The Three Houses of Hyperdimension

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

by Derald Snyder

Episode 24: Edelgard's Arrest

*Two days later...*

Edelgard and Byleth strode through the double doors of the nursing home, making their way to the front desk. "Oh, Miss Edelgard!" the female NPC behind the desk greeted. "I haven't seen you in a while..."

"Hello, Miss Flora. I've been busy with my classes, and some other things," Edelgard replied. "This is my professor, Byleth Eisner. He's acting as my chaperone today, due to the academy being locked down."

"Locked down? What happened?" the NPC inquired.

"Terrorist attack. Thankfully no one was seriously injured," Byleth said bluntly.

"Oh my!" Flora gasped with her hands over her mouth. "Well, I am glad that you came to no harm. Your father would have been devastated had he heard that something had happened to you. It might have been too much..."

"Speaking of which, how is Father? May I see him?" Edelgard requested.

"That shouldn't be a problem," the NPC nodded. "Actually, he seemed... livelier than usual today. Almost as if he knew you were coming..."

"Thank you, Miss Flora," Edelgard bowed her head. "I know the way. Shall we, my teacher?"

Byleth just silently nodded as he followed his student down the hall...

*Ionius' Room*

"Edelgard... it is so good to see you again," gasped the thin, elderly man sitting up in bed. Though his white hair was unkempt, his beard was short and well-trimmed; his sunken eyes the same color as Edelgard's own. "I had a feeling... (cough) that you would come today. But who is this... young man?"

"Father, this is my professor at Garreg Mach, Byleth Eisner. Professor, this is Ionius von Hresvelg, my father," Edelgard made introductions. "My teacher is acting as my chaperone today, out of an abundance of caution."

"It is good to meet you," Byleth greeted with a brief bow. "Seeing you reminds me of my own father who died recently... but unlike him, at least your coming death will be peaceful..."

"Oh... my condolences for your loss, young man," Ionius lamented. (cough)"It will likely not be much longer... before I go to meet your father personally..."

"I'm sure he will have many stories to tell you when that happens," Byleth said with no hint of sarcasm. "But rest assured, those responsible for his death, as well as having dark machinations for Edelgard and all my other students, will pay for their crimes..."

"Edelgard..." Ionius turned his gaze to his daughter. "Did you... tell him... what happened to you...?"

"I did, father," Edelgard affirmed. "He saved my life when we first met, and he has proven to be someone I can trust fully, without fear of betrayal... a distinction that I have only given to one other, Hubert of House Vestra."

"I see..." Ionius nodded. "I am glad... you have found people... you can trust... (cough) My daughter... I only regret that I could not do more for you. (cough cough) When you were stolen away to Faerghus province... when- Duke Aegir did- those horrible things... I could only watch in horror." His voice sounded as if he was at the point of tears.

(Duke Aegir...? As in Ferdinand's...?) Byleth pondered, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself.

"I... I understand, Father," Edelgard shook her head. "In those dark times, your eyes and your fists were my salvation. Within your eyes, I saw true care. And upon your fists clenched tight with indignity, I saw the blood that dripped and fell. Even as I bled, I felt that you too, must also be bleeding. But now... now the time has come to take matters into my own hands. In the name of our great ancestors, I swear to restore the Adrestia province to its former glory. And those who attempted to subvert our bloodline will be brought to justice. I swear this upon your name, and those of my siblings who perished for my sake."

(The experiments to try to turn Edelgard and her siblings into Makers, like Lady Neptune's right hand IF... and only Edelgard herself survived,) Byleth recalled.

"Edelgard... my dear El," Ionius managed to smile. "Thank you... I leave the fate of Adrestia... (cough) in your capable hands. May you secure the will of the people... (cough) and your campaign for governor be successful."

"Father..." Edelgard's voice almost cracked.

"And as long as she serves the will of the people, I will do what I can to support her," Byleth added. "Even if it is only in spirit..."

"Yes... please look after her... in my place," Ionius nodded.

