keep it in mind." Having said that he quietly weighed the odds of her making time for him as she had done today. He had to admit he was enjoying talking to her, not to mention she had a lot to tell him. A thought crossed his mind as he remembered something rather important. "Rhea, from what I can gather you've been around a lot of warriors, right? Have you ever…counseled them?"

"I take it this is about your students? Some of them are…still shaken from their first battle I take it?" She correctly deduced.

"Yes, some who've taken it worse than others. I spoke with one of them just this morning. While I can speak to them I…I want to know if there's more I can do to help them. Something that's within my power."

A thoughtful look fell over the green-haired woman's face. "Could you give me some specifics. What sort of emotions are they feeling?"

As best he could he explained it. Linhardt and Bernadetta were at the forefront of his mind and he described them as such to Rhea. She quietly absorbed the information then nodded in confirmation once he was finished. Byleth watched her rise and walk over to her desk, grabbing a quell and immediately writing something down on a notepad. When she returned and handed him the slip of paper Byleth immediately began reading down it. He finished within seconds and looked to her with a raised eyebrow.

"You're an herbalist." He said with a hint of admiration.

"Something of the sort. In truth, gardening has always been my passion. I suppose it isn't so surprising as knowledge of herbs tends to follow hand-in-hand with such an interest."

"Yes, it does. You know your herbs."

"So your recognize some." She smiled.

"I'd wager your knowledge exceeds mine. My knowledge is more on healing the body, not easing the mind, which you seem to know more about." He went back to the list, looking over the names, the herbs, listed on it. Byleth already knew he was going to be spending some time in the greenhouse. That deduction had just been reaffirmed. Not to mention he was going to have some herbal remedies to share with Dedue and Ashe when he met them. "Thank you, Rhea, I appreciate your help. I'm…not used to this sort of thing."

"Then it sounds like your students aren't the only ones who will be learning as the year progresses."

"You're very right about that." He affirmed. "One more thing if it's not too much trouble. Do you…know what would make for a suitable birthday gift for a nobleman?"

"A birthday gift? One of your students' birthdays is coming about?"

"Ferdinand. His birthday is in two days. I want to do something for him." Byleth confessed.

"Flowers. First and foremost, get him some flowers, I can recommend some if you'd like."

"Yet again, I'd appreciate it." He replied. "He's a tea aficionado so I've been thinking about that as well."

"I believe I can also help you with that. I know a bit about tea myself." Rhea told him wearing a rather proud smile. Again, Byleth couldn't say he was surprised. Given her position he imagined that she had to be well-versed in the arts and hobbies of the upper class.

And if there was one constant he'd found, the elites tended to love their drink of choice.

"If I may, what is your opinion of tea, Professor? Do you have a favorite blend?"

"Not quite. To be honest, I'm more of a drinker of coffee, it can help give you the energy you need to keep on working." He paused speculating if the woman in front of him. "I suppose if I spend enough time around certain people though I may end up becoming a tea drinker and discover a favorite of my own."

"I do hope so." A short pause followed, ending with a small smile on the Archbishop's part. "But I would highly recommend the Lavender Blend."

"I'll take that under consideration." Byleth amicable replied. His fingers impulsively curled and uncurled. "Rhea, I…want to thank you again for your help, and for answering my questions."

"I was more than happy to. In fact, I am grateful to you as well, Professor Byleth. The truth is I…very rarely have an opportunity to talk with another like this, and to do so as candidly as I have with you. If possible, would you like to…continue to do so with me?"

Again, he saw that glimmer of hope in her eyes. Byleth knew it well, and now he knew the reasons behind it. Frankly, he could understand what the woman was going through. The higher a position of power and respect, the more likely it was a burden.

Byleth knew the feeling all too well. "I suppose that makes two of us." Her face immediately melted into happy relief and excitement. "Of course, we both have our respective responsibilities, some of which I'm afraid that I'll have to get back to."

"It is no trouble, for I feel I must do the same." There probably wasn't as much sorrow in her voice as there could have been since this wouldn't be the last talk between them. "I will try not to intrude on your duties as a professor."

"Likewise, I'll try hard to do the same. I'm well aware that you probably have a multitude of duties to take on. I wouldn't want to impede your duties either. Pretty sure that your right hand wouldn't be too happy with me." His slight jab got a giggle out of the adult woman. "He's right to not trust me."

"Yes, but I am confident that you will earn his trust in time. Seteth is extremely watchful and cautious, albeit he has his reasons." Byleth wondered if that supposed time would be lengthened if he learned of these little personal talks. Odds were his suspicions of him would grow if that were to happen, and that was just him. "Behind his stern demeanor he is a just and capable man, somewhat like yourself."

"Respectfully, I'd disagree with the 'just' part. That's not really a description I feel I'm worthy of." He politely countered as he rose to his feet. As much as he'd have liked to stay, he knew it probably time he got going.

Rhea recognized that their time together was likely up as well. She still had a few last things to say though. "Perhaps, but that may change as you work here, in the service of the goddess. She has seen fit to bless you with her power after all."

I'm still trying to figure out how that happened. Not quite sure if it's her blessing me, though time may tell. "I suppose you may be right." He said to humor her. Byleth gave a slight bow to her as he began to head toward the door. Just as he was about to turn the knob and leave the Archbishop's room he looked back to her. "Thanks again for…talking with me. Is there…any time when we can do so again?"

"Whenever you feel like you can make the time to, and I will likewise endeavor to do the same. I would…enjoy it if we could share tea together."

"I'd like that as well, and I'll try to make time for it. Thanks again for today, and good evening." Catching her final smile, he pulled the door open and stepped back out into the hallway. Byleth quickly looked from side to side to ensure that no one had seen him. No one had giving him reason to sigh in relief. Knowing it was best not to stick around he started walking, the more distance he could put between him and the Archbishop's door the better. I suppose this is going to be another thing I'll have to get used to with these meetings. Byleth passed a few people on his way downstairs toward the door. No one gave him a second glance; he actually considered that a good thing. It seemed that his presence had already been accepted by some.

"What do you mean you haven't gotten to cleaning the meeting room! How on earth could you not have! Do you not know how important my meeting will be!"

"I do, but Ms. Amberg's room was messier and she personally asked me if I could help out! I'll get to your office in a little bit!"

Once he recognized the voice Byleth changed direction. There wasn't any hesitation or second thoughts, he was moving before he knew it. In the next second he was staring at a brewing showdown between a young Alymran boy and a Church cleric. Byleth recognized the former as being called Cyril, one of the orphaned wards of the Monastery. He was also quite an active worker, especially to Rhea herself. The boy was looking rather annoyed but doing a good job of holding his ire in, maybe because he'd been through this before.

The cleric's face was one of disdain, a common reaction in response to an Alymran.

"I'll repeat, you seem to not know how important my work is, albeit I should have expected as much from you. You're still learning how to be civilized." Growled the cleric with a shake of the head.

