Archive of Our Own ^beta

When he was a young boy, Dimitri's favorite holiday was Founding of Faerghus Day. There would be a huge festival with games, food, and other forms of entertainment. He loved watching the jousting tournament with his father and Rodrigue, played ring tosses with Sylvain and Ingrid, and ate various meats with Felix. He enjoyed every moment of it.

Dimitri had occasionally shared Byleth some of his most memorable moments from the festival, which she always enjoyed hearing about. On one quiet evening during dinner, she suggested that they bring back that tradition, and that made Dimitri almost choke on his drink. Byleth reasoned this would give the citizens something fun to do, and would also show that Fódlan was healing. Touched by her compassionate reasoning, Dimitri offered her a sweet kiss and announced they would start planning immediately.

Finally, on the twenty-first of the Red Wolf Moon, was the Founding of Faerghus Day's festival. He and Byleth had celebrated this day together once during the academy, but it was only a small feast in the dining hall compared to today. In Fhirdiad, the celebration was in full swing, and the streets were crowded with people playing various games like ring toss, hitting special glass bottles with a ball, and archery target practice. Several vendors sold various foods and rare merchandise, shouting to grab the patrons' attention.

The biggest draw for the crowd, though, was the joust tournament. All the seats in the wooden stands had been occupied, and a much bigger audience was gathering around. When the royal couple joined in, everyone greeted them happily, and most commented on how much they appreciated all the hard work they had been doing. Once they settled in their seats, Dimitri scanned the area to see several knights participating in the tournament, maintaining their weapons and donning their armor in preparation.

"Wow, I can't believe how many people came here to see the joust tournament," Byleth said.

Smiling a little, Dimitri responded, "Whenever this event came up, it brought in the biggest audience. Nothing is more exciting than seeing brave knights competing to see who comes up on top!"

At that moment, Seteth stepped into the middle of the field. The crowd quieted down once he began speaking.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Founding of Faerghus Day's jousting tournament!" Seteth paused as everyone began cheering. "We are pleased to showcase here the best knights Fódlan has to offer. For our first match, we have Sir Dainis, knight of House Vertiz, going against Sir Mira, knight of House Ifan!"

At the mention of their names, the knights Mira and Dainis galloped with their horses in the field. The crowd cheered at their appearance. As they prepared their stances, Dimitri commented on them to his beloved.

"House Vertiz had hired Sir Dainis shortly after the war, and he has an easy-going personality like Claude. Sir Mira had served my great aunt's house for several years, very loyal to her and her family. I had the privilege to train with them on several occasions."

Byleth hummed and nodded, as if impressed. "Both knights sound great. Who do you think will win?"

Dimitri tapped a finger on his chin, pondering for a moment. "Sir Mira is more experienced, but Sir Dainis should be able to stand against her. I would say Sir Mira."

Once the knights were ready and held their lances up, one man sounded the horn for them to begin. Both knights charged at each other, their horses galloping with immense speed. They thrust their lances at each other and clashed. Dainis's own lance burst into several pieces, and he crashed to the ground. Dimitri's heart pounded against his chest near the end of that match.

Seteth rushed to the middle of the field and raised a flag. He announced loudly, "Sir Dainis is down, thus making Sir Mira the winner and into the next round!"

The crowd burst into cheers and raised their arms. Mira pulled out her helmet and beamed, holding her lance towards the sky. Dainis’s squire rushed to help pick him up, and soon he and Mira left the field.

As soon as the crowd's cheering died down, Seteth announced the next match. " For our next matchup, we have Sir Laurent, knight of House Albany, going against Sir Nigel, knight of House Erebus!"

The next two knights, Laurent and Nigel, had their horses gallop in the middle of the field. They waved to the crowd with everyone cheering, and then Nigel headed to the left corner of the stand. He stood in front of a light-blue-haired woman who wore a long-sleeved dress and presented her with a rose. She offered him a generous smile and accepted the rose.

Behind Dimitri, he heard a few people speaking in low voices about how Sir Nigel and the woman, Lady Imogen of House Erebus, had been courting for a while. He wasn't into that kind of gossip, so he ignored that.

"That's supposed to be Lady Imogen whom Nigel had given the rose to, yes?" Byleth asked him.

"Correct. We've met with her and her family a few moons ago when I came to visit Garreg Mach."

