Chapter Thirty-Four
1.
Yes, apologies are given and tears are had. Yes, they talk out the problem and put it through a vote. Consensus is, if Claude handles it well, then they bring in Raphael. Then Ignatz. Finally, Lorenz.
There will be a month of planning and watching their Housemates ahead of them, and Leonie's on Marianne bodyguard duty for a while, but the outcome is better then the woman expected. Certainly, gaining trust back does not rank high on Leonie's to-do list, but this seems to have been in the back of everyone's mind. Not too much trust lost. It could have gone a lot more explosively. Lysithea doesn't even seem phased by Leonie spilling the secret.
Not for the first time, New Leonie wonders just what happens in the memories Lysithea dreams about. Really doesn't care to act on that question, so she goes along with Hilda's plan and herds the ladies into her occupied room.
Claude seems vaguely surprised to see all four of them, "Is it good that you are all here? Or am I being threatened into silence?"
Lysithea drags Leonie over to the bed. Bullies the adult against the wall so she can sit next to her, head resting on Leonie's arm.
"If you swear to not go telling anyone," Hilda asserts, hands on her hips and pigtails shifting in the faint breeze her active Crest makes, "then we'll let you in on what we've been doing."
Marianne sits on the edge of the bed, still in view but partially hidden behind Hilda. Claude glances at all of them with a charming grin. It still doesn't reflect in his gaze, "With a hook like that, how could I resist?"
"Claude."
"Okay, I'll stop joking. I swear, no one is going to hear about your secret group activities from me."
"Good." And then, as if to convince herself, "Fine." Hilda opens and closes her mouth, but the words won't spill out. With a frustrated noise, she whirls on the ladies, "Leonie, you start."
"Oh Goddess," Lysithea hisses instead. Sits up to glare around the room. Marianne shrinks away. Leonie's enjoying the show. "Leonie picked up some rocks that were actually inert Crest Stones. Marianne can use them to turn into animals. We've been working on figuring out why and the extent of her new abilities. Story over, the end. Can we please go back to our rooms now? If Seteth catches us all in here, we'll be in an incredible amount of trouble."
"Privacy wards are on," Leonie wraps an arm around the youngest Deer and lets her relax again against the Crest onslaught slowly filling the room. It also takes attention away from Claude's best impression of a blue-screening computer. "No one would think it's anything other then me pulling a late night again."
"Unless they look through the windows."
"Which is why I have curtains. That Claude has pulled shut in our absence. I'll help you sneak back to your room later, promise."
The air explodes with first the tang of burnt metal, then ashes, and finally a lack of any scent as Claude's Crest settles in every corner. Leonie is a second behind the command everyone subconsciously receives, but she follows their lead into silence. Looks at him as the Crest threads turn frantic in trying to find her. Claude stops rubbing his face to spare one hard, intent filled look at her.
He sees Leonie, and the Crest presence tightens. As if to keep her in place. The only kind of grip it can manage.
Lysithea twists fingers into fists around Leonie's shirt.
Interesting.
Then Claude has a hand up, expression serious even as his tone keeps a weak, joking note, "Hold on. I am going to need a lot more information about… all of that. However, just to be clear, is everyone here okay?"
Leonie tosses a thumbs up. The Crest struggles to keep tense around her movements, but good on Claude for trying. Lysithea and Marianne answer positive, while Hilda wonders, "Of course. Why do you ask?"
He looks between Marianne and Leonie, "You touched Crest Stones."
Leonie snaps into a finger gun, "They weren't active."
Claude has the absolute gall to finger gun back, "Does not make me feel better."
Leonie mockingly gasps, hand covering her chest like she was shot. Hilda takes over before anymore dramatics sidetrack them, "We are fine. There was an initial scare when Marianne turned into a tiger, but we are passed that now."
"Hilda," Claude turns his focus on her. "Beautiful, smart, Hilda. Do not make me beg. What is going on here?"
The second child of House Goneril looks very tried, "It is a long story."
"I have time."
Leonie offers, "We could just show him. If you're up for it, Marianne. We know tiger-form can fit into my room."
"Let's save that for the end," Hilda finally sits on the bed. "It all started when Marianne and I went to Leonie asking for ideas for Manuela's project."
2.
"It's crazy how spread out the Church's influence in the east is," Leonie hums, pointing a finger and silently counting the marks on the table's map.