Byleth felt his brow knit. He'd heard that insult numerous times directed at any minority. Not even this Monastery was free of that.

To the Alymran boy's credit, he stood his ground. Him doing so led credence to the possibility that he'd encountered this kind of racism before. He'd developed a stiff spine, which Byleth respected.

"I'll get right on it." The orange-haired boy said.

The brown-haired cleric thankfully decided to stop there. "Very well, urgh, Cyril. Don't dilly dally on it. The meeting is tomorrow and this could help us ease tensions with the Western Church. The goddess knows we desperately need for those tensions to start cooling."

Again with the Western Church. The former Mercenary thought to himself. Just as it seemed he would have to intervene on behalf of the boy, Cyril, the situation seemingly defused itself. The bearded cleric moved aside, walking down the hall without looking back at the Alymran. For his part, he seemed none the worse for wear in the aftermath of the rant. Again, Byleth guessed that he'd gotten used to such reactions. Still, he felt a small bud of concern for him; that led him to step out of the corner and reveal himself.

"Are you okay?" Byleth immediately questioned.

He was surprised by his presence. "A-Ahh. I didn't see you there."

"I've been trained in the arts of stealth." The former mercenary simply responded. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. What you just saw happens from time to time, nothing to worry about." He answered with nary a hint of discount. His words were true, yet realizing that led him to feeling a little bit sorry for the boy. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get to work."

It would have been simple to just walk away right then and there. He did have other things to do…but he felt an odd pull toward the young lad. "Would you mind some help?"

"No thanks, I'm fine. You're the new professor at the academy, right? My name is Cyril, Lady Rhea's personal attendant." The boy proclaimed giving him a slight bow of respect.

"Byleth Eisner," He responded. A thought came across his mind. "If you don't mind, could you show me to where you're heading? I'm still learning my way around the Monastery."

If he was in on his little idea then he didn't show it. "S-Sure. Follow me. I was going to clean up the cardinals conference room."

Byleth arched an eyebrow. "How dirty could such a place get? I know secular matters can get heated just like any other, but is it that bad?"

"Eh, I heard magic was involved. It was another fight between followers of the Church here and the Western Church. This has been going on for a while, a real long while."

That was another piece of info, another piece of the picture, that he now had thanks to this young boy. Byleth wanted to ask him for specifics but he had a feeling that Cyril probably wouldn't know. He didn't seem the type to be interested in the finer details of the Church's affairs. Still, he had learned that tensions between the Central Church and the Western Church were hot, and he had a feeling that they were going to get more heated. Upon opening the door he found that the conference room was mostly in order…save for the broken table, chairs, stains at the wall, and whatnot.

It looked more like someone had thrown a temper tantrum while there. Byleth didn't know if he wanted to know what clerics or bishops from the Central Monastery had been here.

"I've seen worse." He blatantly spoke aloud.

"Same here. I've cleaned up worse messes in the past." Cyril seconded. "I can do it."

"I'm sure you can…but would you mind telling me where the storage room is? You know, for extra furniture and the sort." Cyril looked straight at him, quickly catching onto what he was trying to do. Before he could say anything Byleth spoke first. "I have a couple of rowdy students in my class, including the sort lively to break a couple of things. I'd like to be prepared."

Cyril gave him a drawn-out stare before answering him. With that answer, Byleth made his way to the store room…then came back with several chairs and eventually a full-blown table. Moving it was easy for him; he'd carried boulders five times his size up mountains so a conference table wasn't a problem. Even if he had to cram squeeze a little to make some room to move. Then again, as he told Cyril, he'd been trained in the arts of stealth. That included learning how to cram himself into some very tight spaces.

Several minutes later and the conference room was cleaned up and looking good as new.

"Um…Professor Eisner, uh, thanks for…helping me out. Even though I told you not to. I can do this sort of work myself." The last part of his statement held little anger while the gratitude in his voice was genuine. "Um, hey, Professor, what was your mission like? To Zanado? I've never been there myself, but Lady Rhea always talks about it. She said she came from one of the villages around the area."

In his research he'd read that a handful of villages had cropped up around the valley-based city. Some had dissolved while others remained; protecting the latter from Kostas and his gang had been an underlying motive in their mission. "It was…routine for me. For the students, it was something of a trial by fire. Some of them were shaken up by taking their first life." While he wasn't trying to coax a reaction out of Cyril, he got one. It was resignation, like he'd expected it. This boy has killed before. Byleth sorrowfully realized. "I'm hoping to cut back on the combat missions this week, but I am going to be making sure they stay active for when the next one does come about."

"Oh, well…if there's anything I can help you with, let me know. That's kind of my job around here."

"Thank you, Cyril, I'll remember that." If he said that if he ever needed any help with his duties the boy would brush him off. Cyril gave off the feel of a dedicated worker. Then again, the boy didn't seem to need his help…but Byleth did want him to know that he was there. Especially if he had to deal with more racism. "I suppose I'll see you tomorrow, maybe."

"Yeah, maybe." He echoed with a slight upward tick of the lips. "Have a good evening, Professor."

Byleth knew now would have been the time for him to get going, but there was still one more place he had to see. Instead of the first floor doors he found himself walking the hallways once more, his eyes peering at the label of each office door. Upon finding the one he was looking for he stopped in front of it. A sense of nervous seized him; it was the first time that Byleth had felt such a way regarding his father in years. Quickly shaking it off he leaned forward and knocked on the door. When he got no response, he knocked again just a little louder. For the second time there was no response; the office room was empty.

It wasn't utterly disorganized but Byleth could tell some work was going to have to be done to it. Files had been thrown haphazardly across the table along with some books simply left thrown open. Silently shaking his head Byleth stepped forward and began to clean up the room. In doing so he spied a familiar sight by the chair.

"Typical. Guess being back here won't change some things, at least not immediately." Contrary to popular belief, mercenaries would be sentimentality people. Not so much with people as objects. Some people had weapons and others had objects, like a particular piece of armor, boots, riding harness, and the sort. For the Blade Breaker, it was his wooden flask, which Byleth now held in his hand. "Least it wasn't too hard to find." His father was no stranger to misplacing his prized canteen, and no noticing until he went for a drink. That was where Byleth stepped in, or Ron.

Tossing the container in his hand he figured there was no problem in holding onto it for a little bit. And watching his father try to squeeze his brain for its last whereabouts. That was always a little fun for him.

---

30th Day of the Great Tree Moon, Evening…

Usually whenever Byleth attended a birthday party there was alcohol involved. Sometimes it was so thick he could taste it in his mouth without having a drink in hand. Hand-in-hand with that was drunkenness. At least a quarter through the party at least one person would be drunk, including potentially the birthday recipient.

Ferdinand von Aegir's birthday party was potentially one of the first times that hadn't happened.

