"It's been years since I've last set eyes on this place. To be forced to see her now…" Jeralt murmured with a heavy tone, which Byleth took notice of immediately.
"You've seen her before?"
"You saw her in the courtyard earlier, didn't you? The archbishop… Lady Rhea." As Byleth and Seraph still looked confused, Velved chimed in to explain.
"It is the green-haired woman we saw on the balcony earlier. Jeralt, who is she exactly?"
"As you know, the majority of folks in Fodlan here are devout followers of the teachings of Seiros. And the leader of that ridiculously large organization is the archbishop. Lady Rhea."
"Looks like something does not change wherever I am," Velvet replied nonchalantly as Jeralt sighed again at his daughter-in-law's usual monologue, which only brought him confusion whenever she mentioned something about her past. Suddenly the door opened, revealing a pair of green-haired individuals walking toward them.
"Thank you for your patience, Jeralt. My name is Seteth. I am an advisor to the archbishop."
"Right. Hello." Jeralt replied with a disinterred tone which Seteth seemed to not mind or that was what Velvet saw.
"It has been a long time, Jeralt," Rhea spoke with a soft tone. "I wonder… was it the will of the Goddess that we have another chance meeting like this?"
"Nope! The birds and the road up the hill did." Seraph said cheerfully, causing his parents to frown. "It was nice."
"Seraph! What did I tell you?" The couple said simultaneously as their son began to pout which Rhea seemed to not mind and smiled gently.
"I will take your words as compliments, little one. It seems that the miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. These are your children, are they not?"
"Actually, no. This is Byleth, my son and second in command. Born many years after I left this place." Byleth bowed respectfully before Jeralt continued. "And these are Velvet and Seraph, my daughter-in-law and grandson."
"I see." The archbishop thought deeply as she looked at the mother and son incredulously before glancing back at Byleth, which made Velvet feel uneasy. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for saving those students of the Officers Academy."
"Let me guess, you want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros, don't you?" Jeralt sighed heavily. "I won't say no, but…"
"Your apprehension stings. I had expected that Alois would have already asked this of you. The decision is yours and whatever you choose I will respect it. I must step away for now, but I will desire a word with you soon." And then the archbishop and her advisor departed immediately, leaving the Eisner family alone, most of whom were still trying to process what was happening except for Jeralt who sighed again.
This was not looking good or so Velvet thought.
"I can't believe it. To be forced back to the Knights of Seiros." Jeralt lamented as he was sitting in his old office, which Seraph was inquiring curiously while the couple were making some tea.
"We can still leave, can't we?" Byleth pointed out as he offered Jeralt a teacup.
"We could still leave, right?" Byleth offered a cup of tea to Jeralt.
"It's impossible, kid. Knowing Rhea, I doubt she'll let us go that easily given the circumstances. And I'm afraid your services are also requested,"
"What could the Church possibly want from mercenaries like us?" Velvet raised an eyebrow.
"Apparently, they want your husband to teach here. According to those noble brats, the academy is short on professors and now Rhea wants him to take on that role,"
"Me teaching here?" Byleth rubbed his chin in thought. "Besides combat experience, I don't think my knowledge will be useful for such an esteemed position."
"I know. But it's what the archbishop wants and declining her offer would only bring more trouble," Jeralt sighed.
"Does she hold that much influence?" Velvet pinched her chin. "The last Shepherd I met had the royal family and the empire in his hands and Rhea seems pale in comparison with him if what the students told us earlier was true."
"Ignore the first part you said, it would be naïve to underestimate the power the archbishop holds. The teachings of Seiros had spread to every corner of Fodlan for centuries and every word she says is inherently. I can guarantee that the people will scramble to support her decision whatever it is."
"Is that why you didn't want to come back when we ran into Alois earlier?" Jeralt fell silent and looked at Byleth whose expression remained unreadable.
"It's… complicated. I owed Lady Rhea a huge debt a long time ago which I intend to repay. However, there is something else that keeps me worried about her."
