Chapter Twenty-Five
1.
"Did you hear?" Hilda metaphorically jumps Leonie the moment she enters the Golden Deer classroom.
The rest of the group from Hanneman's class migrate towards Claude while Leonie changes direction, "Hear what?"
Hilda glances between the closed door and the woman, leaning in to whisper, "Apparently Lady Rhea and the mercenary captain, Jeralt, were yelling outside of the Archbishop's hall. There's a gag order though, so we're not supposed to talk about it."
While Leonie knows the man has several reasons to be angry at Rhea, she certainly doesn't remember him ever snapping at her, "I won't say a word."
"Come on you two!" Claude calls. The ladies straighten, looking as if they weren't caught gossiping, and hurry over to the crowded table. Hilda grabs the last seat, so Leonie hops next to Raphael – and turns down his offer of a snack – on the table behind their House Leader. Said Leader holds out piece of rolled up paper, "We'll talk about classwork later. Right now, we need to start planning for the mock battle."
Lorenz breaks in, "How are we to plan when we know nothing about it? Requirements change every year."
"Good thing I know all the details."
Heir Gloucester jerks to his feet, a few others looking uncertain but the noblest of all them demanding, "How did you come across the information?"
"And," Hilda eyes their leader, "how do you know it's trustworthy?"
"Have some faith in me," Claude jokes, but he's a lot more tense then the start of the meeting. "We won't get in trouble, not from the staff or by bad information."
Lorenz starts to protest further, "You cannot possibly-"
"Leave it," Leonie breaks in, fingers itching as her imagination turns a bit stab-like. Everyone's eyes on her isn't helping. "We can't make a decision if we don't hear him out. Besides, all best laid plans go awry. That's why we should be prepared for everything."
Lysithea snorts, and Ignatz cracks a bit of a smile as he asks, "Don't you mean, prepare for anything?"
Leonie grins, arms slowly drawing apart, "Prepare for everything."
Claude bites down a laugh, "While we might not be able to prepare for everything, we can prepare something. Ultimately it will be our professor who approves the strategies we try on the big day. If you don't want to hear me out, you're free to go."
"I'll stay," Lorenz frowns, moving to the stop behind Hilda so he read whatever Claude lays out from all sides.
"Do you have some paper?" Lysithea asks Marianne. Meanwhile Leonie pulls out the first thing that needs maintenance from her bag while everyone is looking elsewhere; a bow that needs the grip redone, but first to tie and test the string. "Thanks."
Lysithea starts notes while Claude explains where they're going to battle and what the rules are going to be. He unrolls the old paper in his hand to reveal a map, pointing out a space that is considered an outskirt of the Monastery's lands. He suggests exploring in pairs or small groups, joking it would be good scouting experience even if they do not end up battling there.
Leonie runs her finger up the restrung bowstring, closing her eyes and enjoying the twang it makes to prove it's stable.
There's a silence and she feels the stares before she looks at the group. Raphael keeps eating, having seen her reattaching the string. Lorenz is the one to ask, "Leonie, where did you get that bow?"
"This one?" she can't help the smirk as she takes in the weapon, recalling how she came across it. "I bought it at a vendor in Mavi Village for real cheap. I had to do a side job for them, but totally worth it."
Lysithea makes a disgusted noise, "He means, where did you get it from now, since you didn't have it out five minutes ago."
"Oh," Leonie fights to make her face flat, but can feel the corners of her lips twitching. The bow lies on her lap as she wiggles her fingers in full view, all mysterious-like. "Magic."
Marianne snorts, and then apologies and shrinks back at the attention.
"So, Claude," Leonie turns her encouraging smile away, kicking out a foot to point at the table, hands full with the bow again. "Only four us allowed in the mock battle. Who are you thinking?"
The deflection works a little too well, hitting the competitive buttons on the Fódlan-born nobles such that Claude has to refocus on the map as Lorenz tries to answer, "I am an obvious choice for the lancer position. Hilda will take an axe position, and Claude you can take a sword or bow or something."
"I asked Claude," Leonie rolls her eyes. "I swear to Sothis; Lorenz, if you break formation while we're in battle, I'm putting an arrow-"
"Okay," Claude raises his hands, laughing and trying to diffuse the situation. "Hold off for the sparring lessons you two. I'll have to work with our House Professor to decide on the final setup but, without special permission to exclude the House Administrators, Hilda and I take up two of the spots. Does anyone not want to be a part of the mock battle?"
Marianne and Lysithea raise their hands.
"I'm going to needs reasons."
"My bad luck will cause us to lose," Marianne mutters.
After giving her seatmate a look, Lysithea explains, "My stamina is the worst of us all and I have only recently managed to get some instruction on using swords. If they claim it to be a no-magic event like the class-placement tournament, then I would be a hinderance."
Claude points first to Marianne, "You aren't bad luck," and then to Lysithea, "you aren't a hinderance. If you change your minds, let me know. Ignatz, Raphael, do either one of you want a spot in the mock battle?"
Leonie isn't the only one with a few raised eyebrows that she was left out. Ignatz sends her a nervous look before answering, "I could take a bow position."
Raphael booms, "If you need a gauntlet user, I'm your guy! But what about Leonie?"