Byleth hummed and nodded. "Annette and Mercedes had told me how she and Nigel had been courting for some time, but her family doesn't approve of him yet."

Dimitri grunted in acknowledgement. "Ah yes, I am aware of that also. Nonetheless, I also know Nigel to be an outstanding knight, and this tournament shall prove that!"

At the sound of the horn, both knights held out their lances and charged at each other. When they clashed, Laurent dropped his lance and fell to the ground. Like the last match, Dimitri's heart jumped in his throat. Seteth bolted to the field to check up on Laurent and raised the flag.

"Sir Laurent is down, thus making Sir Nigel the winner and into the next round!"

While the crowd jumped up and cheered wildly, Nigel raised his lance up and had his horse rush to the stands where Lady Imogen was. In response, she kissed him on the cheek, and that made the audience even louder. Dimitri grinned at that affectionate display, and he faced Byleth to see her smiling also.

"There's no denying that Sir Nigel and Lady Imogen are fond of each other," Dimitri said, approving of their relationship.

"I agree," Byleth said and hummed once more. She stopped and said, "This reminds me of the various tournaments held at Garreg Mach on free days."

Dimitri's grin widened at hearing that. "Most of them were held in the training grounds." His face softened. "Meanwhile, the horse and flying tournaments had to be taken outside for more space. And I even took part in a few of the horse and lance tournaments!"

"I remember seeing some of the tournaments and our friends cheering each other on. One time when I shouted, 'You got this, Dimitri!' you looked flustered, and I didn't know why you reacted that way back then."

Recalling that memory very well, Dimitri felt his cheeks growing warm. He moved his gaze away from Byleth for a moment and cleared his throat. "Sylvain had thought that was amusing, and I responded that my feelings were more than deep respect."

A soft chuckle escaped from Byleth, and she laced her fingers with his. "Well, I'm glad that I've gotten a reaction out of you back there," she said, and they shared a small kiss.

They watched the rest of the matches together, occasionally commenting on which knights they thought would win and their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the tournament, Dimitri was re-living his younger days, but this time he got to share the thrill and excitement of the matches with his beloved.

xxx

After the jousting tournament, Dimitri and Byleth walked around the city's main square, where more of the festival was held. They played a few games, one of which was throwing darts at a target board--Dimitri was able to group his darts closely around the center despite his limited eyesight, while Byleth hit the bullseye and won. Another game they played was catching fish from a pond. Dimitri couldn’t catch any as he splashed the water too hard with his net, but Byleth caught a few and gave them to a brother and sister who wanted the fish and promised her they would take good care of them.

Once they became hungry, he and Byleth checked out a few food vendors. They ended up with sweet buns filled with custard filling and beef jerky. Having regained some of his taste some moons ago, Dimitri enjoyed the jerky's saltiness and the custard filling's thickness against his tongue. While they were eating and walking around, Byleth told him some of the happenings going on in Garreg Mach.

"Seteth and I approved more donations to the church from the lords in Edmund Territory, which will go towards the cathedral and village. We still haven't heard from Baron Martyn even though she promised to send some money some weeks back."

Dimitri bit off another piece of his jerky and grunted. "Baron Martyn will be visiting Fhirdiad next week. Perhaps we can convince her to hold onto that promise."

Once Byleth finished chewing on her bun, she asked, "How do we do that? Seteth says she can be fickle sometimes."

"We can threaten that we'll cut sending in some resources to her territory unless there's a good reason she's unable to donate. From her last report, I read that her territory is doing much better than expected."

After regarding him for a moment, Byleth hummed and said, "I'm fine with us taking that approach."

She munched on more of her pastry, her face lighting up. Dimitri couldn't help but gaze fondly at her, loving how happy she looked whenever she ate. Eating together was one of his favorite pastimes with her, which he cherished every moment of.

"There are some crumbs on your mouth, Dimitri," Byleth pointed out, pulling him away from his musings.

He blinked, taken aback at first. Must've been the custard he had finished earlier. "Oh, is that so? Let me just wipe them off, then."

"Wait, let me do it!"

Dimitri was about to grab his handkerchief from the pocket of his trousers, only for Byleth to pull out her own handkerchief first and wipe the crumbs off his mouth. She offered him a satisfied smile, making his stomach flip.

