"Come on, Byleth! We're almost there!" The young boy's cheerful voice echoed through the snowy forest, unaware of the annoyed expression on the blue-haired man's face.

"Kid, I told you we weren't in a rush. No need to sprint like that," Byleth grumbled as they trudged through the thick snow.

"But look at this place, it's so pretty! The frozen lake, the snow-covered trees, the primroses blooming in the silver snow...I just wanted to make sure they were all okay," the boy said with excitement, gesturing towards their surroundings.

"Wouldn't count on it. The storm yesterday was quite intense. And I doubt your father would be too happy if he found out you came here alone," Byleth replied with a deadpan tone, watching as the child pouted and kicked at the snow.

"But you are here so it should be fine, right? Besides, I doubt anyone, or anything can challenge you in a lone combat."

"Unless I have a brat to watch out for while busy dealing with those beasts. No matter why they call you "The Beaming Angel"." Byleth deadpanned, letting out another sigh before offering his hand to him. "Fine, I'll indulge your curiosity this time. Just don't wander too far from me." The boy eagerly grabbed onto Byleth's hand as they continued their trek through the snowy forest.

Byleth, with a stoic and determined expression, forged a path through the thick forest of snow-laden trees. The other one followed closely behind, his breath visible in the frigid air as he clung tightly to Byleth's hand, not wanting to lose his guide. The forest was a winter wonderland, with each tree adorned in delicate white flakes and icicles shimmering in the sunlight. The silence was only broken by the crunch of their boots against the soft snow, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Suddenly, the boy stopped, his eyes widening as he spotted something amidst the blanket of snow.

"Look, over there!" The boy exclaimed and pointed towards a small clearing ahead. Through the frost-covered ground, a cluster of delicate primrose flowers could be seen.

"I can see them already," Byleth confirmed with a nod. "Looks like the storm didn't harm them. Are you happy now?"

"Very!" The boy's eyes lit up with delight. "Can I go check on them? Just to make sure they're okay."

Byleth ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Of course, go ahead. I'll wait for you here." He eagerly rushed off to inspect the flowers.

The ground was dusted with snow, a blanket of white covering the earth. The boy knelt down beside a cluster of primrose flowers, his movements slow and delicate as if he were handling fragile glass. With skilled fingers, he brushed away the snow, revealing the vibrant hues of the petals beneath. The yellows and pinks seemed to glow against the monochromatic backdrop. Byleth stood a few paces away, observing the boy with a mixture of fondness and amusement. Leaning against a nearby tree, his arms crossed in a relaxed stance, he couldn't help but smile at the sight before him- something he rarely did.

"You really like them, don't you?" His gentle voice was soon met with an immediate nod.

"Yes, I do. They're so beautiful and calming to look at, and they make great companions for conversation."

"Where did you learn it from?" Byleth inquired curiously.

"From you, of course. You once told me that if we showed them enough love and care, they would respond back to us one day. And now they have."

"What did the flowers say to you?" The boy was silent for a moment before answering with a fond smile.

"Good work today guys." Byleth shrugged fondly before asking the boy with curiosity.

"There's something I've been wondering - why do you seem to favor this particular type of flower?"

"Is it wrong?" Byleth shook his head.

"I'm just curious. You've never shown this level of interest and dedication toward any other type of flower that I've introduced to you. Is there a special story behind it?" The boy gazed at the primrose for a moment before answering softly.

"Byleth, do you remember about what we talked last time- about what flowers represented?"

"I do. But what does it have something to do with this?"

"You see, the primrose isn't just a flower to me. It's a symbol of hope, beginnings, and transformation. When I see it, I'm reminded that beautiful things can come from unexpected places. And... I couldn't help but think about you when I saw those primroses blooming in the snow." Byleth nodded, listening intently as the boy continued.

"You've been through so much, and yet, you've always remained strong, like an unwavering force amidst the chaos. The people that betrayed you. The liars that sought to use you for their own gains. And the title that you've always despised – the Ashen Demon."