"Well…" Claude smiles almost sheepish, but there's no warmth in his eyes as he tries to convey something to the group. "Rumor has it the mock battle is going to test whoever the new professor is. If they join our class they might want to use her, but if they don't…"
"Manuela doesn't like me and Hanneman doesn't know me well enough," Leonie finishes. "There's also a commoner vs. noble preference, male vs. female bias, and an average of all skills vs. inherent weapon mastery to contend with."
"Huh," Hilda eyes her, "you've thought about this a lot."
"I've had to face these things a lot," Leonie corrects. "When I first got the mercenary license, not many people believed I did or that I could back it up. So, yah," she meets Claude's eyes, "I understand why you're not including me, but if there's any chance let me know."
"I will," he replies, no hesitation. It doesn't change the bit of hurt at being excluded, Leonie doesn't think he'll apologize, but it's a small thing in the larger scheme. A full week away. There's a bit more discussion about how they will scope out the place and decide on the final four, but eventually their hunger for lunch derails the meeting. Claude holds them back for a moment, "We're actually having lunch at the end of the hour. Main Class students have been told to stick near their classroom. Can you all wait here until the next bell?"
They agree, some a bit more hesitant that others, with Lysithea wondering, "Why the change?"
"The mercenary group that helped us is settling in today. You may see a few of them around," he slides a look over to Leonie. "I hear Jeralt is taking over the Knights of Seiros again."
There's a small shriek, and Leonie only realizes it comes from herself when she slaps a hand over her mouth. Then asks, "He's really sticking around?!"
"Yah," Claude looks taken aback. "He's taking over Alois' office."
"Yes," Leonie hisses, grin splitting her face. "I'mma be heading there for lunch then. Once the bell rings. This is perfect!"
While a part of her is also cursing that he isn't leaving, it makes it easy for her to stop his death once she figures out where it will be. Even with all of her exploring, Leonie hasn't managed to figure out a place that matches vague memories of an animated view. Now, officially, there is a countdown to be aware of. Something that takes the same priority as keeping up grades so Leonie can still be a welcomed, high-ranked student of the Officer's Academy. If she can keep the doubt away, then she can stop Jeralt's assassination and not have to run off before seeing what the butterfly effect will cause.
His death will be stopped. Leonie hasn't spent years of her life training for that moment for nothing to come of it.
In a way, she's almost hopeful Byleth will reverse time just so she can get used to it. It would not do to fail because of a bout of vertigo.
2.
Leonie and Raphael are discussing their upcoming extracurriculars when they are interrupted by a soft, "Excuse me."
Leonie freezes, orange eyes locking onto blue.
"Are you someone's guest?" Raphael asks, meanwhile Leonie is forcing herself to breathe and grin as she takes in the newcomer. "The dining hall's that way if that's what you're looking for."
"No, Raphael," Leonie's eyes flick over the mullet, broad shoulders, and a charm. "That's Captain Jeralt's kid."
A bit androgenous, but with all the clothing Leonie's thinking male. There is barely a sense of Crest coming from him, a feeling of restraint that only Jeralt has ever given off, but this close and under his attention it's possible to feel how the Crest blanket is trying to attach to Byleth. A warning to tell others to back off, a plea to have Byleth let them in.
Even if Jeralt taught them nothing about the world, this guy knows how to keep his Crest powers under control.
"Hi," Leonie does a small bow, enjoying the feel of nerves that trigger her fight-or-flight instinct, "I'm Leonie Pinelli. Captain Jeralt helped out my village and taught me a few things a couple years ago. He's told me a few things about you. It's nice to put a face to a name!"
Nothing about Byleth's facial features move, except to breathe. He stares like he couldn't care less, and Leonie wonders just how many emotions they can scrape together between themselves.
"Nice to meet you!" Raphael doesn't let the silence linger. "I'm Raphael Kristen. Who are you again?"
"Byleth," and then the new professor walks away.
"Huh," Raphael sums that up well, "quiet guy."
"Guess so," Leonie shrugs. "I'll get him to talk though. Captain Jeralt has probably told embarrassing stories about me, only fair I get some on him!"
Raphael laughs, "Good luck!"
It's a discreet glance here and there as they continue their conversation, Leonie keeping watch as Byleth pretends to be a student talking with the other Deer. He leaves without a backwards glance, and a part of her isn't sure whether to be disappointed or relax. In a way she's grateful that Byleth isn't supposed to be as cruel as some other Main Characters from stories of her past life. It is hard, though, knowing that the person who has the fate of the world in their hands is not at first caring of the people around them.
Unfairly, she remembers and compares this intro to Awakening, where Chrome would be kind and trusting to a stranger on the road. Where Frederick was a voice of reason. Remembers nostalgia that comes from seeing things as a main character and having everyone attach to you at first sight.
Between amnesia and stunted emotions, Sothis and Byleth do not fill Leonie with a lot of confidence that any relationship they make with her will be long-lasting or friendly. She is neither kind nor reasonable, not a main character nor someone from past memories- if they have any at all.
But maybe she can afford a bit of hope. They are not her goal, after all. Jeralt is.
Whatever they choose…
…hopefully the Golden Deer can stay strong.
3.
Lysithea glances up as Leonie grabs the seat next to her in the front row, "How was it with the mercenary captain?"