"How much did you lose in gambling this time, Jeralt?" Byleth asked sternly, giving him a disapproving look.
"No, it's not like that. It's just... Listen, I promise I'll tell you everything one day. Just give me some time, son," The blue-haired man nodded calmly while his wife was still having a troubled expression on her face.
"But there's something off about her. The way she looked at Byleth...it makes me uneasy. And I don't like it," Her husband's mouth curved upward slightly despite his blank look.
"Velvet, are you jealous?" She blushed slightly and kicked his leg.
"Besides that, could you elaborate what you meant, Velvet?" Jeralt coughed.
"It's hard to explain but those gazes remind me of someone I met a long time ago. The eyes of a traitor whose words brought nothing but lies and betrayals despite his benevolent façade." Byleth squeezed her shoulder gently as she clenched her bandaged hand, which seemed to make her relax.
"I will advise you to refrain from saying such a thing out loud." The Blade Breaker looked around and made sure his door was locked properly. "I don't know the customs of where you are from, but the Church will not tolerate anyone who is deemed heretic by their laws. Even I won't be able to save you."
"Don't worry, I'm not in the habit of killing priests and archbishops unless they harm my family," She replied causally as Jeralt gave her a confused look. "It was a joke, of course."
"Putting that business aside. I believe you two have matters to attend to, including your wife's employment and a caretaker for Seraph."
"Do I have to work here as well?" Velvet raised an eyebrow.
"Unfortunately, it is the only way for you to stay here at the academy. However, the pay is good and there are some benefits that come with it. I think they are short on an Instructor's Assistant now so I will talk about this with Lady Rhea."
"What about the kitchen then?" Jeralt widened his eyes in surprise.
"Are you sure about this? Judging by your experience, I thought you would prefer something related to combat and sword fight."
"I've always wanted to join a cooking club should I ever end up at a school. It's the best way to pick up some cooking tricks and learn some crafting."
"It should not be a problem then. I will ask Lady Rhea whether the Dining Hall is in need of a cook, until that time, enjoy your stay here for the time being."
"Can I stay with my dad?" Seraph suddenly piped up, catching everyone's attention.
"You want to join my class?" Byleth asked curiously.
"Yes! Ever since we passed by that school in the Alliance, I've been wanting to enroll. And I can handle a sword, so it should be fine, right?" Seraph replied confidently.
"Prodigy or not, there is a minimum age requirement for enrollment at the academy. There are indeed a few exceptions, but you must be at least 15 years old to be qualified." Jeralt explained gently as the boy looked at him skeptically.
"What if I beat up all the students in combat? Will I then be qualified?" The Blade Breaker widened his eyes and pinched his forehead.
"No, it doesn't work like that. Where did you even get that idea from?" He then pointed at his parents who still looked indifferent despite the outlandish claim.
"From my parents, of course! Dad always said to throw someone into the river if they bother me, and Mom said that fighting was the best way to resolve conflicts if they don't listen,"
"No matter how they ended up together..." Jeralt sighed as Byleth and Velvet simply shrugged their shoulders in response. "Anyway, what are your plans for now?"
"I am going to meet my future colleagues and ask some questions about how this institution works. Velvet, what do you think?"
"I'll join you as well since I'm curious about it too. Jeralt, could you please watch Seraph for us?"
"Sounds like a plan. I'll take the kid for a walk while you two handle your meetings. What do you think, Seph?"
"Of course, Grandpa Jeralt!" The kid nodded cheerfully as he ruffled his hair.
"We'll see you later then." The couple began to leave and gave their son another pat. "And stay safe, Seph!"
"Okay, see you later, Mom. Dad!"
The morning sun filtered through the windows of Hanneman's office, casting a warm glow on his paperwork and study materials. The Crest scholar sat at his desk, organizing and reviewing the documents for the class he would be teaching this year. Despite the fact that his colleague was clearly still having a hangover from whatever she did yesterday, the Crest scholar tried to brush it off and focused on his work. The said woman lay sprawled across her own desk, papers scattered haphazardly around her as she lazily read through a document while emitting an obnoxious yawn that reeked of alcohol.