Given the young age of the academy's students, alcohol was strictly off limits. He'd personally been told to curb any alcoholic drinking amongst the students by Seteth, who'd similarly guarded such events in the past. Apparently, there had been times when alcohol had been snuck in, with predictable results. Some of said results ranged from funny to embarrassing to outright catastrophic. While he took those stories to heart Byleth had a feeling that wouldn't be the case with Ferdinand's birthday, and so far, he'd been proven right.

Byleth hadn't changed anything regarding the day's lesson plan. He had met Ferdinand's eye at the start of class though, a silent nod going his way. The orange-haired noble took it with a proud smile, like that was gift enough for him. Well, that on top of the physical exorcise they engaged in as part of the day's lesson plan. As per the last two weeks of classes Ferdinand had proven himself supremely capable…as had his self-proclaimed rival, Edelgard. She'd openly greeted Ferdinand with a happy birthday just before class started, and managed to force one out of Hubert. While accepting of them, Ferdinand had asked her not to hold back if they engaged in competition at some point throughout the day. Edelgard kept her word as when they started jogging Byleth found himself watching a heated race between the son of the Adrestian prime minister and the emperor's daughter. It was the twelfth time that they'd competed with each other. And it was the eighth time that Edelgard had won.

Not that this latest victory let Ferdinand stop him. He was just as determined as ever when the lesson was over with. So was Bernadetta, who'd shown up for class as requested, and as usual tried as hard as she could to go unnoticed. Especially by him.

Still the turtle in her shell, that one. Sothis had remarked.

"Don't expect that to change just because she got some blood on her. I don't think she should change too much, but she is going to have to come out of her shell a little more. Today's not the day for that though." Byleth had responded.

True to his word, he'd said nothing when Bernadetta completely ducked out once the school day was finished. Not even here at Ferdinand's birthday party could she be found. Then again, it's not like her absence was noticeable, or it was lamented.

Byleth didn't know how many of them had came out of personal love for Ferdinand or just curtsy, it didn't matter as the party had gotten underway and it was still going after a full hour. Not just the Black Eagles, a considerable number of Blue Lions and Golden Deer students had came as well, including both house leaders. Dimitri respectfully presented his gift of a practice lance to Ferdinand, who was quite gracious upon taking it. As for Claude, his gift was more…culinary, being some spices for him to try on his good. Those too had been accepted with a smile. After them Edelgard gave her gift, an Adrestian history book.

"So as you do not forget the proud lineage that we both lay claim to." She proclaimed as she passed it into her hands.

"Edelgard, never have any fear of that." Ferdinand passionate declared. Either he didn't catch what might have been the underlying conceit or he didn't care about it.

That left Byleth, who stepped forward and presented his first gift.

"P-Professor Eisner, these are…magnificent." The bombastic noble whispered taking hold of the flowery bouquet. Byleth felt several dozen sets of eyes on him, and likely for good reason. He was the first male to give Ferdinand flowers. Plenty of women had done so, but few men; even amongst the latter group knew had given Ferdinand a bouquet as good as his. "I…I am so honored! Thank you! I fear I may have to step away for a moment to put these in some water, so good that I want them preserved."

"Understandable, though before you go, here. This is the second part of my birthday present to you." From his right hand he presented a bow-encrusted box that Ferdinand graciously took. Upon unwrapping it his eyes lit up as he removed the red and white-colored tea cup that came with the set. "While I'm sure you have other tea seats, hopefully you won't mind another addition to your collection."

"Of course I won't, quite the contrary! Professor Eisner, these are exquisite! Thank you! Thank you so much! I promise I shall cherish this gift well beyond my time under your tutelage!"

That was actually a little appealing to here. At least after graduation Ferdinand would have something a little more…tangible to remember him by.

As he shook his hands with his student he whispered a silent thanks to the Archbishop, who directed him to the specific market he needed to go to in order to buy the tea set. He didn't mind spending a couple of marks for his student, especially one who worked as diligently as Ferdinand.

The party showed that his diligence had earned him his admirers, even across the houses. A purple-haired student from the Golden Deer was eagerly chatting with him. Byleth could have sworn he'd seen him attempting to flirt with a few ladies as well. Speaking of flirting, he saw a good number of male students were doing that, as were several girls.

Including Dorothea.

That girl is playing a dangerous game. Even the fairest of maidens can only juggle so many lovers. Will you step in before things reach a boiling point?

If it happens within the walls of the academy…yes. Even as he spoke the words he was unsure of them. Byleth recognized Dorothea to be a flirt, he just didn't quite know how far her flirtations extended. He'd gotten an idea when the morning before he caught her seeing off a young knight who'd be fighting under his father. For that reason, Byleth was sure that the young man, potentially in his early twenties, was going to come back alive. He wondered how he'd fair knowing that his admirer was busy romancing another, potentially younger man. Byleth suspected that he was a noble as he faintly recognized him from one of his classes.

Sothis watched the party go on, an ever-present look of curiosity on her face. Maybe watching the festivities would help jog her memory. So far he couldn't tell, but he could tell that she was observing the interactions of the students just like Byleth. Maybe she was also curious as to how Byleth would react to the attention he found himself put under.

As expected of a party featuring those of high society, there was some dancing. A handful of brave female students approached him, asking him if he wanted to dance. He didn't have it in him to turn them down, though he felt like he wasn't the most suitable dance partner for them. This was an event for the students.

And yet he found himself drawn in.

They're watching you, you know. Clearly, they weren't expecting this sophisticated side of you. I must admit that I too am surprised, Byleth.

He masked his amusement behind indifference while dancing with a young student. Though my forte is the battlefield, it isn't my only forte.

But this one is not one that you boast of, yes?

I'm a warrior, Sothis. A sell sword, a sword for hire. He responded. The short dance ended and the young girl, a redhead, gave him a quick bow of appreciation before hurrying off to her friends. They quickly got to talking amongst each other; he heard his name come up. Most surprisingly, he heard it amongst the words, "not so scary". I suppose that's a couple more people who…might see me differently.

That nickname of yours, do you truly take as much pride in it as you proclaim? The goddess in him asked.

Before he could answer he sensed the sharpened gaze of another. He turned to his right to the amused gaze of Edelgard's pale-skinned retainer. "Hubert," Byleth politely greeted.

"Professor. You surprised me this afternoon. I never expected you to be capable of such sentimentality." Spoke the oily-haired student. "I surely hope you are able to rediscover such feelings when Lady Edelgard's birthday comes about."

"One thing I'm confident of is that her birthday will far larger and more bombastic than this." He predicted.

"I suppose we shall see."

"You sound like you're not expecting it to be extravagant. Does Edelgard dislike big parties?"

"It depends on the mood. She will partake, at times out of respect for the person of the hour, just as she is doing now. We have wished Ferdinand the best and celebrated his life, now we must turn to bettering ourselves so that our nation will prosper once we assume our future positions."