Leonie is the second-to-last to arrive, an announcement having gone out at lunch that they would be starting separate House classes from now on. With Quiet footsteps no one had heard her enter, and only when she speaks do Ignatz and Raphael jolt in the row behind them. "It was good," is the only honest answer she gives. "We had some tea," Jeralt had a flask of strong alcohol and wouldn't cough up the grinds to let her start a coffee addiction, "and caught up," he told her to keep up her training and not to stick around the Church any longer than she has to. Said that, if she impresses, he'd let her take some of his people since Rhea isn't going to let Byleth go now that she knows about him.
Warned her in quiet tones to stay away from Rhea, because if that woman could take one glance at Byleth and know the mercenary has a Crest even though none of them did, she'll figure out Leonie's lack of bonds just as fast.
He also asked what her thoughts were on gender and their lunch conversation turned into a discussion on the definition of gender and the perceived norms of each territory in Fódlan. It was oddly relaxing because not once did the stern-faced man snap at her for having outlandish opinions, and not once did she expect him to. Jeralt offered some great insight into the lifestyles of places outside of Fódlan, though he did admit they were mostly second-hand accounts.
"Who do you think the new professor is?" Lysithea gossips, turning around to include Raphael and Ignatz.
"I'm not sure," Ignatz mutters, pushing up his glasses with a pout pulling his eyebrows together. "Maybe one of the mercenaries since the captain's kid is going to be a student."
"Really?" Raphael leans back in his chair, yet still towering over them all. "I wonder what class he'll be in. What was his name again?"
"Byleth," Leonie responds, sly grin coming as she leans in. "In mercenary groups, they're known as the Ashen Demon."
Lysithea jolts, "They?"
"Ah, sorry, no one ever gave Byleth a gender in the stories I heard. I'm used to keeping it neutral," and plural, seeing as Sothis is supposed to exist. It's a great excuse for any slipups. "Are you still hoping for Hanneman?"
"Yes," Lysithea huffs. "I know he isn't a favourited choice for everyone else, but he is more then the Father of Crestology!"
"I'll believe it when I see it," Leonie drawls.
Raphael nods along, "Yah, sorry Lysithea, Leonie. I think I would learn more from Manuela, but any teacher is great! And a mercenary would have much more experience to offer then both!"
"I am hesitant with a new teacher being in charge of us," Ignatz relents, "but I would learn more for my goal of becoming a knight with a mercenary teaching us than Hanneman or Manuela. Er, at least I would be more comfortable asking them for assistance."
"Oh, yah," Leonie remembers, "Hilda's got a list of knights who should be sympathetic to teaching us Deer some things. Are you alright talking with her later about it?"
"Absolutely," Ignatz looks so relieved it is almost worrying. "Would it be alright to… share some of this information with the other Deer?"
Leonie feels her eyebrows rising, not sure why he's asking her, "Of course. Unless they're bothering you guys, in which case screw them they can ask Hilda or find the information themselves."
Raphael laughs, patting her back. "See, I told you it would be fine!"
Leonie still isn't sure why they're asking – the only people trying to bully her have been from the other Houses since Claude disappeared for those days of Roundtable business – but appreciates it nonetheless. Before she can comment, she sees the back door slip open and closed from her position. Raises a hand to wave at the last arrival.
"Alright everyone!" Claude nods back, a bit of a skip to his step as he goes to the front of the classroom. A bit of a flourish, smiling his best mask. "I was in a meeting with the Archbishop and other House Leaders. Professors have been assigned and ours will be here soon."
"Who is it?" Hilda calls.
His eyes jerk to Leonie and linger, an expression of multiple things coming and going with a spasm. She's confused, and then a second of more staring passes and that the vague feeling drains into one of horror. The House Leader still doesn't look away, and there is definitely pity coming somewhere from him. She more demands of the universe than him when the word tears out of her, "No."
Claude smiles wider.
A few of the Deer glance between them, most confused. Lysithea's furrowed brow turns into a look of pity at her desk mate. Lorenz asks, "What is going on?"
"No," Leonie struggles to contain her tone. In the futility of the situation, memes, "Claude. No. No, Claude, please no."
The door to the classroom slams open and in steps their professor.
"Good afternoon everyone. You all know me, but here in class I am Professor Manuela." Orange and brown eyes meet, both women looking just as upset at being in the same room as each other. "For those of you who were not given the opportunity to learn from me earlier in the week, I will be giving out and explaining my rubric the class after the mock battle next week. For now, we will be reviewing wilderness survival training and working on group formations as we learn each others' strengths and weaknesses. I am sure you all know by now, but this class will be more difficult than anything you have ever encountered before. Your fellow students and professors are your best resources for improving your self and your survivability on the battlefield. I will not lie to you. Plenty of students before you have been grievously injured while at the Officer's Academy. Some have died."
Leonie does not appreciate how her stare focuses on her half of the room.
"I will do my utmost best to ensure you all survive to graduation, but out during field work it is up to you to do your best as well. I cannot be everywhere, and our enemies will come at us with everything they have. I need to trust you to have the safety of everyone in mind, and if I do not then I will have you placed in the Extra Class, no exceptions."
