A Reunion and a Request
“Edelgard, please come here.” Byleth told her house leader as she instructed her class.
Edelgard did as told and stepped forward.
Byleth grabbed a training sword and threw it at her.
“A sword ?” She asked confused.
Byleth then grabbed and axe, and placed it behind her.
“For today’s lesson we are gonna see what to do when you are at disadvantage.” She explained. “Now the best thing is to use your preferred weapon on battle. But there might be times that you can’t. You might loose your weapon, be out of arrows, drain your magical energy, you get me. In that scenario, the enemy will not wait for you to get your weapon again, so you need to use what you can find.”
She then pointed her training sword at her. “Now imagine you are in battle, and you lost your axe. The enemy is still attacking, and all you could find was that sword. You need to use that until you can get your axe back. For this lesson, Edelgard you must defend yourself and be able to get the axe. The training ends when you manage to grab the axe.”
Edelgard had barely used swords. She found them a bit...too light for her liking. Still she could see the Professor’s logic.
“I’m ready professor.”
Edelgard then tried to attack, but the unfamiliarity of the weapon really got to her.
“Remeber, you are not trying to defeat me, you are trying to get your weapon back.”
Edelgard tried to, but in the end, she ended on the floor, as usual on her spars with Byleth.
Byleth helped her up and turned to the rest of the class.
“Now you see the point. Ok. Here is what we are gonna do today. Ferdinand And Caspar, you do this exercise, first with Caspar protecting Ferdinand’s lance, and then vice versa with Caspar’s gauntlets.”
“Yes Professor !”
“Good. Petra, you do this with Linhardt and a sword. I know you don’t like weapons Linhardt but this is for your safety.”
“Oh great.” He said sarcastically.
“Do not be worrying Professor. I will be giving Linhardt help.”
“Good. Now Hubert, since you have much more resistance than usual mages, I much rather you help Dorothea and Hapi with their resistance today. She has powerful spells, but drains fast. Aid her.”
“Of course Professor.”
“So I get to be with Hubie today, interesting.”
“Now after some time, I want you to switch up. Petra help Dorothea with her sword technique, and Hubert help Linhardt with resistance. Hapi after you are done join Ferdinand in lance training.”
“Yeah, sure Chatterbox.”
She then turned to Lysithea and Bernadetta.
“Bernadetta, Lysithea has expressed interest in refining her bow skills, so help her with it. You two are very similar on height and strength, so it should be easy for you.”
“You...you want me to...teach.”
“You better be quick at it.” Lysithea added, making Bernie yelp.
“I...I’ll try my best Lysithea.”
The duo left, leaving her alone with Edelgard.
“Now, shall we try again.”
“Yes, of course Professor.”
They went at it a few times, and then Edelgard managed to get the axe.
“Well done Edelgard. Now let’s...”
Before she could continue though, a knight entered the grounds.
“Professor Eisner. Lady Rhea is calling for you, she says for you to come as fast as possible.”
“I understand, I’ll be there at once.”
Byleth then turned to her house leader.
“I trust you can oversee the session while I’m gone.”
“Of course Professor.”
Edelgard watched her go, and then turned to her class.
“Ok guys, let’s keep working.”
“Gah ! Look out where you shoot that !” She heard Bernadetta yell.
“Sorry. I thought it was just like aiming a spell.”
Edelgard shook her head in amusement at the duo’s antics. But it did remind her of something.
“Bernadetta.”
“Huh..oh, yes Lady Edelgard.”
“This morning I got a letter from your mother. She’s coming to Garreg March, and should arrive later today. I thought you should know that.”
“Wait...MY MOTHER IS COMING ! Oh no, I surely did something very bad to bring her here, oh stupid Bernie !”
“Way to go Edelgard.” Lysithea deadpanned. “Now I won’t be getting anything done !”
Byleth entered the audience chamber where Rhea and Seteth were waiting.
“Greetings child.”
