Another Three Houses story that I've cooked up, one that's been somewhat coming for a while. Manuela is a mess, a beautiful, mess that belays a woman who's had her highs and lows and still keeps on going, something that I can respect. And something I definitely thought made a nice fit to the emotionally stunted Byleth who can potentially be the man she's been looking for. Honestly, they're near polar opposites, which I'll admit is a plus for the pairing in my opinion.

I do not own anything.

A Lullaby for a Demon

Chapter 1-The So-Called Demon

When it came to alcohol, Byleth had to admit he had some…history. Specifically, the kind wherein he was a witness to its effects and often left cleaning up the wreckage that it left in its wake. He had a clear cut memory of his first time drinking, when he'd turned sixteen thus was of "appropriate age" to drink. During the endless travels, he learned that in some places, the drinking age was actually eighteen and that sixteen was still considered too young. That hadn't mattered too much to the Jeralt Mercenaries, which were a colorful crew and included some heavy drinkers, including their leader, his own father. From him, he had learned much regarding the effects of alcohol, like how it could make a formerly sharp and astute fighter as defenseless and naked as a newborn lamb. The warrior in him could only shake his head in disappointment while what passed for humanity could only watch in amazement and at times worry.

Currently, this was one of those times where all those thoughts and feelings were swirling about within him. The only difference was he wasn't watching his father drink himself away, he was watching it be one of his coworkers. Coworkers, the word still sounded a bit funny to him. With his father's mercenaries he'd had comrades and allies, but…coworkers had a different tone to it. It meant something other than fighting, which was all Byleth had known for years, for his entire life really. While the previous labels could apply to his fellow academy professors, none of them were what he would call "full-blooded warriors".

Especially not the busty brunette who was ordering one drink after another several seats away from him, right up at the front of the bar. Manuela Cassgranda was…well, Byleth could say that she loved her liquor, a trait she shared with her father and several others that he knew of. Her voice boomed in her demands for one more drink, one after another.

I must say, that woman must have quite a liver to withstand all of that, but like anyone, she still has her limits. Spoke the ethereal little girl that was his unseen companion at the academy. Byleth couldn't argue with her words, nor could he hide what he was truly feeling on the inside. Sothis sat at cocked her head at him while she remained at the edge of the table. So, are you gonna do it or not?

Do what? He asked in a deadpan voice while keeping his attention focused on the knight in front of him. Byleth had learned how to play cards from a young age, a result of being with what many would call a "rough and tumble" crowd. He'd been told countless times he had a wicked poker face; that statement might as well have been a truth proclaimed from the goddess herself. Of course, said goddess was actually the reason for that. Regardless, there were times it came in handy, such as now.

From the outside, it looked like the swordsman had his mind on the poker game going on between him and the two knights in front of him. In reality, his mind was elsewhere. Sothis commanded on half of his attention. Do not play a game with me as you are with these two. She proclaimed while kicking her feet about as she always did. For one who supposedly commanded the wisdom of ages and demanding respect, she possessed quite a number of childish mannerisms. Byleth at times made a crack that her physical appearance lined up with said mannerisms, much to the goddess' chagrin. I am speaking of that woman! If you worry about her health, then act now! Do so before some other fool makes an attempt on her! Surely you know that a woman such as her cannot be left alone, would that not be the gentlemanly thing to do?

Byleth blinked, even as he took his turn. He'd gotten good at multitasking, a gift many would call it. It had certainly helped him in his new teaching job. I don't ever remember calling myself a gentleman. I'm not quite sure that a gentleman has a…record like me.

Well, you positively act like one, at least when you want to. Quite striking considering that you have no problem striking down female enemies on the battlefield. Then again, they are enemies, while that Professor Cassgranda isn't one. An annoyance maybe, but not an enemy. Conceded the pointy-eared little girl as she floated over to Byleth's side. Having spied the hands of his opponents, she could see that the odds were heavily in his favor, they grew even better with his next draw.

Sparing only a brief glance at his cards, the Ashen Demon flickered his gaze over to the still drinking brunette. By his count, she'd had close to ten drinks and was still going strong. Perhaps he should have stepped in now and stopped her. It wasn't like he was unable to, and it wasn't like he'd be the only one to ever do this. He'd heard how Seteth had at times assigned staffers and knights to trail her, ensure that she remained in good health. Scratch that, ensure that she made it back to her room in one piece. Byleth counted perhaps three undercover knights, not counting the two he was currently playing against.

What changed all of that was the grin of one of the men at the other end of the bar. It was dripping with the kind of malicious intent that made Byleth's skin crawl. Then there was the fact that his eyes were watching Manuela like a jackal waiting for its prey to finally collapse in exhaustion. By now, Byleth was sure that Manuela was beginning to reach her alcohol limit. In other words, it was his time to act.

"I give, guys. Good game." He said placing his cards down flat on the table. Of course, the two men gawked at him.

Silently, he stood and began making his way over to the bar. He watched as the man caught sight of him, his former predatory grin dropping as he realized what Byleth's intention was. The young professor shot him a dark glare that told him that if he wanted to remain in pristine health, he'd remain in his seat and keep his mouth shut. Seeing his grudging acceptance of his condition, he turned his focus to Manuela. As it so happened, she'd finished her another bottle. Briefly, he wondered exactly how much of her money she'd just blown through with this latest spree. Pushing the thought away, he brought his hand down on the counter snapping her attention to him. He had to in order to knock her out of her rapidly growing drunken stupor.

