Letting my feet dangle from the small pier they had. Today was a turbulent day, but it was quite fun. I was able to gauge the prowess the students had with their respective weapons, and they were able to do the same with me. The one that puts me on edge a bit is Evelyn, she can turn into a demon in battle and go back to normal after the battle. Her punches sure do leave a mark. "Hey, teach!" Speak of the devil, she sat down next to me. "I'm sorry if I may have hurt you in that training session, sometimes I get too excited in a training session." The purple haired girl explained, making me chuckle, "Don't worry about it, I can take a few punches from someone wearing gauntlets.". "Heh, that's good. You're not the softy I thought you would be. I guess I shouldn't be underestimating mercs like you!" Evelyn said while patting my back. "If I'm being honest, Evelyn, I find it odd you use gauntlets. I mainly see men using them, not young women like yourself." She chuckled at my statement, "Heh, I know. Some may say I'm quite un-ladylike with having an interest in things like brawling, but I disagree. Fist-to-fist combat, like other combats, are neither masculine nor feminine. They're equal. So, no matter what others say, I will continue using gauntlets.". Wow, never thought a noble would say something like that.

"Impressive, I never would've thought that a noble would be this interesting to talk to." We shared a small laugh as Evelyn stood up, "My father was a commoner, so he taught me to not be raised with a silver spoon in my mouth.". She looked up at the moon and made a frame around it with her fingers, "The moon is a beautiful thing, isn't it? The light from it is subtle, unlike the sun. But it does have its downsides. It takes a month before it becomes full again, while the sun is always full. It goes through phases until it becomes complete. And if we go by the logic of the church, it's a new moon every month. In that context, it can be read as a person going through times of trouble and times of joy until they become whole, and then another person goes through that cycle. Don't you think that's wonderful?" Evelyn peered at me with a smile and the light of the moon behind her. A chuckle escaped my lips as I stood up with her, "Yeah. The concept of the moon is something else. Anyway, it wouldn't be a good professor if I let my student stay up late. We should turn in for the night.". I turned to leave as she followed suit and we parted ways to go to our own rooms.

Evelyn's POV

Heh, she wasn't skeptical at my actions. For as long as I could remember, I could sense whether or not someone would have a Crest whenever I would touch them. Patting on her back was the catalyst on how I found out. I couldn't tell what Crest the Professor had, but that's not what I wanted to know. I will say that I'm somewhat shocked, her having a Crest and not being a noble. But, the more you know, I guess... As I walked into my room, I changed out of my uniform and looked at myself in the mirror. The scar I got from when I was a child on my chest has yet to heal. With a sigh, my hands grabbed hold of my nightgown and put it on my body. Thankfully, just like my uniform, it covers that scar so I don't have to see it. No one knows I have this scar, not even my childhood friends. It doesn't hurt anymore, but it is a pain to look at. With a sigh, I got under my covers and cuddled one of my pillows as I drifted off to sleep.

Lilith's POV

Two days passed and the students have been very welcoming towards me and my brother, but Byleth wasn't often hanging around students other than the Black Eagles. Me on the other hand, both the Blue Lions and Golden Deer Houses would pull me off to different places for me to hang out with them whenever there weren't any classes. The ones I grew closer to were Annette, Mercedes, Ingrid, Evelyn, and Ashe from the Blue Lions House and Hilda, Marianne, Lysithea, Ingnatz and Raphael from the Golden Deer House. Sylvain and Lorenz would try to flirt with me but thanks to me being raised by mainly male mercs, I was able to flat out turn them down. It also helped with Evelyn pulling on Sylvain's ear when he would go too far. The faculty here also have been welcoming, though Manuela has been a little difficult and Jeritza, the armed combat training teacher who I met yesterday, isn't much of a talker. It's not much of an issue but he gives me a bad feeling so I didn't speak to him much.

Hanneman, on the other hand, asked me to meet him in his office to see if I have a Crest and I obliged. Byleth went through the same process and he came back saying he did have a Crest, that being the Minor Crest of Seiros, most likely from Father since he bore a Major Crest of Seiros. I didn't want to do this test thing because I doubted that I bore a Crest, but Hanneman convinced me to at least see if I do just in case. "Alright, This is a device I designed to determine whether the power of a Crest resides within others. I assure you, it won't hurt." He said while presenting his device. But before I do as he says, "What are Crests to begin with, Mr. Hanneman?" The moment I said that, Hanneman looked on in horror. "You don't know about Crests? Well, allow me to tell you everything - absolutely everything - about them. Is your calendar clear? This will take a while." Sigh, I shouldn't have asked him about it...