“Lady Rhea, Seteth. What can I do for you.”
“We call you here because there has been a change in plans for this moon’s mission.” Seteth said.
“A change of plan...”
“You are aware of what happened in Faerghus recently.”
“Yes. House Guatier’s relic was stolen, if I recall correctly.”
“That is correct. Now originally the Blue Lions were supposed to take this mission, seeing that once again, this is on Kingdom land. However, Professor Hanneman brought to our attention how the Blue Lion house isn’t on the best place, since they dealt with Lonato. Constant infighting and no order. Seeing how dangerous this mission is, we decided to remove the Blue Lions from this task.”
“And the Black Eagles are to take it ?”
“Correct.” Rhea said. “Your class is the most fit for this mission. Since it involves a relic, we must be extra careful with this.”
“We understand that this will change your plans. We will compensate for this of course.” Seteth said.
“Thank you.” Though Byleth wasn’t that happy. This was a big mission, and they didn’t have enough time to prepare.
“Worry not Professor. The escort that was gonna aid the Blue Lions will still aid your class. You will not be left alone.” Rhea said. “Gilbert is a seasoned knight. You’ll be fine with this aid.”
“I see....then is that all ? I must prepare my class.”
“There is just one last thing. Even though the Black Eagles are taking over the mission, a request from Faerghus still asks that Kingdom students help with this. Therefore you are to take a member of the Blue Lions with you.”
“I can take a student from another class.”
“Yes. If Professors think additional help is needed, they can request a student from another class to join them on it. It’s not a transfer like what happened with Ms. Ordelia, as after the misión is done, the student will return to their class.” Seteth said. “Though of course , that student is left under your care for the mission.”
“I understand.”
“Good. Professor Hanneman said to meet him later so you can discuss with him which member of his house should join you. The max you can take, is two. Of course the student must consent to the mission. And as he is the house leader, Dimitri can’t be in consideration for this.”
“Remember Professor. As this involves a relic. This mission is extremely important.” Rhea said. “Also, when you recover the relic. Make sure only your students with crests get a hold of it. It is for their safety.”
Byleth noticed she was hiding something, but decided to say nothing and leave, at Sothis’ advice.
“So we are changing missions.” Edelgard said. Byleth had asked her to step aside from training and told her.
“Yes. We are too depart in a few days. Please help me get the class prepared for the trip.”
“Of course Professor.”
“I also need to pick a member of the Blue Lions to join us.”
“I must confess I haven’t really talked to any of them, except for a encounter with Annette. So my opinion might not be the best. I recommend talking to our classmates who have friends in that house. As well as bringing it to Dimitri and Professor Hanneman.”
Frankly Edelgard didn’t talk with students of other houses outside when needed. It’s not because she didn’t want too, it’s because this are people that are destined to become her enemies, and she doesn’t want to be attached. Lysithea was the exemption due to their personal similitudes.
“That said it’s not strange for the Kingdom to want this. They do heavily relly on the relics after all.”
“Doesn’t the Empire have relics as well.”
“Not really. Most relics are in Faerghus, and the three that aren’t are in the Alliance, they are one of the reasons why Riegan, Gloucester, and Goneril have the most power on the round table. As for Adrestia, the nobles there are decendents of the Saints, we harbor their crests. The Church keeps most of the sacred weapons, but we do have some. Like the sacred axe Laburanda, which is the weapon of the Adrestia Emperor. I will get it when I accend the throne. There is also the Inexhaustible. A sacred bow that belongs to House Varley. Bernadetta should be inheriting that in the future.”
“I see. Then again, you don’t really care for crests. Don’t you Edelgard. Whenever I ask students not to use theirs, you approve.”
“Because I believe crests can’t defy a person. There are countless people that don’t have them and are talented. Just look at Hubert, Caspar, Dorothea, and Petra. The four of them don’t have crests, but they are very talented and powerful.”
“I agree...and what of my crest. They are all saying it’s unique, that I’m the only one that have it.”
