Imperial Year 1175

Boring.

That was what Byleth had in mind as he sipped another cup of water, not even bothering to finish the pig dish before him.

Another day of this endless cycle it was passed again, which Byleth had been used to a long time ago. His father's well-known mercenary band had successfully driven off the bandits that had been terrorizing the people of Remire. It was a simple task, and Byleth assumed it would be just like any other job - take the contract, eliminate the threat, and celebrate with a feast paid for by their employer. However, there was something different about this particular mission. Along with the usual fearful villagers, a girl who resembled a waitress from the local inn stepped forward and volunteered to join them, much to Jeralt's shock and initial refusal. After some deliberation, he ultimately allowed her to join their ranks, which Byleth didn't think much of at first. That is until he witnessed her impressive skills in battle.

Despite her delicate appearance, the girl moved with a grace and ferocity that could only be described as a force of nature. She deftly dodged and kicked any bandit in her path, each movement deadly and precise- a telltale sign of a seasoned fighter who had been through countless battles. Byleth watched in amazement as she effortlessly pulled out a hidden blade from her arm and thrust it straight into the heart of one of the ruffians. The other mercenaries were equally stunned, their mouths agape in silent awe. When they finally returned to Remire, the waitress (although Byleth wasn't sure if she could still be called that) simply shrugged off the entire ordeal and went back to tending to her duties, while the rest of the mercenaries celebrated their victory.

And he found himself unconsciously drawn to her as he savored the tranquility of the moment.

Byleth couldn't help but notice the woman's unusual sense of fashion, despite the fact that she was now dressed in a white tarpon. Her tattered red shirt and billowing black cape gave off a rebellious air, while her long black hair cascaded down to her feet even though it was tied back. But what caught Byleth's attention the most was her left arm, tightly wrapped in bandages yet still seemingly functional. As he continued to contemplate this mysterious woman, his thoughts delved deeper and deeper until he eventually zoned out, no longer recognizing the figure standing before him.

"Not your liking, huh?" He followed her voice and found her standing in front of him. Their eyes met briefly before he replied with a stoic expression.

"It's fine. Just not feeling very hungry,"

"I see. And here I thought someone did not enjoy my prickle boar stew."

"It is. The aroma smells nice." The girl raised her eyebrow and replied amusingly.

"For someone who claims to enjoy my food, you have a very peculiar way of showing it. You are not very expressive, aren't you?"

"That's what everyone tells me," he shrugged as she took a seat across from him.

"Mind if I join you? Drinks are always more enjoyable with company."

"Sure, go ahead," he agreed, still unsure of the girl's intentions. They sat in comfortable silence, sipping their drinks until Byleth finally spoke up.

"You fought well. I did not expect such skill from a waitress. Have you had training before?"

"Something like that." She replied casually and sipped her beer. "Someone taught me self-defense a long while ago, but most of my experience comes from being self-taught. And you?"

"Jeralt taught me everything about fighting, but I've learned a lot from actually being out in battles. And the pay is good."

"It must have been quite an adventure then, going from town to town and place to place." There was a shift in her tone as she looked at him with interest before quickly brushing it off and taking another sip.

"You could say that. But at least you have a home to return to. For me, home is just a foreign concept. I've been traveling with mercenaries for as long as I can remember,"

"Guess we are not so different then. My condolences by the way."

"Isn't Remire your hometown?" She shook her head sadly.

"I've only been here for about a month. My real home...everything is gone. Not a single trace of life remains." The atmosphere fell silent as Byleth tried to sound compassionate, despite his blank expression.

"My apology. For reminding you of the pain you endured."

"Don't worry. It happened a long time ago and the man responsible for that tragedy is long dead. For a while, his death was the only thing that gave me the strength to keep moving forward. But now, I'm not even sure what I'm living for anymore."

A heavy, pregnant silence hung in the air as none of them spoke. Byleth felt a familiar unease settle in his chest, knowing he was never one for conversation. He could sense a deep sadness emanating from the woman before him, her eyes full of contemplation and searching for the meaning of life, just as he had done many times before. Gathering his courage, Byleth took a deep breath and began to speak, his voice calm but unsure about what words would come out next.

"But you clearly have a passion for cooking. Not everyone can put such dedication into their stew. Have you ever thought about running an inn?"

"Me running an inn after everything I've done?" she replied with a dry laugh. "Arthur would roll over in his grave if he ever heard that. But thank you for trying to cheer me up."

"That's what companions do, right? To help each other in critical times. It is what makes us human after all" The girl widened her eyes and looked at him in surprise as she replied amusingly.

"This has been a good conversation so far. Feel free to visit the inn again if you pass by here, mister..."

"Byleth. Byleth Eisner." He extended his hand for a handshake, which she grabbed and squeezed in return.

"Velvet. Velvet Crowe. It was a pleasure to see you!" The girl gave him a gentle smile and said softly. "Let this be the beginning of our companionship then."

"Could not agree more!"