"Crests are a fascinating topic, but before one can dive deeply into said topic, one must first understand what Crests are. They are power incarnate. They are said to have been bestowed upon humans by the goddess countless ages ago. They exist within the flesh, and are passed down through bloodlines. Those who carry Crests may excel in magic, display exceptional strength, or any number of boons. Each Crest has its own power, the nature of which is beyond mortal understanding. For now." Okay then... "And you believe I have a Crest?" I questioned as he smiled. "I suspect as much, yes. But we won't know for sure unless I look into the matter. As I said, Crests are passed down through the blood. However, just because someone carries a Crest does not necessarily mean their descendants will inherit it as well. Only a scarce few descendants of a Crest's bloodline end up inheriting the Crest's power. Perhaps one of your ancestors possessed a Crest, and you just happened to inherit it. That is how a Crest usually presents itself, after all. Your brother bears one, and I want to see that if you bear one too. And if you do, will it be the Crest of Seiros or a different one?" Huh, this stuff is actually quite interesting.

With some thought, I came up with my answer, "Well, do what you can to find out, Mr. Hanneman." To say he was elated to hear my consent would be an understatement. "Yes, of course. I'll get to the bottom of it straight away. Now then, please go ahead and hold out your arm over this device here." I did as he told me and after a few moments, a symbol appeared. Woah, i-is that a Crest...? "What is this!? A pattern I've never seen before... Is it possible an as-yet undiscovered Crest has been detected? To think there are still Crests out there that even I'm unaware of! How thrilling! Ahem... Pardon my unrestrained jubilation. I have much to consider. You may leave now. I have more research to do in regard to this Crest. Yes, so much research. But for now, your work here is done." Huh, it was that easy huh? Hanneman turned around, "Hmm... What could this line over here be indicating? Perhaps it represents a lack of symmetry... Or perhaps... What in the world? Oh I see... It may be connected to that, but to a greater degree than usual..." I don't know what he's talking about, nor do I want to. With that, I left his office while taking a good look at my hand. I really possess a Crest, huh? But what Crest is it? Hmm... Well, until Hanneman finds out more about it, I should keep quiet about this, at least until I know what Crest I bear.

~The Next Day~

Phew, finally a day off. This is gonna be tiring, but at least the church gives us money. I stepped out with a stretch and made my way to this nearby bulletin board that had some requests on there.

'Fresh Catch:
Greetings, all! Please assist me by catching a delectable fish for the Saint Cethleann Celebration!
Rewards: Albinean Herring (x3), Caledonian Gar (x3), Insect Larva (x5), and 300 Renown.
~ Flayn.'

So, I just need to catch a fish for Flayn? Easy enough. What's the next one...

'Green Thumb Beginnings:
I'd like some help growing vegetables.
Rewards: Mixed Herb Seeds (x5), Western Fódlan Seeds (x5), Tomatoes (x4), and 300 Renown.
~ Dedue.'

Huh, he's the last person I would suspect to be into gardening, but I guess that I shouldn't make assumptions of anyone. The last one...

'Share a Bite:
The food in the dining hall's pretty appetizing. Is anyone interested in sharing a meal? Ladies preferred.
Reward: Airmid Goby (x3), Onions (x4), Turnips (x4), and 300 Renown.
~ Sylvain.'

Why am I not surprised Sylvain would put this on here? In actuality, I'm surprised the church allowed him to create such a request. Oh well, I guess I'll do all of them. I do want those rewards and me being a teacher means I should do the requests that are posted. Turning back, my eyes caught onto Seteth about to knock on my door. "Mr. Seteth!" I called out while walking to him. "Ah, there you are. I've been wanting to speak to you about something. These are the students' quarters. We were thinking about relocating you and your brother but we thought it would help you two to supervise the students easily. Commoner students also reside on the first floor, while the second is primarily for students of noble birth. As a rule, we try to avoid discrimination based on social status here. But the nobility can be quite insistent when it comes to matters of property. Speaking of, it would be best for you to avoid improper conduct. I expect you to set a good example for the students." With a nod of approval from me, Seteth seemed satisfied enough to leave, most likely back to Rhea's side.