He got the underlying meaning fast. "I see. You two are going to the training arenas or perhaps the library?"

"Of the sort. Have no fear, we won't be getting anything any mischief. I came to inform you as our instructor. Oh, and if you'd be so kind, do not inform Ferdinand. He will likely chase after Lady Edelgard and she could do will without…the interruption. As could he, this is his day of enjoyment."

At his nod of understanding and wishing of lucky Byleth watched him go. He followed him all the way to the door where Edelgard was waiting. The two of them departed.

I suppose she was courteous to come and congratulate him, and remain civil while she was here. The goddess of Fόdlan remarked. It seems whereas as Ferdinand sees a rivalry, Edelgard sees an annoyance.

Yes, though I'm not sure if it's in anyone's best interest to try to change that. Byleth spoke to her.

Sothis stared at him with a sympathetic smile. You say you are unsure, yet your heart yearns to aid Ferdinand. Just as you see potential in Edelgard you see the same in him. Should you step forward and attempt to have her see the same?

Stop making it sound like I'm trying to play favorites. I have no favorites amongst the eagles. He dismissively retorted. It did little to assuage the goddess' gaze. Seeing that Byleth began to wonder if perhaps it was time for him to bow out as well. Tomorrow was another day of teaching and work. Maybe it wouldn't have been too bad to get an early start to it. At the very least if I'm to depart, I'll say goodnight to Ferdinand first, and I'll be a little more respectful about it.

I would hope so, especially after giving him such a well-received gift. Sothis remarked.

"Professor!" Called the voice of the birthday boy himself. Turning to him Byleth put on an open face, or as best an open face as he could manage. "I do not mean to impose upon you, but…would you be willing to act as a referee?"

"To what sort of contest?" He immediately asked. The question hadn't quite caught him off-guard as Byleth had actually been expecting a competition of some sort. Ferdinand himself was a theorized participant with Edelgard being another, Petra and Caspar were likewise viable contenders. Seems like his first guess had been accurate.

"A horse race, out on one of the tracks." Ferdinand clarified. Byleth looked from him to a little behind him. His apparent challenge stood tall with a proud confidence that could rival Ferdinand's. The black-haired student temporarily turned his gaze away from Ferdinand to the person at his side-Dorothea.

A temptress in waiting. The former mercenary bemoaned.

It seems your task as a teacher will be more daunting than you originally perceived. You have my sympathies, Byleth.

"Sure, albeit I'd like it if it was kept civil. I need not worry about any wagers?"

"Of course not, Professor! Only a friendly competition between classmates!" Ferdinand proclaimed. Byleth's gaze went from him to his would-be opponent, and Dorothea. The brunette dismally waved a hand, clearly worried that a potential lecture was coming. "And an opportunity for us to test our equestrian abilities."

"You have a point there. Give me a minute to get down to the stables and arrange things." Given Ferdinand's personality Byleth felt like if he lost, he wouldn't take it too hard.

Then again…he had a feeling that the confidence-laced boy wasn't going to lose.

-O-

There was a total of three race tracks, each one for use by either the knights or the students. All three tracks saw extensive uses on both sides as they were used for competitions and live training. A life could depend on how well one could ride, not to mention how fast. That was the latter, this was the former-a contest of pride.

"Ferdinand, Alfred, the victor will be the first one to complete three laps around the track." Byleth explained to the two Adrestian boys. Ferdinand was mounted on a chestnut brown horse while Alfred had mounted a snow-white horse. Both boys nodded in understanding of the terms. "It's pure and simple, three lops around with no cheating. One of you falls off, you are not to hurt them." For what it was worth both teenagers straightened up and nodded more firmly. "Now then, both of you into position."

A silence fell over the crowd that had taken to the stands to watch the oncoming race. They were all giddy with excitement. Narrowing his focus, he could have sworn he saw some money exchanging hands. Ferdinand was about to be responsible for some of his classmates either making a quick mark or losing a few.

The person who caught his interest the most was Dorothea. He couldn't help but feel like she might have played a part in this somehow. Questions about that were to be saved for later though.

"On your mark," he began with his right hand raised to the sky. The sun had begun its slow descent toward the horizon painting the sky shades of orange. Such a fiery hue reminded him of Ferdinand's hair and even his soul. "Get set…go!" Upon swinging his arm down, he lit the fire within him that burned bright as he urged his stallion forward. He and Alfred shot forward and were racing down the track, urging their mounts onward while holding on to the reins. Within seconds it was made clear that both boys were gifted horseman.

As the crowd roared clapped and shouted in eagerness Byleth kept his eyes on the racers. They were neck and neck with one pulling ahead of the other only for that slim lead to vanish. In what seemed like a few blinks the first lap was finished and the two were on their way to being half way finished with the second. Still no immediate gap making it seem like a tie. Watching them Byleth noted that if they had weapons or were allied to attack each other things likely would have been different; not only would there have been someone with an advantage there would have been some blood.

They were on the third and final lap with the tension reaching its zenith. Byleth felt the tension himself as he leaned forward, his eyes widening as the two boys came upon the final stretch. Ferdinand and Alfred were neck in neck with ach other as they had been throughout the race, but one of them was pulling away. And that someone was Ferdinand.

"Finish!" The former mercenary shouted seeing the two cross the finish line. "Ferdinand is the victor!" A thunder of applause rose from the stands. Dorothea wasn't amongst them. While she was clapping Byleth could see she was not happy that Ferdinand had won. Come to think of it, she never seemed happy with Ferdinand.

Dismounting Ferdinand and Alfred shook hands, no love lost between the two of them. Byleth congratulated both of them and moved toward the horses. Now that the race was over it was time to get them back to the stables; maybe a treat or two since they'd given it their best.

"Professor Byleth," came a new voice. Turning around he was surprised to find Prince Dimitri and Ingrid from the Blue Lions. "Pardon us but would it be possible for you to keep the horses. We would like the chance to get in some riding practice."

Looking to the two stallions he saw them neigh in what was seemingly agreement. "I don't see the harm in that. Hop aboard them."

What had started out as one race turned into another half hour of riding, for practice and for fun. More horses had to be acquired as more students joined in. Ferdinand was all too happy to let them, especially since he was open to taking more racing challenges. The same went for Alfred. One student in particular seemed quite eager to ride with him, though not for any competitive reason. As he'd been watching Dorothea, he'd ended up watching another student, a purple-haired girl who'd had her eyes on Alfred throughout the afternoon. Byleth quickly put two and two together.

He shuddered at the thought of having to break up a fight between his students over a boy. Hell, not just girls over boys but boys over girls as well. All his instincts told him those fights were coming as well.

You have my sympathies, Byleth. Spoke the goddess within him.

If there's anything you can do to help me, I'm all ears. Better yet, if you've got some divine blessings that could help me then I'd indebted to you.