No. She’s not the only one....but she can’t know that yet.
“The Crest of Flames hasn’t been classified, since only one person harbored it before you did. The King of Liberation, Nemesis. Said to be the biggest threat in Fodlan’s history. Though I have to say there is no connection between you.”
Nemesis had been proven the hardest thing to find the truth on. All information Edelgard has found was confusing, with no lead to know what’s the truth. The only thing everyone said, is that Nemesis’s power was terrifying, something out of this world.
“Excuse me for the interruption Your Highness.”
Edelgard was snapped out of her thoughts by a familiar face. A woman with long purple hair and grey eyes, one she knew well.
“Stephanie ! It seems you have finally arrived.”
Stephanie von Varley, aka Madam Varley, came towards them. She was one of the people that Edelgard truly trusted ever since she was a child.
“Oh Professor.” She turned to Byleth. “Allow me to introduce to you to Madam Stephanie von Varley. She’s my father’s top advisor, and someone that has our complete trust. in fact, she’s my godmother. And as you probably guessed, she’s also Bernadetta’s mother.”
“So you are Professor Byleth Eisner, the one Her Highness And my daughter wrote me a lot about. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Professor. I’m glad you are taking good care of this kids.”
“The pleasure is mine Madam Varley.”
“Stephanie is known to be the greatest tactician in the Empire.” Edelgard said. “As well as a great information gatherer. If you ever need information, she will get it.”
“Ah you are overestimating me Edelgard.” She laughed. “Though make no mistake, I would love to talk tactics with a skilled individual as you Professor. Sadly though I need to take care of some business first. I need to talk to Edelgard about a message her father sent. Won’t take long.”
“That is fine. I need to make arrangements for our mission anyway,” Byleth said. “I must meet Professor Hanneman soon, so I’ll take my leave.”
“Practical aren’t you, I already like you Professor. I’m curious to learn more about how you are training the kids.....also, I do wish to talk to my daughter. I imagine she’s on her room isn’t she.”
“Yes. Bernadetta spends most of her time there.”
“As sad as it is, it’s also expected. Anyway don’t let us keep you. It was good to finally meet you Byleth.”
“I’ll work my business here and then aid you in preparing for the mission My Teacher. And don’t hesitate to ask Hubert for aid as well.”
Byleth nodded at them and left.
“My Teacher Huh...hah, Edelgard von Hresvelg has a crush in school. I can’t believe this.”
“A crush ! You are mistake is not like that !”
“Oh you can’t fool me Dear. I know what I saw. Your eyes illuminate when looking at her.”
“Stephanie !”
“Hey, you might be the future Emperor, but you are still young. Enjoy it while it lasts.”
“You know I can’t.”
“I disagree...but let’s move in to business first..”
“Fine, let’s talk.”
Edelgard spent the next few hours talking to Stephanie before leaving her to speak to her daughter.
Sadly she didn’t get to talk to Byleth again, as she had left to spend some time with her father. Though she did leave a note on her room.
*Edelgard. After speaking to both Dimitri and Hanneman, as well as some of the Black Eagles, including Hubert, I’ve asked Felix to join us for the mission. He’s accepted and I’m working on incorporate him on the class. This is due to his knowledge of battle and of the situation, but also his lack of personal attachment to it. As house leader, I wanted you to know. I’ll be at the fishing pond spending time with Papa tonight, so you know where to find me if anything.*
The desicion to bring Felix was a smart one. As the heir to the Kingdom’s second most powerful house, he’s aware of the situation and the story, yet he’s not as personally involved as others. The most that it is is that he’s Sylvain’s friend. The man is also very skilled with a sword.
Edelgard decided to let Byleth have her time with her father and leave preparations for tomorrow. A note left from Hubert said he would also be busy on the evening, so she left to the dinning hall to get something to eat.
It was late so most of the classmates should already have dined, though she did find certain someone buried in a book....again.