"Manuela, sobering yourself won't take that much time." The mustache man scowled and she returned the same gesture.
"I'll sober up when I feel like it. Leave me alone and bother someone else."
"How flattering. If that's your idea of flirting, you have a lot to learn, old man!"
"What? I'm not that old. In fact, the day I find you attractive will be the day I shaved my head."
Before they could continue their argument, a loud knock on the door echoed through the room, causing Hanneman to quickly rise and make his way over to answer it. A pair of unfamiliar figures stood before him, one with striking blue hair adorned in black armor and the other with long, dark locks wrapped in seductive attire that would put Manuela's outfits to shame. The air seemed to still as both Hanneman and his colleague took in the unexpected guests, unsure of what to say or do next. The blue-haired man stood before them with a stoic expression, his gaze piercing and unreadable. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he spoke in a slow and deliberate manner.
"Would you perhaps be Professor Hanneman and Manuela?"
"Correct. And you are…"
"Byleth Eisner. And this is Velvet Eisner." The woman gave a slight bow as Hanneman returned the gesture. The Crest scholar couldn't help but wonder if they were siblings despite their differences.
"You're the one everyone has been talking about," the drunk woman suddenly chimed in, looking at Byleth with bleary eyes. "I heard the new professor was young, but you're even younger than I imagined."
"That's what everybody said." He shrugged.
"But I still have reservations about taking on such a role. That's why I came to seek your opinions on the matter."
"Of course, feel free to ask us anything," Manuela said excitedly and began to make eye contact with Byleth which Velvet began to get irritated. "And how about you? I've not heard that there will be another professor besides Mister Eisner here."
"I'm just accompanying my husband," Velvet answered nonchalantly, causing an awkward silence to fall over the room. Hanneman widened his eyes in surprise while Manuela barely covered her mouth and began to ask hastily.
"Wait! Did you say, husband?" Velvet blinked in surprise but maintained her composure as she replied calmly.
"Yes, we are married. Is there a problem?"
"No. I would like to ask you what I did wrong with…"
"Manuela!" Hanneman interjected sternly. "Sorry for my colleague's behavior. So, young man, you said you have concerns about teaching here?"
"Correct. I've been a mercenary for most of my life so I think I can handle combat experience. But I wonder whether that will be enough should I choose to teach here."
"I see. And how about academic theory? Are you well-versed in that as well?"
Byleth fell silent before answering hesitantly, "That's where my main concern lies. I have no experience teaching theoretical subjects. And I would like to ask for your advice on where to start."
"Luckily, we have some lesson plans and recommended books that could be helpful. Most of them can be found in the school library." Hanneman offered Byleth some notes, which he gratefully accepted. "Is there anything else you would like to ask?"
"That's enough for now. It was nice to see you, Professor Hanneman, and Manuela." The former mercenary bowed respectfully.
"Oh, please just call us by our names. We are colleagues after all." Manuela replied with a warm smile, as Byleth nodded in agreement. However, her gaze then turned to Velvet. "If you don't mind me asking, how long have you two been married?"
"Manuela!" Hanneman scolded once again, while Velvet took a moment to think before responding bluntly.
"We've been married for a while ever since our first encounter at that inn. And our son just turns five recently so it must have been…" Before she could finish her sentence, Manuela interrupted incredulously.
"You have a son?"
"Manuela!"
Lysithea relished the peaceful stillness of the library, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of her classmates and other students from the school. With her nose buried in a book, she immersed herself in her studies while the rest of the world faded away. But even in this quiet sanctuary, she couldn't escape the buzz surrounding the return of three House Leaders. Especially Claude, who had been non-stop chatter about an invincible but stoic and calm mercenary and his ferocious wife with an eccentric sense of style that caught everyone's attention.
A frown creased her brow as she thought of the idle gossip who wasted their precious time on meaningless acts. How could they not see the value in spending their time studying, like she did? Time was a precious commodity to her, something to be cherished and used wisely. As she sat in the quiet library, surrounded by shelves upon shelves of books, she relished in the peacefulness of being alone with her thoughts. The only other presence in the room was that of Lysithea herself, lost in her own book. The musty smell of old pages filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere for deep contemplation and learning.
