Three Houses Reader Inserts

A painting (Edelgard x Reader)

Takes place after "Bridges".

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"Greetings, Edelgard." You said with a perky smile.

For once, Edelgard wasn't with her vassal. It was odd not to see Hubert hovering around her but you'd heard some of the other students mention something about how he was currently engaged in an argument with Ferdinand in the Dining Hall; something about if tea was better than coffee.

"Hello, Y/N." she said with a kind smile, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, actually. You see, my brother is not fond of me venturing off on my own, even if it is just into town to look at the art some vendors sell." Just the thought of looking at like artisanal pieces made your heart flutter with excitement. "Did you know there are many different techniques that are used to get art pieces just right. And of course there are sculptures and paintings and so many different mediums to--"

"Y/N." Edelgard interrupted your tangential monologue.

"Hm?" You were still in your little artistic fantasy world, "Oh. Oh! That is right. My apologies. I was hoping you would accompany me into town. My brother would usually force me to be chaperoned by a knight but I managed to convince him that a student should suffice. That is if you do not have any objections."

"I would be delighted to escort you into town." she smiled.

You almost bounced out of pure happiness, "Wonderful! Let's get going."

You mindlessly chattered on about art as Edelgard listened politely. This was usually how your time with Edelgard went. You would talk and she would listen. She wasn't too keen on opening up and you had enough to say for the both of you.

It was only when you saw a particular painting that you stopped talking and walking all together. It took Edelgard a moment to see what had captured your attention in such a way.

You stared at a painting. It was a depiction of a battle ground. The dirt was died red with blood and fallen soldier littered the floor. In the middle of it all stood a girl, far too young-looking to be in such a place. On her face she held a smile. A sad smile. As if she was hiding and incredible burden beneath it. And despite her attempts, tears still flowed down her cheeks.

Edelgard looked it over once before looking at your face as if expecting an answer. You barely registered her gaze.

"You like this one? Can't say I blame you! It's the best one I've done in my not so humble opinion." who you assumed to be the artist spoke after noticing your interest, "I got the inspiration for it after reading about Saint S/N. They say she's always bright and sunny, but it just seemed to me she was hiding a lot of turmoil inside, ya know? Very relatable, I think. Sorry to say it's not for sail." The unaware man walked away as quickly as he had arrived leaving you to your thoughts.

You were lost in a world you had thought long forgotten. The screams, the agony, the sorrow. All of it came rushing back as you threaded through the streets of you memories.

"Cichol!" Your voice cried out through the chaos.

A flash of dark, green hair and a pointed ear assured you it was him you saw above the heads of so many people. You felt yourself be pushed along by the masses, but thankfully it seemed he had heard you. His arms held yours as his eyes filled with panic.

"S/N. I thought you were with, Indech."

You bit your lip as you shook your head, "He sent me to go find Macuil and he sent me to go find you!" you explained, "They wouldn't tell me what's going on! But everyone is saying something happened at Zanado."

By the look in your brother's eyes as he hugged you, your fears were confirmed.

It was Edelgard that saved you from the war about to wage in your own mind. Her gentle hand was placed on your shoulder as she asked, "Are you alright?"

Quickly lowering your gaze to the ground and wiping at the tears that had formed you replied affirmatively.

"Wow, I sure took up a lot of your time didn't I." Your usual upbeat persona was back as you bounded forward, back towards the Monastery. "Let us head back, it must be time for dinner."

Edelgard silently set off beside you.

.

Edelgard didn't understand. There was something in the way you were looking at that painting. It contradicted her view of what these "children of the goddess" must be. Maybe you were different? But then--

No.

Pondering this would not bare any fruits. Her mind was already made up, and, regardless of the answer, her path would remain the same.

Looking over at you, she smiled kindly, "If you ever wish to speak of anything, my door is always open to you."

You looked taken aback momentarily. Then your thankful smile made the seed of guilt plant itself deep within Edelgard's conscience.

"Thank you, Edelgard."

You were making it far too easy to discover everything she needed.