"Kid, it's alright. That was a long while ago and I barely pay any mind." He lied hesitantly with a heavy heart, not daring to meet the boy's gaze. However, instead of disappointment, a small smile crossed his face as he approached Byleth slowly.

"But even so, I know you are much more than that. Even if this world calls you Demon due to their ignorance. Even if it is fate's will that you must become the harbinger of chaos to ensure this cycle of suffering. All I can see is the goodness in you, the strength, and the courage to rise above the shadows – to become an angel that will make his own destiny."

"Kid…"

"And that's why I believe that even a demon can become an angel as long as he has the desire to do. There is no such thing called fate or destiny, only the choices we make that shape our future. Our actions are made by us alone- not by those so-called nobles, not by fate, and certainly not even by the Goddess herself. Isn't that what you told me?"

Byleth finally crouched down, looking at him incredulously before gently hugging the boy, who returned the gesture. Tears welled up in his eyes as Byleth let them fall freely, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.

"Thank you, kid. Your words mean everything to me more than you know. Consider your messages received. I look forward to your cooperation from now on."

"It's no problem. I'm just glad you understand. But it's me who has always needed your help all these years. After all..."

"… you are the most cherished family that can never be replaced to me, brother!"


27th of Lone Moon, 1178

"Well, this is certainly not what I had in mind when you invited me for dinner, kid," Jeralt remarked as Bylass simply shrugged. He then turned to Lydia, who was busy cooking in the kitchen.

"Lydia, did they coerce you into this?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"For once, it wasn't our idea," Byleth chimed in while helping Lydia check the pan, giving Jeralt a blank expression. "Lydia suggested it because we haven't had a proper dinner together in a while."

"She needed some help and I had some spare time to lend a hand," Byleth replied flatly, earning a disapproving glare from Jeralt until Lydia chuckled.

"Now, now, the boy just wants to help and he's still learning," she interjected. "He's actually making progress from what I've seen so far."

"Until some of us mercenaries had to chug extra glasses of water after one bite of his curry," Jeralt sighed. "Boy, I don't know how much spice tolerance you have, but we're definitely not all built the same."

"Noted," Byleth nodded before adding another seasoning to the pot, which Jeralt and Bylass watched cautiously before shrugging and leaving their fates in the hands of the florist and blue-haired mercenary.

The cozy kitchen was filled with the heady aroma of spices, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Byleth and Lydia worked in perfect harmony, their movements fluid and effortless. Byleth's brow furrowed slightly as he expertly chopped vegetables with precise movements, his hands moving quickly yet carefully. Meanwhile, Lydia hummed a soft melody under her breath, her dexterous fingers deftly measuring out spices and occasionally stealing glances at Byleth with an adoring expression - like a proud mother watching her son's every move.

"I think that's enough for now." Lydia hummed after tasting the curry. "Byleth, what do you think?"

"Normally I would say we need a little more spice, but I will pass this time." Byleth looked at Jeralt, who still had a skeptical look on his face, before turning back to Lydia. "Other than that, all we need is some onions and it's finished."

"Perfect. And it's done." She ladled generous portions into bowls and served them at the table with graceful and practiced movements. "Here you go, Jeralt and Bylass. Enjoy."

"Thank you, Lydia," Jeralt said, his voice filled with gratitude as he took a spoonful of the steaming curry. "Not bad. The spice is still there but quite balancing. Your skill has quite improved, Byleth." Byleth gave a polite bow and made his way to the table, sitting next to Lydia as she handed the bowl to him.

"I'm glad you like it, Jeralt. But let's not forget that Lydia has done most of the heavy lifting. Without her guidance, I doubt I could have made such an improvement."

"Don't be so modest, dear!" Lydia patted Byleth's shoulder gently. "We worked together on this, so give yourself some credit."

"She is right." Bylass nodded after chewing her curry. "Talented you are but you should give yourself more credit, partner. Remember how hard we had to convince you to take the reward the first time we met."

"You know, you were quite a stubborn one, boy. I've met many who would not hesitate to claim the credit for themselves but not even one who was insisting on not taking the rewards for your achievement."