Imperial Year, 1180

The training grounds sprawled out before them, a limitless sea of emerald green grass that stretched to meet the towering trees that bordered its edges. The gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, causing them to sway and dance in rhythm. Above, the sun shone bright and unyielding in a sky of flawless blue, casting a warm golden light over everything it touched. The dew on the grass sparkled like tiny diamonds, catching the sunlight and scattering it across the ground.

Amid this picturesque scene stood Byleth, his broad figure commanding the attention of all who laid eyes upon him. His steel-blue gaze was fixed upon the young boy standing before him, unwavering and intense. Despite the intimidating presence of the experienced mercenary, the small boy held his ground with a calm demeanor. His long locks of dark blue hair cascaded around him in wild waves, billowing freely in the wind despite his youthful age. And in contrast to his striking hair, his golden eyes gazed back at Byleth with an air of weariness, as if he had seen more than his young years should have allowed.

"Well done, Seraph! Keep your focus on my movements and look for the moment to disarm me,"

"Dad, are we going through this again?" Seraph asked with a sigh. "We've only been practicing disarming since you started teaching me swordsmanship. Can't I come on missions with you instead?"

"We've been over this, Seraph," Byleth replied firmly. "Prodigy or not, you are still a kid, and I cannot protect you if something happens during a mission."

"I'm not a kid… I'm already five years old" The boy kicked a rock dejectedly as Byleth gently ruffled his hair and smiled faintly.

"I know you just want to help and there is nothing wrong with that. However, the time has not yet come and there is much for you to learn. And your mother won't be happy if she finds out you've been sneaking off again."

"It's just… I just want to protect everyone, like you and mom did. You have done so much for me and yet I…" The boy said sadly before Byleth chimed in with a gentle voice.

"And you will. You'll become a trustworthy man, just like your mother and I wish," Byleth assured him. "But every warrior has to start somewhere, even your mother and I did."

"Is it true?" The boy asked skeptically as Byleth nodded.

"Yes, it's true. And when the time comes, you'll be ready to fight alongside us," Byleth confirmed. "Just like how grandpa Jeralt didn't let me fight with him until I was ten years old."

"Then I will keep training until I can surpass you one day. Just wait for me, dad!" Seraph said cheerfully as Byleth replied with a small smile.

"I'm counting on it," Byleth replied with a small smile before returning to his blank look. "And Seraph, stop shouting before engaging in combat."

"But…"

"No but, I told you already that it was not wise to declare your intention in front of your opponent."

"But mom always does that, especially with her favorite line 'I'll devour you!' It works every time; the bandits flee in terror at the mere sound of her voice." Byleth gave Seraph a blank look before responding hesitantly.

"Your mother has her way of handling things. She is… special."

'Special how?" Seraph inquired curiously.

"You will understand when you are older." Byleth shrugged as Seraph nodded his head despite seeming unsatisfied with the answer. "You are not going to imitate her again, are you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Seraph feigned innocence as Byleth crossed his arms.

"Then mind explaining to me the bandages you have over there." His fingers were directed at his son's left arm which was covered in ba andage.

"It's cool, isn't it? Mom always looks fearless and strong with that arm of hers. I bet she would agree if she were here."

"Of course, until you end up breaking your arm because you thought you could break rock like I could." A stern voice called out, sending a chill down Seraph's spine. "Or did you forget your promise to me, young man?"

"Never imitate mother again." Seraph hung his head in defeat until Velvet came to pick him up and said calmly.

"I'll let you off the hook this time then. What have you two been up to by the way?"

"Just practicing as usual," Byleth replied calmly as Velvet greeted him with a gentle smile."How was your hunting trip, Velvet?"

"It was fine. I caught a pack of prickle boar this time. Looks like we're having stew for dinner!"

"Can you please leave out the spinach this time, Mom?" Seraph added immediately

"No!" Velvet responded immediately. "You'll never grow up if you grow up if you are picky with your food, you know."

"But I don't like their taste." He denied weakly as Velvet still gave him a disproving look before the boy turned to Byleth for help, whose face remained blank as he replied casually.

"You heard your mom, Seraph. You won't grow up if you are still picky with vegetables. I ate them as a child, so I can guarantee that your mom and grandfather also did the same as well."

"Are you lying?"

"When have I ever lied to you, son?" Byleth asked, causing Seraph to nod in silence. Amused by the situation, Velvet giggled and repositioned her son in her arms as she approached Byleth.

"You will have a whole night to think about that, my little angel. But before that, would you like to help me with dinner tonight?"

"Of course. Mom." Seraph exclaimed excitedly.

"How about you, Byleth?" Velvet turned to her husband.

"You don't need to ask, my dear," Byleth replied with a small smile, which Velvet returned before planting a kiss on his cheek, making the stoic man blush momentarily.

"Mom! Mom! I want kisses too!" Velvet laughed fondly and kissed her son's cheek as the boy looked happy in his mother's embrace. As the family prepared to leave, Velvet reached out her bandaged hand to offer support to her husband. He took it gently, intertwining their fingers as they made their way back to their home, savoring every peaceful moment together.

Perhaps this was the peace that she had been searching for all this time.