"You figured out the index already?" Jeralt walks from one desk to another. The morning sun peers into the window of his office enough that neither squint at the dark writing. Next to Leonie, he reaches out and moves a few coloured pieces around the map. "Don't let anyone else know."
"No one will hear it from me. Besides, who'd dare to break into your office?"
"You'd be surprised. So, what were you saying about the Church?"
Leonie points at the Kingdom, and then down to the Alliance, "I was thinking, what if my House had to do the ceremony for a mission? Where would we even show up? Gloucester has the most Church stability, but Riegan is the Roundtable's voice to the world. Would we have to show up in every territory?"
"Not at all. You didn't hear this from me, but the only time the House missions for the Saints are not sent to the Kingdom is when someone really upsets the Archbishop."
"No way."
"Absolutely."
Leonie scoffs and sips her water. Wipes the last of the sweat from her forehead, "Crazy. Guess Professor Byleth gets the full ceremony experience here. Do you know if he's going to participate today?"
"I don't see why he wouldn't. Kid seemed almost excited to have the day not grading papers."
"I would be too," Leonie laughs. Leans away from the strategy table to watch her mentor. "If anyone asks, I overdid my workout and am resting for the day."
"You really here to use me as an alibi?"
"Hey, I've covered for you before. Besides, what are your plans for the day, Captain Jeralt?"
The tall man sighs. Sends her a smirk, "You've got me there. If anyone asks, there was a disturbance at the lower levels that I went out to check personally so no one would have to miss the celebration."
"Are you actually going down there?"
"There are some folks I need to check in with. Tell you what, I'll cover for you if you tell me what your plan for the day is."
"Fair enough," Leonie shrugs. "Someone should know. I'm going to be exploring the grounds."
After all, today should have decreased guard activity with everyone focused on the celebration. Rhea, Seteth, and all their super special guards should be down at the chapel when the ceremonies are in full swing. If Leonie times this right, she can finally get to the one place she hasn't been able to look.
Up.
"Take care not to get caught," Jeralt warns, going back over to his main desk for some more report reading.
A soft, alerting press brushes against her skin. Finally, those Deer are leaving Leonie's room. "I'll do my best, sir!"
3.
Church bells ring in a new order, warning the people of the ceremony about to commence. Saint Macuil Day has a bunch of sermons and prayers stuffed into the morning and afternoon, with strategy games commencing in the evening. Or, at least, that's how it was back in Sauin Village. Here in the capital of the continent's religion, the itinerary looks even more long and boring.
How lucky for me, Leonie thinks. Her magic stores have slowly been depleting with Invisibility constantly running this morning. She has been watching students and staff hurry around from her shaded spot in a corner of the grounds. Training hall and dormitory areas are finally empty. Not every Golden Deer came running past this way, but enough have gone that Leonie's absence will be noticed by Manuela. Too bad.
The real question is who Professor Byleth gets Faith EXP with.
When the bells begin ringing and the Knights march in uniform across the bridge, Leonie pushes off the wall and looks up, up, up. Undoes the jacket around her waist and peels off the fingerless gloves. Tucks them into her pocket dimension. Reaches up and lays her hands flat against the stone wall.
Sticky Fingers.
Begins playing the Spiderman theme in her head. It's a long way up, and not sleeping has done no favours. Leonie's head can't keep the focus required for more then the two status conditions she's currently refreshing on herself. Other enhancements may help, but would mean nothing if she accidently blows a hole in the Monastery.
Faith Shield works overtime to halt sweat and keep any scents from leaking out as Leonie pauses for a breather two-thirds up. She refuses to look down yet. Doesn't dare to glance at the scenery as she blinks.
Third floor is Rhea's area. It reflects in the Crest blanket; the area above Leonie a mass of colours the human eye cannot comprehend.
Blink.
"Ugh," she grunts and leans her head against the stone. It's cool, this far up with little rays of light reaching it. Her limbs tremble at the strain and hard work, but it isn't the extreme exercise or magic usage that's the problem. Leonie is not looking forward to the work into getting around Rhea's Crest.
Time is ticking, and up she goes as another bell rings. Diverter ward increases to its maximum. She starts with a finger, slowly rising until the Crest blanket flows around it. Slow goes the hand to the wall. Leonie counts her breaths. Nothing happens.