That's against the rules, Leonie thinks but does not say. In the corner of her eye, she thinks the others know it too. Claude's amused façade has certainly toned down to a cool smile. The only way to be demoted to the extra classes is by being permanently disabled or disfigured to the extent you cannot finish the core requirements in main and side classes. As Manuela goes on, Leonie comes to the decision that it does not matter if she can get along with her professor. She does not even want to fake it. No person needs to like someone to know they have their back; it just makes it easier.
Leonie certainly does not trust Manuela. That's the crux of the issue, and no good way to solve it that does not risk expulsion or time and effort towards a person she does not care for.
She can make her stance to her fellow students clear though.
4.
As soon as their new professor is gone – out the door the moment the bell rang – Leonie stands up and declares, "I refuse to be healed by Manuela."
Not a request, no room for error. By the looks on their faces, not many believe her.
"Surely," Lorenz breaks the stunned quiet, "you jest."
"I would rather die," with the certainty of someone who has drawn lines in the sand that will never be crossed, she looks each of them in the eye, "then be in her care. If any of you ever try to send me to her medical wing, I will hate you forever." The only way I go will be unconscious, if that happens then I may just kill someone, and don't call me Shirley.
There's a build up, tension growing in the air. Raphael reaches over the table to give her arm a hesitant tap, "I mean, I know Manuela isn't the most professional, but isn't to-the-death an extreme?"
"No. Especially not when there are other options. Other healers. When it's just us out there, my Faith shield is good. I can withstand a lot, and I know how to cast Heal, and can cast on myself at any time."
A few people jolt, Lorenz asking a disbelieving, "You can?!"
Leonie ignores them to nod at the Faith user of the group, "I trust Marianne as a healer for anything I cannot cover. Besides, healing magics aren't that effective if I am not expecting them. Anything Manuela throws at me isn't going to work since I want nothing to do with her."
"That's not how magic works," Lorenz protests.
"It is when you've built up a pretty decent resistance to it. If I get any physical wounds, well, I can handle anything until we find a medical professional I can tolerate examining me."
A part of how blunt she is being comes from the bits of shock and annoyance at the fact that Byleth isn't teaching them. Leonie had planned to stay out of Manuela's office since that awful first meeting, but she was never seriously going to tell anyone about the intention of refusing medical care. In a land of castles and magic, where electricity is nothing more than an attack spell and there is a ban on plastics and certain oils, people beg for healers and doctors. Leonie can afford to say no and, with Manuela having a higher position then her as Professor and lead Healer, will not stand by and let her ruin her classmates. Their professor has already gotten away with a warning for what should have at the least been misconduct. This recent time together has been full of passive aggression and stories of the old songstress' life. If it becomes detrimental to their schooling, there are ways of fixing it like the notebooks or tutors.
"If any of you need to see her, take me or someone you trust with you. I don't trust her with anyone."
If Leonie gets proof of any kind of abuse, she will kill Manuela herself. Has killed for less, and if the Deer is being honest with herself for once then the only reason the lead Healer still breathes is because of some misguided form of nostalgia. A recruitable character who can now ditch the class after a certain point.
Never again. If their professor harms a single person while Leonie is around, it won't matter how much suspicion her death will cause.
"Hey," Claude stands from his front row seat next to Hilda, "Manuela is going to be a healer for the mock battle."
Leonie curses, getting a scandalized gasp from Lorenz. She doesn't bother to hide her expression, "Take me off the list then. I'll just do double work in the Eagles and Lions battle." She starts stacking her things, "Oh right, Claude, do you know who the new professor is?"
"You've all met him. Byleth, blue hair, about yay tall."
"Captain Jeralt's kid!" Leonie exclaims through some of her classmate's mumbling how they thought he was to be a student. "That's great! Who'd he get assigned to teach?"
Leonie's fake smile grows a bit stiff at her House Leader's reply. The sound around her a bit fuzzy as her heart thuds uncomfortably with adrenaline that shouldn't be there. Not only does she get to feel that odd worry about Byleth taking students from her House, there's an uncertain future ahead of them all.
Byleth chose the Black Eagles.
Will you spare Claude?
The woman thinks she really is worried as her eyes cut away from green to land on pink. Leonie never thought it would really matter what House Byleth chose in the end when the main goal is to keep Jeralt alive. Except now she cares about a few people here, no matter how small or possessively-inclined it may be. At the very least, Claude and Lysithea are her people to look out for. No matter the House, Lysithea will always have someone.
Claude could stand alone.
Leonie has long since thought that unfair. Decides here and now she doesn't want that future, even if it means never joining the Main Character.
It is one of the many things she doesn't plan to say but, as they all leave the classroom, Leonie looks upon her House Leader's back and thinks with a sigh, I hope you never know to appreciate this.
A two-person class doesn't sound as appealing when it's Manuela teaching.
5.
She really didn't mean to be the first one, but Leonie strides into the band room and greets her current favourite teacher with a grin. Grabs one of the seven empty chairs, arms behind her head, and lets out a sigh as she leans back to watch the ceiling. There is still some anger, faint and bubbling, at the Golden Deer being assigned Manuela. An irritation and something almost cruel in Leonie as she wants to hope that letting the other woman live doesn't turn out to be a mistake.
Hope, that this Byleth is a kinder teacher than all of them combined. For survivability it would be best he takes all he can. However, the difficulty of training three classes worth of students does not translate well in a game, never mind real life.