Watching Seteth leave, I notice Edelgard and Hubert talking so I go to approach them. "If you continue to insist on distracting me, I will have no choice but to get rid of you. Joking, of course." Wow, rude much, Hubert. I don't care if it was a joke. I'm now partially glad I'm not taking care of the Black Eagles. "Excuse Hubert and his dark humor, Professor." Edelgard started. Now she's actually somewhat nice for being a noble. "Either way, I trust you're eager to face us the Black Eagles in battle. Enjoy the thrill of anticipation while it lasts. Soon you'll wish you had chosen to lead our house instead." I don't think I will with that retainer of yours. Now that's something I won't be able to say out loud for as long as I live. With a quick bow, I turned my gaze to another Black Eagle who was nearby, Caspar. If I remember correctly, he's just got a large amount of energy and nothing like Hubert over there. "Hey, Professor. I just finished watching Jeritza in a sparring match and he sure is strong. If I'm being honest, I kind of thought he would be the new professor assigned to our class. After that teacher ran away during our outdoor training, I thought Jeritza was a natural replacement. I was surprised when you and Professor Byleth were both suddenly appointed professors instead. I don't think I could hold my own against Jeritza in battle. I could probably take both Professor Byleth and you on though. Separately, of course." I chuckle at his words, "I won't hold back then, you have my brother on your side so you just face me when we have the mock battle.". He seemed to like my answer, "I like that answer! When you're free, let's make sure to face each other in the mock battle so I can test how strong one of the Ashen Demons are!" Heh, I feel like I'd get along with Caspar too. After a quick farewell, I turned to see Jeritza and went to say hello. I lifted my hand to wave before speaking but he cut me off, "I care nothing for friendship. If you have no business here, leave." Okay then... I'll just walk away now. Jeritza sure is... something.

Turning around, I spotted both Dimitri and Dedue and made my way to them. Dimitri bowed to me as to greet me while addressing me as Professor and Dedue followed suit. "I heard there will be a mock battle soon. We must not neglect our training. I trust that you will carefully study the strengths and weaknesses of each of your students, that you may provide effective guidance. Regardless of the results, this battle will be a great learning experience. Even so... What is the point of competition if the aim isn't to win?" I wholeheartedly agree. I also get to understand the students in battle, so this would be a great experience for me too. I turned to Dedue to enquire about the request he put onto the bulletin board, but he started speaking before I could. "His Highness has said he trusts you, and I have no cause for doubts. But if you mistreat him in any way, I will take action." I nodded at him, "Understood. I have no plans of doing such things, if that puts your mind at ease.". A small hint of a smile appeared on his face as I asked him about the request. "Oh, that. There is a dish I would like to make, but I need more of a certain vegetable to do so. I was planning on growing it from seeds in the greenhouse, but His Highness has asked for me to train with him today. If you have time, I would be grateful if you could do so. I will repay you if you do so." I offered my hand out, "Sure, I've done some gardening while on the road so I can do the bare minimum for the seeds.". Dedue handed the seeds over with a smile as he walked with Dimitri to the training grounds.

I walked further to see Claude and Hilda talking. Claude noticed me and waved at me, "Hey Teach! I hear there's gonna be a mock battle between the houses. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit concerned about facing elite mercenaries like you and your brother. Maybe take it easy on us, what do you say? Call it payment for not picking Golden Deer.". I shook my head, "No, it won't be a good learning experience for you guys." and he chuckled, "Now that's a professor's answer if I ever heard one.". I turned to Hilda, who was also laughing at our conversation. "Heh, you really are funny, Professor, and you're not even trying. Anyway, have you adjusted to life at the academy yet? Me, I'm still not used to it. I'm not one for all this studying and training." Understandable, Claude did say you were coddled by your father and brother. I bowed at the two of them before going down the stairs to the second part of the dorms. There was Sylvain, talking to a female student. I'm not surprised in the least, if I'm being completely honest.

The female student left, as Sylvain smiled at her. But that smile turned into a scowl. That was unexpected... The ginger-haired boy noticed me and smiled at me while walking up to me. "Hey, Professor. If you've got some spare time, want to join me for a trip into town? There's an inn that serves amazing food. It's one of my favorite places to eat. You simply must come try it with me." Is he being serious right now? "No, but I would like to fulfill that request you put on the bulletin board. I'll invite someone else to eat with us too. Though I have to do something first, I'll meet you there with someone?" I told him as his eyes lit up, "Good enough, I'll see you later." And with that, he left for the dining hall. Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder caught my attention, it was Leonie, I think. We haven't talked much since I arrived. "Hey Professor, I haven't had the chance to introduce myself properly because of my training. I'm Leonie Pinelli, I'm Captain Jeralt's first and best apprentice. I can beat anyone, Professor. Even you, if I have to! It may have only been a short time, but I learned from the absolute best." Cute, someone idolizing Jeralt. With a quick bow, Leonie smirked before walking towards the training grounds.