"There. We don't want people to notice some food on the face of the King of Faerghus!"

There was a flush that crept across Dimitri's cheeks, and he let out a sheepish laugh. "I suppose you're right that we don't want that! Thank you, beloved." He paused, then said, "You must've really enjoyed that custard bun. This must've been your fourth one today!"

Byleth hummed in agreement while her mouth was still full. When done, she said, "It's really good! Ever since coming back here, I've been craving more food than usual."

"Ah, I've been noticing that too." Dimitri's smile widened to a grin. "It's good, though you still have an appetite despite your role as archbishop."

Byleth's eyes grew wide, and she pouted with her hands on her hips. "I've been taking care of myself. No need to worry about me."

Dimitri chuckled and kissed Byleth's cheek. "I'm only a little concerned because I also have been very busy. Dedue sometimes has to remind me to eat."

Smiling a little, Byleth responded, "Then I also need to remind you more often." They shared a small kiss.

"Your Majesty, Your Grace!"

Both Dimitri and Byleth flinched and turned around to see two children rushing to them. Dimitri recognized them as Caer and Tia from the orphanage where they played and trained in swordsmanship on occasion. The royal couple greeted them with warm smiles.

"Caer, Tia!" Dimitri called out to them excitedly. "How are you enjoying the festival so far?"

Caer's face brightened. "Lots! Lady Violet let us check out the joust tournament, and it's great! Love all the horses and knights there."

Tia hummed in agreement and raised her arms. "We then get to eat lots of food and play several games!" The wide grin on the girl's face faded. "There is one game that we're having trouble with, though."

"Oh, which one is it?" Byleth asked.

Caer responded, "It's the one where you throw balls at the glasses. Both of you are strong, so we wonder if you'll help us!"

Dimitri's eye grew wide, taken aback by that request. He glanced at Byleth, wearing a confused look. As if considering the same, they smiled and Dimitri faced back at the girls, beaming at them.

"We would be happy to."

The girls cheered with their fists in the air. Caer said, "The vendor is next to the one selling chicken sticks. It's this way!"

Both Caer and Tia grabbed Dimitri's wrists from each side and dragged him there, Byleth following behind them. They soon reached a stand with an older man in front and two rows of glass bottles stacked like a mini-pyramid behind him. Dimitri recalled that those glass bottles were thick and specially made not to break upon impact. When the host noticed Dimitri, Byleth, and the children, he greeted them with a wide grin.

"Ah, Your Majesty, Your Grace! How wonderful to see you both!" He moved his gaze towards Caer and Tia, and chuckled. "I take it you girls will have them play for you?"

"Yup!" Tia said, beaming. "We asked, and they agreed to help us!"

"Oh ho ho!" The man's grin widened, and he clapped his hands. "Such kind-hearted souls to do it for them! So, which one of you shall go first?"

"I'll go first," Byleth said as she stepped forward and the vendor handed her the ball. Her gaze hardened in concentration, she pitched the ball forward, and it knocked out a few bottles! Behind her, Tia and Caer jumped and cheered while Dimitri laughed and clapped joyously.

"That was wonderful, beloved!" Dimitri complimented. Meanwhile, the vendor placed the bottles back.

"Thank you, Dimitri," Byleth said, smiling at him in gratitude.

Her smile had Dimitri's heart pounding, and his breath caught in his throat, never failing to mesmerize him. Remembering that he was next, Dimitri mentally shook that daze off and faced the vendor.

"I believe that it's now my turn."

"Of course, Your Majesty!" With an eager smile, the host asked, "Will you be getting a gift for Her Grace also?"

Dimitri's skin tingled, and the back of his ears grew warm at his suggestion. Byleth touched his shoulder and smiled softly at him.

"I won't mind getting a gift from you, too."

Upon Byleth saying that, Dimitri's chest fluttered, and he grinned at her. He faced back at the vendor and said, "Yes, a gift for Her Grace also."

The vendor gave a single nod and gave the ball to Dimitri. He stared at the bottles, pondering where to aim. Right at the center would be the best target, so Dimitri pitched the ball there. At the last second, the crest of Blaiddyd flared up–

–and all the bottles shattered upon being hit by the ball!