"That's enough for tonight." Spoke the dark green-haired swordsman before moving his eyes over to Manuela. Her cheeks were fittingly flushed and her eyes unfocused. "Come on, it's time to go home."

"Oooh, home you say? So, Professor Eisner, I never would have guessed for you to be that type of man." Her voice was obviously slurred. Within the next second, she practically threw herself on him; given his fortitude, both physically and mentally, he was able to withstand it. Mostly.

The bartender looked at him and chuckled. "Ah, so you finally made a move, huh?" Mustached and graying-haired, the older man had a sharp eye. Byleth had found those who'd been at the job for a while, as in ten to fifteen to even twenty years, had become quite perspective.

"Better I make it now before someone else tries to." Answered back the blue-eyed young adult as he finished into his pocket for the money needed for his colleague's drinking spree. "Goodnight."

"Night, and try to make sure you scrub yourself down to wash the smell of booze off. Won't be ideal for you to show up smelling like liquor tomorrow for your students, Professor." They said it didn't take long for nicknames to form. Byleth certainly knew that to be true. Three months into his tenure of teaching and that had become his. He personally didn't know if it was a step up from being called the Ashen Demon, not that he ever complained about the title. Again, it still just felt…weird.

But not as weird as carrying his female colleague back to the residential wing of Garreg Mach Monastery. The destination usually remained the same, but the journey was one he'd undergone from various starting points. Bars had been somewhat common since it fell to him to escort some of the more drunk-happy residents of not just the Officers Academy, but the Knights of Seiros. Shamir in particular had asked him to look out after Catherine if she wasn't around and she got into some heavy drinking. What the Dagda archer had failed to mention was how even more boisterous than she already was on a normal basis. Those times Byleth could say that he literally hit the mattress when he finally made it to his room. Sometimes Manuela was enough to induce that in him. Most times he never held that against her.

"Gaaaah! Can you believe what he did?! What the Faerghus bastard did? He told me that he didn't want to go out with me! Ten minutes after the date had started! After I'd spent hours getting ready! Can you believe that, can you?!" Whined the Adrestian woman as she latched her arms onto the former mercenary as they trudged on to their destination. This too was a usual occurrence, the journey being filled with the former opera star's recounting of her latest dating failure. "I thought men of Faerghus were supposed to be chivalrous! Oh, Byleth, don't let Dimitri and the rest grow into such evil-hearted men! You mustn't!"

"I'll do my best." Replied the normally stoic mercenary. "Um, Manuela…I'm sorry." He said while coming to the end of the alley way. Though it was heading deeper into the night, there were still some people out. Him carrying a drunk woman, specifically Manuela, might not have raised too many eyebrows. People would talk though, again. Seteth would be displayed, as would Hanneman, and several others. It'd be another round of admonishes and looks that would hang over Manuela for likely the rest of the week. Again.

It's not like the woman is vulnerable to such things. She's been through it several times already. Sothis cracked, hovering before the entry into the wide open like some sort of guardian. Her eyes found his. Hm, you are quite an adventurous one, I will say that. Truly, I do not believe that others beside your students give you much credit. Still, do you believe the ride will be pleasant for her? Asked the goddess pointing her finger to the half-conscious woman hung onto his arms. Her question was entire valid as what he was planning was a bit…off the wall, not to mention some would say dangerous.

But it wasn't like he didn't have the strength to do it. "Consider it part of my own training. The students aren't the only ones who need to be sharpened. Besides," A ghost of a smile graced his face. "What better place for a demon to play then in the dead of night under a nice good crescent moon like this."

Sothis mirrored his impish grin. Her approval was given with a wave before vanishing in a flurry of golden sparkles.

Hoisting the still slurring Manuela onto his back, Byleth turned to the wall. "Hang onto me, I'll get you home."

"Ooooh, you'll take me home? Oh! What a nice young man! I knew there was something special about you, Bylie dearest." He'd been expecting her to mishear his words, he'd been planning on it. What he was not expecting was for her to give him a nickname that left him standing still instead of moving. She hiccupped, then tightened her arms around his neck. In the process, her breasts squished against the swordsman's back.

Ignoring the odd but…pleasant sensation, Byleth did a short run toward the wall. He moved upward, his fingers expertly grabbing whatever small ledges he could while his legs dug into the stone. The twenty-one-year-old pushed upward, quickly climbing up the building in a heartbeat. Now he stood on the rooftop, the moon and the stars directly above him. Byleth took a moment to admire their beauty before setting his eyes on what lay ahead of him. He then began to run, his boots pounding against the tiled rooftop. When the first ledge came, he held whispered to Manuela to hold fast to him while tightening his grip on her legs. Then he jumped.

The singer was only faintly aware of the leap that her colleague had made. To her drunken mind, it only resulted in a slightly more forceful feel of wind hitting her. Following yet another hiccup, she looked upward; her eyes widened as if she were seeing the stars for the first time. Briefly, a shot of nostalgia shot through her as she half-heartedly attempted to raise her arm upward, fingers outstretched to grasp at them. The act came to an end as Byleth took another jump, this one jolting her awake somewhat.

