Chapter Text
Her back truly did hurt.
Edelgard Von Hresvelg, class leader of the Black Eagles, heir apparent of the Adrestia had been crowned the loser at the mock battle. Not only was she dealing with the embarrassment of losing, she now had to deal with pain that was brought onto her because that damn Slyvain had actually HIT her instead of the marker. Her tongue clicks across her teeth as she remembers the flirtatious remark he made while helping her up. Though her annoyance is quickly replaced by bitterness as she thinks of the scolding that Byleth gave Sylvain afterwards. The professor that had come into their lives, and had chosen the crown prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. She could only imagine this outcome was to help the timid prince to become a capable leader. Pity, Byleth’s talents would have suited her far better. Perhaps she still had time to convince Byleth to join her in her cause, but it wasn’t easy to get alone time with the popular professor. If the Faerghus prince wasn’t hounding her, the staff was dragging her every which way. Even the Golden Deer’s house leader, Claude ‘Von Riegan’ (she still had her doubts on the legitimacy of the Riegan grandson) had managed to weasel his way into Byleth’s very rare free time.
She rolled her shoulders as she sighed at the annoying pain creeping up again. She would really have to talk to Manuela about trying out different variations of axes during their next training session. She could already hear her voice now, in fact, she was almost certain that she did hear her teacher's voice. Edelgard quietly peeked around the corners of the sauna and spotted Manuela and Byleth finishing up their session in the steam room. Edelgard knew better than to try eavesdropping, Hubert was much better at that than her, but she couldn't help but wonder what words these two would share.
"And you mean to tell me that you've NEVER even had a date before, Byleth dear?" Manuela placed a hand over her mouth as the blue-haired professor merely shrugged. Her apathetic look never changes.
"Mercenaries don't have time." Edelgard couldn't help but frown at the professor's words; Byleth was such a beautiful woman she couldn't imagine never having to chase off suitors. Then again, those without a noble title or Crest had different struggles when it came to finding love. A struggle that she hoped to change.
"Though," Edelgard turned her attention back to the two "I have always been curious." The gasp that Manuela let out was in dramatic fashion before she let her lips curve into a smile. Edelgard wondered if Byleth had merely said this to excite Manuela, or if she truly was interested in finding love. The sound of more possible students coming in caused her to straighten her back. She made her way to the two ladies as if she had just walked in.
"My teacher, professor, good to see you." Manuela, who was already giddy at this newfound information, gave Edelgard a smile as Byleth merely nodded her head in acknowledgment. "Professor, I am impressed with your performance today. I must admit I'm a little envious of your students." Her purple hues dashed towards Manuela, "no offense."
Manuela waved her hand to signify 'none taken' before Byleth shook her head no. "You were a tough opponent, I would hate to run into you on the battlefield." Edelgard smiled at her words.
" I would never dream of facing you, Professor. " Manuela eye'd Edelgard for a brief moment before tapping her chin.
"Speaking of running into, where is your boyfriend? It's rare to see you on your own. See, Byleth, that's the one bad thing about relationships; you never get any free time anymore." Manuela sighed before letting out a quiet 'not that I need any more alone time’. The question made Edelgard's porcelain features turn into a shade of red. She cleared her throat before letting her eyes rest on Byleth.
"Hubert is most loyal, but he is not my betrothed." She paused. A very stupid plan began to form in her brain, a plan that would make even Dorathea laugh. She swallowed her briefly before finally speaking up again, "he's single."
"Oh? Well, there you have it, Byleth!" Manuela giggled. Edelgard did her best not to laugh out of awkwardness, but the same shade of embarrassment stayed on her features. "You can have Hubert romance you."
"That's inappropriate." Byleth shot Manuela a look who just waved her hand at her.
"Hubert is a grown man, he's hardly a child and he's not your student." Manuela wiggled her finger in front of Byleth, who now wore a slight frown. "Oh, dear, I was just kidding. We both know Seteh would blow a gasket, and Hubert isn't….romantic to say the least." The chime of the clock caused Manuela, and some of the other students, to look towards the sound. "Well it's getting late, and I must get my beauty's rest. Edelgard, be mindful of curfew." With that, Manuela made her way out.
"Goodnight." Byleth briefly said before walking towards the door.
"Goodnight, my professor."
~ * ~ * ~
If you prove yourself useful to Lady Edelgard, then all will be well. If you pose a threat...I shall have to dispose of you.
Hubert was sure that this would keep Byleth away from Edelgard in the future. He had confronted her while she was heading back from the sauna. It was best this way, he was sure, her ladyship did not need any unwanted distractions that could cause her emotional harm. Especially from those that did not share her same view. They both had chosen to walk this path hand-in-hand, and he would not allow some mercenary turned teacher to ruin that.
And yet
I'm beginning to see why you caught her eye.
Hubert looked up at the night sky outside the sauna. Byleth had alluded such confidence to the likes he was not used to seeing. Especially when it came to him. He was used to those quivering in fear just from a look, or even those who would at least become uneasy when he confronted them. Though Byleth never even broke eye contact with him while they spoke. He supposed that made sense, she was a mercenary after all. The horrors that she had seen or been through perhaps rivaled Lady Edelgard's. Though, he doubts it. Nothing could match the horror the heir had gone through.
"Hubert." He snapped out of his stargazing to look at the smaller girl. A polite bow shortly followed as he presented his arm for her to take. The two walked in silence, Hubert not daring to ask what was on the other's mind as they made their way back to Edelgard's room. When they stopped at the door, Edelgard gave him a look that Hubert knew as 'come inside.' A quick look around before slipping into the room. Once inside he closed the door behind him to prevent any onlookers.
"Lady Edelgard, is something on your mind?" He finally let out as Edelgard took a seat on the bed, he quickly took a seat at her desk chair.
"Hubert, you are in no doubt my most loyal subject and friend." She let a smile form on her face as Hubert somehow managed to sit even more straight up.
" I hardly believe flattery is necessary--"
"That is why I am trusting you on an important mission." The statement caused Hubert to raise a suspicious eyebrow. "I want you to court Professor Byleth."