I thought you already were. Sothis retorted with a hint of amusement. Based on your earlier conversation with her, this girl seems to have her mind there. Would you venture there to aid her?

Yes. Byleth immediately answered.

…What have you seen?

Some very bad things, especially bad things that came about from love. Or to be more specific, playing around with the heart-such a thing never ends well.

Will you be able to pass such wisdom onto her?

I'm going to try. No sooner had he spoken did he sense a presence coming toward him. Turning to the right he saw Ferdinand approaching him. "Ferdinand, is there something you need?"

"It is more like something I would like to ask you. Professor Eisner, would you be willing to ride with me? I've never seen your ride, though I have heard tales that you've been trained in horseback riding by your father. He is apparently quite the skilled paladin."

"He is, and he's taught me. Horseback has never been my thing, but I'm not totally adverse to it. Besides," Looking at the track he felt that familiar fiery surge within him. "From what I've seen, you'll be able to give me a good workout in riding."

Physically, the sun may have set, but Ferdinand's smile gave the impression it was still out. It was out and its glory had not yet reached its peak.

"Need some help?"

Dorothea jumped, literally. Alfred didn't at least not as much as he would have if he was sober. Upon looking at Byleth the young noble attempted to stand up at attention. His attempt at a salute just showed how drunk he was. Byleth looked down at the ground between the two teens, spotting three bottle.

"P-P-P-Professor Eisner! H-H-Hello! G-G-Good evening! W-W-We were just…um, A—Alfie and I were just cleaning up! You know, helping out around the Monastery! Yeah! Weren't we, Alfie!"

"Q-Quite so! W-We…didn't mean to be out so late. We just…got a little…o-oh…oh my. Sothis, no!" In a heartbeat he swung around and heaved, Dorothea's face screwing up in disgust at the downpour of vomit.

"Guess we now know Alfred's alcohol limit, at least for now." Byleth walked up, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Dorothea, can you head to Manuela's office and get some medicine for headaches. If she askes…tell her the truth, or tell her to talk to me about it tomorrow."

The brunette looked a little startled, but nodded none the less and took off.

As for Byleth, he continued to pat the young student's back. "How much did you drink?"

"I…urgh, two and a half bottles. I guess…I'm a lightweight." Responded the young man.

"That's nothing to be ashamed of. Just…try to watch your drinking from now on. Don't think it's something that you need to work on."

"With all due respect, P-Professor Eisner, you sound like you have experience with alcohol."

"I do, a lot of experience. My father's only a few steps above being a lightweight himself." The blue-haired man declared.

"R-R-Really? T-The Legendary Blade Breaker himself?"

"Alfred, remember these words, there is no correlation between a warrior's skill and their alcohol tolerance. Some of the best warriors can barely handle more than a couple of drinks, conversely, some of the worst can drink themselves silly. Don't let it get you down. Of course, here's some simpler advice." Once he was finished vomiting the nobleman looked up at him. "Just don't get too into drinking."

"…Noted, and thank you, Professor."

Mere moments later Dorothea arrived with the procured medicine. She stood by, watching Byleth administer it, then helped lift Alfred up and helped him to the dorms. In a sense, Byleth knew that he was walking Dorothea back to her dorm realm as well. He took solace in that knowing that he wouldn't have to worry about anything happening to her on the way back.

She stood by the door as Byleth walked Alfred into his room then deposited him onto the bed. Upon closing it he looked to her. She looked like she was bracing for a lecture. Given the circumstances, she was right to brace for it as she was deserving of one, and so was Alfred. Since he was passed out asleep only she was left.

"I'm sorry, Professor Eisner. I know you said no drinking but…well, we…I…"

"I'll let it slide, but please remember that, Dorothea. Especially remember it when you're in the company of others." At her nod he turned and began walking. "Come, I'll walk you back to your dorm room."

"Why thank you, Professor. You're quite the gentleman." Her trademark cheer was back in her voice. At least temporarily, "I…um,"

"You have some experience with alcohol, don't you?" He asked without looking back at her.

"Yes, I have. I mean…I've been around it quite a bit."

"So I have. Mercenaries and alcohol tend to go together pretty well. Not always a good combination, but arguably an inevitable one." His father had tired to keep him from alcohol until he was of a certain age, but it was a losing battle. He grew up in the company of soldiers and warriors who were traveling from one place to another, often with the possibility of death looming over them. "Dorothea," he suddenly called. "Today you were with Alfred, but earlier today I saw you hanging around another knight."

"Ah, yes, Randall. I heard he set out with your father on a mission this morning." Byleth could sense a sliver of worry in her without even looking back at her. She was nervous, and for good reason.

He didn't look back at her until they were back at her room. His silence had worsened her anxiety, she was looking at him as if he had a blade at her throat. In a manner of speaking, he did. All he had to do was talk and the brunette would be in hot water.

Byleth wasn't that kind of person though. "Dorothea, all I can ask you is…be careful, and be considerate of others." Sighing in relief she immediately relaxed. Hopefully she'd have an easier time getting to sleep once she got inside. "Also, if I may ask…what is the cause of your disdain toward Ferdinand?" It was a question that forced its way out of his mouth just as she went for the doorknob.

"M-M-My what?" She stammered.

"Ferdinand, you really don't like him. I was wondering if you were in the mood to tell me why." He repeated.

Dorothea's face went through a range of emotions, but the one that stood out to Byleth was anger. It was repressive anger whose root would have to be dug at. He knew now wasn't the time or place for that, but at least he had an idea of what sort of feelings Dorothea held for the orange-haired teen.

"I…I…let's just say that he and I had a bad encounter in the past." Her grip on the knob tightened as she looked at the door. It seemed to have became a gateway connecting the present and the past, namely whatever that bad encounter was. "People like him are the worst, Professor, at least they are to me."

"People like him?"

"Nobles like him." She clarified in a tight voice.

Byleth arched an eyebrow at her. "Dorothea,"

"I appreciate your help and I'm sorry for my rudeness. Goodnight, Professor."

She sped indoors, unofficially ending the conversation. Byleth's intuition told him she didn't want to talk about it. If it was as bad as he was being led to believe then Byleth didn't blame her. Now wasn't the time to pry it out of her; he wondered if he even had a right to try to do such a thing. Technically speaking so long as this relationship didn't interfere with classes it wasn't his place to intervene.

As he walked back to his own room, he wondered how long that would be the case. While undressing and dressing for bed he remembered all those times seemingly small resentment boiled over into something greater, or reared its head at the worst possible time.

"Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, I suppose that extends to teaching as well." All things considered…he'd been happy with the way the day had gone. He'd been happy that Ferdinand had enjoyed his birthday. He was happy that he'd been able to be a part of it.

That is enough to be satisfied. Came the voice of the goddess. Byleth looked to his side. Sothis wasn't there but he could feel him, almost like she was lying against his back. Those were the last words she spoke before shutting her eyes in slumber. He did the same, silently agreeing with her that he'd done enough for the day to go to sleep satisfied.

