With all the times you had played with Virion and Morgan, you consider yourself an expert at strategy games. Or at least, one skilled enough to not lose to a person who had just learned the rules a few games prior.

"I won," you say after making your final move, struggling to hide the trembles creeping through your fingers.

Byleth's stoic demeanor cracks as frustration paints a small frown and narrows her eyebrows. Her eagerness to reset the board betrays her competitive spirit. The mere sight of her being so animated blossoms a warmth inside. The extra long nights spent to craft the board and pieces from rough dead wood is worth it to see her this happy.

It is the first of many hobbies you plan to introduce to her, to show her that there is something more than just fighting, gold, and more fighting. Still, her aptitude to learn is a joy — and frightening — to behold. A few more rounds, and you are not certain if victory is just as obtainable.

It reminds you of the times you had taught the children of the future. There is something wondrous, magical even, to see the next generation grow and flourish.

Low grumbles interrupts the beginning of the game, and the two of you stare at the source of it. Faint tinges of a blush dashes her cheeks, but she seems to have trouble deciding whether to continue playing or eating with how her eyes dart between the board and her stomach.

A quick glance and squint overhead confirms it is noon: it has been several hours since the games first started. There is no mission nor request that needs to be done for today, so it isn't a surprise to lose track of time.

You chuckle as you say, "Come now, you'll have more fun when you can concentrate on something other than your hunger."

She reluctantly rises from her seat and follows you towards the cooking site. She tugs on the hem of your sleeves and asks, "Teach me where I went wrong with the last game. Please?"

Out of sheer habit, your hand ruffles her hair. "Sure thing, kiddo."

You aren't sure how long you can stay with her. It may be years, months, weeks, or even just days. You can only hope when the time comes, that she remembers how to smile just as she did now.