"W-W-Woah! F-Flying! Flying!" Cried the brunette, semi-consciously tightening her grip on her colleague's neck.

Her words got a light chuckle out of the former mercenary. He wasn't at all dismayed by her tightening arms. This wasn't the first time he'd done this, and odds were, it wouldn't be the last. All he was happy for was that Manuela was proving to be a decent enough passenger as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop, being mindful of his surroundings on his journey to the Monastery. Steadily, a grin grew on his face as they drew closer and closer to their destination. Manuela continued to give light rambles and pieces of information about her dates, all of it was a constant whisper in his ears. Rather than annoyance as one would have expected, he filed each detail into the back of his mind for potential later use.

Upon arriving back at the front gates, Byleth finally allowed himself and his unlucky charge to fall to ground level. By then, Manuela had slipped away into sleep. He supposed it was somewhat good timing as they were now at the last half of their journey. While he could have snuck his way through, he decided he'd have had enough fun for one night. He wasn't at all wondered about someone spotting him, he was far too good to be caught. Still a bit of excitement ran through him at the possibility of taking that choice of action.

What stopped him was the possibility it would jolt Manuela awake. After all that liquor, she was going to be out like a light thus he resolved to make the rest of the trip to her room as quiet as possible.

My, my, and you doubted your gentlemanly nature. Giggled the Goddess of Fódlan, having read his thought process. Or perhaps the chivalry possessed by your royal pupil and your philanderer are rubbing off on you.

Maybe. Byleth said in response, a light chuckle escaping him. Such small displays of emotion had come easier to him, and they were becoming all the more enjoyable. His father and mercenary comrades had taken note of it, some had commented on it, others had chosen to let it go while keeping their emotions to themselves. Being something of a good mood reader, Byleth noted how some of them seemed…pleased, relieved almost. He didn't need to think hard as to why.

The woman on his back had helped contribute to that change. Maybe that was one reason why he was so lenient with her, perhaps more lenient than one would have considered allowable.

They silently passed from the outside into the inside of the Monastery. Byleth took an inhalation of the familiar air, like he was returning home. Torches blazed as the night wore on providing illumination on his way. The cackling also served as something of a soothing melody to him, especially as he stood before the door to the physician's room.

"Well…this is…awkward." Stated the young swordsman as he realized he would now have to fish around for the key. Like the students they taught, the teachers of the academy had keys to their rooms, especially them. After all, their rooms were their own private sanctuaries. In some cases, it was a sanctuary that was so dearly needed. Byleth gently began to let Manuela down. He didn't relish the thought of searching her for her room key, especially while she was sound asleep. Unfortunately, it wasn't like he had much of a choice.

Sothis hovered behind him and added her piece. Try checking her pockets first. And do refrain from touching those voluptuous mounds she's so proud of. I know you have-

Silence, please, gremlin. His lips ticked upward at the use of one of his nicknames for his mental companion. Like oil set ablaze, Sothis reacted in a childish tantrum that roared in one ear and went out the other. The Ashen Demon was sufficiently amused while he searched his colleague for the key to her room, eventually finding it.

"Professor Eisner, come what may, you must never set foot into the filth-ridden wasteland that is this woman's room! Surely you won't be able to return!" Cried the monocle-wearing Hanneman when the then-conversation took an unexpected turn. Naturally, Manuela had fired back at him.

"Please! Don't be so melodramatic, and stop over-exaggerating!" Hit back the physician throwing an accusatory finger at the older man. Byleth looked to her with a questioning stare. "It's just a little messy, that's all! I merely haven't had the time to clean up, not that I need to!"

"You said that same thing three months ago. I can only dread how much trash has accumulated in your room since then, and that period was already bad enough." Sniped the Crestologist with a disapproving frown.

He'd watched the entire exchange with silent amusement, but also took heed of each statement. While he held no basis against Manuela, quite the opposite, he took more stock in the gray-haired professor's words After all, Hanneman had been around longer than him and knew Manuela better than him. Even with his personal bias, surely there was some sliver of truth to his words.

Upon turning the key and pushing the door open, Byleth found that he was right to do so. His nose was hit with the strong smell of booze which caused his face to screw up. Just a few seconds after he'd begun to push, Byleth felt the door come to a stop, as if it had hit something like a door stopper. He frowned, it struck him that perhaps there was more truth in Hanneman's words than he'd wanted to admit. The crack he'd made with the door was enough for him to squeeze through, followed by Manuela, who'd begun to lightly snore away. After his first step, Byleth heard something crunch. He winced, not daring to look down. Darkness clouded his vision creating a need for light; the response was to hold his hand up and magically create a candle-like blaze at the tip of his finger. There were many reasons he took to fire magic, and times like this was one of them.

The flame illuminated what could only be described as a wasteland of junk the likes of which Byleth would have used for fuel for a fire. Papers, clothing, pieces of f jewelry that broke under the weight of his boots, food scraps, and if he had to guess, throwing daggers such as the kind that she kept strapped to her leg. Almost immediately, Byleth felt a temptation to reach down and pick up and expect them. He'd gotten an up-close look at Manuela's blades and he was impressed with what he'd seen. It actually saddened him somewhat to see such weapons so carelessly thrown about. None of that mattered at the moment though. Looking around, he sighed in relief seeing the bed not too far off. Thankfully, all that lay atop the sheets were more clothes, some of which looked like they had tears and holes in them. Steeling himself, Byleth made his way over; concentrating, he kept the candle flame burning as he used both hands to pull back the sheets and begin to move Manuela beneath them.

