"There you have it…" Dimitri told everyone who'd gathered around him at the front of the Blue Lion's classroom. "It seems that the assassination attempt and the attack on the Holy Mausoleum were all the work of the Western Church." He then looked over at Kratos and Mimir, the former of which stood silently with his arms crossed while that latter's head sat on said desk right next to him. "As for the masked knight that Sir Kratos had fought, however… I'm afraid his whereabouts are yet unknown."
Dedue, who sat in the chair next to Prince Dimitri with his upper leg heavily bandaged, spoke up. "It makes no sense that the Western Church would try such a thing."
The House Leader couldn't help but shrug at his friend's assertion. "Perhaps not. But it just goes to show that the Church of Seiros is not completely united."
"Aye," Said Mimir. "That it isn't. However, one might say that it is quite the understatement. The Western Church has been sidelined from the governing council for some time now. They've had little to no influence over key decisions, and their grievances have gone largely unheard. Combine that with the suppression and subsequent banishment of Lord Lonato after his rebellion, it's not surprising that they might resort to such drastic measures."
"And do you think it was the Western Church's intent to eliminate Lady Rhea, and the Central Church's authority along with her, Professor?" Dimitri asked him.
"It is quite possible, lad." Mimir answered. "Though, I don't think it is prudent for me to jump to any conclusions at this very moment. But what we do know is that the Western Church's top officials will be receiving a visit from the knights very soon."
To his immediate left, Kratos could see Ashe's gaze fall to the floor with a downtrodden look as he said, "So… those people from the Western Church they'd taken prisoner… Um, Lady Rhea had them killed, didn't she?"
"Well, of course she did!" Mercedes told him with an uncharacteristically loud voice, a scowl etched on her face. They tried to kill us, Ashe! And they'd almost succeeded with Dedue!"
"I know that!" Ashe shot back. "But why do they believe this is something worth risking everything for? These are people's lives we're talking about here!"
Ingrid sighed with resignation. "I mean, they did go against the teachings of Serios, after all. Those who stray must be punished, I suppose."
Ashe looked as though he was about to say something in response to this, but was cut off when Kratos had decided to finally intervene. "Enough. What has already happened cannot be undone. I have said this before, and I do not wish to keep repeating myself: Your own actions are the only ones that matter. If it is change that you seek, then do so as you see fit, and always be aware of the consequences." He eyes each and every one of his students before continuing. "However, as of today, you will do as I say and speak no more of this. Getting involved in matters beyond your control can be dangerous. Do you all understand?"
The students let out a soft chorus of "Yes, sir" before the room fell to silence. Kratos, satisfied that his point had been made, gave a curt nod and let the matter rest.
Then, a familiar voice called out to him from the classroom doors: "Ah, there you are." Seteth said as he walked through past the wooden doors and up to the class circle. "Master Kratos, Professor Mimir." He began, "It seems Lady Rhea would like a word with you both. Please, come with me."
Every student in the room looked expectantly at Kratos, as though they were waiting for orders on what to do next. Begrudgingly, he picked up Mimir from his desk and clipped him onto his belt before saying, "You are all dismissed for the day. You have all done fine work today, and be sure to take this time to rest and recuperate. That is all."
x-x-x
"The Archbishop lives," Volkhard spoke with irritation, his brows furrowed as he shook his head. "Not that I had ever placed much faith in those swine from the Western Church."
Across from him within the misty woods, an individual wearing black and red armor and a masked helmet responded, their voice indistinguishable from being either male or female. "I have news, both good and bad. The remains of Seiros were not in the tomb. However, something else was found. The Sword of the Creator."
Volkhard's expression shifted to that of mild surprise. "Ah, the weapon wielded by that thief, the King of Liberation."
"'Thief?'" The masked individual said amusedly. "Hm. At any rate, it is now in the hands of one of the academy's new professors- the child of the former mercenary leader. I doubt you will be surprised that the Crest Stone had already been removed from the sword when it was found."
The older man chuckled. "Hmph. As expected. It would be foolish to keep both in the same location."
Despite the lack of an actual face, the Flame Emperor made a motion as if to infer something a bit of wariness. "There's more. That professor was able to awaken the sword's true power. Even without the Crest Stone, the sword glowed red. The professor's Crest is compatible. There is no mistaking it."
Volkhard's eyes widened. "Absurd. Using a Relic without its Crest Stone should be impossible…" He frowned. "The King of Liberation's bloodline should not even… Hmm."
"They must be allowed to keep it, for now." The Flame Emperor told him. "I do not have enough information about the professor to act."