"Jeralt, Bylass, I appreciate your kind words, but I could not do it without your help. Moreover, I simply do what I believe is right, without seeking recognition or praise. And that's more than enough." Byleth replied with determination, taking a sip of his drink, and earning a nod from Jeralt.

"I agree with you there. Anyway, did you two enjoy the feast at the Kingdom?"

"I did. It was interesting and fun." Bylass chimed in. "And the dance was enjoyable even though it was my first time."

"Since when did you become interested in dancing?" Jeralt inquired curiously.

"A long time ago. I've always wanted to try it but you always seemed like you wanted to be anywhere but there, so I never asked." Bylass replied with a monotone voice, unaware of the brief look of conflict that crossed Jeralt and Lydia's faces. An awkward silence followed until Lydia broke it with a gentle smile.

"Who was the kind soul that taught you, Bylass?" She took another bite and pointed at Byleth.

"It was thanks to him, saying that he picked it up from you a while ago. I didn't know that you were also a dancer, Lydia."

"Well, I wouldn't say I'm a professional or anything like that." The florist giggled. "It was one of the many things I picked up when I was your age which I gladly shared with Byleth here. Speaking of which, I must say, Byleth, you were quite a natural despite it being your first time."

"I don't know if I'd call myself a natural. It just felt like my body knew what to do on its own. But I'm glad you both enjoyed it." The two women nodded in agreement while Jeralt took a sip of his drink, his tone now lighter.

"I'm happy you both enjoyed it. It's a shame you didn't join me at the tavern. None of my men would stand a chance against you two in a drinking contest." Byleth and Bylass sighed while Lydia gave Jeralt a disapproving look.

"Please tell me that you did not pass out at the tavern again, Jeralt."

"Unfortunately, it did happen, Lydia. At least there was no major damage to the tavern, and we had no contract in the week following by so it was fine." Bylass explained with a disinterested voice.

"And did he puke on any of you?" Lydia asked with a pointed look, which was soon answered by Byleth with a blunt voice.

"Yes, it took me hours to clean the vomit off my armor. Sometimes I wonder if I'm your second-in-command or just a glorified caretaker for this mercenary band."

"Well, if that's the case, then you're doing a great job, boy. Perhaps my daughter was right about you being a mercenary of talents after all."

"Jeralt, I love you, but could you please stop doing that with my boy here? I'd rather not see him overstressing himself," The trio widened their eyes and stared at Lydia while Byleth could barely contain his shock as he barely covered his mouth.

"Your boy? Since when…" Lydia realized her mistake and blushed in embarrassment.

"My apologies for blurting that out earlier. It was just a momentary slip-up. Byleth, I hope I didn't overstep any boundaries." Byleth waved his hand dismissively and replied gently.

"Don't worry about it, Lydia. I'm honored that you think so highly of me. Feel free to call me whatever you like as long as it suits you."

"But what about your family? I know how important your mother is to you. I just don't want to make it seem like I'm replacing her."

"It's fine, Lydia. You were the first person who showed kindness to me since I woke up in this land. To be honest, I already considered you family a while ago. Besides my mother..." His voice trailed off as he thought about his real family and the weight of their absence hit him once again.

Family- such a simple word and yet held a significant meaning to him. Though his memories of them were hazy, the love he held for his family was unwavering, far greater than the empty facade he presented to the world. He often found himself wondering what he would give up to have one more day with them, to experience the joy and contentment of a normal life surrounded by their genuine adoration. It was a longing that tugged at his heart and consumed his thoughts, a yearning for a time when he felt truly cherished by those who meant everything to him.

What else would he give up just for the chance to see his beloved students once more, those who stood by him in his darkest hour? How many sacrifices would he make just to hear his father's infectious laugh again, or to feel the warmth of his mother's embrace- the one he never had the chance to meet but whose presence still lingered in his heart? The meaning of life, the hidden language of flowers- all of these precious things were gifts from her, and it was thanks to her that he could find joy in the simplest of moments. For a long time, he had resigned himself to the fact that he would never experience such emotions again until Lydia entered his life.