Dimitri's mouth slackened, and there was a clenching in his stomach. To his surprise, the girls giggled while an amused smile curled on Byleth's lips. The vendor's face fell, and he burst out laughing.

"Well, I see His Majesty's strength is still there!"

Flustered, Dimitri turned his gaze away for a second and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. He cleared his throat and stuttered, "I am so sorry. I'm willing to replace all of those bottles immediately."

"Oh, no need to worry about that, Your Majesty! I have more bottles in stock, and I don't mind cleaning this up. Now, the prizes for the girls and Her Grace."

The man grabbed a box nearby and pulled out three stuffed rabbit toys. He handed them to Caer, Tia, and Byleth before going ahead to clean up. The girls cheered.

"Thank you for the toys, Your Majesty and Your Grace!" Caer said as she hugged the stuffed rabbit tightly.

"We'll be heading back to Lady Violet now," Tia said, a grin stretching across her face. "Thanks again for helping us!"

Dimitri hummed and smiled back. "You two stay safe on your way back!"

"We will!" both girls chimed in before rushing off. As he watched them go, a blissful sigh escaped from Dimitri.

"I'm glad that we helped them," he said. "They'll be happy with their new toys."

"Same here," Byleth said as she offered him a small kiss on the cheek, making Dimitri's heart almost skip a beat. She gazed down at her stuffed rabbit. "I think I'll take him back to Garreg Mach with me."

On hearing that, Dimitri's stomach dropped. She would be heading back to Garreg Mach in a couple of weeks, and each time her absence from the castle made his heart sad. Not wanting to dwell on that any longer, Dimitri smiled and said, "As a reminder of your time during this festival?"

"Yes, that." Byleth's smile widened, and they shared a quick kiss. "I think we should check out the–" Byleth stopped there and her facial expression changed, looking uneasy. "Excuse me for one moment."

Before Dimitri could respond, Byleth rushed to the nearest tree and vomited on the ground. Dimitri's heart jumped inside his throat, and he rushed towards his beloved's side.

"Beloved, are you alright?" Dimitri asked with great concern, rubbing her back affectionately.

"I'm fine now, I think." When finished, Byleth straightened herself and faced him. "I've been throwing up and feeling fatigued the past several days."

"Yes, I've noticed that too. You also complained about having back pain last night. And yet, you've eaten more than I ever remember seeing you eat." Upon realizing what this could mean, Dimitri let out a stunned gasp. "Beloved, could it be that you might be with child?"

Byleth's mouth fell open, and the corner of her lips twitched. "I've actually been thinking that recently. Perhaps I should go see Manuela since she, Seteth, and Flayn are here."

Dimitri grunted and nodded in agreement. His chest fluttered at the possibility of them having a child together, but they needed to make sure first. "I last saw them at one of the festival games, let's go check there first."

xxx

The festivities continued well into late afternoon, with the streets filled with more people. Dimitri and Byleth pushed through the crowd and eventually found Manuela, Seteth, and Flayn at one of the game stands. Manuela was arguing with the host.

"I'm telling you, I did the calculations and it's two hundred points!" Manuela said in a stern voice, pointing her finger at him.

"And I did calculations of my own, and it's one hundred and seventy-five points. You'll still get a small prize, though."

"It's not about the prize! I just think you did shoddy math and need to redo!"

The host narrowed his eyes at her and crossed his arms. "I've been watching carefully and counting! Now you either take it or leave."

"Just do as the man says," Seteth warned as he placed his palm on Manuela’s shoulder. Next to her, Flayn frowned and nodded in agreement.

Manuela pressed her lips, her glare tightening. After regarding the host for a moment, she sighed.

"Fine, I'll accept your call for now. Next time, though, I won't let you get away easily."

A satisfied grin spread across the man's face. He turned away to grab something from the box and returned to hand her a small doll that resembled a girl in a blue dress.

"Thank you," Manuela said as politely as possible. She faced Flayn and said, "I don't have much use for this, so perhaps you would want it instead.”

"Oh, this is a lovely doll, thank you!" Flayn said, beaming. Once Manuela gave her the doll, she held it close to her chest.

"I'm sure you'll make good use of it, Flayn," Seteth said with a soft smile. His expression changed when he noticed Dimitri and Byleth. "Ah, Your Majesty, Your Grace! Have you been enjoying the Faerghus Founding Day celebrations so far?"