---

2nd Day of the Harpstring Moon, Afternoon…

Weapons study and weapons inventory were two things that always put Byleth's mind at ease. He'd been doing them since he was a child, quite literally as his growing ability to read was tied to studying the arts of combat and warfare. Before his father permitted him to set foot on the battlefield he'd been delegated to the sidelines. There he tended to the band's equipment. In retrospect, it served him in the long run. When he finally did set foot onto the battlefield he was able to put all of his knowledge to use, as well as grow it considerably.

Ironically, it was the study of weaponry that always put him at ease. Byleth knew it was another way he was different from those around him, or at least those who hadn't grown up in the bosom of war.

More often than not every warrior had a preferred weapon. For him, it was swords, for his father it was the lance.

For his students he'd complied a list of their weapon affinities. Edelgard clearly took to the axe as her preferred weapon of choice. It suited her, powerful and blunt, she wielded them with great effectiveness regardless of their weight. There was almost an elegance in her usage of them despite their somewhat bulky design. In contrast, her retainer Hubert seemed to gravitate toward the spear…and maybe even the bow. Byleth had recorded seeing him practicing his archery when he thought no one was looking. The budding mage had a good eye with an arrow; perhaps not too surprising considering he had good aim with his spells as well. Akin to Hubert, Ferdinand favored the lance as well, though the orange-haired teenager was also skilled with a sword and an axe. Matter of fact, from what he'd observed Ferdinand seemed to have a good grasp on every physical weapon there was in addition to armor. He was the Black Eagles' only "all arounder". Byleth quietly wondered if that was why he felt a slight affinity for the always eager lad, he could relate.

Back to rather singular categories, Dorothea knew a good deal about swordsmanship. Byleth couldn't help but question where, only for Sothis to put forth a rather interesting answer-the opera. True, swordplay was often performed on stage, but was it possible for fake swordplay to translate into actual sword skills? So far, Dorothea had seemingly been a testament to the possibility that it could. Following the subject of swordplay, he was brought to the Black Eagles' next greatest sword fighter, Petra. The Brigid princess was the speediest of the lot, even in comparison to Dorothea. She-

"Ah, Professor! It is no surprise that I have found you here!"

Looking straight up from his notebook he stared into the orange eyes of Ferdinand. There was a fire in them resembling that of the hearth burning several feet to his right. "Can I help you with some, Ferdinand?" Byleth called.

"Yes, I do, but first there is something I must ask you." He declared coming to a stop before Byleth's desk. "You seem to hold Edelgard in high esteem, or at least that is what I have perceived."

Oh, here we go. He wasn't annoyed or dismayed with Ferdinand's questions. "She's a good student." It was clear and nonpartisan answer.

Ferdinand nodded in agreement with it. A look of slight dismay marked his face; it seemed acknowledging her skill was also a slight diminishing of his own. "Hmm. She is certainly talented. No doubt about that. But I wonder…what of your opinion of me? I am quite talented too, am I not?"

Byleth had been in this situation before. The right words could defuse the situation, and the wrong words could make it worse. That included potentially inflating Ferdinand's ego to dangerous levels.

"Be honest. Do not hold back. Pretend that I am just a regular person, not the scion of a noble family."

Well, he asked for it. "You two are perhaps amongst the most talented of the entire Black Eagles House. Of the dozens of you that I am teaching, you two stand at the pinnacle. I would say that you two are evenly matched, most of the time."

His surprised expression told him he'd said the wrong words. "Evenly matched! Me?! With her?" Ferdinand exclaimed.

Byleth gave him his blankest stare. "Ferdinand, the win-loss record is not in your favor, but you are one of the few fighters able to-"

"I was just being modest before."

"Ferdinand, you should know by now that I don't hold my tongue."

"Honestly, I've always prided myself on being Edelgard's superior."

"The win-loss ratio that I've observed speaks to the contrary."

He looked like he'd been punched in the face. "I…well, that shall soon be rectified! There is only one thing I can do-demonstrate my excellence!"

"That's not necessary." Byleth responded. It was like watching an anchor sink to the bottom of the ocean with his leg tied to it.

"Nonsense! You have entirely underestimated my abilities! You think I can ignore such a slight on my honor! Not likely, come, Professor!"

Byleth knew perfectly well he could have told him no. He was the teacher here and Ferdinand was the student, noble or not. He was in the middle of his own work, work that pertained the entire class, and here he was being asked to put it on hold to tend to Ferdinand's bruised ego. Byleth knew he was well within his rights to not only refuse Ferdinand but potentially give him the ego check that he was apparently needing.

"…Alright."

He knew all that, but he had some pity for the noble lad, so he decided where was the harm in humoring him. Just this once.

-O-

The first winds of spring had begun to blow and with them came an undercurrent of movement in the world. Bugs, birds, and all sorts of animals had come out of the woodworks with renewed vigor. Byleth had hoped some of that vigor passed into the students, it'd been one part of the reason he'd had classes for the last week held outdoors, and he planned on having them outdoors in the future. His idea hadn't been novelty, but he did get the students working beneath the early spring sun. Word was the knights had approved of it; he'd even found himself training his students side by side with them. Many of them had taken to it, enjoying being out in the daylight instead of being stuck in the classroom.

Bernadetta had hated it though.

Ferdinand, on the other hand, had loved it.

Hours had been spent familiarizing himself with sections of the forests around the Monastery. They were home to numerous beasts, including rogue Demonic Beasts, monstrosities formed from regular animals absorbing too much residual magic. Or some sorcerer's experiments escaping them and running amok across the land. The Knights of Seiros did their part in ensuring they didn't overwhelm the forests, albeit a few were routinely left alone.

One such reason was so they could be made use of. Powerful and dangerous as they might have been, they also served as good sparring opponents, albeit unwilling and extremely hostile ones.

Byleth recognized the area they were in. While not exceedingly dangerous it was an area where one or two stray beasts could be found roaming, having claimed it as their territory.

"We will begin with a battle! Edelgard's skill in combat is no match for mine!" Ferdinand exclaimed.

"That's up for debate."

"It shall not be after this!" Ferdinand retorted without missing a beat. "I heard just the other day Edelgard defeated a Demonic Beast on her own. Without any assistance at all! Well, anything Edelgard can do, I can do better-and in half the time!"

Byleth had heard such words before…often right before their speaker met their end. Said end ranged from humiliating to actually valiant.

"Ferdinand," he tried to caution.

"Professor, you shall be my timekeeper and witness-"

As if the world was answering his call and Byleth's fears, a roar split the forest. No, not a roar, roars plural.

"Here we go!" Ferdinand confidently shouted turning in their direction. His confidence evaporated seeing that not one but two Demonic Beasts were stomping toward them. "Two at once?! That's…well, it will be fine!"

