The Three Houses of Hyperdimension

A Fire Emblem: Three Houses & Hyperdimension Neptunia Crossover Fan Fiction

by Derald Snyder

Episode 22: Edelgard's Lament

"Curses, curses, curses!" the Flame Emperor screamed as his axe smashed into a mannequin, nearly splitting it in two! "Those accursed Ashen Wolves! Even if the raid on the tomb failed, I could have at least caused suspicion to fall on that Edelgard...! But now, even that has failed, thanks to that Yuri!" He swung his axe again and again, reducing the dummy to all but splinters.

"My lord, please calm yourself!" the Death Knight insisted. "Despite your setback, all is not lost yet..."

"How is it not?!" the Flame Emperor turned to face his subordinate. "By now, the entire academy knows that Edelgard von Hresvelg and I are two different people...!"

"But what about people outside the academy?" the Death Knight countered. "Perhaps if we were to target someone that Edelgard would have a legitimate grievance against..."

At hearing this, the Flame Emperor became noticeably less tense. "...Go on, Jeritza. My ears are open."

*Back at the academy...*

"Good morning, professor," the knight greeted as Byleth exited his quarters, Sothis all but clinging to his leg. "Shall we head to the lecture hall?"

"You know, I think that Byleth is the last person who requires an escort," Sothis spoke up.

"Well, you know, headmaster's orders," the knight shrugged.

"Only because Lady Rhea wouldn't take no for an answer," Byleth pointed out. "Anyway, Sothis is suffering cabin fever, so I'm bringing her with me to class today."

"But Lady Rhea said..." His response died on his tongue as he caught the Ashen Demon's glare. "...yessir, right this way." And so the three went off together...

(Clearly this fool knows better than to get on your bad side,) Sothis said to Byleth via telepathy.

(Just promise me that you won't cause any distractions during the lecture,) Byleth requested.

(I'll see if there's any good books to read,) Sothis replied. (I'm supposed to be a bookworm to justify being wise beyond my years, after all...)

*At the lecture hall*

"Edelgard," Byleth addressed. "You don't appear to be paying any attention to the lecture at all. Is there something on your mind?"

"I- What makes you think I wasn't paying attention, my teacher?" Edelgard tried to deny.

"Your notebook is blank, and you keep staring off into the distance. A secret boyfriend, perhaps?" At this, an 'Ooooooh!' rose up from the other students.

"Wha- of course not!" Edelgard said as her face reddened. "I mean, yes, there is something personal on my mind, but nothing like that!"

"Then perhaps you can discuss it with me after class," Byleth said coldly. "Now pay attention or I'll have you sit in the corner like I do with Sothis when she misbehaves." There was a snicker from the corner where Sothis was sitting, though her face was hidden by an open book.

"Y-yes, my teacher. My sincerest apologies," Edelgard looked down in shame.

"And on that note," Byleth continued, "Where is Hubert at? I heard him say his name at attendance, but I haven't seen him at all..."

"I don't know. His phone is right there," Edelgard pointed. "Perhaps he programmed it to say his name when you called for him at attendance..."

"In other words, he skipped class," Byleth shook his head. "Tell him he's going straight to detention next time I see him." Another 'Oooooh!' from the students, this one lower-pitched. "And as the house leader, you should have been responsible for making sure everyone got to class. So I have no choice but to give you an hour of detention as well, Edelgard."

"I, I understand, my teacher. I will accept my punishment."

"Good. And if anyone tries to tease or bully Edelgard about this, you'll be joining her. With extra homework," Byleth addressed the rest of the class. "Is that clear?"

"Yes, professor!" the students said as one.

"Good. And Sothis, stop your giggling. I can hear you from over here," Byleth deadpanned.

"Me giggle?" Sothis said in a slightly mocking tone, her face still hidden. "Surely you jest! I might chortle or snicker, but giggle? Never."

"Sothis..."

"Fine, fine, I'll behave," the young girl sighed, lowering her book and turning the page.

*After the lecture...*

Edelgard sighed as she sat down at her desk in detention, keeping to the rear of the room, despite not many others being present. Not long after, Byleth walked up and sat down on her right side. "All right, now do you want to tell me what's been bothering you lately? Are you having trouble dealing with the increased security both the headmaster and Lady Rhea mandated...?"

"That's not it..." Edelgard sighed. "It's... that Flame Emperor. When I fought him to save Lady Rhea, his fighting style, it was... almost exactly the same as mine. It was almost like he was mocking me..."

"...Come to think of it, that was the first time you two met face-to-face," Byleth realized. "Do you think he was trying to frame you?"

"...Possibly," Edelgard shook her head. "Not to mention those mercenaries dressed as Adrestian militia..."

"Well, even if that was the case, your uncle's the governor, right?" Byleth said. "All you would have to do is ask him to clear your name..."

"It's... it's not that simple," Edelgard disagreed. "I... I don't think I can trust him."

"Why not?" Byleth leaned in, lowering his voice to just above a whisper.

"He... he's changed," Edelgard whispered back. "Back when my father was governor, he loved and doted on me like any loving uncle would... but when Father was ousted and he took over... it was like he became a completely different person. He still treated me decently, but it was a far cry from before; he seemed like he was only treating me well out of obligation and reputation, not the goodness of his heart. Not to mention seeming to encourage the pirated games black market... part of the reason I came to Garreg Mach was to get out from under his controlling gaze... but then the incidents with Tomas and Monica happened..."