"We have, thank you," Dimitri said, flashing him a smile. His face turned serious when he asked Manuela, "I saw that you had a dispute with that vendor earlier."

A frustrated "humph" left Manuela's lips. "I'm certain that I counted the points right and he didn't, but that's already resolved, so no need to worry." She smiled and asked, "Anyways, is there anything that you need?"

Before responding, Byleth inhaled and fixed her gaze on Manuela. "Well, I haven't been feeling well for several days. Despite that, my appetite increased."

Dimitri added, "She's also fatigued, and her back is hurting. We strongly believe that we're expecting a child."

Both Manuela and Flayn gasped while Seteth's eyes went wide and his mouth fell open. Eventually, Manuela smiled at them in understanding.

"Ah, I see. And you want to make sure that's the case, yes?"

"Yes," Byleth said. "Right now, if possible."

Manuela's smile widened. "I suppose I can help out. That'll also give me something to do and forget about that argument with that host earlier."

"The infirmary in the castle should be free for you to use," Dimitri said. He was grateful for Manuela’s generosity in helping them out on such short notice. The sooner they found out, the better.

xxx

Most of the castle staff were away enjoying the festival, so Manuela was able to have the infirmary to herself. After asking some personal questions to both of them, she asked Byleth to provide her with a urine sample, and they waited.

When they returned to the infirmary office an hour later, Manuela was looking through some papers that Dimitri assumed to be Byleth's urine test results. He and Byleth sat down on a sofa nearby, Dimitri gently squeezing her hand for support. Across from them, Seteth and Flayn sat on a different sofa, whispering among themselves. Manuela greeted Byleth and Dimitri with a warm smile.

"I take it that you have the results ready?" Dimitri asked with a hint of eagerness and nervousness.

"After checking the urine's appearance and running a few tests, I can conclude that Her Grace is pregnant."

"Wait, really?" Byleth asked in disbelief, her mouth slightly open.

Also awestruck by the news, Dimitri almost held Byleth's hand tightly and asked. "Are you absolutely certain that we'll be having a child?"

"I'm very certain." Manuela's grin widened, and she winked. "Looks like your duties aren't the only things you've been occupying yourselves with."

Both Dimitri and Byleth's faces froze, and they dipped their chin low at Manuela's teasing. Once the initial flustering faded, Dimitri couldn't help but grin in delight at that confirmation and exchanged adoring gazes with his beloved. He and Byleth...were going to have a baby! This was sooner than expected, but he was elated all the same and was sure she felt the same way.

Flayn squealed and clapped her hands. "This is so exciting! Not only for both of you, but for all Fódlan also! You must've been blessed by the Goddess."

"I also offer my congratulations to both of you." Seteth's face softened, only for his expression to turn serious moments later. "We will need to discuss how you'll carry your Archbishop duties while you're with child, My Grace."

Manuela crossed her arms against her chest and narrowed her eyes at him. "Now, Seteth, that can wait. Let them enjoy this joyous news together! Plus, the festival's not over yet."

Seteth's face fell, and he did a double-take. After regarding her for a moment, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, you're right, Manuela." He faced Byleth, offering her a small smile. "My apologies, Your Grace. We can worry about your duties later. Now, shall you announce this news to the public soon?"

As Dimitri pondered over Seteth's question, announcing that he and Byleth were expecting would be something everyone in Fódlan would look forward to, and boost morale. A sign of better things to come. A grin stretched across his face, and he fixed his loving gaze on Byleth.

"The festival would be the perfect opportunity to announce it, don't you think, beloved?"

"I think so too," Byleth said as she flashed him one of her mesmerizing smiles.

"Excellent!" Manuela beamed and clapped her hands. "Oh, there are a few last things I want to mention about your pregnancy, Byleth."

Manuela went on to explain that Byleth was already a few weeks along in her pregnancy and that the baby was due around the Verdant Rain Moon next year. She also recommended taking ginger snaps to ease her morning sickness and to get as much rest as possible. She, Seteth, and Flayn congratulated the expecting couple once more before leaving the office.

Once alone, Dimitri took this opportunity to pull Byleth in for a deep kiss. It was more passionate than he intended, but he didn't care.

Dimitri parted his lips from hers and said, "I'm so overjoyed that we're starting a family together. I do have to wonder which wonderful moment of ours caused this."

