*A soft but urgent knock sounds in the night. The door is opened to reveal a small child with suspiciously dark green hair, sleeping unaware. A note is read, "Will you raise this child as a weapon to those who would defy Her Majesty? Or purely as a shield for humanity? Or perhaps he would be allowed to live among them and raised alongside them, with no other purpose but to live and discover life?"
You see no sign of anyone else in the area...
*Hubert picks up the child with the familiar ease of someone who has cared for children often*
You stay with me. First, we notify the guards and my agents to be on alert for whoever brought you here. Next... Well. We shall see.
...I cannot fathom why anyone would bring a Nabatean child here, of all places. We are entirely unprepared to know what sort of care you need, if anything about that is unique to you whatsoever.
It could be a scheme to reveal Rhea’s location. But our options are limited, little one. It is her or Seteth, and I fear even a temporary compromise with him for your sake is too risky.
I suppose we should start with Linhardt and Byleth. The former to make sure you’re in good health, as much as we can tell, and the latter for the sake of decency. I’m sure they would prefer to be among the first to know you’re here.
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Can you share your thoughts on Lindhart's and Caspar's dads? They did take part in the insurrection which caused so much grief to Emperor Edelgard, yet now they're her political allies. Have you spared them out of sheer calculation? Or do you believe their redemption is sincere?
I can. Their infighting is their signature trait, at least in one another’s company. But it does suggest that they are capable of functioning in a professional capacity while their close colleague is one who constantly challenges and rejects their suggestions. As they are constantly locked in this feud, their motions are actually far more functional than those from the more corrupt nobility. Neither one walks away fully happy, and so, the most needs are met for the population at large. They understand this, as they have never sought to resort to subterfuge or conspiracy to have their way.
At least until my father and the Prime Minister approached them for the Insurrection. They may have been able to stand against one or the other, but opposing the two central figureheads beside the throne was tantamount to signing their own death warrants.
It does not excuse them, but I do believe their redemption is sincere. Separated from seditious influences, they are free to return to their bickering that furthers the Empire’s cause. So it is a combination of both belief in their reformation and calculative strategy. They are useful, so they can remain in their positions as long as they prove their merit.
I do suspect that Caspar’s father will be happy to resign and retire once the time comes, however. Noble pressures have fractured his large family. Stepping down from the role to make room for an elected replacement will free him to live his own life. I’m not sure Linhardt’s parents would be so enthusiastic about having time to themselves away from the court.
[I am also biased in favor of Caspar’s dad, lol. Ever since I wrote him in a shippy/angsty AU fic, I just love him.]
Ok Hubie spill the beans. What’s one embarrassing thing about all of the Black Eagles plus Jeritza?
I suppose this sort of lighthearted teasing is considered standard for building rapport through duress. Less severe duress than battle, but the fact remains... Very well. I’ll disclose what I can, but don’t expect a tale for every Black Eagle. I safeguard our allies closely and without exception.
Bernadetta von Varley: I categorically refuse to engage in any manner of embarrassing Bernadetta. She fought to achieve the social comfort and courage she has attained over the years, and I will not jeopardize that.
Caspar von Bergliez: I doubt he’d consider this tale embarrassing. Caspar was pursuing yet another thief in a village and, in an attempt to head him off using a shortcut, Caspar ran through a chicken coop. That led to the chaos and mess you might anticipate, and then the fool had to go and tackle the thief as she turned to run. They both tumbled into a feed trough, knocking the thief out cold. Fortunately for her, as she was spared Caspar’s victory shouting.
Dorothea Arnault: In contrast to Caspar, I don’t believe Dorothea should have been embarrassed by this. She is in the challenging position of resenting nobility and aspiring to financial security. With our society how it was before Her Majesty started this war, to choose financial stability was to chose nobility, and the nobles knew that. So when she attended a dinner with a minor noble’s son and he mocked her for the incorrect silverware selection, her irritation made a reasonably dependable cover for her wounded pride. We all knew who truly ought to ashamed in that exchange.
Edelgard von Hresvelg: Her Majesty is very particular about who witnesses her pastimes. Most particularly, the more important someone is to her, the less she wants them to see her casually. At least at first. Therefore, when the professor saw one of Lady Edelgard’s artistic works in progress, she was significantly flustered by it. It became gossip in the ever-changing social circles of Enbarr for a time, even Byleth was absent. The story twisted through retellings to even milder or more embellished versions of the reality, but it is a source of shyness for Her Majesty in all its forms. Regrettably.
Ferdinand von Aegir: He did not win the White Heron contest, but Ferdinand quite obviously wished he had. To his credit, he successfully concealed the purchase and sizing for the dancer costume he commissioned for himself. It was the delivery that did him in, as the tailor was so proud of his work and saw Ferdinand’s enthusiasm in the process. He took that excitement as evidence that this was no secret and delivered the attire as we left the war table. He accepted graciously, of course, but his blush was deep enough to be noticeable at a good distance. Excluding the tailor, who seemed entirely oblivious as he presented the many glittering accessories and revealing panels.