First, he removed her heels followed by her fur cloak. That was as far as he was willing to go. He trusted Manuela to properly dress herself in the morning, or afternoon, when she awoke. And bath too.

At the mention of the last one, he felt a snicker in the back of his mind, an all too familiar snicker. Byleth tried to block it out, and the words that soon followed it. Unfortunately, somehow, the little gremlin that had taken up shop in his mind continued to whisper in his ears. Naturally, her words centered on everything he'd just proposed Manuela doing when she woke up, whenever that was. Personally, Byleth hoped it was in the morning so she could get to work in teaching her classes.

Are you worried for her being able to do her duties as an instructor…or are you worried for her personally? Sothis finally fired off, her ethereal form hanging on empty air. In spite of the darkness, Byleth could see every feature of her body clear as day. He wished he couldn't, especially with her challenging smirk.

Standing up straight, he let out a deep-seated sigh of partial annoyance and partial surrender. "Yes, I am, albeit not to a massive extent. She has plenty of other people to care about besides me." He hoped that would be the end of the discussion.

His unwanted companion wasn't willing to let him off the hook that easily. And yet it was you who performed the daunting task of carrying her back her, and tucking her in bed.

The normally stoic mercenary-turned-teacher made a face at the specter. Exactly who else was supposed to do so? There was an edge in his voice, one that made Sothis' smirk deepen. I know you saw the way some of those men looked at her, thinking of dragging her away and…and…as her colleague, I can't and won't ever allow such a thing.

…I'm tempted to say that you're taking some influence from your knightly pupils, but looking through your memories, I can see this is simply you being you. Granted, you're much more vigorous in proclaiming your standards than you have been in the past. Commented the green-haired girl, a hint of pride in her voice. This near maternal side of her came out more and more, particularly when she was able to get an emotionally rise out of the Ashen Demon. Said Demon couldn't exactly say he was against it, though at times it could be annoying. Especially when he felt himself ready to retire for the night. Sadly for him, such thoughts didn't escape Sothis. Would you ever…

No. Not without her permission. Byleth retorted, his gaze shifting from the child-like entity down to the adult woman quietly slumbering away in front of him. He was grateful that when push came to shove, Manuela was a rather heavy sleeper, and that his conversation with Sothis had been mental instead of verbal. He had no desire to disturb the physician's peaceful slumber; she deserved it. Besides…you should know better than anyone that if such a thing were ever possible, it'd be for the best I turned her down. She can do much better than me.

A look of sorrowful disapproval appeared on the specter's face, yet she held her tongue this time and said nothing. Perhaps she realized that she'd pushed as far as she could tonight. Still, she looked down to the topic of their discussion, blissful unaware of the conversation being held over her, about her. Messy as she was, in terms of her dwelling place and at times her conduct, the goddess couldn't deny that the songstress was a decent teacher, and when she rose above her self-misery, a rather decent and serene person. She was the type of person that her mortal host was drawn towards as he became more and more attuned to his emotions. Sothis could only hope that attraction and learning would continue into the future.

Those emotions are what kept Byleth from leaving the room once he made it to the door. He looked back at Manuela, still sound asleep. When she woke up, she'd no doubt have yet another pounding headache. Such things weren't new to her…or him. Something tugged at his heart, even as he continued to stare at the sleeping brunette; it very much could have been why he kept on staring at her. His fingers flexed and unflexed, thoughts racing in his head, and all of which were visible to Sothis. She smiled at where his thoughts led him, and nodded in silent approval when he himself let a brief but very heartfelt smile spread along his face.

"Ooooh…" Groaned the Adrestian woman, pushing off the covers. "Dammit, I'm pretty sure that's close to thirty…or it could be forty. Ah, forget it." Trying to keep track of how many times she'd woken up with a hangover was a fool's errand. Somehow though, she could still remember her first time as a teenager, when she was precisely seventeen-years-old and a freshman at Garreg Mach Monastery. Those times had been fun, but they felt like a life time ago. Yawning, she rose upward, stretching her arms out. Manuela blinked in quiet surprise as her vision came into focus around her. She was back in her room, her admittedly messy room, but hers none the less. More importantly, she looked around her and saw that she was still dressed in the same clothes she had before minus her fur-lined cloak, in fact, it'd been neatly folded and laid to the side of the bed. Reaching forward, she took hold of it, surprised at how well kept it was. Someone had gone to the trouble of folding it up for her, and tucking her in from the looks of things.

Almost immediately, she began fighting through the waves of pain to recall what had happened the night before. This too was a common thing for her, so much so that she'd gotten somewhat skilled at fighting through the mental pains to retrace her steps. That said, a bottle of hangover medicine would have certainly helped. As it just so happened, there was one right beside her on her night stand.

"H-Huh?" Her hands wrapped around the bottle of hangover medication as if it were a diamond. "W-Well, last night's guy must have been…" As she spoke the words, she realized that she felt nothing resembling the after rush of sex, just the headaches from a hangover and nothing more. She'd slept with no one last night, nor could she recall any sexual encounters of any kind…yet a certain warmth lingered across her body. "Lingering heat…" she repeated, slowly putting the pieces together in spite of the pain.