"And what about this brigand and severed head that you spoke of earlier?" Lord Arundel inquired. "Surely, there is something useful you must have learned about them beyond mere intimidation."
The Flame Emperor's posture stiffened, and they responded with a hint of indignation, "That brigand almost killed my Death Knight." Though their voice was distorted, the disdain in their words was evident. "So as for your request, he must be allowed to recover before I place him in your command. Once he does, he is tonot go anywhere near that man again until we know exactly what we are up against."
Volkhard made a look as if to resist a scoff. "...Very well. In that case, I will take extra precaution in ensuring that he doesn't break your shiny little toy again. Until then, please do give the Death Knight my regards and that I wish him a swift recovery."
x-x-x
"I cannot thank you both enough for defeating those invaders in the Holy Mausoleum," Rhea told Byleth, Kratos, and Mimir before looking over at Byleth specifically, who still held the ominous looking blade securely in her hand. "And especially for protecting the Sword of the Creator. That sword is one of the Heroes' Relics, and the most precious artifact in the church's possession." The Archbishop was silent for a moment as she allowed the information to sink in before finally finishing with a grave undertone, "It is also a weapon of terrifying power."
She then turns her attention to the head dangling in Kratos' hand. "Professor Mimir. I've heard that you have been deeply interested in the history of Fodlan. Am I correct to assume that you are already informed on the origins of such a weapon?"
Mimir answered with a relatively reserved tone. "Aye, you could say that."
Rhea seemed satisfied with his response. "In that case, would you do us the honor of explaining its origins to our other dear professors who may not be as informed? I shall like to hear the story in your own words, if that is acceptable to you."
All eyes were now on Mimir, including Byleth, whose gaze maintained their usual cold stare, but the slight shift to listen was enough to show genuine interest in what the Norse god had to say.
The head eventually let out a small sigh before responding, "Aye, I suppose I could do that." After taking a brief moment to clear his throat, and Mimir began to recite a passage from one of the many books he'd read since arriving to Fodlan:
"In the ancient days, when the world was still young, the goddess, in her infinite love, descended from the heavens. She walked among the people of Fódlan, sharing her wisdom and grace, bringing peace to the lands and binding all in the warmth of her light. Mankind flourished under her guidance, their hearts filled with devotion and their hands building great cities in her name. Her love was unending, and her mercy touched every corner of the earth.
"But not all were content with the goddess' teachings. In time, a faction of mankind corrupted by wicked gods rose against her, rejecting her wisdom. They sought dominion over the lands, and their hearts were filled with greed and power. They waged war across Fódlan, casting the continent into chaos.
"And it is said, in the time when darkness threatened to consume the land, the goddess herself bestowed upon the King of Liberation a weapon of unimaginable power— the Sword of the Creator. With this blade in hand, the king smote the enemies of the goddess and brought them low, delivering Fodlan from the clutches of ruin. For a time, the king ruled with righteousness, guided by the wisdom of the goddess, and the people flourished under his reign.
"Yet, as the seasons passed, the king grew drunk with the power of the blade, no longer heeding the counsel of the divine. His heart was consumed by ambition, and he sought to unite all of Fodlan under his iron hand, casting aside the goddess who had once granted him strength.
"In his pride, he raised the blade to conquer. The lands trembled beneath his might, and his subjects, once free, became slaves to his will. It was then that Seiros, chosen of the goddess, rose against him, laying the fallen hero to rest, his fell deeds never to be repeated. And thus, the Sword of the Creator was lost, its power fading into legend, awaiting the day it would once again return in the hour of Fódlan's greatest need."
By the time Mimir had finished his recitation, Rhea had already looked more than impressed, and Seteth couldn't help but raise a brow at how accurately the head was able to recount the legend. "I see that you are already a scholar in a wide variety of our scriptures- including the Book of Seiros."
Mimir made a noise as if to shrug. "The perks of being a disembodied head when you've only got eyes and ears."
Rhea then turned her attention to Byleth and spoke, "As Mimir has explained, the sword you now possess was indeed bestowed upon humanity by the goddess in their time of greatest need." She closed her eyes, a soft smile forming as though recalling a faint memory. "And, given all that has transpired over the past few months, I believe it is only fitting that the sword remains in your hands."