Leonie glances up when Flayn greets the next band member to arrive. In the doorway, Avinna freezes when she locks eyes with her fellow student.
The Deer grins. It isn't a nice smile.
"Come on, Avinna," complains the young man behind her. He nudges her in, nodding to the professor and giving a reluctant wave to Leonie. "Kaveran von Wistiva, professor."
While Flayn marks down their attendance, a third Eagle slips into the room much like how Hubert moves silently throughout the Monastery. This student is nowhere near as edgy. Taller and blond like Raphael, indifferent where Hubert sneers. He takes the empty seat next to Leonie, evenly introducing himself to their teacher as, "Vernan Apalla."
"How have the extra classes been?" Leonie asks.
The stoic teen she met through Aurora shrugs a bit, "As expected. Many have found it boring."
"And you?"
"They have their moments."
There's a small bustle at the door as the last of their group try to rush in when the bell rings. Gustaf von Hopli and Meravi Constantine squeeze themselves in the doorway at the same time, while the final student snarks, "Could you two have not shown even a smidge of decorum? Animals, the both of you."
"Aw, come on, Rhi," Gustaf jokes, "Where's your adventurous spirit? You will need some of it for an art such as music, after all."
Whatever remark Rhianna McDermott has, dies a scornful death when she locks eyes on Leonie. The orange haired woman gives a cheeky wave for good measure. Vernan huffs something like a chuckle as the only female Blue Lion in the room drags a chair over to Avinna in something that could be considered solidarity, but Leonie sees it as the furthest seats away from her. "What is that about?"
"They've both tried bullying me," Leonie mutters and he has the grace to look ashamed because – like a lot of non-influential nobles – Vernan saw plenty of the heckling and did nothing. "Rhianna's mad because Felix acknowledges me as a person, and I beat Avinna in the class placement tournament. The guys don't particularly like me either, but at least the only competition they see me as is the one I want them too. Battle of the Eagle and Lions is going to be so much fun this year."
He laughs again, "I will be sure to let Edelgard know that she does not need to worry about you in the Mock Battle."
"Feel free. You guys got lucky with Captain Jeralt's kid. We have Manuela."
"What's so bad about her?"
Flayn claps her hands, getting the room's attention before Leonie can answer. The greenette's Crest is practically vibrating with her excitement, "Hello everyone! My name is Flayn, please only refer to me as that. I will be your instructor in the ways of musical instruments this year, also known on your schedules as Band! For today's lessons we will be going over the musical instruments here in the Officer's Academy and selecting which one or two you would like to learn. As we only meet twice a week, and since this is a fast-paced class, the doors to this room will be unlocked during the day so you can practice on your own time. I am normally in here during the week while classes are ongoing, but feel free to book a time to meet with me for any help. Now, each paper here has a list of the available instruments for you to use. I will begin demonstrations shortly, but while you are all looking the papers over, are there any questions?"
6.
As she leaves the washroom, Leonie shakes the last of the water from her hands. No one else ever seems to wash before meals – or unless it's really needed if she's being honest – because they are all heathens whose Faith shields kill off most of the harmful bacteria for them. The woman's always been careful to cook her food probably more than it should be and to handle them with something clean-ish since there was never any real place to constantly wash in her village. Leonie made a best attempt at a hand sanitizer equivalent spell, but she will always wash when there's the option because there are plenty of things in this world she doesn't know enough to live or let die.
Her stomach rumbles, reminding her it's dinner time. She's already going to be late since band ran long. Leonie tucks her arms behind her head, glancing up at the darkening sky. There is no one else around, and it's easy to breathe now that Flayn's Crest nor the Crest blanket are constantly jabbing. The former really needs to get her powers under control, and the latter is focused on Byleth.
At the echo of hurried footsteps, Leonie glances down. Just manages to catch a blur of white and red as a person with a very weepy feeling Crest rushes by. Leonie half-turns, watching the student burst into the washroom. The door bounces but doesn't shut. Leonie looks back up to the sky and sighs.
Enters, shuts, and tucks a chair under the doorhandle as someone is in the middle of retching into a toilet bowl. When there's a pause, tells the air, "It's Leonie. You alright, Edelgard?"
There's some coughing before more heaving. Leonie carefully threads back the teen's hair, grip light and lips pursed as she tries to use magic to block the smell. The Crests batting against her diverter are nothing like usual, one quiet and straining while the other bats at the air with little more than wisps.
Clammy and more ghost-like than ever, when Edelgard is sure nothing else is coming she tries to straighten. Ends up more slumped on Leonie, breath harsh.
Where's Hubert when you need him, Leonie bemoans and lets the hair drop. "Do you need to stay here, or can you get up?"
Edelgard debates for a long moment, face sour. "I cannot be seen like this."
"I'll make sure we aren't. How's the stomach?"
"…Queasy. Nothing to warrant seeing a healer."
"Alright," Leonie feels the princess' forehead. Cold, eyes not focusing, beginning shakes. Leonie scoops her up and the teen doesn't do anything but tuck her head into Leonie's neck. "I'm taking you back to my room. I don't know where Hubert is, and you need someone watching to make sure you don't go into shock."