After downing the medicine, the fog that obscured her mind began to lighten. While dressing herself, Manuela was able to recall how last night had gone.

Originally, it had started off like any of her other attempts to find a man. It had, of course, ended in failure resulting in her choosing to drink away the night until her memory started to become foggy. Except one thing stood out at her.

"That's enough for tonight." The voice hadn't been demanding like Seteth's, albeit it had been just a tad bit gentle, though not as much as Gilbert's. It was getting there though, day by day.

"Honestly, Manuela, he's the son of the Captain of the Knights of Seiros, you could at least try to present yourself a little better in front of him." A cynical voice in her head mocked her at the thought. Yes, he was the son of the newly returned captain, and mentor of the future royalty and nobility of Faerghus, all things that were normally quite eye-catching, and all that was before factoring in his Crest. There was no doubt Professor Eisner would be getting swarmed with attention. If so, I might as well enjoy what attention he gives me now while it lasts. The more she thought on it, the more the pieces began to come together. Or rather, the sensations, such as feeling as if she were flying through the air while being carried. Manuela laughed at such a thought. If only. She'd get an answer out of the blue-haired professor when she saw him, no doubt in the teacher's lounge which she was on her way to.

Admittedly, a part of her was half-hoping that when asked about it, the former mercenary would say that he carried her back home, almost like a groom would their bride. It was a silly thought that she didn't place much stock into, but one was free to dream.

At the very least she recognized that she owed him a thank you. Near immediately, her mind drifted to exactly what sort of "thank you" the young swordsman deserved. It wasn't just going to be for last night as it wasn't the first time that Professor Eisner had chosen to aid her in getting home, in making sure she returned to the Monastery relatively unmolested. For a man with a reputation was a cold-blooded and efficient warrior, she found that he was surprisingly generous, patient, and even kind. The more Manuela thought about it, the more she began to ponder ho accurate those stories were, after all, one couldn't believe everything they heard.

Having been teaching at Garreg Mach for what was going on six years, she was quite familiar with the teacher's lounge, practically a sanctuary for the academic staff and occasionally Monastery staff. It certainly was one for Manuela, and at other times a massive gossip center. Already, words were flying, talks of lesson plans, personal lives and interests, and how well one had slept the night before. Manuela looked past it all searching for one teacher in particular, quietly moving toward his assigned desk.

Disappointment decided to greet her yet again.

"Looking for Professor Eisner? Unlike you, he has gotten an early start to the day's classes." Chirped the voice of one of the people Manuela respected yet detested. As usual, Hanneman was unfazed by her scowl, looking as dignified as ever. "He came to his desk, collected what he needed to, and then left to class without too much chit-chat. A fine work ethic I'd say."

With a roll of her eyes, Manuela stubbornly began to walk over to her own desk. "Yes, well, good to know he's taking his teaching duties seriously. What of you? Last I checked you had a class of your own to teach."

"I was just putting the finishing touches on my preparations when you finally graced us with your presence." Drily replied the Reason-based sorcerer.

"Hanneman, we've had this discussion before. It takes time for a woman like myself to be made presentable, especially to my pupils who, might I remind you, are the future rulers of Adrestia."

"Yes, yes, and I'm sure they do enjoy the long hours you spend beautifying yourself instead of teaching them what they need to know so that they may succeed in their future positions." Snapped back the monocle-wearing professor. Once more Manuela's face tightened and air was quickly taken into her lungs, yet moments later not a word came out. "I trust you will make up for your tardiness with a decent lesson plan for the day, Manuela." Feeling sufficient in getting the last word in, the former Adrestian noble took his leave of the teacher's lounge.

The brunette let the air out of her cheeks in a furious huff that drew snickers from her colleagues. She made a mental note to get back at the gray-haired professor, perhaps with the help of one of his own pupils. A devious grin stretched along Manuela's face at the thought of it. The fact that the Golden Deer's House leader was an open schemer certainly provided her some opportunities, especially since Hanneman was a complete stick in the mood he'd never see such a thing coming, not even from one his own trickster pupil. The old scholar had yet to realize what sort of person the Alliance heir was, but Manuela had, she had a knack for being able to read people. Or rather, most people.

Even as she looked to gather the things she needed for the day's classes, her eyes subconsciously drifted toward the Ashen Demon's desk. It was rather plain looking and ordinarily, a perfect representation of the person it belonged to. That said, Manuela had observed some little quirks of his that showed a blooming personality beneath the stoic façade he projected to the rest of the world.

"It may just be my personal opinion, but I believe that he was worried about you. Several times he looked to your desk, perhaps wondering if you were still sleeping or making your way down." Rearing her head to her left, she was somewhat taken back to find Gilbert staring at her, though he quickly turned away once their gazes met. No doubt he'd been listening in on the conversation like so many others in spite of his normally stoic nature. "I take it he…escorted you back home last night?"

"Yes, even went as far as putting me to sleep and not touching me. I must say, that took some willpower, just another curious thing about him." The brunette answered with a light smile. While she still felt a slight shred of embarrassment, that was nothing compared to the gratitude she held for her new colleague. There was still so much about him she longed to know. Unfortunately, her inquiry into him, as well as her thank you, would have to wait until perhaps the end of the day.