Despite the rumors that circulated about him, Lydia had opened her home to him when he had nowhere else to go. She treated him with kindness and understanding that he hadn't experienced in a long time, if ever before. Joining Jeralt's mercenary band was a turning point for Byleth, one that he thought would mark the end of his encounter with Lydia. Little did he know it was only the beginning of a series of encounters that would change his life forever.

Lydia's warmth and patience were evident in everything she did, from gardening to cooking. She took her time teaching Byleth, instilling in him a sense of care and attention that he had never known. It was as if she was trying to fill the empty void in his heart that he had been carrying for so long. And slowly but surely, she succeeded. For the first time in his life, Byleth felt something akin to what Bylass had described as maternal love. Was this what it felt like to have a mother? As these thoughts swirled through his mind, Byleth couldn't help but think of his own mother. Would he eventually forget her once another woman stepped into the role? Or could there be room in his heart for both?

"Byleth, what's wrong?" Lydia's concerned voice broke him out of his thought, realizing that Bylass and Jeralt were also looking at him with concern.

"Nothing. It was just some random thought. Anyway, shall we finish our meal?" Despite their skepticism, Lydia and Jeralt nodded silently and dropped the topic, trying to light up the atmosphere. Yet, the thoughts were still there, eating inside him with each second passing by.

Unbeknownst to him, a pair of blue eyes were glancing at him- ones that were filled with concern and determination.


28th of Lone Moon, 1178

Even though the end of the year was coming, snow still drifted heavily from the sky, coating every inch of the village. With a coat around her, Bylass simply walked across Remire, searching for Byleth whom she had not seen since her last encounter with him as he was busy reading a book. As Bylass navigated through the snow-covered streets of Remire, she was struck by the scene of bustling activity despite the wintry conditions. The village was alive with motion, its inhabitants undeterred by the blanket of snow that coats every surface.

Merchants brave the cold, setting up stalls in the market square to display their wares, their breath visible in the crisp air as they call out to passersby. Bylass weaves through the crowds, catching snippets of conversation and laughter that she barely pays any attention to. As she made it through the crowd, she found him leaning on a wall with a neutral look that never left his face. As if he sensed her presence, Byleth gave a quick nod which she returned the gesture.

"Enjoying the last days of winter?" Bylass asked, standing next to him. He returned her subtle glance and replied calmly.

"You could say that. The cold wind, the heavy snow...it's a beautiful scene, in my opinion," Byleth said, pausing before continuing. "But soon, it will all come to an end. A perfect time for reflection on partings and acquaintances."

"You were thinking about your family yesterday, weren't you?" Bylass asked softly, sensing his thoughts. When he didn't respond, she continued. "I promised to help you in any way I can, but our search has yet to yield any results no matter how many places we've passed by. It's cruel to be separated from your loved ones like this."

"I appreciate your kind words, Bylass. It's just... being surrounded by everyone's kindness reminds me of what I once had. The laughter, the time spent with family... especially during winter." He spoke with a heavy tone and his gaze drifted away, causing her to follow suit.

Giggling children darted and weaved through the snow drifts, their cheeks flushed a rosy pink from the cold. Their shouts and laughter echoed through the wintry air as they engaged in spirited snowball fights and constructed intricate snow forts. For a brief moment, Bylass was struck with confusion until a realization dawned on her. She turned to Byleth, who maintained a stoic demeanor, and carefully asked in a hushed voice.

"Did you once have a brother?" To her surprise, Byleth nodded and replied with a nostalgic voice.

"Compared to his brother, he was such a cheerful soul- truly living up to his nickname, the Beaming Angel. The last memory I have of him is when we went to the forest one winter." Bylass listened intently as Byleth continued his story. "He wanted to check on the primroses, saying he wanted to make sure they were okay."

"Primroses? Not valerian like you and your mother?"

"It seems so. He had a strong attachment to them, claiming he could communicate with the flowers. And for some reason, they reminded him of me. I couldn't really argue with that."