*Back at the entrance...*

"Before we head out..." Byleth pulled Edelgard over to an empty corner, keeping his voice down so as not to be overheard. "I couldn't help but ponder when I heard you say 'Duke Aegir'... Is he...?"

"Ferdinand's father, yes," Edelgard admitted. "He is as corrupt a noble as they come... but he has one redeeming quality: he loves his son dearly. Ferdinand likely has no idea what his father has been up to on the sly, now or in the past..."

"I see..." Byleth put a hand to his chin. "From what I've seen of Ferdinand, it's a little hard to believe that his father could be so malicious..."

"The apple falls far from the tree," Edelgard said almost deadpan. "When I become governor, I intend to strip Ludwig of his title and property, and bequeath them to Ferdinand. I only hope that he is able to handle the truth about his father when it comes out..."

"I think he'll be fine, as long as we're all there to support him," Byleth assured Edelgard. "And I know I've already said this, but if there's any way I can assist you, don't hesitate to ask."

"I thank you, my teacher," Edelgard smiled and nodded. "Then, shall we head back to the academy?"

But upon exiting, the duo were surprised to see a small gathering of police officers waiting for them! "Well, it's about time you came out! I was starting to think you'd snuck out the back!" exclaimed a balding, fat, mustachioed man dressed like nobility.

"Duke Aegir?!" Edelgard gasped. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Edelgard von Hresvelg!" a policeman stepped forward. "We are here to arrest you on the charge of attempted murder on Duke Gerth and Count Bergliez!"

"WHAT?!" Edelgard cried in shock.

"Hold on," Byleth stepped in front of Edelgard protectively. "Just when did this supposed attack occur, officer?"

"Two nights ago," came the reply.

"But that's impossible!" Edelgard protested. "I was at Garreg Mach that night, and the entire academy was on lockdown! There was no way for me to leave the premises!"

"Well, sorry to bust your bubble," Duke Aegir cut in, "but ol' Leopold insists that his assailant had not only your face, but your voice as well! And then there's the matter that your friend the Death Knight slaughtered your police escort so you could escape! Did you really think that you could just go back to school like nothing had happened?"

"The Death Knight?" Byleth gasped.

"The Flame Emperor. Now it all makes sense," Edelgard said resignedly.

"Indeed it does, which is why we're having you taken into custody to stand trial," Duke Aegir proclaimed smugly. "Of course, given that you're Arundel's dear niece, your trial will be presided over by the Chief Magistrate himself. And I hope you're not about to try anything funny," he addressed Byleth.

"Just a moment," Byleth said, an idea having occurred to him. "As Edelgard's professor, would I be permitted to retain counsel on her behalf?"

"Eh? You want to hire a lawyer for her?" Duke Aegir said, slightly nonplussed. "Well, in that case, be my guest! Though I doubt even Phoenix Wright or Apollo Justice would be able to clear her of these charges!" Turning back to the police, he ordered, "All might, men, take her down to the station for booking! Oh, but do be gentle with her."

"Professor..." Edelgard trailed off as an officer took her by the arm, leading her away.

"Hang in there, Edelgard. Everything will be all right. I promise," Byleth insisted. Turning back to Duke Aegir, he said, "I have your word that nothing will befall her before trial begins?"

"Hmph!" Ludwig sniffed. "I admit that I might not be of the highest moral fiber, but I do know how to play by the rules! Nothing will happen to your precious student in prison, I assure you."

"Good. Because if something does..." Ludwig suddenly found the Sword of the Creator pointed at his face. "They once called me the Ashen Demon for a reason, you know."

"Ah... d-d-duly noted," Duke Aegir gasped as he backed up a few paces, sweating a little.

"Good. Now if you'll excuse me..." Byleth promptly sheathed his sword before heading back into the nursing home lobby to borrow the front desk's phone.

ring* *ring* (click) "H-hello, Samson Law Offices..."

"Hello, Rei Ryghts?"

Episode 24- End*

A/N: Well, looks like a Neptunia character is finally showing up in this story and not part of a flashback, despite this being called a crossover!