Byleth wore a contemplative look on her face, and her smile brightened. “Perhaps the night I returned to Fhirdiad. You were more than eager to show how much you missed me.”

A tingling feeling swept up the back of Dimitri’s neck and across his face as he remembered that night very well. He was certain it was that time also.

"And I recalled you were just as enthusiastic,” he said in a playful tone, and they shared a longer, tender kiss. Once they finished, Dimitri caressed Byleth’s cheek with his finger. Such a blissful moment…

"You, a father?” He could hear the scowl in his father’s voice. “You'll be too busy to properly raise them."

"Your child will resent you once they find out the monster you were before,” Glenn sneered.

The ghosts were already taunting him about how much of a bad father he would be, making his stomach churn. When he pulled away and lowered his head, Byleth gave him a concerned look.

"Is something the matter?"

Before responding, Dimitri released a deep sigh. "I wonder if I deserve such happiness. I'm also concerned with our duties if our child will still have a normal childhood."

A slight frown crossed Byleth's features at first, only to then offer him a reassuring smile and touch his cheek. "I've actually been considering having most of my archbishop work at Camulus Cathedral. I'll only travel to Garreg Mach for the most important tasks and events."

"So that we can be closer together?" Dimitri asked, and Byleth hummed.

"Despite our duties, we'll be able to raise our child together. You're the most compassionate and kindest man I know."

A fluttery feeling spread across Dimitri's chest at his beloved's warm words just now. He grinned and said in return, "And you'll be a wonderful mother."

After pressing a kiss on her forehead, he gently held her waist and did the same on her stomach. That caused Byleth to giggle and tell him, "Our child is probably just a small bean, Dimitri."

"Perhaps, but they'll grow in no time," he said with a laugh and released a blissful sigh. "I suppose we still have time to enjoy the festival."

Byleth hummed and nodded. "We can then prepare our pregnancy announcement and the ending ceremony speech."

"Sounds good, beloved." He and Byleth shared a short kiss and left the room together. Dimitri was certain the crowd would react favorably to them expecting an heir.

xxx

Nighttime soon fell, casting the city with the light from many bright stars and a full moon. The festival was still in full swing with the lanterns lighting up the streets. At the town square, many people were dancing as the musicians up on the wooden stage played a variety of music. Dimitri and Byleth sat at one of the tables, enjoying fish on a stick.

"Mhmm, I love how crispy these fish are!" Byleth praised before munching on another piece. "I think I can go for a third one!"

Dimitri chuckled and said, "Now that you're eating for two, you're more than welcome to, beloved. That reminds me, I'll need to let the kitchen staff know to cook extra for you and the baby during the rest of your stay here."

"That would be appreciated, thank you," Byleth said with a small smile. She chewed on the last piece of the fish, threw the stick away, and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. "Actually, I'm craving blueberry sorbet now!"

Beaming, Dimitri was about to say she could help herself to that, but stopped when someone was calling out to them.

"Your Majesty, Your Grace!"

Dimitri faced the direction from which he heard a familiar feminine voice and beamed at Mercedes, Dedue, and Sylvain as they approached their table.

"Mercedes, Dedue, Sylvain! It's lovely to see you all here."

Byleth also offered them a bright smile. "Are you enjoying the festival so far?"

"We are!" A large grin crossed Sylvain's features. He, Mercedes, and Dedue joined their table, sitting across from them. "I conversed with several beautiful women here, and some I was able to negotiate with over some things."

Already fearing the worst when Sylvain said that, Dimitri furrowed a brow. "What sort of negotiations?"

Amused at Dimitri's confusion, Mercedes chuckled. "Oh, it's nothing like that, Dimitri. Those women are from Sylvain's territory: some are from noble houses, and others are mayors of their cities!"

"Yeah!" Sylvain's grin widened. "In preparation for taking my father's place as Margrave, I've been collaborating with several lords and mayors for my territory's reconstruction. My old man is impressed with the work I've been doing and believes I'm more than ready."

"That is impressive indeed," Dimitri said with a proud smile. There would be instances where Sylvain's carefree attitude and antics overwhelmed him, but he knew when to take his duties seriously. "I'm happy for you, Sylvain.

"Same here," Byleth said, wearing the same expression. She faced Mercedes and asked, "Oh, how is your school for the people of Duscur going?"