"What do you mean?" Bylass asked curiously, prompting Byleth to fall silent before answering in a heavy voice.

"Believe it or not, long ago I was also known as the Ashen Demon- something I've always despised even to this day." Despite her surprise, Bylass remained silent and let him continue.

"But deep down, I yearned to be something else- an angel who would forge my own path. And the primroses represent everything about that desire - hope, new beginnings, transformation. Ironically, I did become an angel, just not one much different from a demon." His dry remark caused a brief moment of silence between them."

"I'm sorry if I seem too sentimental," Byleth sighed after a while. "You shouldn't have to be burdened with my problems."

"It's okay, I just want to help in any way I can," Bylass reassured him, receiving a nod in return. "But there is one thing that doesn't make sense to me. You said your mother passed away giving birth to you?"

"Yes, and if you wonder how I know it, it was not … a pleasant memory to remember," Byleth replied hesitantly; his face betrayed no emotion.

"No, that is not what I meant. It is about your brother. Are you sure he was related to you in some way?"

"I'm not completely sure. Maybe my father remarried, but something doesn't feel right about it," Byleth pondered. "But it doesn't matter now. He's still family to me, and that's all that matters. Until then, I suppose I'll be stuck with you for a while."

"And the honor is mine, partner." Bylass bowed respectfully. "And one more thing - that book you were reading about flowers, was it about primroses?"

"Very observant of you! Yes, I was trying to figure out how to find and harvest them, but it's not likely with the storm coming tomorrow. Plus, it's dangerous to go up the mountain this time of year with all the snow and wolves."

"What if I went with you?"

"I wouldn't count on it. It would be a miracle if any primroses survived after the storm," Byleth replied. "But thank you for your kindness." Despite his dismissive tone, Bylass couldn't help but look at him incredulously, her hand resting thoughtfully on her cheek.

Little did he know, he would regret not realizing it sooner.


29th of Lone Moon, 1178

Byleth curled up on his bed, absently twirling a lock of hair as he immersed himself in the pages of the book he had bought in the Kingdom. The relentless snowstorm outside rattled against his window, but he hardly noticed as he lost himself in the story. But as he flipped through the pages, he couldn't help but notice the absence of his usual visitor- Bylass. Just as he began to wonder where she could be, a sharp knock on his door startled him. He quickly got up and opened it, only to find Jeralt standing there with a concerned look on his face.

"Byleth, have you seen my daughter?" He tilted his head and replied politely.

"No, I have not, Jeralt. Is there something wrong?"

"It's been hours since I last saw her and she left a note saying she had somewhere to go. With this storm outside, I can't imagine where she could be or what made her leave." Jeralt's concern grew as he spoke. Suddenly, Byleth's face lit up with realization and he clenched his fists tightly.

"No... she couldn't have gone there."

"What are you talking about, boy? Do you know something?" Jeralt demanded.

"Where is Oghma Mountain located?" Byleth asked urgently.

"It's east of Remire. But why does that matter? What's going on?"

"I don't have time to explain. Gather all the men you can. I need to go there immediately." Byleth said urgently as he grabbed his coat and rushed out the door. Knocking a few passengers on the way gave him annoyed looks but that did not matter now. He needs to find her now and fast.

As Byleth raced through the relentless onslaught of the heavy snowstorm, each step was a struggle against the biting wind and the biting cold. The icy flakes lashed at his skin, like a barrage of tiny needles, threatening to blind him with their swirling fury. But he forged ahead, fueled by an unyielding determination and the urgency of his mission. His breath formed clouds in front of his face as he trudged forward, the frosty air burning his lungs with every inhale. The world around him was a blur of white and grey, with only the crunching snow beneath his feet providing any sense of direction.

His mind raced alongside his pounding heart, consumed by the thought of Bylass venturing into the treacherous depths of Ohgma alone. The storm raged on, unleashing its fury with each passing moment as if nature itself sought to thwart his quest. But Byleth refused to be deterred. He pushed himself harder, his muscles burning with exertion, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The wind whipped at his face, tearing tears from his eyes and stinging his skin. But he couldn't afford to lose her now. Not after everything she did for him. With each step, the ground shook beneath his feet, as if it too was protesting against their reckless journey. Yet still they pressed on, driven by determination.