"If you want, I could pass on a message, I am…Professor Eisner asked me to help supervise the Blue Lions today." Declared the former Faerghus knight.

Manuela remembered what she'd said last night about Faerghus folk and the supposed chivalry they so highly honored. She'd had her share of encounters with it, including with the ginger-haired ax-user before her. Though stoic and grim to a fault, he was never anything short of polite to her; the same went to Professor Eisner, who seemed to be changing a little day by day. "As nice as that would be…I'll have to decline. I'll thank him myself, after all…I suppose he's…more than earned it, cleaning up after me time after time." Had her rival still been there, she'd have heard a snappy comment, but since it was Gilbert, all she received was a polite nod followed next by his departure.

Knowing that she'd made her students wait long enough, Manuela gathered her things and began to move as well. By her estimate, class was supposed to have started over ten minutes ago. She'd slept in, but it was much better than previous times where instead of minutes, she'd been hours late. Thankfully, most of the time, Edelgard had kept a firm hold on her classmates, at times it was even a tad scary how well disciplined she could have some of them. One thing she'd noticed was how…how strung the future Adrestian Emperor was. She supposed her status warranted that, but Manuela hoped that by the end of the year, she could have learned to lighten up a little.

There was a pleasant breeze outside making the walk to her classroom a pleasant one. A rare day of sunshine and mild warmth, Manuela wanted to take that as a good sign.

On her way to the Black Eagles classroom, she ended up passing the Blue Lions'. Logic dedicated she keep on going as she'd left her students waiting long enough. Manuela decided that a quick little peak at the "rival's" class wouldn't do too much harm.

It wasn't like she was really peaking to get a look at the students, she was angling for their instructor.

On the surface, the Blue Lions were without a doubt the most put together class, which was likely owed to the unity that its members shared before coming to the academy. There was a sense of camaraderie that the other Houses seemed to be lacking. Personally, she felt they were perhaps the best class to be taught by the son of the Blade Breaker, on multiple fronts. Peaking into the class, Manuela could see her theory somewhat verified.

Byleth Eisner looked rather peaceful and even happy as he taught what she believed to be tactics and strategy to the Blue Lions, all of whom sat in perfect accordance. Notes were being taken and questions were being asked and answered; it went both ways as the blue-haired mercenary questioned his students on the diagrams he had drawn, battlefield set-ups whose possible solutions he asked of from his students. His lips curled in a smile whenever they gave an answer, even if it was the wrong one.

Ashen Demon, emotionless killer, nope, not quite seeing any of that. Mused the Adrestian diva with a whimsical smile. There was a temptation to step in, but Manuela held herself back. Especially when Byleth's eyes shifted from his students to the doorway where she lay. Manuela felt her heart quicken as she quickly moved away. Goddess, did he see me? I hope he didn't see me! Gah, I've wasted enough time on this! My own students need me! Of course, it took an encounter, even a close one, with the mysterious swordsman for her mind to get back on track. Goodness, Manuela, if you're so interested in him, invite him out for a drink or two. He's Jeralt's son so surely he'll be used to some drinking, not to mention he's of age! Where could be the harm in any of it?

Little fuss was made when she finally arrived in class as her pupils had come to expect it. That said, she did hear a few snarky comments fly, many of which were silenced by Dorothea and Edelgard, the latter of whom was eager for classes to begin. Manuela was more than willing to oblige her.

Gradually, rain clouds began to move in as the school day drew to a close. It was only natural given that this was one of the rainier months of the year. Many supposed that it was a positive that the rain had moved in as the school day had begun to end. Of course, it also meant that some activities would have to be canceled.

Combat training was not one of them.

"You know, warriors have to be able to fight in all kinds of terrain and weather, including in the rain." Chimed the blonde knight whom she'd ran into as she dared catch a glimpse at the Blue Lions class.

"Here I was thinking that it was just a Faerghus thing." Answered the Adrestian woman. She supposed if there was anyone who knew how the "warrior lifestyle was", it was Catherine. Speaking of which, she wasn't at all surprised to find her here, watching the Blue Lions continue to train. She knew that though that she wasn't there for the students, like her, she was there for their teacher. It was a fact that the blonde knew was all too aware of as evident in her somewhat proud grin.

It remained as she looked back to the training field where blades clashed and magic flashed. "He's a pretty good teacher, an excellent one might I say."

"Better than yours truly?" Goaded the brunette with an inviting smirk.

Catherine laughed as she took the impossible to miss bait. "Oh, by a few miles. Unlike you, he actually tries to show up on time for his classes. Not to mention his sword hand is sharp enough to give me a run for my money."

"True, on multiple accounts." Laughed the former opera star. While self-admittedly vain, Manuela wasn't without her sense of humility. She was a teacher, and a proud one, but she was able to acknowledge when there was a superior one around. Currently, she was in the process of acknowledging that Professor Eisner was on his way to becoming one of them. Manuela felt oddly proud at witnessing such a thing. "I've heard rumor that some students have considered transferring to his class. Heh, I know for a fact that my shy little Bernadetta has. Archery isn't exactly my strong suit, but I have absorbed that the professor is rather skilled with a bow just as well as he is with a sword and his fists."