Unlike the library, there is nothing active in the blanket. No sign of traps or triggers. Rhea is away, and no one should be able to get this high without notice. All it takes is time for Leonie to slip through the ocean of magic. Pressure on all sides as she breathes through the Crest's desire to claim all. It smells like a barbeque. Like a clear-sky day and cold, crisp night. Like rain about to fall and thunder building in clouds. Ozone and nothing at all.
Crest of Seiros.
Sky Dragon Sign.
Devoted child of Sothis.
Then Leonie is on the roof, and it's all gone. She heaves her breathes and kneels on the tallest point of the Monastery. Clings a hand to the centerpiece ornament, a spiked pole that no one ever gets to see. There isn't even a sign of birds up here. No wear and tear from the elements or sun damage on the roofing stone. No Crests. The air is a bit thinner, the temperature lukewarm. For a moment, Leonie wonders if she's even still in Officer's Academy.
A bell rings. The woman looks up and sees Fódlan before her.
It's a lot more beautiful in person.
4.
Finding Jeralt's death location is much easier from the highest, central location of the Monastery. Unfortunately, there are three areas that look similar to where he could be stabbed. Some more hunting will be required another day.
Meanwhile, Leonie decides it best to climb down the way she came. Saint Macuil Day is still going strong at the chapel, however the sun has moved to face directly on her back. The Deer manages five minutes into the climb before regretting her decision. Still, she persists. Makes the slow, repressed-sweat climb down all the way until a few dozen meters. Then Danger Sense triggers with such accuracy on her back that she panics and lets go.
A knife clangs against the stone wall, but Leonie's preoccupied with not going splat. She twists as gravity does, a small, "whoa" leaving her unsilenced self. Lightweight just manages to stabilize in time for the fall to slow. Her hands throw out, the force around her gathering to the calloused skin.
Palms hit the grass. The ground trembles a bit as her body slams down next. Leonie groans and rolls over to her back, flexing her wrists to get out the last of the impact buzz. She looks up a bit further, and then releases Invisibility when she recognizes the hair.
"Leonie?" Petra comes to stand over her. "Was that you on the wall?"
Running through the list of stories she can tell, the woman starts off with a, "Yah. Wait. Did you throw a knife at me?"
"I thought you were an assassin," the youngest Eagle explains. "Why were you cloaked on the wall?"
With a sigh, Leonie sits up and lies, "Climbing walls in the daylight is a good way to get shot. I wanted to practice, but it's not really something we can do, you know? So I found some magic to hide me and have been scaling up and down the walls for a while. How did you see me?"
"The air moves when you move," Petra helps her stand. It looks like she believes the story, but time will tell how much trouble Leonie is really in. "I did not see it at first, but as you move so does the air. Like a little wave."
Oh great, bending the light to turn herself invisible has drawbacks. Good to know now at least. Something else to work on fixing.
"Can you teach me?" Petra asks, incredibly earnest. "The hiding magic would be an incredible hunting tool."
"Sure," Leonie pulls on her fingerless gloves and concedes that if anyone were to withhold information from the Empire's army, there's a very good chance Petra is at the top of the list. Maybe Leonie will teach the Deer this trick. "How's your Reason magic?"
"Professor Byleth says I am very weak with magic."
"That's okay! I'm not very good either, but I still got something working. Let's find a rock and I can show you how to start practicing."
5.
Leonie feels the soft, alert press against her skin as she's brushing her teeth. Spits and groans into the lavatory sink. I just want to sleep.
When the feeling doesn't come again, she throws open the door to her room and announces, "I am going to sleep."
Claude shuts the book and looks over from where he's splayed out on the bed, "That's nice."
"Why are you here?"
"You don't look surprised. Does this have something to do with the privacy wards we didn't cover last night?"
"Ugh," Leonie thumps her head against the wall, turning on said wards. "Can this wait until I've had some sleep?"
He sits up, tossing the book aside. Looks at her carefully, "Did you not sleep at all after the talk?"
Now that he's off her pillows, she snags one and moves to the curtain-blocked window. "Someone had to make sure we weren't getting into trouble."
Under the window is a tabletop that's usually used as a bench in other rooms. Leonie moves her strategically placed, easily breakable glass bobbles out of the way and sets up the pillow. Undoes the jacket around her waist and tries to shed the thoughts of getting her mattress back via stabbing Claude.
"Are you really sleeping over there?"
"I'm not taking the bed from you," no matter how easy it would be. Leonie pulls the chair in front of the door so it will make noise should someone check on this room. "And you don't seem in a hurry to leave."
Claude chuckles, "You are correct. Why not sleep in the chair? It has to be more comfortable."