Until her eyes caught an unfamiliar figure.
A small boy, no older than five, was wandering through the aisles of books. What struck her immediately was his attire: black armor that seemed too heavy for his small frame and a tattered cloak that trailed behind him. His long hair flowed down his back, an unusual sight for someone so young.
Lysithea couldn't help but feel intrigued. "Who is this child?" she wondered; her curiosity piqued. She watched as he moved from shelf to shelf, his eyes scanning the titles with a seriousness that seemed out of place for his age. The boy stopped in front of a particularly tall shelf; his eyes fixed on a book that was just out of his reach. He stretched his arm as high as he could, his fingers barely grazing the spine of the book. Lysithea found herself smiling at the sight. "He's so determined," she thought, finding his actions endearing.
She observed as he tried again, this time standing on his tiptoes, his small frame wobbling slightly. The sight was undeniably cute, and Lysithea felt a warm feeling spread through her chest. "Should I help him?" she pondered but decided to watch a little longer, amused by his persistence.
The boy made one final attempt, jumping slightly in an effort to grasp the book. He missed, but his determination didn't waver. Lysithea finally decided to intervene. She stood up and walked over to him, her presence unnoticed until she spoke.
"Do you need some help?" she asked gently.
The boy turned to look at her, his eyes wide with surprise. He nodded shyly, stepping aside to let her reach the book. Lysithea easily pulled the book from the shelf and handed it to him.
"Here you go," she said with a smile.
"Thank you!" He smiled brightly. "Are you a student here?"
"Yes, I am Lysithea- a student from Golden Deer. And you are?"
"My name is Seraph Eisner. It's nice to meet you!" He gave her a bright smile as she returned the gesture, before directing at the book he was holding.
"Quite an interesting book you have there. Do you enjoy reading?"
"Yes. Ever since my mom and dad taught me how to read. They are incredible and I want to learn everything I can."
"That's wonderful. And who might your parents be?"
"Dad said something about becoming a professor here while mom was going to become a cook." So, he was the child of the famous mercenaries, Lysithea thought. "And Grandpa Jeralt is taking me for a walk now while Mom and Dad are busy with their work."
"And where is your grandpa now?" Lysithea inquired curiously.
"Well…" The boy avoided her gaze shyly. Before she could get her answer, the sound of boots rang louder revealing a bearded man who was breathing hastily as his eyes were full of worry until he directed at the boy, who became relaxed and turned to a harsh look.
"There you are, Seph. You have a lot to explain, boy."
"I'm sorry, grandpa Jeralt. I just wanted to see the library."
"I understand. But if you want to do something next time, just let me know, kid." The boy nodded apologetically as Jeralt picked him up in his hand. "Sorry for this inconvenience, kid. I hope he did not cause you any trouble."
"Don't worry, sir!" Lysithea bowed respectfully despite slightly getting irritated by his comment. "He was just curious about the books here. I hope you won't be so harsh on him."
"If you said so." Then he looked at Seraph who was holding the book. "You really want it, Seph?"
"Yes, Grandpa. Can I?" He asked weakly as Jeralt gave him a small laugh and ruffled his hair.
"Of course." Then he turned toward Lysithea. "Do you know where the librarian might be?"
"Tomas is not here for the moment, but I can pass a few words to him." She replied politely.
"Great. Please tell him that Captain Jeralt borrowed "The History of Fodlan." Thank you and it's nice to see you, …."
"Lysithea. Lysithea von Ordelia. It's nice to meet you, sir Jeralt." Jeralt nodded and began to depart as Seraph waved his hands toward her.
"Goodbye, big sis Lysithea." The Ordelian girl widened her eyes and dropped her book as she watched the grandfather and grandson disappear. Despite the odd encounter, a small smile crossed her face as she returned to her study.
"Big sis Lysithea… It's not that bad, isn't it?"