"Well, considering he's the Blade Breaker's child, I wouldn't be surprised. Actually, I wasn't surprised to learn he knew his way around multiple weapons." Catherine remarked. The sparring sessions she'd shared with the former mercenary had been quite informative. If nothing else, he was nowhere near lacking when it came to martial skill. As she'd also observed, there was something in him that drove him to look after others, even if he didn't particularly know them well. Catherine could respect that, admire that. Sparing a glance toward Manuela, something told her that such admiration wasn't limited to just her. "Hey, feel like joining them?"

For a hot second, Manuela felt herself about to say yes. Truthfully, she wouldn't mind the exercise; it wasn't like she was one of those ladies who abhorred physical combat. In fact, she was quite proud of her considerable sword skill, which had allowed her to triumph over bandits, criminals, and even trained fighters who'd boasted that her swordsmanship could in no way match theirs. Several had scars proving how wrong they were, others were no longer among the living and sorely regretting crossing her. That part of her almost had her saying yes.

What prevented her was the healer in her. "As much as I'd like, I'll have to decline. After all, someone will have to be around to make sure you all don't catch colds from training in this weather. As the chief physician at the Monastery, that's my job." The tan-skinned woman smiled at her, silently grateful for her consideration, and perhaps her foresight. "Just make sure not to get too excited out there."

"Oh, no need to worry about that. After all, the Blue Lions have a mission tomorrow. Can't afford to let them get too ruffed up." Remarked the Knight of Seiros as she stepped out from underneath the trees to join the practicing students.

Manuela let that little piece of information seat in the back of her mind. It still influenced her as evident in her lingering in staying longer than needed in the monastery's medical vault. In addition to the medication needed to keep away colds and sickness born from being out in the rain, she also found herself amassing medical supplies fit for a military expedition. She'd have to put in an order to replace them; this year they'd burned through quite an amount of those supplies as a result of all the requests for military aid. For better or for worse, the academy had a good crop of students and teachers this year around.

Goddess, look at me. I'm paying more attention to him than my own students. Get a hold of yourself Manuela, and make sure that you get everything you think he'll need! It was deeply ironic how she criticized herself for such behavior, then leaped headlong into it in the same thought in the same sentence. Barely even as second had passed. Manuela, you've only known him a few months, yet you might as well be smitten with him. He is an odd one.

Outside, she could faintly hear thunder booming. Somehow, Manuela wouldn't be surprised if she returned to the training field and found the Blue Lions still in the midst of their training.

Almost twenty minutes when she returned, she indeed wasn't surprise to find her hypothesis accurate.

"Manuela?"

Heart skipping a single beat, the physician turned to her left and faced the instructor of the Blue Lions class. She was somewhat thankful that enough time had passed he'd dried off, and that he'd discarded his overcoat, which he never seemed to wear unless the situation absolutely called for it, or so Manuela had been told. Truth be told, she was a little disappointed he'd dried off; like quite a few men, he looked rather sexy with wet hair, especially when he was swinging a sword about. He looked much like the description of a protagonist of some adventurous novel, the type she read about in her spare time.

"Yes? Professor Eisner, is there something that you need?" She answered in an amicable voice.

"I wanted to…thank you for stopping by earlier, and I was wondering if you would have any…free time later on." He began, somewhat nervously.

His words were a match to a powder keg. F-F-F-Free time?! F-F-Free time?! Heart practically exploding in her chest, Manuela could practically feel herself beginning to swoon. C-Could it be?! I-Is this finally happening?! By the goddess, I'm not prepared, and certainly a library such as this isn't the place for a love confession! That last part she felt was likely to change. There were only a handful of people around, some of whom had turned their attention to the growing spectacle between the two professors. They would be her-

"I was hoping that you could help educate me more in the arts of healing, including faith-based white magic." The black-garbed swordsman clarified, having seen her rising hysteria and perhaps moving to stop it. If that was his plan, then he certainly succeeded as the Adrestian singer's face fell, her entire good mood being washed away in spite of their being indoors. A ping of guilt shot through him. "Um, I can understand if you're tired of dealing with me. I can go ask for assistance from-"

"N-No one else, P-Professor Eisner. F-Forgive me." Cut off the brunette, having quickly salvaged the situation. It wasn't the first time, and it sure as hell wasn't going to be the last. Straightening up, she gave him a polite smile. "I-I would be honored to teach you, especially since from what I saw earlier, you seem to have some skill in the field of magic."

"A little." Answered the former mercenary with a small smile.

Manuela giggled. "You certainly know enough to mentor two magical prodigies in your class, and from what I saw, give aid to two blooming sorcerers."

"Don't tell that to Felix, he'd scuff at being listed in that category, though I'm working on getting him to lighten up." It was brief, but the smile and laugh were very real, and very much fitting the noise regulations of the library. "I…there are some things that I would like to know, namely beyond the basic first aid that I've known and practiced my whole life. I…feel it won't be sufficient for my students." There was a pregnant pause as his gaze lingered on his hands, a shadow falling over them. "It isn't fair that I make Mercedes shoulder the burden of healing the entire class should injury befall them."