"Wait, are you saying he might be in league with...?"

"I... I don't have any proof," Edelgard shook her head again. "But when Monica- or rather, Kronya would chat with me, she sometimes insinuated that I better not step out of line, or something would happen that would make Lord Arundel sad..."

"Why didn't you tell me about this?!" Byleth whispered harshly.

"I, I didn't know who I could trust," Edelgard's voice hitched, tears at the corners of her eyes. "Believe me, if I had any inkling what she was planning to do to your father, I would have said something...! But Hubert was the only one I felt I could trust fully..." She paused to wipe her eyes with her forearm. "Please forgive me, Professor...!"

In response, Byleth gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "I do forgive you, Edelgard... and now I'm starting to understand why you seemed to be shutting yourself off from everyone recently. Except Hubert, that is. But if you think your uncle's been replaced by one of those who slither in the dark, that's quite serious indeed... if there's anything you think I can help you with, please, don't hesitate to ask."

"...Thank you," Edelgard sighed, calming down a fair bit. "That being said, I don't know if there's anything you can do for me at the moment..." Suddenly her head jerked up as she realized something. "Wait, I was going to go visit Father at the nursing home before this incident occurred... But with the increased security they've mandated, I don't know if I'll be able to leave..."

"I'll speak with Seteth and Lady Rhea," Byleth gave a short nod. "Perhaps they'll let you go if I go with you as a chaperone... in the meantime, try and catch up on your homework, all right? Oh, and Hubert's still going to detention when he comes back, even if he was doing something for your sake..."

"I'll let him know that when I see him next," Edelgard acquiesced. "Thank you for being willing to listen..."

"What kind of professor would I be if I didn't?"

*Headmaster's Office*

"You're asking for permission to take Edelgard out of the academy?" Seteth reiterated, Rhea standing at his side with a scowl on her face.

"To see her father," Byleth clarified. "As I'm sure you know, he's in ill health and currently in a nursing home..."

"Even if that's true," Rhea interjected, "What if we are attacked again by the Flame Emperor, or those who slither in the dark, without you or Edelgard to lead the students? If they could infiltrate the Holy Tomb of all places, then nowhere is safe. We need to be at full strength if we want to repel the next assault on our school and monastery...!"

"With all due respect, Lady Rhea, we'd only be away for a day or two," Byleth argued. "What if Edelgard's father's health fails him and he passes on, without getting the chance to say goodbye to his only remaining child? Surely you of all people aren't that heartless, Lady Rhea... At least my father was able to say goodbye to me..." Rhea just averted her gaze at this.

"I apologize for her," Seteth sighed. "I fear she's been traumatized by her near-death experience in the tomb, if Edelgard hadn't come to her rescue-"

"Do not presume to speak for me!" Rhea snapped back harshly. "These vile sinners need to pay for what they've done to us!"

"I understand your position, Rhea," Seteth turned to face the bishop, "but don't you think you're being just a little too extreme about this? Even Flayn is starting to chafe under the tight security..."

"She was kidnapped once before, Seteth," Rhea countered. "We can't afford to take any more chances, especially with her! Not to mention little Sothis...!"

"What about me?!" a familiar voice spoke, causing Rhea jump in surprise, turning to see Sothis standing next to Byleth.

"Weren't you supposed to be in my room?" Byleth said critically.

"I snuck out," Sothis rolled her eyes, conveniently forgetting to mention that she'd used her spirit form to evade the guards. "Anyway, what the heck is wrong with you, Miss Rhea? One little incident and suddenly you're acting like one of those 'drill sergeants' on TV, instead of a bishop!"

"Little Sothis..." Rhea shook her head. "Can't you see I'm doing this for your own safety?"

"Safety? More like 'stifling'!" Sothis shot back. "I'd like to be able to at least step out of Byleth's quarters for some fresh air, but the knight you posted won't even let me do THAT! Why do you think Byleth took me with him to class today?! You think you're the only one who suffered? Edelgard ended up going to detention because she wasn't paying attention in class! When has that ever happened before?!"

"I only did that so I could talk to her in a more private setting," Byleth interrupted. "I thought maybe taking her to see her father would do her some good. At least she still has her father, for whatever short time he has left..."

"Yeah, and I'm sure Saint Seiros would have wanted to spend more time with her family before they got slaughtered!" Sothis piled on.

"Enough, Sothis! You've made your point," Byleth scolded her.

"I..." Rhea looked down, Sothis' words having cut her to the heart. "...maybe... Maybe you're right. Perhaps I have been a a bit too strict..." Taking a deep breath, she looked back up at Byleth. "If you wish to take Edelgard to see her father, then so be it. But do hurry back when you're done."

"We will," Byleth nodded. "Thank you for seeing reason, Lady Rhea."

"And I'll have a word with the knight posted at your quarters, to allow Sothis a bit more freedom of movement," Seteth added. "She'll still be under escort, however."

"Can it be Alois who escorts me? Bad humor aside, I know I can trust him," Sothis pleaded.

"We'll see what we can do," Seteth nodded.

Episode 22- End*