"Mhm," Edelgard mutters, struggling to keep her eyes open. There's a bit more life to them. "Why are you so warm?"
Leonie kicks the chair away and gets them out with the strongest Notice-Me-Not she can, "High metabolism."
Putting a bit of a diverter ward around Edelgard seems to help, waking her up a bit. Oddly enough the princess does not protest either the carry or the destination, nor asks to go somewhere else. Leonie is highly suspicious as to why, because even dazed Edelgard should not be so willing to be carried around much less toted by an Alliance commoner. Whether there's an underlying issue or something else, after the day she's had Leonie doesn't want to know. The Eagles and Byleth can deal with their own problems
Edelgard watches with fuzzy-yet-interested eyes as the people lingering on the docks pay them no mind. Something in the whitette unwinds the moment she crosses into Leonie's wards. The woman tucks her under the covers, stepping away quickly to say, "I'm going to be gone a minute to get a bucket from the greenhouse. Will you be alright?"
The teen works up the breath to hiss out, "Yes."
Leonie shuts the door and hurries. The moment she's back with the bucket, Edelgard leans over the bed and retches.
"Yikes," Leonie mutters, holding back hair. "Is it poison? I've got a few antidotes if you know what kind."
"No," Edelgard hisses, taking an offered tissue. "I do not know what this is. Hubert has tested everything and is fine. I did not have dinner. I do not understand what caused this."
"Okay, well, what are your symptoms, besides-" Leonie waves at the bucket.
Edelgard falls back onto the pillows, fisting the sheets as Leonie covers her up again. "Everything… hurts. An ache that feels... more than my body, if that makes sense. It's… it is not the worst pain I have felt, but it feels like I have been ripped open nonetheless."
Leonie is saved by thinking the worst when she hears Lysithea's door open. "I'll be back, I'm going to get Lysithea to do a sweep for Hubert."
"Is that wise?"
"Do you really think he would look for you here when he realizes you're missing?"
Edelgard says nothing, closing her eyes and pulling the blankets up further. Lysithea isn't very impressed when Leonie shows up, "You missed dinner."
"Lost track of time," is an easy excuse. "Can you do me a favour?"
"…Depends."
"Can you do a short sweep for Hubert? If you find him, let him know I have something urgent to speak with him about and he needs to come to my room right now."
Lysithea snorts, "Like Hubert would drop everything for that?"
"I mean, he would if you tell him I know where Edelgard is."
That draws the teen up short, "What does that mean?"
Leonie smiles, "It means I know where Edelgard is."
"Please don't tell me you kidnapped a House Leader because you're jealous they got Byleth."
She can't help the snort, insides stringing with some amusement, "What? No. She just wasn't feeling so well so I'm hiding her in my room. Are you up to look for Hubert or should I guilt-trip someone?"
"I'll do it," Lysithea groans, pushing Leonie aside. "Make sure they're gone before dinner ends. Claude is still waiting for you in the cafeteria."
"Yikes."
7.
By the time a flurry of knocks descends upon Leonie's door, Edelgard's stomach has settled and the teen can manage to sit and take small bites out of a banana. The princess is still very pale, hidden in swaths of blankets around the corner as Leonie pulls the door open like nothing's wrong.
"Where," Hubert hisses and seethes, "is Lady Edelgard?"
"Good luck," Lysithea mutters, either trying to telepathically say your problem now or scream if he tries anything as she leaves for her room.
"Thanks," Leonie opens the door wider, nodding for the young man to come in.
He doesn't, about to spit something when from the room comes a soft, "I am here, Hubert."
The dark-haired menace rushes past, Leonie pressing against the wall to not catch a stray elbow. She rolls her eyes and shuts the door, hearing Hubert ask, "What did she do to you?"
"Rude," Leonie tells him, grabbing her chair to kick her feet up now that this is soon to be not her problem. "You should ask what happened. All I've done is try to be helpful."
"It is true," Edelgard puts a hand on her kneeling retainer's shoulder. "I was ill earlier. Am still feeling it now if I am to be honest. Leonie has only been watching to make sure I do not turn for the worst."
"What is the cause?" Hubert demands. Leonie isn't hurt by the lack of apology. Instead focuses the annoyance into hoping her theory is wrong. Though, no way to check until the Eagles are gone.
"I do not know." Edelgard glances to the room's owner. "Leonie, would it be alright if I rest here a while longer? I will be returning to my room soon."
"Take your time," she points to the bucket. "Not a lot of people can bounce back quickly from that."
"Thank you. Hubert, will you return once a path is cleared? I… do not want anyone else to see me like this."
"I'll help you up when you're ready," Leonie offers. "No one will notice."
"To be certain," Hubert drawls, straightening and hesitating a hand near his liege, "I will clear a path. Expect me back in ten minutes."
He waits for Edelgard's acquittal before leaving out the door in a flurry of darkness and shadows. What an edgelord, Leonie thinks, not sure if it's fond. At least he's predictable. "Does he treat you well?"
Always good to check, especially after the day it's been.
Edelgard startles, "Yes. Very… More then I could possibly have ever hoped for."
"Good," Leonie nods. "And good to know you appreciate it. I've found that kind of loyalty rare amongst you nobles. Maybe because you guys grow up so far apart?"