Placing her assorted books and papers down, the former opera star walked over and took hold of the swordsman's hands. Much like Shamir, he often went around gloved; it was a trait that she understood was common amongst mercenaries and professional soldiers, specifically those who were quite attuned to their job. "Knowing her, I don't think she'd mind too much, but I can see where you are coming from. In fact, I almost envy the fact that you have such a dedicated healer in your class. The closest thing I have is Linhardt, whom I have to rouse from his sleep far too often for my liking." Showing his knowledge of the green-haired student, the blue-eyed professor gave a short laugh. "I would be more than happy to educate you, Professor-"

"Byleth." He cut off, then seemed to retreat into himself. "If…it's alright…you can…just call me Byleth. T-That is if you-"

"I would be delighted to, it feels like I'm finally talking to the real you, whom I must say is much more amicable than the rumors have led me to believe." Remarked the brown-eyed woman with a wink and a smile. Usually, this was the part where men would blush up a storm at her charms. With Byleth, there wasn't much of that, but she could see relief and joy in his eyes. Manuela felt an instant urge to fan the flames of both. "Simply stop by my class tomorrow after I've finished-"

"Um, I meant some time later in the week." The professional warrior didn't look too happy with himself for interrupting her. He pulled away, seemingly bracing himself for an admonishing at interrupting her, but Manuela simply nodded her head in allowing him to explain. "Tomorrow, the Blue Lions and I will be leaving on another bandit suppression mission."

"I see, might I ask where?"

He paused, as if the answer would have some sort of affect on her. "We'll be heading to the coastal town of Rudraige."

The songstress blinked. "During this time of the year? The rains that come down on that part of the kingdom can be especially fierce."

A thin smile played on the royal instructor's face. "I know…they make for good cover if you're trying to sneak into certain places."

In that statement, the pieces clinked within Manuela's mind. At first glance, Byleth Eisner gave off the appearance of your average mercenary…to an extent. That included having a straight forward fighting style, or so one would assume. Manuela knew otherwise. As she'd observed, there was a devious side to him, a side of him that allowed for him to think outside the box. From a wider perspective, it was something that was sorely needed for the Blue Lions yet clashed with what their nation stood for-knighthood, chivalry and facing their opponents face to face without any tricks. Their teacher, however, was a mercenary, someone brought up on winning fights at likely any costs. Something told Manuela this had been one of the reasons why he'd chosen to teach the Blue Lions, he could look at battle in ways that his blue-blooded and royal-blooded pupils could not, and perhaps even would not.

Manuela had to admit, she was impressed. "That's quite a daring plan you've concocted. It certainly explains why you had them all out training in the rain today. All that said, I must advise caution, the human body can only take so much rain and cold, even those of Faerghus."

"I know, they're still young, but…I…I worry about how far I'm pushing them." Stated the swordsman. "I've never thought anyone before, I've been put in charge of combat units…but…they're not…they're not…they're not strangers to me. Not anymore." There was no mistaking the affection and confusion that marred his voice.

Manuela stepped forward and placed a hand on the still green professor's shoulder. "That's because you've gotten to know them, you've gained affection for them, and they have grown to know you and trust you as their instructor. Heh, it's quite a pleasant feeling, having someone looking up to you and being in awe of you, don't you think?"

The smile grew more evident, more assured, no doubt thanks to the former songstress' words. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Thank you, Manuela, for everything that you've done for me today. Goodnight, and hopefully I'll see you in a few days."

She was a tad displeased to learn that she wouldn't be seeing him for the next two to three to perhaps even four or five days, but accepted it none the less. Manuela had been down this road before to know how it all worked. At the very least she could depart knowing that he and his students would be coming back. As she walked back to her room, Manuela mused on the certainty in which she held that thought, no, that fact. Another thing that came to her as she prepared herself for bed was the fact that she'd let slip her original planned apology and thank you to the blue-eyed professor for carrying her back to her room the night before.

"Well, I'll thank him when he comes back." Again, she knew for a fact that he'd be returning to the Monastery, and no doubt with another victory under his and his students' belts. They'd racked up quite a few victories against bandits, rebels, and other miscreants whom the Church of Seiros had been forced to deal with. They'd certainly proved their mantle in combating the wayward Western Church. Speaking of which, Manuela hoped the heretics chose to rise up again, the Blue Lions and their professor would be there to stop them.

Even so…Manuela found her hands clapped together in a quiet prayer for the professor and the safety of his students. She'd heard rather disturbing rumors about Rudraige, about how the entire town had practically come under the rule of criminal deviants since the death of King Lambert. Naturally, it fell to his son and his friends to root out the corrupted rulers and take it back. They would do so under the hopeful guidance of a seasoned warrior. The group would no doubt be traveling with a few knights from the Church bolstering the odds in their favor. By all accounts, she had little need to worry. But Manuela did worry.

She told herself that it was simply her nerves and nothing more. That's what she settled on as she finished her prayer, which she hoped wouldn't be needed. Manuela wasn't exactly a pious woman, but she was one who believed in the people who earned her good will. The Ashen Demon, Professor Byleth Eisner had done that. For that reason, she prayed for him and his students.

Little bit of some background, when I originally conceived this story, I was going to have Byleth teaching the Golden Deer House, but my love for the Lions and linking their dysfunctional state with Manuela clinked too much. That was actually supposed to be what this chapter centered on, but things went a little array. Next chapter will focus on that though, along with some other things such as Manuela's "thank you". Until then, stay safe and healthy, everyone!