"Sometimes you just want to lay down to sleep." Also, sitting up is for staying alert. Leonie won't get out of that habit any time soon. She drapes the jacket over her shoulders and sits on the makeshift bed to face him. "Okay, fire off your questions, Claude."
He doesn't ask any at first, slow breaths in and out as his Crest tries to reach out to her. Then a sigh, hand running through his hair, "Did you know it's a new moon tonight?"
"Yes." In fact, it's the start of three days without the moon. Everything is just a bit darker outside.
"It's one of the few times I can fall asleep quickly," his smirk looks painful. The golden clasp at the end of his braid glints as it swings, Claude hunching to look at Leonie sideways. "Side effect of the Crest of Riegan."
She doesn't want to ask the follow-up, "And when it's a full moon?"
"I can't sleep."
"Like… at all?"
"I get restless even laying down."
Leonie curses. Claude laughs.
"This isn't funny," Leonie cringes. Never did the game mention an affliction like that, but if it's a common side effect then it explains why so many supports can happen at night. "How has that not driven you crazy?"
"I don't feel any different," the Golden Deer leader wipes his eyes. "If anything, I can think clearer. As if it were late morning from a fresh sleep, only the clarity persists all day."
"What do you do all night?"
"Read," he shrugs and lays back on the bed. "Write reports. Whatever I can get away with in low lighting."
That sucks, Leonie would rather be out exploring if she had that kind of energy. Not that she wants the curse of no-sleep, that sounds like a nightmare. Still, as his Crest pulls back and his breaths go deeper, there's something horribly lonely about it lingering in the air. A reminder of her time hunting in the forests around Sauin. Where sleep was precious, and Leonie couldn't stop to think about how empty the silence felt lest she give into paranoia.
Then a golden deer decided it wanted to spend time with her. It was nice, having someone stick around.
More then Leonie would ever admit.
Ugh. Fine.
"You can come here."
Claude sits up, "Excuse me?"
"If you're ever bored or need some company," Leonie holds his gaze, smile gone, "my door's always open. I can't promise I'll stay awake with you through the night, but I'll be here. So don't hesitate to stop by, okay?"
He blinks a few times. Fully straightens and laces his fingers together with a cheeky grin, "Why, Leonie, how forward of you."
Her returning smile has too many teeth, "Don't make this weird."
"Do you even understand what you're offering?" he winks. "I'd come bother you every night."
"You'd get sick of me real fast."
"Nah, I don't think that could happen. But! I will keep it to the full moon nights. For now."
"Great," is her dry reply. Leonie moves down and curls up, jacket draped over her already warm form. Got to love fire-affinity. She yawns, "Any more questions?"
"Could you set up privacy wards in other rooms?"
"Lysithea already has one. Why?"
"I want one."
"Let me explain it to you tomorrow and then decide if you want one or not."
"Don't care. Want one. Please."
Leonie chuckles. Closes her eyes. "Well, since you ask so nicely…"
"Will you do it? Leonie? I know you're not asleep, you snore."
"Do not."
6.
Not even Lysithea says anything when class ends. The main class watches Leonie get up and walk to the front. Anger seeps from her rigid form, but the teacher packing up ignores it well.
Leonie keeps smiling, unclenches her jaw, and breathes. Places the pages with a big, red No written across the top on the desk. "Professor Manuela. Can I get some feedback on why you denied my proposal."
"The resources need to be sustainable, Leonie," Manuela recites. As if she prepared for this. Slams her massive bag on the pages. "Your… scooter isn't something children would be able to upkeep. Any parents or guardians would have to keep it in working condition, and they would have no point to doing so as it teaches nothing to children. For goodness sake, image a child losing control down a hill. They might fly off and crack their head open on the ground!"
"So," Leonie breathes in. Breathes out. "What would you suggest for changes?"
"If you are going to focus on helping children, make up a game or something. Materials must be easily accessible, like sticks or rocks. And for bonus points this game should teach them something, not risk their lives. Oh Goddess, it is like you weren't even thinking."
"Thank you for your advice, Professor," and, yes, some of it is good advice. Leonie didn't add helmets to her proposal because she couldn't figure out how to introduce that design too. Her mistake, she understands. It's the way Manuela says it, though. "I will come up with a better plan."
"That's all I ask."