"Ferdinand," Byleth called again, this time a little more forcefully. Logically speaking, he could win with just the steel sword he had on hand. To do that though would take a certain level of skill. Ferdinand did not have that level of skill.

With a brave but foolhardy shout he ran forward, sword held high and at the ready. He made a jumping slash at the first beast, bringing his sword down atop its head. While the blade cut deep it wasn't enough. The Demonic Beast suddenly rose up, shaking its head about and throwing Ferdinand to the side. Luckily, he held onto his sword, he needed it as the second beast made a serious of claw swipes at him. To his credit, Ferdinand parried the blows keeping himself alive, but it was clearly taking all he had. That made him unprepared for the second beast to pounce on him. Screaming in alarm, he hastily jumped away, saving his own life.

Still, it wasn't quite what one would call dignified.

He came up still holding his sword, swinging it to parry the beast's next attack. Just as he was catching his breath the other beast came at him. It was clearly not happy about the slight gash that Ferdinand had left on its snout.

"Gah! Aah! I-I can't do it!" Shouted the seventeen-year-old.

ZWOOSH-ZLASH!

To Ferdinand, it all happened in the blink of an eye. To Byleth, who performed the actions, it happened just as fast, except he knew in perfect detail what happened. First, he delivered a successful leaping slash that that decapitated the monster, then he spun around, dragging his sword alongside the second beast's side from the jaw on. A single straight cut through which blood gushed from the wound as the body hit the ground, going still.

Turning to the stunned nobleman, he sheathed his sword and walked toward him.

"P-P-P-Pro-Professor Eisner," he stammered.

"Ferdinand, are you alright?" Byleth asked looking him over, not caring one quota about the two monstrous corpses he'd just created.

The orange-haired teen regained some of his composure "I-I…believe so. It seems you saved my life, Professor Eisner. I thank you."

"You're welcome." Byleth simply said. Finally, he turned around and looked at the pair of Demonic Beasts. Their tainted blood was spilling onto the forest floor. He wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do with them, or needed to. Any animal that feasted on their flesh ran the risk of mutating themselves. That was one of the problems with dealing with Demonic Beasts. If he had the potential to, he could simply burn the flesh and blood up until only the bones remained. That wouldn't be too bad.

"Professor,"

Noticing the distinct downtrodden tone Byleth looked back at his noble pupil. He wasn't surprised to see none of Ferdinand's usual eagerness or cheer. As he thought, the boy had been humbled. Byleth hadn't enjoyed it, but…he hoped he would grow through this.

"I suppose that…this shows that the-"

"This shows that you still have work to do, and there's nothing wrong with that. Even the best of warriors still have room to improve. That includes me." Ferdinand looked at him with wide eyes. After searching the area for a suitable spot, he found one and indicated toward it with his eyes.

A minute later and teacher and student were sitting back against the tree, the afternoon sun beating overhead. They were a respectful distance from the two monsters, which was by Byleth's design. The further away they were from Ferdinand's blunder, the better-the more Byleth hoped his words would sink in.

"My father's a greater warrior than I, he always has been." He opened. "He's been my protector, my teacher, and the one person who I want to surpass more than anyone else. I still haven't done so, and I know now that I still have further to go to reach him."

The break seemed to have done Ferdinand some good as his focus was entirely on Byleth and his tale. "Professor, you…truly never knew that your father possessed a Crest?"

"No, but I don't think it's just been about his Crest. Even without it he's incredibly strong, the strongest man that I've ever known. Call it childish, but I still believe that even after coming here to Garreg Mach and seeing the capabilities of the Knights of Seiros."

"Respectfully, Professor, you may not be wrong. He did hold his own against a gauntlet of knights, including some of the finest in the Knights of Seiros."

Byleth smiled as much as he could have.

"Sir, after seeing that did you not feel…intimidated?" Ferdinand questioned.

"I did." Byleth confessed. "I realized that I still had further to go to reach him…and while I was a little angry, I was also happy."

"Happy? Why?"

"Ferdinand, sometimes it's not the destination, it's the journey. Over the years, I've come to believe that's especially true when it comes to strength. It's an endless climb, but one that you can learn to take enjoyment in. Some of the training I underwent was bitter work, yet looking back on it…I'm happy I endured it. I don't regret putting the blood and sweat into it. Perhaps I'm an oddity amongst people, but putting that work in has always made me feel happy and fulfilled. The prospect of having to do more of it to stand on equal footing with my father, I don't spurn it. I welcome it."

An uncharacteristic silence enveloped the normally peppy teenager. Byleth knew the noble was grappling with much, perhaps the biggest blow to his ego he'd suffered yet. Past the initial pain, he was taking it well.

"Professor Eisner, do you ever worry that training…may not be enough?" Came Ferdinand's quiet voice.

"It's a possibility, but just that-a possibility. I won't know it's a certainty unless I try my hardest, putting in the effort, day after day. Maybe I will stand equal to him and surpass him, maybe I won't, but I have the courage to try." While he'd been speaking, he'd been staring at his hand. Behind the worn black glove lay his palm, worn and scarred from years of battle and practicing for battle. Clenching his fist, he looked to his right where his orange-haired pupil sat. "Ferdinand, I believe you have that same courage, it's comparable to Edelgard's own. In that way, I see you two as equals, and in my opinion that makes it a privilege to teach both of you."

Wide-eyed, Ferdinand's cheeks actually reddened a little. He obviously hadn't been expecting such a compliment, and he apparently hadn't been expecting it to have such an impact on him. "I…well, she has always had a certain drive to her. I've always admired that drive, yet I've sworn to never let it supersede my own."

"Do you know what drives her?"

"If I were to imagine, it would be to restore the honor of her family, as well as Adrestia's honor. Professor Eisner, the Empire has…not been what it once was. Part of the blame for that lies with my father."

He noticed the way Ferdinand's hands tightened. "Your father," he repeated.

Ferdinand's nod was filled with reserve pain. "The current Duke Aegir, the current Prime Minister, he is…he has…not been the best for Adrestia. One reason why I came to the Officers Academy was so I could learn what I must to be better than him, on both the battlefield and the realm of politics."

"I see," Byleth affirmed. "I'm sorry, Ferdinand. I'm afraid I can only help you in the former category, not the latter."

With a shake of his head, Ferdinand gave him a smile that held a fraction of his usual optimism. "Respectfully, Professor, I believe you are underselling yourself. Here you are, teaching me more than just the art of combat. I am grateful for the lesson, and to you for imparting it. Even if it came at my personal expense."

"Some of the most important lessons are those that come with pain, Ferdinand. I don't enjoy teaching that way, but…sometimes you have to learn that way." He had a multitude of stories that he could pour into the young man, but those were for another time.