Hubert von Vestra: There is one common thread with these stories I’ve shared: they are already public knowledge to some extent or another. No such story exists in my case. And if you wish to know my secrets, you will have to earn it for yourself. At a high personal cost.
Jeritza von Hrym: He doesn’t quite experience embarrassment as most would acknowledge it. His alter ego doesn’t appear to particularly shame him, nor should it. It’s not as though he chose it. He grapples with the Death Knight perpetually and resents him, understandably. But I wouldn’t refer to it as embarrassment. His fondness for the soft and sweet is no humiliating experience to him either, and Jeritza work throughs his social shortcomings with straightforward efficiency. I would say he forgoes the emotion altogether.
Linhardt von Hevring: To be embarrassed, you must care how others perceive you. I remain skeptical that Linhardt is capable of the sentiment. To his merit, of course. There have been several circumstances in which society at large would consider him deserving of embarrassment, however. More than once, he went to the library in his nightclothes to the surprise and even bashfulness on the part of the librarians. In that sense, this story is more embarrassing to them than to him. I’m certain he would agree.
Petra Macneary: Bearing in mind that this was at no fault of her own, there is one story. Cultures vary in many regards. Greetings are no exceptions. When Petra first arrived in Adrestia, if that is what one would call it, she was far too rattled to consider such things. But as she settled into her life there, becoming companions with myself and Lady Edelgard, Petra grew more comfortable. It was that familiarity that led her to greet me as close friends do in Brigid. No one in Enbarr expected her to cup my face and hold her nose and forehead against my own. It was some small mercy that she cared more for my perspective than that of the nobles laughing at her expense, at least. I could offer her the reassurance that the likes of those spoiled cretins could never hope to.
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I've heard you like board games, which doesn't surprise me; they relieve tension, yes, but they also develop the mind! Very time-efficient. My question is: of all the chess players you had the honor of challenging at Garreg Mach Academy, who was the best? I've heard that Her Majesty Edelgard, Claude, Yuri and Sylvain were pretty good in their times. I also wonder if they've ever beaten you...
Ah, a fellow board game player, are you? Or perhaps simply astute. Either one is commendable. Stress relief is a regrettable necessity, but no one ever claimed it had to be unproductive.
Regarding the chess players I’ve had matches with, I would say the player’s difficult to beat in order would be: Yuri, Claude, Lady Edelgard, and Sylvain. Yuri’s strategy is versatile, and Claude adapts quickly to the person he plays against. Her Majesty’s competitive spirit exceeds her skill, but they are both considerable. Sylvain might be more of a threat in the games if he dropped his ‘flirty absent-minded’ act to apply himself.
For those who have beaten me, Linhardt and the professor managed it, as has Yuri. Once in a while, they may boast about it. As friends do.
your colleague, the esteemed Dorothea Arnault, has found great success on the battlefield with her white magic. She's proof that one can find great satisfaction in studying Faith spells while remaining a firm atheist.
My question is: have you considered studying Faith magic yourself? It seems to me that a man of your tactical acumen would appreciate the usefulness of a good Warp spell. I understand that mending wounds is not your specialty but surely there are other strategic options you would consider?
I appreciate your attentiveness in noting her esteem and capacity on the battlefield. Her successes as an atheist practicing Faith magic is remarkable, and I have the utmost respect for her. It is simply not a practice I wish to undertake.
My perception of the Church is deservedly malicious. This is not a question of more or less animosity in our approach to atheism, but rather, my own insistence to avoid that which I despise.
Therefore, no. I have not and will not ever consider it. I have my ways to teleport magically, however limited, and I’ve no objections to allowing Linhardt and Bernadetta using their applicable Faith spells to that end if the situation calls for it. When it is necessary, the Black Eagles and key members of my network have made it thoroughly known that they are more than willing to aid me. I would not involve Linhardt or Bernadetta, naturally, if the strategic option was grim in nature.
But you can be certain that any tactical use of Faith magic is at my disposal regardless of my own capacity for it.
I heard from a little birdie that you wish to be a pegasus knight. That begs the question, though, of why? Surely the fear that you have for heights and the enforced stereotypes surrounding the creature should deter you from ever dreaming about something like this... Why are you so fond of them?
...Birdie. I suppose you’d like to hear how clever you are?
You will have to seek that elsewhere.
The answer to your question is not so simple as fear and reputation. Therefore, I leave you with this. If an individual was to be defined only by their worries and the stereotypes affiliated with them, what chance for growth do they have?
Change and evolution are the hallmarks of life. Humanity is in the constant process of receiving new information, discovering innovative applications and as of yet unknown facets of life. Expanding our boundaries is an integral part of what makes us human.
A shy storyteller may become a fierce archer. A kidnapped princess may grow into a renowned warrior. A tired scholar could take up the duties of an unparalleled healer. Why could a shadow not soar in the sunlight?
...Merely for your consideration, of course. I don’t often indulge in philosophy, so consider yourself fortunate in that respect if you would like.