"…Maybe," Edelgard says, hesitant and almost worried. "Will you be alerting anyone as to what happened tonight?"
"No?" Leonie raises her eyebrows. "It's nobody's business unless you've contacted some kind of plague, so if I get sick I'm blaming you. I only told Lysithea because she could probably hear you through the walls," a lie, Leonie's got the soundproofing up, "and someone needed to find Hubert. I'm not even in your class, so it isn't my job to alert your professor if you're still unwell tomorrow."
"…Thank you once again, Leonie."
"You're welcome?" Having originally grown up in a world where health issues are more-or-less confidential, she doesn't see why it needs thanks. So, Leonie changes topic. Talks about band class and how two of the Eagles are looking into string instruments while Kaveran fell in love with the trumpet at first note.
Keeps it up even after Hubert gets back and starts the slow motions to get Edelgard standing without any dizziness.
Then comes the unexpected knock.
8.
"Hey Claude," Leonie slips out, shutting the door and leaning against it. "What's up?"
Her House Leader holds out a couple fruits, "You missed dinner."
"Shoot," Leonie glances to the dark sky and sees the final light of the cafeteria wink out, "really? Yikes, sorry about that. I lost track of time."
He leans in, the fruits hitting her chest until she takes them, "Doing what?"
"Marble designs," Leonie doesn't take a bite and make him wait, though it is tempting. "Wait, you probably don't know them. It's a game I used to play with the kids back in Sauin. Helps with hand-eye coordination. I realized I didn't have a set of marbles with me so I'm designing new ones."
"Sounds interesting," he's eyeing her for something, though does also seem interested in what she describes. "Is it something we could play as a class?"
"Absolutely! I'll be sure to bring it up once I have something ready." There's a silence that stretches, Claude searching. Leonie doesn't dare look away. "What's up?"
"Are you angry?"
Leonie bites her tongue on a joking, I'm always angry. He isn't pretending to smile, eyes hard and Crest slowly trying to wrap around her. She takes stock on whatever she can feel and decides, "No, I'm not angry. Or mad. Maybe a bit annoyed about the professor assignments, but nothing I can't work through. Why?"
He draws himself up a bit, as if bracing, "You said 'please no' and later declared you wouldn't go near Manuela for healing."
"I was joking about that first part," Leonie gives him an exasperated look. "There was nothing you could have done the professor assignments." When he goes to protest, she holds up a stern finger, "Nothing. This wasn't like-" choosing a starter Pokémon, or getting sorted via a hat, "flipping a coin. The professors had to take into account every student, our strengths and weaknesses, and if they could mesh well enough to teach us. There was nothing you could have done to change the decision. As for the second part, that is my choice. It wasn't based on any anger or impertinence. I can handle myself. Enough that if I'm ever in need of healing from Manuela, it will be too late."
"Don't say that," he hisses, a crack in his voice giving away that he was trying to not be so revealing with the words. Takes a deep breath and tries for a joking, "What if I ordered you to get a checkup with Manuela?"
Leonie deadpans hard, "I know where you sleep."
He sucks in a sharp breath. Lets out a harsh sigh. Claude places his hands on her shoulders and demands, "Promise me you won't ever need assistance from a healer as advanced as Manuela."
They both know she cannot promise that. Especially with how uncertain battles can be. Still, Leonie shuffles the fruit to one hand, reaches up to pat his, and feels her lips twist into a fond smile, "I promise to do my best."
It's all we can ask for.
Claude sighs again and takes his hands back. After another moment of silence, covers his eyes and shakes his head, "Okay. I can work with that. And you aren't angry at being left out of the mock battle?"
"Not at all," Leonie eyes his tired stance. "I'm more worries about you. Do you need me to put the fear of Sothis into Lorenz to make sure he listens to you?"
"We'll be alright, but thanks." He eyes her one more time, arms crossing behind his head. "How about we dominate in the Battle of the Eagle and Lion?"
"Oh, absolutely," her grin finally manages to draw one of his more real ones. "Thanks for bringing the food, Claude. See you bright and early?"
He ruffles her hair on the way past, "Meet you at breakfast."
She shakes the strands back into place with a huff. Enters her room to find a few things shifted and Edelgard leaning on Hubert. Snooping is better than eavesdropping, sometimes.
"You two ready for a walk?"
Hubert narrows his eyes, lips peeling back, but takes one look at the princess before accepting whatever order was given, "You will help Lady Edelgard walk. I will keep out path clear."
Whatever, Leonie holds back the snark and stoops down to get the teen's arm around her shoulder. "Ready when you are."
9.
True to Leonie's word, no one lingering around the greenhouse or docks looks their way. True to Hubert's, no one is in the hallway to bother them. After Edelgard is settled on her bed, Hubert practically shoves Leonie out the room, keeping the door mostly closed as he levels her a glare that would make any child cry.
"Lady Edelgard has already claimed that you will not tell anyone of this night," he hisses, "but I wish to make the stakes clear. If you-"
"Hubert," Leonie rudely interrupts. Her smile is the same one she gave Avinna and Rhianna earlier, "if you make any attempt on my life, you forfeit your own."
His yellow eyes convey all he doesn't say, mixtures of loathing and disdain in fluctuating levels. An I hate you with a serving of we shall see. He jerks the door open, back never to her, and then shuts the door with a hissing, "Say nothing of tonight."