Up ahead was Bernadetta stepping out of her room. I approached her, "Hey, Bernadetta, right?" She turned to me as her eyes widened. "Um. I, ah, was just heading back to my room - bye!" And with that, she rushed back inside of her room. Guess she's not big on interacting with others. Walking towards the greenhouse, I spot Linhardt standing nearby so I wave at him. "Oh, hello Professor Lilith. The Great Tree Moon is the best time of year for naps. I could just forget all about my assignment..." He's a pretty sleepy guy, isn't he? "Now I'm feeling sleepy too..." I yawned as he smiled a little, "Yeah...". Linhardt yawned and walked in the direction of his dorm room. Yeah, I feel like I would get along with Linhardt. The reminder of Dedue's request came into my mind as I stepped into the greenhouse. Other than the caretaker, Ashe and Evelyn were there. The blue-haired boy was admiring the plants while the purple-haired girl was planting something of her own. I took this chance to plant the seeds in silence, while infusing it with some magic. I may not use much magic, but I at least know the basics. Before I could say I was finished, I informed the caretaker that the seeds I planted were for Dedue and if he ever came in here, to tell him that they're where I planted them. She understood and returned to watering her plants.

A tap on my shoulder caught my attention, it was Ashe. "Hey, Professor! I didn't notice you walk in, did you come to look at the plants too? The greenhouse here is really incredible. There are so many rare flowers here I'd never seen back home. And herbs I never knew existed!" Wow, Ashe. "You seem well-informed on the subject." I told him, My adoptive father was the real expert. He taught me everything I know about herbs, including how to tell them apart and how to make medicines. You should try booking around the greenhouse sometime, when the mood strikes you. Maybe something will catch your eye!" I'll keep that in mind, Ashe. And now I know two people I could go to if I need information on plants and herbs. Evelyn stood up and was on her way out of the greenhouse, walking past Ashe and I. Bowing at Ashe as a farewell, I caught up to Evelyn. "Ah, Professor. Did you need something?" She asked, "Not really, I just wanted to check in on you.". Evelyn chuckled while planting a hand on her waist, "I'm fine, thanks for asking. I'm on my way to the dining hall to get something to eat, care to join me?" And extended a hand out to me. Sylvain's request popped into my mind, "I was on my way there to eat with someone. They said I could bring someone else too, want to eat with us?". She thought for a second before agreeing and we rushed into the dining hall.

The red haired boy saw me and walked up to me, "Hi, Professor! Is Evie the one you invited?" he asked. Evelyn sighed, "What do you think, stupid?" Was it a bad idea to pick her? I got us today's special of Saghert and Cream as we started eating. "Have I ever mentioned how cute you look when you eat, Evie?" Sylvain flirted as she took a bite of her food. "And have I ever told you how cute you look when you're on the ground, in pain?" Other than that conversation, our meal time went well. They both enjoyed the food and as long as Evelyn didn't kill him, it's a win in my book. The purple-haired girl offered to take our dishes to the kitchen and the ginger boy offered to help her with a smile. His smile... for some reason I feel like it's... I don't know, more genuine? I'm most likely seeing things but it would be a nice thought if he genuinely smiles at her.

Evelyn's POV

I'm kind of surprised he offered to help me, I thought he would be after another girl right after he ate with the Professor and I. Huh? He's smiling? "What's with that goofy look?" I huffed, making him chuckle. "Nothing, just admiring your beauty." Sigh, classic Sylvain... "You're lucky I know you well enough to not take you seriously when you flirt." My gaze fell to the ground as I placed the dishes in my hands on the counter. He followed suit before playing with my hair. "What are you doing?" I snapped, "I don't think I asked you this. Why did you cut your hair? I thought you were proud of your long hair." The boy twirled a lock of my hair between his fingers, making me sigh. "I just cut my hair, nothing more to it. Plus, I like it shorter. Are you trying to say you don't like it this length?" My lips formed a smirk as he put his hands up defensively, "No, just curious. Anyway, thank you for having lunch with me. I'm gonna give the Professor the reward for fulfilling my request. Wanna train later?". With my nod, he left. He may be annoying to deal with when he's flirting with everything that has a pulse, but he's tolerable when he's not... I'm glad.