The primrose – a simple, delicate flower, yet laden with memories of his brother. How many times had they ventured into the mountains together, searching for that elusive bloom? It should have been him scaling these treacherous peaks, seeking out the only remaining connection to an unknown past. And now Bylass had taken it upon herself to fulfill his dream, even at the risk of her own life for an abnormal being who could not even smile like his brother once did. With each step he took towards the summit, a seething anger grew within him – not directed towards Bylass, but towards himself. He cursed his own foolishness and selfishness, realizing too late that he should have reached out to the one person who truly mattered to him.

After what felt like an endless and grueling journey, Byleth's eyes caught a faint figure ahead, battling against the fierce onslaught of snow and wind. It was Bylass, her silhouette barely discernible through the blizzard's raging fury. Fueled by a renewed sense of urgency, Byleth pushed himself to his limits, each beat of his heart resonating with the loud thump of his pounding steps. As he drew nearer, he could see the exhaustion etched deeply on Bylass's face, her every movement strained and labored against the unforgiving elements. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against her, there was a faint hint of determination in her gaze as she clutched something tightly to her chest. With a surge of relief flooding through him, Byleth reached her side, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. And as if it were the last thread holding her together, Bylass collapsed into him, her strength finally succumbing to the harshness of the weather as she sought refuge in his warm embrace.

"Bylass, are you alright?" He asked quickly, trying to shake her awake which she replied weakly.

"Byleth…I'm fine." Her soft voice between them as she tried to stand up, only to collapse immediately and fall to his arms.

"Save your breath. I will carry you back now."

With the fierce wind and blinding snow bearing down on them, Byleth wrapped his strong arms around Bylass, shielding her from the storm's fury. He turned away from the mountain and set his sights on the distant lights of Remire. Despite the harsh conditions, he pressed onward, determined to bring her back to safety.

For the first time in his life, he never felt so happy to see her safe more than now.


1st of Great Tree Moon, 1179

When her senses came back, Bylass slowly opened her eyes and tried to clear her head. Instead of the snow field that she was stuck in yesterday, Bylass now found herself back to her bed which was probably thanks to a certain friend that rushed to find her. Realizing the object she was holding was gone, a second of panic flushed over her until she found the primrose sitting on the table next to her, blooming in the pot as if it had just been put there yesterday. Before she could deduce her next course of action, the door opened revealing Jeralt who looked relieved to see her wake up and asked calmly.

"Hey kid, how are you holding up now?"

"A little bit dizzy but I will recover soon. How long have I been out?"

"Probably more than a day and the apothecary said there was no major injury aside from exhaustion. Another day of rest and you will be fine." Bylass nodded until she realized Jeralt began to look at her with a firm gaze. "Tell me, Bylass. What drove you to such a dangerous and irresponsible act?"

"I wanted to bring back a few primroses before the storm came. Just did not expect it would hit sooner than I expected. My apology for worrying you, Jeralt." Despite her monotone, she could not help but feel a sense of guilt which Jeralt seemed to notice and sighed.

"And who put such an idea in your mind? Was it Byleth?" His voice turned serious as she panicked and replied immediately.

"Please don't blame him, Jeralt. He made it clear that he had no intention of searching for the flowers despite my offer to help him. It was my choice alone to venture there so the fault is mine to bear." Jeralt stared at her for a while with an incredulous look before letting out another sigh.

"You two are very similar, aren't you?" She tilted her head in confusion. "The boy also said the same thing after he carried you back here, claiming that it was his fault for dragging you into this misadventure. Despite my anger at that moment, after a night of rest and Lydia's advice, I knew that it would be unfair to place the blame on him who had been nothing but a trusted ally to us and a loyal friend to you. But please refrain from such a reckless act again, kid." His voice began to crack, and his eyes were filled with guilt, to which she responded with a weak nod.

