"...I have to go."

"What?" Byleth felt the air drawn out of her chest as Claude abruptly sat up. He had a frantic look in his emerald eyes as he got up.

"If he's really dying, then...then I need to go see him," Claude said, brushing the grass off of himself. Byleth bit her lip. Go..Go see his father? The man that Byleth has heard such terror about? Why would Claude want to do that?

"Claude-I don't understand...no one is telling you you to need to go see him."

"No matter how much of a terrible person he is..." Claude shut his eyes. "He's...still my father. He might be a pathetic excuse who is only trying to keep the company, but...I know he cares about me. And I...I..."

"But...but what if..." He makes you come back? Byleth wanted to ask, but she was too afraid. Her deepest fear were coming to life; her having to live a life without him. "Claude..."

"I have to go."

He began to walk, and Byleth swallowed the lump in her throat before following. As he glanced at her, a look of fear struck him.

"Teach, you can't come with," Claude said. "You...You don't need to see him. He's...brutal."

"I don't care...I want to be there for you."

"I can't let you get hurt by him."

"I won't. I don't have emotions from anyone else...he actually can't hurt my feelings."

He pondered this for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, fine. Let's go."

The two walked back to the city, and Claude signaled for a taxi to take them to the hospital. The car ride was silent and tense, with Claude sitting up front and Byleth, Alois, and Catherine crammed into the back. Even though they were uncomfortable, the two bodyguards knew better than to complain right now. This wasn't the time.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, Claude rushed out. As they made their way to the front desk, the pink haired lady at the front desk stared at her computer, bored.

"How can I help you?"

"I'm looking for my father," Claude sighed. "...von Riegan. My name is Claude von Riegan. I'm looking for Hassan."

"Wha-?" The darker skinned girl finally glanced over at them before realizing who she was talking
to. "Ah. He's been expecting you....you know, everyone makes a fuss over how beautiful your girlfriend was. I can see that the rumors were an exaggeration."

"Don't insult Teach-! I-Wait. This isn't the time for games," Claude caught himself from getting distracted, but his fists were clenched tightly. "Where's my father?"

"Third floor. Room 317. Good luck."

The two hurried up to the third floor, where another receptionist awaited them. This receptionist was an old man with a kind smile.

"You...Must be Claude von Riegan, and Byleth Eisner," The receptionist said. His name tag read 'Tomas'. "Mr. von Riegan has requested to see you, Claude. I'm sure you're aware."

"Yeah," Claude's hands were still clenched into fists. "Can we go in?"

"He has only requested to see you."

"...Tell him I'm not coming in without her."

It was a gamble, Claude and Byleth both knew that, but as the receptionist called the room, they found that his gamble had indeed worked.

"You two can head right in."

They hurried toward room 317, where they opened the door to find a man lying in a hospital bed. He was facing away from them, but he turned toward them.

Byleth wasn't sure what she had expected Claude's father to look like, but this wasn't it.

They looked...incredibly similar. It was like seeing double, with their same skin tone and facial structure. However, his father had groomed hair and a gaunt figure, while Claude had the most unruly locks ever and a perfectly toned body. The man's eyes were brown and cold while Claude's were emerald and lively. It was as if Byleth was looking at a sterner, jaded Claude.

"So this is Byleth Eisner..." He chuckled, but his tone was devoid of emotion. She knew what that was like better than anyone. "Pleasure to meet you. My name is Hassan von Riegan."

"...Is it true? You're really dying?"

Hassan turned his gaze toward Claude, and somehow, that dead stare changed. It grew somehow softer, somehow warmer...but it didn't feel right. He had the same features as Claude, but...he lacked the charm and love Claude usually had.

"Yes. It's true...I'm..." Hassan paused, not wanting to say the truth once more, . "...Claude...It has been far too long since I last saw you."

Claude shifted from side to side, an uncomfortable look on his face. Despite being much taller than Byleth, he suddenly seemed so small, so lost. Byleth reached over to grab his hand. As she did, he suddenly seemed to find himself again.

"Yeah, it's been awhile," Claude said. "...I...I can't...can't believe..."

"I...I know."

The distance between the two was so strong, even as they tried to make conversation. Hassan sighed once more, his face aged and worn.

"I'm...sorry."

"...What?"

"I know I haven't been the best father...I pushed you too hard," Hassan's voice grew thin. "Would...Would you like to know why I was so harsh on you?"

Claude nodded, his words lost in the midst of bewilderment.

"Getting this company handed down to me...was such an honor. I was never granted anything better. But at the same time...I always knew I had a reputation to uphold. I...am Almyran. People ridiculed me. Mocked me. Told me I could never do such a feat."

Claude stayed silent, his eyes wide in curiosity.

"My darker skin tone meant...no one ever trusted me. I had to work harder than anyone else. Do anything to secure my position," Hassan coughed. "Unfortunately, I took this title...at the same time I married your mother. When you were born, you were my pride and joy. But I knew you needed to be ready for what you would one day face. My time in office had...jaded me. All I could think about was the company. And so...I was...harsh on you. I'm sorry. I want you to know I didn't do it to be mean, I didn't do it because I hated you. I did it because I loved you, and I wanted you to be prepared."

"...You were always focused on the company. You never made time for me," Claude's voice wavered slightly. "You don't have to lie to make me feel better."

"The company didn't give me any time...but thats no excuse," Hassan said. "l could have made time, but I didn't. I'm sorry."

A pause.

"Claude...I just wanted to apologize. You don't have to say anything. But I do want you to consider something; the company will be handed over to the Gloucester's. You...owe the company nothing. If you choose to not take over, I...I will not push," Hassan sighed. "I cannot force you. But I do want you to know that...no matter what you do, I'm proud of you for finding your own path."

"I...Thank you," Claude slowly walked up to his father, Byleth releasing his hand. "...Father..."

"...Follow your dreams, Claude. No matter what they are...no matter who you must forsake...follow your heart."

"I know. I will."

Follow your heart...

Byleth couldn't help but feel her own pulsating heart inside her chest. What did her heart want?

She didn't know exactly...but she did know that Claude needed to follow his own heart. Byleth had to stop influencing his decisions...she had to stop forcing him toward music. She loved his singing...but she couldn't sway him like this anymore.

She had to let Claude follow his heart...no matter where it took him.