Manuela saunters out of the room. Leonie stares at the red on her pages until her boiling of magic and heartbeats calms. Anger, she's found, can be a bit too warm on the surface when it makes her want to burn instead of stab. Stabbing can be warm, but left unfulfilled lingers a calculated chill. This time, the pages don't singe when she picks them up.
"Leonie?" Ignatz asks.
She turns to find him and Raphael right behind her, "Hey guys. What's up?"
"Would you like some help with the project planning?"
"Yah." She sighs, smile turning a bit more real. Nerves a bit colder as her thoughts stray to how easy it would be to take a knife and start menacingly sharpening it in view of the students. "Yes, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, guys."
"No problem!" Raphael pats her back. "We've had a hard time too. Manuela didn't like our idea of spreading trade routes around the Monastery instead of mandatory passage through the Church outposts."
Ignatz mutters, "It would make things so much easier."
Leonie laughs and holds out her papers, "I'll help you think of a project that should get past censorship. Feel free to take a look at my stuff if you want. That goes for the rest of you, too!"
Ignatz goes through the pages as Lysithea comes up, the youngest Deer asking, "Can you guys help me as well? My last idea was too magically-inclined."
"The more the merrier! Hey, Marianne, Hilda, did I ever show you guys how to play marbles?"
Hilda groans. Marianne shakes her head.
Lorenz comes up, "What is marbles?"
Leonie explains and gets out a bag of actual marbles – she triple checks – while Claude and Raphael debate their project ideas. Showing off the smooth, metal balls, Leonie asks her class, "Want to play?"
They all agree.
And for that hour of laughing with her classmates, Leonie's smile is real.
7.
"Sounds like every mission is bound to be interrupted," Dorothea murmurs behind her teacup.
Leonie taps a finger on her own cup, "How are you feeling after all of it?"
"Oh, I am fine," Mercedes smiles, honest and true. Grabs another snack off the plate. "In fact, everyone seemed to handle the post-battle reflection well. Which… hmm… now that I think about it, should not be normal. Yours was more chaotic, right Leonie?"
"Yah, it was obvious who didn't have any…" she uses finger quotes around the next words, "prior experience."
Dorothea leans back and hums. Grabs a few snacks of her own, "Then I'll keep an eye out for Bernadetta and Linhardt. I think everyone else in my class should be able to handle it if we are attacked."
"Bernadetta will attack like a cornered animal if you let her," Leonie shrugs. "I don't think she'd hesitate, but you know her fighting style better then me. And if you need any support, don't hesitate to come to us. Mercedes and I will help you."
"Right!" the Lion claps her hands. "We will do our best to try and understand what you are going through, no matter what."
"Thank you," Dorothea turns a cookie over in her hand, not looking at them. "You don't have to worry. I do have some prior experience, as I'm sure most of my class does."
Leonie shrugs, "Feelings hit at the weirdest of times. If you ever need to talk about it, I'm up for it."
"I'll keep that in mind." Breaking decorum, Dorothea leans over and drops her snack on Leonie's plate. "Enough about those unpleasantries, let's talk about you, Leonie."
"Me?"
"Yes," Mercedes tuts. Picks up an entire plate from their shared snack stand and puts it in front of the Deer. "You look thinner then when I left. Have you been eating enough?"
"I'm fine," Leonie assures. Grabs a baby sandwich to lessen their worry. As she has to pull her glove up a bit after, it isn't working. "I eat lots during mealtimes, so I'm just not hungry now. And I snack on fruits throughout the day!"
Dorothea hums. Mercedes waits until Leonie finally takes a bite, "And you aren't overworking yourself again?"
"No pain, no gain." They don't appreciate the joke. "But yes, I'm not overworking. If anything, I'm slowing up. Professor Manuela mentioned exam certifications will be possible starting next month, so I've got a lot to study for."
"I guess that is something to rest up for," Dorothea's green eyes dull as her smile doesn't reach it. "Still, Claude should be taking better care of you."
"Why would he be taking care of me?"
Leonie gets a forehead flick for that, "Edelgard pays for my meals."
Edelgard would buy you a villa if you asked. Leonie bits back the initial taunt at Mercedes' critical look, instead switching to, "You're the only official commoner in the Eagles. If Claude pays for me, he'd have to pay for Ignatz and Raphael as well."
"Dimitri pays for Dedue," Mercedes supplies. Now Dorothea and Leonie are aligned to give the Lion a look. "What is it?"