Mercedes beamed and clapped her hands together. "It's going wonderful! All of the students have been very eager learners and turned in their assignments on time."

Dedue smiled a little and nodded. "They've been really enjoying the history and literature books that were given to them and asking for more books."

Dimitri chuckled and said, "I'm very glad that's the case. And I can see about providing more books for them and have that approved at the next council meeting."

"Well, you already have my vote!" Sylvain said and flashed another grin.

That led the group to have a long, enjoyable conversation over how their friends were doing and what they were up to. Annette and Felix were busy watching over Fraldarius territory and the reconstruction there. Ashe had been struggling to govern Gaspard territory, but fortunately, Marianne came to help him and was now more confident as lord. Meanwhile, Ingrid was away working hard with her family in restoring Galatea territory but would return to Fhirdiad within the next moon to resume her duties as one of the royal knights of House Blaiddyd. A long road ahead, but it would all be worth it in the end.

Once they finished conversing, Mercedes gasped and asked, "Oh, is it almost time for His Majesty and Her Grace to make closing remarks for the festival?"

Dimitri blinked, and upon realizing that it was almost time for that, he smiled. "Ah yes, we plan to do that once the current song finishes."

He diverted his attention back to the dancers, slowing their pace to the same rhythm as the song. It was another minute or so until the musicians finished and both the dancers and the crowd clapped. That was the signal for Dimitri and Byleth to rise out from their seats and deliver their announcement. As they approached the stage, his beloved reached for his hand, her very own warm and comforting against his.

"Are you nervous over making that announcement?" she asked in a whisper, and Dimitri's heart jumped inside his throat.

A few hours earlier, in their bedchambers, they were rehearsing their speech and final remarks, including the announcement of their child. Dimitri was confident during their practice session, but now anxiety caught up to him. He released a deep sigh.

"I know that all of Fódlan would be overjoyed over us having an heir, but also a part of me wonders if the timing is right. There's still a lot of reconstruction and reforming of Fódlan that needs to be done."

While regarding him for a moment, Byleth had her other hand balled into a fist and touched her chin. A small smile curled on her lips.

"This might boost morale, and one of the many things the people will look forward to." She offered him a chaste kiss on the cheeks. "It'll be fine, Dimitri."

Already, Dimitri's chest glowed in delight at Byleth's reassurance. He smiled back at her.

"You are right, beloved." He took a quick glance at the stage, and his smile widened when he turned back at Byleth. "It is time."

Byleth responded by smiling and squeezing his hand. They took the steps to the stage together and faced the crowd. Dimitri inhaled, calming himself.

"Everyone, may I have your attention, please!" Dimitri said in a booming voice, grabbing everyone's attention on the stage. "The archbishop and I want to thank everyone for coming to this festival!" He stopped for a moment as everyone clapped and cheered. "Faerghus was first founded centuries ago when Loog and his army resisted against the Imperial forces and secured its independence as the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. After the Unification War, Faerghus has gotten bigger!"

That earned him several laughs from the crowd. So far, so good. He took another deep breath and continued.

"Progress on rebuilding our land and government is going great, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Nonetheless, I'll do my best to be the king I strived to be for my people."

Byleth offered Dimitri a proud smile. She gazed back at the crowd and said, "And I'll do the same as the archbishop and will support the king throughout!"

The crowd cheered once more, and he waited until the noise died down to speak once more.

"There is one other news that the archbishop and I want to share. We are happy to announce that we are expecting our first child!"

This time, the crowd's cheers exploded and stretched beyond the town square. Their reaction caused Dimitri’s heartbeat to drum in his chest, and Byleth beamed at the sight also. He waited until the people's cheers died out to speak once more.

"This is a sign for great things to come, and we look forward to bringing this child to Fódlan's new era."

Byleth's smile widened, and she said to the crowd, "And we hope you all share in our joy!"

Another round of applause from the crowd. There was no doubt that the people were also just as excited as they were. A wide grin stretched across Dimitri's face as he was about to finish his closing remarks.

"There is one last surprise we have for you all: fireworks!"

The moment Dimitri announced that, a series of explosions sounded off and made everyone gaze up. An assortment of colors lit up the sky and formed various shapes like a deer, stars, and even a lion. Several mages had been practicing creating the fireworks on an open field outside the city gates, and Byleth had overseen their progress to make sure everything went smoothly.