"I suppose in a sense I can understand your feelings. Having a father whom you wish to surpass…I have long since felt that way." Byleth had the sneaking feeling Ferdinand wanted to say more. While he acknowledged their similarities, he suspected that he knew they only extended so far. Ferdinand had just told him of his own displeasure toward his father. As far as he knew, Byleth had none for his own. "It is not just him though, with Edelgard…our families have been rivals for years. I will not say that is the only reason, she is…she is…she is an incredible person, yet I refuse to stand in awe of her. I wish to walk side by side with her, and even surpass her."

"That isn't going to be easy, Ferdinand." Byleth stated.

"No, it will not be. I will surely encounter more moments like this, moments that…leave me questioning if my goal is achievable. But I will not falter! I will stay the course, I will stand beside her, and eventually surpass her!" He'd jumped to his feet while speaking, the usual energy that coursed through him returning.

Byleth was glad to see it. He hadn't known Ferdinand for so much as a month, but over the weeks he'd taught him he'd come to find something…nice about his ever-sunny deposition. Not seeing it was just not right.

Glancing down at the ground he pointed to the steel sword that he'd brought with him. Catching his motion Ferdinand sat down and held the weapon in his lap.

"As you are the veteran, I'm sure you know that swords are said to be superior to axes." He said.

"In theory, Ferdinand. As I've told you and the others, there is no absolute in true combat. An axe fighter can just as easily defeat a swordsman, just look at Edelgard."

"Yes, I'm quite aware. No matter the foe, she's faced it with axe in hand, and more often than not came out victorious. Albeit she has also had the aid of magic as well."

"Adrestia's the most magically inclined nation in Fόdlan." Byleth noted.

"Indeed, we are. We Adrestians have taken pride in our magical capabilities, being the foremost pioneers on the continent." A short pause followed. "I will admit, perhaps the pride in Adrestia's magical prowess hasn't always been for the best."

"You've faced it before, haven't you? The cold and harsh gazes of sorcerers and sorceresses because magic isn't your forte." Ferdinand gave a silent nod, further hammering home that he'd faced the discrimination they were now seeking of. "Don't ever let that get you down either. I've seen plenty of mages felled by a common blade, or fist."

"I can only imagine how much experience you're speaking from, Professor."

"Perhaps one day you will be able to do the same." He coyly remarked. "Ferdinand, you still have Edelgard beat in terms of versatility. Your horsemanship is the best in the Black Eagles, your swordsmanship, lance work, and axemanship, are all superb as well. Your versatility is one of the things I like about you; it…reminds me a little of myself."

"I have noticed that about you, Professor Eisner. Though you favor the sword, you've shown immense skill in various other weapon types as well, including brawling."

"Fist fighting was one of the first combat styles I learned. Undoubtedly the most brutal, but also one of the most useful. And depending on your preferences, one of the most enjoyable." With an aside glance he saw how Ferdinand's face momentarily fell. Byleth couldn't help but chuckle. "All you need do is ask, but in the meantime, we'll stick with the ordinary weapons triangle." As he expected the nobleman sighed in relief. "Magic is powerful, but it isn't insurmountable, I'll teach you the ways in which that's possible."

"Professor Eisner, would it be possible for you to help me learn to do so now? I know that I interrupted your work earlier today for my own…vanity. You are fully within your right to refuse me."

"That I am," Byleth affirmed before standing up. "But I'm not going to. I am your teacher and it's my job to teach you. Besides…" he looked up to the afternoon sky. Clear blue skies with puffy white clouds lazily floating across it. While there was still a slight breeze, it was very clearly spring. "Why not spend a good day like this doing something productive?"

The personalized sun that was Ferdinand von Aegir was back in full, eagerly nodding in approval as he took his place beside the Ashen Demon. Except the latter wasn't looking quite so demonic. His smile simply didn't radiate danger as a demon's should. It radiated simple happiness, happiness that was shared with the young man beside him.

---

I didn't mean for it to take so long in positing this chapter, sorry for the delay, everyone. Thankfully I finally got the chapter completed, and I can even say I managed to fit more into it than I originally planned.

Byleth and Rhea have achieved C Support! And so has he with Cyril, Dorothea, and definitely Ferdinand. Like I said, I managed to fit more into this chapter than I thought I could, no doubt because Byleth and Rhea's talk was at the start of the chapter and it left the next three-quarters of the chapter free for me to use. I already had some plans for Ferdinand's birthday and a slight expansion of his C-Support, with the free space I decided this chapter would be a perfect place to fit those things in. All that factored into me deciding on this chapter's title, it being one of the themes I used to write this chapter.

Another theme or thread I used throughout this chapter was the stage of life or frame of mind I'd say Byleth was in. I always thought of him as being in the "warrior state" of his life at the start of the game. While he knows he's strong, he knows there's still warriors stronger than him, the biggest one being his father. As a long time shonen fan, I figured it wouldn't be too out of character to give him the goal of surpassing Jeralt; the latter having his Crest revealed shook things up a little, but not too much for Byleth who's also a challenge seeker. The bigger the challenge, the more willing he is to take it. I thought that it'd be a good move to tie those things together with Byleth's talk with Rhea at the start of the chapter and his talk with Ferdinand at the end.

Cyril's segment came to me right about when I first started typing up this chapter. I wanted to include his and Byleth's first formal introduction somehow, and leapfrogging it off of Byleth and Rhea's first talk popped into my head. As with many characters, I've got an idea for the relationship the two will develop; I'm glad I was able to squeeze him in, and show a bit of his early fondness for him.

Let me just say that I like Dorothea but her…beef with Ferdinand kind if left much to be desired. It is going to be addressed, or rather Byleth is going to address it, but in the future. For now, I'm sprinkling the seeds of it. Again, it felt like a natural addition once I decided to focus on Ferdinand's birthday.

Regarding Ferdinand, contrary to the Black Eagles' initial perception of him, I like to think he'd be reasonable popular in-universe. Or shall I say almost as popular as he is in the fandom. All things considered, he's actually a pretty nice and likable person, if a little bit eccentric. Not to mention he's got a pretty good work ethic, especially amongst aspiring nobles. Given the nature of this story, he's going to be another foil to Edelgard, especially once she and Hubert split from the Black Eagles. His superiority-inferiority complex is going to cause him no small amount of turmoil when that happens.

Something interesting about Ferdinand is gameplay-wise, he has no banes in any category. He's definitely inclined toward the cavalry class lines but he can be pretty flexible with any physical class. As Byleth in this story is a master physical combatant I felt him having an affinity to Ferdinand would be fun to write. Granted, unlike Byleth Ferdinand isn't so inclined to hand-to-hand combat, not exactly a fighting style befitting of a classy noble. There's going to be plenty of other characters for Byleth to build a rampart with that over, including the last person he's expecting.

That's Chapter 5, I hope you all enjoyed it! Leave your thoughts in the reviews to let me know what you thought, and potentially what you think may happen next. The next chapter will be up in about two weeks and will keep the character interactions going. Until then!