"Two words," Leonie grabs a red-looking treat from her plate. Tastes… cinnamon-y. "Life. Partners. Whether it's platonic or not remains to be seen."
Mercedes blinks. Blinks again. Laces her fingers as her face erupts in wonder, all the puzzle pieces only the Lions are privy to coming together. "That's wonderful!"
Dorothea looks thoughtful, "Would that count towards Edie and Hubie?"
The orange haired woman pokes around the plate for something not filled with spice, "If either of them ever admitted it to the other. Truth be told, I think all our House Leaders are too busy to sit down and ponder their love lives. Which is why – if I were betting – I'd put it on none of them admitting love until five years from now."
"If you were betting?"
Leonie pauses and looks up at the interested faces, "…Have you not heard about the student betting pool?"
"No," Dorothea puts her head on her hand, batting her lashes, "tell us more."
Mercedes nods.
With a scoff, the Deer pushes away her plate, "Fine, but you didn't hear it from me, okay? There's a massive betting pool ranging from who's going to drop out of the Academy to what the political landscape will be in ten years. The extra class students are running it, so main class isn't actually supposed to know. Side class is covering it up with a bet on who's going to marry who, which I thought you might have heard about by now."
"I haven't heard a thing," Mercedes smiles, all teeth. "How did you hear about it, Leonie?"
Said woman puts her hands together, then points, "So… you know about the tea thing, right?"
They reply positively.
"Well, sometimes people lose everything gambling. Which is why you have to pay upfront on orders now."
"Goodness," Dorothea grabs her tea. "Any other hidden events around the Monastery you would like to update us on?"
The Abyss briefly flashes through her mind, "Nah, that's it. So! Mercedes! Do you want anything in particular for your birthday?"
8.
"Some of you may know him already," Shamir says in response to Leonie waving, "but this is Cyril. He's my apprentice and will be working on and off as an assistant for myself, Alois, Cathrine, and Jeritza during class hours. Today I'm finalizing your standard archery grade, and then we're testing magical alignment."
"Professor Shamir," Lorenz raises his hand.
"What is it?"
"Is Professor Manuela not the one going to teach us Faith and Reason magics?"
"She'll cover the day-to-day applications. Here, in the training grounds, you may get some guest lecturers, but the majority of the time will be with one of the combat instructors. Any final grading will be a mix between us and your House Professor. Feel lucky, the Lions aren't approved for magic training yet."
Leonie gives a dramatic, "Yikes." Is vaguely curious how bad they must be if the Deer are approved ahead of the Lions and their fancy-magic-school tutors.
Hilda waves her hand to get called on, "I heard Professor Byleth will be taking on the main class Eagles combat training. Is that true?"
"Yes. As a well-known mercenary, he has approval. His combat classes will be in conjuncture with the side and extra classes that want to participate. That means over a hundred students could be participating every class. You guys get focused time with me instead."
"Sounds like a better deal," Claude grins, bright and shiny. "So, how will you be grading us, Professor?"
It's a simple enough class. Shoot the target over and over. A small competition develops between Claude, Ignatz, and Leonie on trick shots towards the end. Then picking up some element-charged stones to determine what kind of magic they are more in tune with. The oldest Deer gets fire, not surprising anyone. Her attempt at not feeding a lot of magic into the Faith stone gets a raised eyebrow, but Shamir doesn't comment beyond that.
Cyril stands next to the orange haired woman while the rest of the class takes their time testing, "Have you been working on Nosferatu?"
"I've been doing the exercises for it," Leonie answers. Watches her classmates with vague interest. Lysithea and Marianne will likely be the only ones to keep at magic. Lorenz has the aptitude, but always seems hesitant to use it. Almost like he's scared. "But I haven't tested it out. Have you?"
"Under Shamir's watch I've successfully done it twice."
Her head titles his way, "That's great, Cyril! Congratulations!"
The teen ducks his head, hiding the smile, "Thank you."
From the table of rocks, Raphael cheers and holds up a hand with the fire-aligned stone. Leonie cheers along with him before turning back to Cyril, "Seriously though, you're doing amazing. Maybe you'll be beating Shamir by the end of the year."
"I don't think I'm that good. Not yet."
"Maybe not yet, but you'll get there. And probably get there fast with all the work you're putting into training. Just make sure to rest from time to time, okay? Take it from someone who knows, constant intense workouts are hard on the body."
"I'll keep it in mind."