While the people's attention was fixed on the beautiful display, he and Byleth stepped off the stage and went back to their table. Beaming smiles stretched across Mercedes and Sylvain's faces.

"Oh, congratulations on such joyous news, you two!" Mercedes said eagerly, clasping her hands.

Dedue's own smile was more subtle, but nonetheless, he was just as happy about the news as everyone else. "Indeed, congratulations."

Sylvain chuckled and patted Dimitri's back. "So you two are starting a family, huh? I never would've thought you would be the first out of all of us to be a parent!"

Dimitri raised a brow. "All of us? You mean us two, Ingrid, and Felix?"

Sylvain nodded and grunted to confirm that. "You were never interested in romance back in the academy." His grin widened, and his eyes shifted to Byleth's direction. "Guess it takes our lovely professor to change that!"

Upon Sylvain saying that, Dimitri's cheeks grew warm, and he dipped his chin low. He wasn't wrong over that--many nobles, including Dimitri, were expected to court during the academy, and he ended up falling hard for his professor. Dimitri was ever grateful that Byleth's feelings were mutual. An amused smile curled on Byleth's lips while Mercedes chuckled.

"Well, I'm very happy that Dedue and I get to be honorary uncle and aunt!" Mercedes said, and next to her, Dedue hummed in agreement. "And I'm sure Annette will spoil the baby too!"

"Hey, I also want to be an honorary uncle!" Sylvain's face brightened. "Actually, everyone in the Blue Lions can be honorary aunts and uncles!"

Overjoyed at their enthusiasm, Dimitri beamed and gently squeezed his beloved's hand. "Byleth and I are happy that you all shared our joy over our special addition."

"And I'm sure the rest of our friends will be just as excited," Byleth said, offering a hopeful smile.

"Same here!" Sylvain grinned, and he glanced over his shoulder. "I should get going now. I'm heading back to Gautier territory in the afternoon, but I promise we'll wrap up our trade agreement before I leave, Dimitri!"

Smiling a little, Dimitri said, "I look forward to that."

"Glad to hear! And congratulations again, you two!" Sylvain rose from his seat, did a hand salute, and made his leave. By then, the fireworks died down and everyone clapped their hands for the wonderful show.

"Oh, looks like the fireworks have ended!" Mercedes directed her gaze at the people who resumed dancing, and she faced everyone. "We should end the night with some dancing!"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Dimitri praised. He faced Byleth, offering her a soft smile and his hand. Her smile reached her eyes, and she accepted his hand.

Once they rose from the table and joined the dance floor, the band played a slower song with a sweet melody, and Dimitri held Byleth's waist while she looped her arms over his shoulders. They moved at a slow and steady pace, like a banner swaying against the breeze.

"It's such a relief that the people's reaction to our announcement was very positive," Dimitri said in a low, sweet voice. "I'm feeling both excited and anxious at the prospect of parenthood."

Byleth hummed and nodded. "Me too. We'll be extra busy with a child on the way, but I think I'm up to the challenge.”

This news still felt like a dream to Dimitri, and his beloved's hopefulness eased his worries. "Same here, beloved. Especially with you by my side." He glanced over his shoulder to see Dedue and Mercedes entranced in their dancing. "I also believe our friends won't mind lending a helping hand, also."

A short silence followed as they continued to dance slowly, not tearing their adoring gazes from each other. Soon, Byleth spoke in a coy voice, "After the festival, we can celebrate all night in our bedchambers."

Already knew what Byleth was implying, Dimitri's cheeks grew warm, and his heart leaped inside his throat. "Oh. Are you sure it's safe for both you and the baby?"

Byleth giggled at Dimitri's concern and offered him a reassuring smile. "Perhaps we'll need to be more careful when I'm further along, but for now it's more than safe." She leaned up to kiss the tip of his chin. "I love you, Dimitri."

"And you'll always be my beloved," Dimitri said in his most tender voice. He placed his palm on Byleth's stomach, his chest swelling in delight, and they shared a warm, lingering kiss. Their duties and parenthood would leave more obstacles in their path, but for now, Dimitri was enthusiastic for the future, and he felt grateful to be sharing it with Byleth.