"If you need anything from me, let me know. Until that, get well soon, kid. And I believe you have a visitor now." She turned toward the door, revealing Byleth was looking at her with an incredulous look. The two men offered a polite bow before Jeralt left the room, leaving her alone with Byleth as she braced for what was to come.

"How are you doing now, Bylass?" He asked calmly and slowly approached her bed and she signaled him to sit on the chair next to her.

"Another day of rest and I'll be fine. How about you?"

"The storm hit harder than I thought but nothing serious happened after I carried you back to Remire. You gave us quite a big scare, Bylass." Despite his monotone, she could sense a small hint of worry and anger in his voice. The latter of which made her feel guilty more than ever.

"I'm sorry. I should have listened to you when you dissuaded me from doing so. Once again, you saved my life and yet I could not do anything to help you." Byleth raised his hand and halted her, replying with a conflicted voice.

"Bylass, we've been over this. It is I who should be grateful for your aid in this hopeless task of mine- a path that is filled with uncertainty and obstacles. But I just don't understand, why did you have to risk your life for me- a burden that should been mine to bear alone?"

Bylass paused, her gaze fixed on the blanket covering her legs. She took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts before meeting his eyes again.

"Byleth, I understand how you feel but I just can't stand to see you carrying that burden alone. From the moment you offered to be my friend, I swore to myself that I would do whatever it took to fulfill your wish no matter what it was. And over time, it became my own dream as well." Byleth remained calm and focused as the other continued speaking.

"You've done so much for me, Byleth. You've shown me kindness, patience, and compassion when I needed it most. You taught me that there was more to this life than killing and survival- that there is beauty and joy to be found in even the simplest of moments. The first fish that we caught together. The language of flowers. And the dance at that festival. I don't think it's a stretch to say that… you've changed my entire life forever." His eyes softened and he relaxed his shoulders, though there was still hesitation in his expression.

"But even so, why did you feel the need to take on this burden? It should have been me honoring my brother's memory alone, not you carrying a burden that wasn't yours to bear."

"When you told me about the primrose, about how it was your brother's favorite flower, I could see the pain in your eyes and the longing in your heart. And I couldn't bear to see you suffer alone. I needed to do something, anything, to ease your burden, to show you that you're not alone in this." She continued.

"I know it may have been foolish for me to venture out alone despite the risks. But it was never about repaying a debt for saving my life. It was about standing by your side, just as you stood by mine when no one else did. Despite this emotionless shell, you saw the real me- a normal human just like anyone else."

"So please, don't see my actions as a burden or a risk. See them as a testament to the bond we share, and to the profound impact you've had on my life. We're in this together, Byleth, for better or for worse. And I'll do whatever it takes to support you, to help you find the closure and peace you seek."

Her words spilled out of her mouth, heavy with emotion. She couldn't believe she had just given such a long speech, but before she could even look up to meet his gaze, Byleth's arms were already around her in a tight embrace.

"You are an idiot, you know?" His voice grew softer as her arms instinctively returned the gesture and hugged him gently, enjoying the warmth from his chest.

"I'll take that as a compliment. So, what is your answer?"

"The answer is clear, isn't it? Until that day comes, I'm counting on you, Bylass." A smile finally crossed his face which returned the gesture and replied with a warm tone.

"And so do I."

They remained silent, holding onto each other in a peaceful embrace. With a gentle grace, they enveloped each other in a tender embrace, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in the comfort of each other's arms.

Unbeknownst to them, the primrose began blooming as it received the first sunlight of the new year. Snow began to melt outside, its vibrant yellow blossoms contrasted beautifully against the soft white snow outside, a symbol of hope and beginning. The snow, once pristine and untouched, now showed signs of surrender to the warmth of the sun. Drips and drops cascaded from rooftops, forming small rivulets that meandered down the cobblestone streets, carrying with them the promise of spring.

Within that moment, Bylass made a silent promise to herself- one that she would do whatever it took to make it come true.

For she would trade anything just to see that smile again.