Next, Shamir hands out tomes to everyone. Let's them know they'll all get one-on-one chats today and not to worry if the combat magic doesn't work. When she gets to Leonie, who's practicing turning on and off a fire ball before it hits the target, the professor pulls her to the side. Advises, "If you want to stay under the radar, you'll have to do a lot worse in your next sword and lance classes."
Leonie winces, "I thought I was averaging my skills with the class."
"We know what experience looks like, Leonie. Lose a couple fights and slow your strikes. I was going to mark you B-plus for archery, but what did you want?"
"Can you give me a C grade?"
Shamir does not look impressed, "C-plus then. You're above Ignatz and below Claude. Jeritza won't give you anything lower than a B grade in lance by now, so you'll have to do horribly on a test Manuela gives you to get it any lower. Can you do that?"
After thinking about it, Leonie shakes her head, "I need to do well enough to stay in the class. I can make my handwriting illegible though… Might anger Manuela, but if she can't read the answer then I could work around it."
"Don't make it too difficult. It needs to be legible so no one can claim you're cheating on the exams."
"Right. Okay. I'll think of something. Thank you, Professor."
Shamir pats her shoulder as she moves to the next student, "Thank me by getting that mercenary certificate."
Leonie grins, "Would you come with me if I went out to make a name for myself?"
"Not a chance."
9.
"Really Cocoa," Leonie sighs and looks down at the smug cat that led her to the pier. "Really?"
He meows and… well, Leonie isn't on Marianne guard duty right now. The blue haired Deer is touring the greenhouses with Dedue and Dmitri. Leonie will pick up the duty once Marianne appears. For now, not enough time to toy with magic or scout out Jeralt's death location. So, the woman grabs a fishing rod and pretends to go fishing.
Cocoa stares on, unimpressed.
"Look," she tells the cat, "I haven't gone actual fishing in who knows how long. My magic is fire-inclined, so I need some sort of cover for when this gets messy."
When a fish eventually draws close to the bait-less line, Leonie gets to acting. Pretends she's struggling to reel in the line when in reality the splashes come from her trying to magic the fish out of the water. With a final yank, the fish and hook go flying into the air.
The Crest Stone cat grabs the flopping creature and runs away. Leonie scoffs and hangs up the rod, "You're welcome."
A cut-off laugh has her looking up. Edelgard and Hubert stand above the pier, watching. The former gives a wave at being caught. Leonie flashes her teeth and waves back. Watches as Hubert is told to stand back while the princess walks down to meet the commoner.
"Hello, Leonie," Edelgard is all grace, but her cheeks are more hollow then expected. Still not gaining weight yet. "How are you?"
"Hi, Edelgard." Try as she might, Leonie doesn't see the necklace that should be stopping Crests from finding the teen. "I'm doing alright, thanks for asking. What about you?"
"As well as can be. Would you mind if we moved into the shade?"
Ah, this isn't a social call, "Of course." Leonie follows a step behind, gaze darting around. The shine of having royalty around has worn off, no one's watching them closely. Except for Hubert. In fact, every other Golden Deer is absent. The commoner is on her own. "What did you want to talk about?"
Edelgard relaxes now that they're tucked away from the flow of traffic. Lilac eyes meet orange, "The charm you gave me before, could you share the design with me?"
"Nope," Leonie rocks on her feet, smile still in place as the heir to the Empire tries to make herself bigger. As one of the few people Leonie is taller then, the looming doesn't work very well. "I know how to make it, but I haven't written down." A lie, but Leonie has to cover her short laugh with something, "Never had a need to, you know? Wouldn't even be sure how to describe how it works. Like tossing a potion into a trashcan and getting something that cures all diseases. I kind of throw all my magic at it and see what sticks."
That settles Edelgard, though she does not look happy, "I see. Would you be able to make another one then? Or is it always accidental?"
"I can play around for a bit. Been trying to keep one in reserve for Bernadetta when hers breaks. Has yours been fracturing t-"
Her voice dies, staring at what's left of the necklace in Edelgard's hand. The area around the feeble, fingertip sized stone almost looks burned. It's more thread than charm at this point.
"Did it burn you?"
"Thankfully, no," Edelgard lets Leonie take it to examine. "This fractured on Saint Macuil Day."
"What did you do? Stand in front of a-" Leonie pauses. Lowers the used-up ward to focus on the princess. "Were you, like, singing for Professor Byleth or the Archbishop or something?"
Edelgard watches her closely. "The Archbishop blessed all of the House Leaders. Were you not there?"