Lilith's POV

Flayn was in the dining hall so I approached her. "Hello there, Professor." She bowed, "Well, I call you that, but I am afraid I am not a student here myself..." Must be because of Seteth, I can understand having an overprotective big brother. "Where can I visit you, then?" I questioned, "My brother would not be pleased if he heard you saying such things. The monastery is kind enough to provide a sanctuary for my brother and I. He's the only family I have." Ah, makes sense. "Hey Flayn, I saw your request on the bulletin board and I would like to accept it." I told her as her eyes lit up, "Really? Thank you so much! There is a ceremony related to Saint Cethleann that requires rare fish and my brother is keeping me from fishing. Would you mind helping me obtain some, Professor? You can fish by speaking to the fishkeeper at the fishing pond." With a nod, Flayn jumped up and down while handing me a bag of bait as I made my way to the fishing pond. The fishkeeper was kind enough to lend me a fishing pole, thankfully. I didn't want to go look for Jeralt just to borrow his. He taught Byleth and I how to fish, among other things, it was our way of bonding.

Flashback...

"Father, I caught one." I said while looking up at Jeralt with a moderately sized fish, "Good job, kid!" while he patted my head. "And I caught one too." Byleth showed us as Jeralt took our fishes to place in the basket before lifting us on his shoulders. "I raised some great fishers!" He praised as Byleth and I kept the same emotionless look on our faces. It's not like we were happy, we were. It was just the fact that the two of us always had difficulty expressing our emotions. But Father says that we're his children and that's all he needs to know to love us, whether or not we can express emotions. And that's all Byleth and I need to keep afloat.

End of Flashback...

Those were some good memor- AH! The line started tugging as I pulled as hard as I could. This was some fearsome opponent, like none I've ever faced before. Must be a big one, must be. With every tug, I would feel my feet slowly moving to the edge of the pier. However, I started tumbling backwards onto my butt and my fishing rod. With a small grunt, I looked at the end of the fishing line and saw a medium sized fish. Heh, strong little guy. This would be a good fish to use for that Saint Cethleann ceremony, at least I hope. "Hey, are you okay, Lily?" Tilting my head back, an upside-down Byleth looks down on me. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just fished up this little guy!" With pride, I show him the fish I caught as he pats my head, "Good job. It's for Flayn, right? You should give it to her." How does he- oh wait, Flayn posted it on the bulletin board. "Yeah, I should. Wanna come with me?" I asked as he pondered, "Sure, I have no other obligations today. I also want to ask you about something, if you don't mind.".

I'm pretty sure I know what he wants to ask me, and I'll give him a vague answer. "If you wanna ask about the Crest thing, I haven't had the chance to visit Mr. Hanneman." He just nodded at me, "Well, Crest or not, you're still my little sister.". I growled at him, "We're twins, you just happened to be born a minute earlier." Byleth patted my head in jest. "I'm still older than you, Lily.", "And yet I can still best you in combat.". He just scoffed before patting my head. We may not be good at communicating our emotions through our facial expressions, but we know how to express them with our actions. Him patting me on the head let me know that he found our little quarrel funny.

"Professor!"

We heard from behind us, it was Edelgard and Hubert. "Apologies, Professor Lilith, but we would like to speak to Professor Byleth in private if you don't mind." Byleth looked at me as I just nodded solemnly. The three of them took their leave as I saw them off before continuing to walk towards Flayn. It does sting a bit, having my brother taken away from me like that, but he is their Professor now. Still would be nice to talk to him more. Shaking those thoughts away, I spotted Flayn and handed her the fish. She looked ecstatic and thanked me while giving me the things she had for a reward before running off with the fish. I won't lie, she is cute. Though I know Seteth would kill me if he heard me say that out loud, so I'll just keep that to myself. 

More students approached me to ask me all sorts of things ranging from normal talking to sparring. While I did have to decline most of them, I agreed to spar with Felix, Caspar, Ferdinand, and Raphael. And while they spared amongst each other, I spoke with Annette, Hilda, and Marianne. I enjoyed my time with all of them, and even noticed small things about some of them. Whenever Felix would do something impressive, Annette would do a mini cheer. Meanwhile on the other hand, Caspar would get irritated when Ferdinand would bring up the values of being a noble. Disappointment rushed through me when I noticed the sunsetting. The eight of us dispersed to our dorms and with a yawn, I reached out to my door. "Professor." Crap! What's up with people scaring me...? I turned to see Dedue holding a small crate of items in his hands, "The greenhouse keeper told me you fulfilled the request, so I'm here to drop this off to you." "Thank you, Dedue." He handed me the crate and took his leave. I placed the crate onto my dresser before heading to bed.

So... talking to a friend of mine about Fire Emblem convinced me to write for this fic and update Evelyn's character because its been over a year, and I think it was time to update it on Wattpad. Either way, hope you guys liked this chapter, the next one is going to be the mock battle. Have a great day!