Seteth's eyes widened in shock, and his head snapped toward the Archbishop. "Lady Rhea, wait!" he said, his voice frantic, struggling to maintain his composure as he fought the urge to shout. With a gentle, but firm hand, he motioned for Rhea to turn around so that their back was facing the professors. "Do you truly mean to give the Sword of the Creator to this… this stranger?!" He asked her with an angry whisper. "Surely it is not the sort of thing one hands over so readily, even to someone who has the ability to wield it! If someone like Nemesis were to appear again, all of Fodlan will be consumed by war! Not only that, but you are giving away what is possibly our only leverage against that brigand that you have suddenly become very friendly towards!"
Rhea's expression suddenly darkened, and she shot her right hand man a sharp, menacing glare. "Don't you dare speak to me about what I must, or must not do, Seteth." She added, "My mind has been made, and I expect you to follow my lead without any further objection. And from now on, don't ever speak to me in front of anyone like this again. Have I made myself clear?"
Seteth couldn't help but glance back at Kratos, whose hardened expression seemed as unyielding as ever. The sheer lack of emotion in the Spartan's face sent a chill down the green-haired man's spine, making him more unsettled than usual. His gaze then shifted to the woman holding the Sword of the Creator in her hands. Her similarly unreadable, blank expression did nothing to ease his growing unease, which left him with a sinking feeling that there was something deeply abnormal about them both. After a long, tense pause, Seteth let out a deep sigh of resignation, finally turning to Rhea. "I... understand. As you wish, Lady Rhea."
Both leaders of the Church turned around to face their audience again, and Seteth took a moment to compose himself once more as he straightened himself up, took a deep breath, and spoke. "In case it is not clear, Nemesis, the King of Liberation, was an ancient king of mankind who was defeated by Seiros a thousand years ago. When Fodlan was attacked by both men and wicked gods, it is said that the goddess gifted Nemesis with the Sword of the Creator. Nemesis used that sword to defeat the wicked gods, saving all of Fodlan. Henceforth he was dubbed the King of Liberation."
He then gives Byleth a pained and mistrustful look as he continues. "However, his power began to corrupt him until he, himself, turned to the darkness. Saint Seiros was forced to destroy him. Lady Rhea has already decided that you are worthy of wielding such a Relic. If that… is the will of the Goddess, then that is the responsibility you shall carry. Please, see that you do not betray the trust the archbishop has seen fit to bestow upon you."
"In the meantime," Rhea followed up, "I am sure that you and your students are weary from the recent battle. With that said, you are dismissed. It has been a very long and arduous day, and I wish to retire early for the evening. The new recruits for each class' respective nation will be arriving by the end of the week for them to take command, so take the time to ensure that they are well rested by then." She then finished with a small bow, then walked off without another word to her bedchamber.
Once Rhea had disappeared into her room, Byleth gave Kratos one last look before she herself casually turned around and made her way toward the stairs, with the Sword of the Creator fastened securely to her belt. Kratos watched as she left, his gaze fixated on the blade all the way until the former mercenary disappeared behind the corner. This left the three remaining men alone in the audience chamber, and the Spartan heard the priest clear his throat to garner his attention.
"Master Kratos, may I have a quick word with you?"
Kratos turned to face him. "What is it?" He responded bluntly.
Now back to his usual calm demeanor, Seteth maintained his professional stature as he said to the man, "I had recently been informed that one of our instructors, Jeritza, had received a letter from the Empire requesting his immediate presence regarding a territorial dispute between House Hrym and House Bergliez. He has already left without any warning with the exception of said letter being left on his desk, and the Officers Academy is now left without a proper fencing instructor."
"Then hire another." The Ghost of Sparta told him.
Seteth let out a patient huff. "Unfortunately, that is not so simple. Master Jeritza was originally meant to host a seminar demonstration for some of the nobles who will be arriving with the new recruits at the end of the week. But now that it is evident that he will not be present for such a crucial event, I am forced to look towards the next best instructor that I can… reasonably rely on."
"You wish for me to take his place?"
"With limited responsibilities and an emphasis on the coming seminar, yes. However, this is not an order, but a formal request. If you decline, then I will simply find someone else, and there will be no hard feelings. I would simply feel a lot better knowing that I had someone as capable as you've shown to be for such a delicate matter." To Kratos' slight surprise, Seteth even managed to offer him a small smile along with the compliment he'd given the Spartan. "What say you?"
Kratos looked down at Mimir, who simply gazed back up at the man with a look as if to say, "Hey, don't ask me, this is your decision." Before he eventually answered:
"Very well. I will accept."
The priest nodded, clearly pleased with the answer. "Fantastic. I'm glad we could come to an understanding. Rest assured, this won't take too much time away from your class, as I'm aware of the responsibilities you'll have once your students are given command of their battalions. Once the seminar is concluded, you should have no further obligations in this regard."