"Nah, I skipped out. Huh. Concentrated Faith magic overrides chaotic Reason magic." That is not at all the motive for the charm breaking, but Edelgard doesn't need to know the real problem yet! "Good to know. Here, I've got another one. Just give it to Bernadetta if hers breaks before yours."
Edelgard holds the new necklace to her chest, "Why should I?"
"Because if she barricades the entrance to her room again, we're never getting her out." Also, I like her better than you. Leonie doesn't want to know how Hubert would react to hearing that last bit.
"…That's fair." Edelgard's eyes flicker to where Hubert is beginning his attempt to slowly loom closer to Leonie. "Are you sure you can not explain how you make these?"
"Very sure. Also," she throws a thumb over her shoulder, "I will punch him if he's standing right behind me."
The shadows recede around them as Hubert draws his magic back, "I am a respectable distance away."
"Good to know. If that's all, then I've got to get going."
"One more thing," Edelgard's smile doesn't reach her eyes. "Could you try to write down steps on how to create this charm? I do not want to bother you every time it breaks."
Hubert rumbles, "I could even create this charm for Bernadetta if she needs one. Take this burden off you."
"It's not a burden," Leonie's grin stretches. "I always love seeing Bernadetta. And I'm sure you could figure it out if you really wanted to. Until then, we're all stuck with whatever I can slap down on some metal. Goodbye, Edelgard. Hubert. Good luck on your mission next week."
Hubert hisses through his own smile, "You act as though you won't see us."
"I'll wave, but be honest, do you ever come to me for conversation anymore?"
10.
The door to the classroom slams open. The man standing there shouts, "Leonie!"
"What did I do?" is the return call before the student recognizes him. Relaxes and drops her arm with the pencil in it, "Oh. Hi Indy."
"Well, hello there," Manuela smirks, taking in the sight of the attractive man. Although, Leonie isn't sure what is attractive about him. She's having a hard time pinning down his features. Like hair colour. What's his hair colour? The janitor behind him is much more memorable with scars and curls. "I'm afraid we are currently in class right now. If you would like to talk with a student of mine, I'm sure we can find time after my lessons."
"What?" Indy looks and finally seems to realize there are other people here. "A-ah! Sorry! Wait, no, Leonie, we need your help right now."
The orange haired student waves around the room, "I'm a bit busy."
Finally, someone actually employed by the Monastery steps out in front of Indy, "Sorry Professor Manuela. Leonie helped us put some of the sauna back together and Indy here wants her to help with the final parts. Would it be okay if she were excused for the rest of the day?"
"Hey! Does anyone want to ask me-"
"Well, if it's to bring back the sauna," Manuela gives a dramatic sigh. As if she isn't eager to relax in the heat once more, "then it can't be helped. Leonie, go with the men to fix it."
"But-"
"Lysithea can give you the notes later."
Why me? Leonie releases her displeasure by roughly piling her things together. I don't want to miss class. I paid money to be here. Why me?
Indy, defying all expectations, throws an arm around her shoulder and guides her away from the staring of her classmates. He leans over to mutter, "Don't worry, I'll make it worth your time. I don't trust any of these brutes to match your level of finesse, nor pay you properly."
Leonie snorts, "Complements won't work on me, Indy."
"Back in my day," he scoffs right back, "master craftsmen were heralded with items to make them happy and healthy. We might not be carving a mountain, but the peace they get from our work is worth more to them then it is to us."
"What are they paying you?"
"My sister is supplying me with books and the latest designs throughout the land," he boasts. Before Leonie can form anything more then a vague suspicion, he tells her, "And I shall gift you one of my masterpieces as thanks for your time."
There are many ways this could go wrong. At least it will be a good story for later, "Thank you, Indy. What do I need to do first?"
While a gift is a gift, Leonie sends a prayer that it isn't anything that will get her in trouble with the Church. Or, specifically, Seteth.
A/N: In which Leonie actually makes some progress on her mission! …And should maybe pay more attention to the plans around her.
Thank you for reading! A really big thank you to Hong-Meirin, fuckimgay, xenocanaan, SchattenSoldat08, MiserableSOUL660, joshiro99, guisniperman, UDtimburrhog, Awkward-03, naWolfle, and Dalan777 for reviewing! The support truly means a lot!
If all goes well, next chapter should be out on this story's anniversary! Happy New Year!
I hope everyone is well and has an amazing day! Please take care