Like he has the authority or respect to order her around. Leonie moves Silently back down to the ground floor, adding bouts of impulsiveness next to anger issues on the mental list of topics the Eagles need to deal with before they have a chance of beating her at her best. Finally alone, a quick check to make sure no bugs or devices were added in her absences, Leonie sits on her chair and finally looks up the answer to something she doesn't want to know. A bit of procrastination before cleaning the bucket and sheets.
Of all the things to slip away, it was hard to forget Edelgard has two Crests. One from birth, another from torture disguised as experimentation. Unlike Lysithea, the creeps who did it have not left her to die an early death. As the only remaining child of the Emperor, Edelgard has long-since been manipulated into believing war is the only way to change things. With Byleth having chosen the Black Eagles there are two paths to the future if nothing variates from Leonie's meddling. Near the end of the school year, choosing Edelgard means Rhea will burn a city to the ground instead of the archbishop having some sort of revelation after years of torture. If Byleth sides with Rhea, plenty of things are left unsolved, but it is the only path for an alive Archbishop Rhea.
Leonie stops skimming and flips back to the beginning pages when she cannot find the answers she wants. The extremely bare bio for the princess has them, fortunately or not. Leonie shuts the book and leans back, rubbing her forehead.
It would be nice to be wrong.
She hasn't seen any evidence with those born with Crest Stones cutting through a bond before, but then again there must have been some form of training with age. Flayn was known as a great healer back when she went by Cethleann. It shouldn't be in the band teacher's nature to cause further harm, but Leonie has no way to confirm how the Crest Stones mix with the Crest blooded humans. At least, not without screwing her plans over. Besides, there's been no evidence of Ferdinand or others with the Crest of Cichol getting sick. Linhardt's as close with his friends as always.
Rhea passed her Crest down through the Emperor's line. Gave it to Captain Jeralt and her closest guards. Edelgard did not show any signs of illness before today, when the Crest of Flames in Byleth's chest began to interact with others. Barely the feeling of a Crest, but one there nonetheless.
Leonie puts the journal-like book back in her pouch and gets to cleaning. No matter how curious, it really isn't her problem.
Or maybe she doesn't like seeing someone bounce back so quick from a supposed Crest bond breaking.
10.
Leonie stops in her tracks, reversing her morning jog until she is certain she isn't seeing things. Wrings her hands together for a moment before making a decision. After quadruple checking that no one else is around, pulls out some flowers from her storage.
Makes sure to create some noise on the stairs down. Gives a little, "Morning," when she catches his eye.
Jeralt stands, eyeing her like a man who's seen too much of the world, "Good morning."
Positive sign. "May I…?"
He huffs and steps to the side, "I'm sure she'd appreciate it."
Leonie lays flowers on the grave, unable to see a name on the stone. It isn't the first time she's placed flowers before the headstones here, but this feels like a moment. "What was she like?"
"Gentle, openminded, and with a voraciousness very few ever got to see. She loved the world, even if she never got to see it." He sighs, eyes closed in remembrance. "She held on to every scrap of life she could. No matter what I gave her, she treasured. Every story, every moment, heck, every day was beautiful to her.
"Rhea never let her leave the monastery. I tried to put a stop to it, but for as long as I knew them Rhea would always tell Sitri she was too weak to survive beyond these walls. Sitri was tougher than anyone, even herself, gave her credit for. I…"
It takes him a long moment to find the words, and when he does it is no more than a murmur.
"I know I said she wouldn't let my kid go, but I won't let Byleth be trapped here too. When the time comes, can I trust you to get him out?"
Leonie's eyebrows shoot up. She doesn't hesitate, but the odd surprise-like emotion hitting her makes the second feel like forever, "Of course. Whatever you need, Captain." Within reason.
"Thanks," he grunts, back to the gruff and emotional tone as he stares down his wife's grave.
Leonie thinks that's her cue to leave, but before that pats his shoulder, "Maybe tell Byleth some stories about her? Now that you're here, a lot's probably coming back, eh old man? I'd love to hear more, but he should really get to know them all first."
Jeralt squints at her, "How do you know he hasn't heard them all before?"
"No offence, but he seems more of a go-with-the-flow kind of guy then one who asks too many questions."
"…Fair assessment. Now go on, and if you see my kid send 'em my way."
"Aye aye, Captain."
A/N: Decisions are made, but the benefits are yet to be seen.
Thank you so much for reading! A really big thank you to xenocanaan, guisniperman, joshiro99, ShadowWolf223, NihthKuro, DestructionDragon360, Faranon423, EmptySpot, Hong-Meirin, BlueBunnyims, CorpulentCatfish, Kingtaso, and Guest for reviewing! The support truly means a lot!
While it probably could have been more climatic, this chapter was giving some trouble to write. I've been foreshadowing the class-choice for a while and it's been exciting to see the thoughts and theories for this. Sorry for the tease, eventually there should be meaningful Byleth interactions…
For those who read my other stories, none are officially dead. When I have a moment to write, I normally set upon whatever I am motivated for at the time, and right now it is this (because I maybe made the outline a bit too motivational).
I hope everyone is well and has a great day! Please take care