“The dining hall is for eating Lysithea.”
The mage turned from her book and looked at her.
“I’m aware, I was just waiting for the line to get shorter.”
“Sure....was that wise though, maybe all desserts are gone.”
“I.....well....”
“Just tell me what you want to eat and I’ll bring it. But you will eat it.”
“Fine Fine...get me the sweetest thing you can find please.”
Edelgard did just that and got them sweet buns, and a regular meal since that’s needed.
“Why does the dining hall use so many vegetables.” Lysithea groaned.
“I might not be the biggest fan of them myself, but you do need to eat them.”
Lysithea went to say something but...
BAM ! A loud crash noice was heard.
“BAH ! Who put a stupid barril here !”
Soon enough, Annette came into their view.
“Lady Edelgard, Lysithea ! Do you mind if I join you ? I....really need to ask you something.”
“Sure Annette...What is it ?”
“Is it about the magic book you asked me for ?”
“Huh. No.....but actually I do have some questions on it.”
“Then What is it ?” Lysithea asked.
“Well.....this will sound weird, but Lady Edelgard...please can you And Professor Byleth take me with you to your mission !”
Edelgard was left a bit speechless. She had been expecting that from Sylvain....but not from Annette.
“I know Professor Byleth already asked Felix. But you can take two students and...I really need to go on this one.”
There was something....off about this. Edelgard needed to know more.
“Annette....I need to know your reason so I can make your case.”
“Well....look I really respect Professor Hanneman. In fact, I’m probably the one that likes him the most. But it’s just that....I need some actual battle experience, and Professor Byleth is the best at that.”
No. There is something else. She’s sure of it.
“That’s not it and you know it.” Lysithea said. “Please tell the truth Annette.”
The red haired girl looked at them and finally sighted.
“Fine. You are being escorted by a knight on the mission, right ?”
“Yes. Gilbert is his name I believe.”
“You see....the truth is.....he’s my father.”
Her father ! Edelgard wasn’t expecting something like this.
“Your father is a knight of Serios ?” Lysithea asked.
“He was actually a Kingdom knight. He served His Highness in fact. One day he took some time off to visit me and mother in Dominic, and well....that day...”
It was there when Edelgard got what happened.
“That day happened to be the Tragedy of Duscur.”
“Correct. Father...he never forgave himself for not being there. Shortly after the tragedy, he left, and never came back. He said he needed to earn forgiveness for not being there for Dimitri.”
Edelgard detected shame...but also a resentful tone for Annette. To live his daughter for that...it was one of the things she didn’t like about Knights. They placed loyalty to their liege so high, that they forgot, didn’t care, for anything else. Even their families.
“Lady Edelgard. I promise you that I will not let this interfere with the mission. All I want is to speak to him just once. To ask him to send my mother a letter. That’s...that’s all I can ask. I understand if you refuse, but please....I...I really need this.”
Edelgard’s instinct told her to say no. This could be risky....but her heart said something else. Her heart has been vocal ever since she met Byleth.
Stephanie had told her about her father’s declining health. How Edelgard will have a short time with him left. Her heart was emotional with that, and she understood Annette’s plea.
It was not the best move...but she couldn’t say no.
“Fine then. Promise me you won’t allow this to interfere with the mission, and I’ll make your case to the Professor. She has the final say though so I can’t make any promises.”
At that Annette’s face filled with Joy.
“Yes ! I promise. Thank you Lady Edelgard ! Thank you Thank you ! I will do my best to help all of you, I swear. I might not be a prodigy like Lysithea is, but I’ll show you what I can do as a sorcerer !”
Goodness, it’s impossible not to be charmed by this girl.
Edelgard didn’t really want to make more connections outside the class....but it seems Annette Fantine Dominic will be yet another exemption...
Her heart is really taking control lately....and it feels nice. Despite the danger and pain it kigjt bring, Edelgard is happy to at least know, she’s human enough to make choices with her heart.