Dear My Beloved Professor (M!Byleth x F!Reader)

Battle at Gronder

It was the dawn of the next day, apparently the whole troop had gone off to do some urgent quest without Y/n some time ago, bringing Judith into the ranks of the Alliance.  Claude, Byleth, and the other members of the Alliance were gathering in the meeting room, leaving Y/n last to enter the room, gathering looks from other soldiers who stood from the sidelines. Feeling nervous, Y/n's arms gathered to her chest, hoping to feel small from the gazing eyes that followed her movements. 

"Y/n, good morning. Come here, we're about to start the meeting." Byleth called out to her, showing her his hand as she quickly ran to his side. Instead of taking his hand though, she took his entire arm and hugged it tightly. Hoping to hide herself from the onlookers. Byleth let out a small chuckle and head patted Y/n's head to help ease her. She gazed up at him. He gazed at her and then stopped petting her. The two just looked at each other until Byleth rested his hand on her hair again.

"Want me to continue?" He asked, even knowing the answer. Y/n nodded vigorously, her eyes pleading not to stop. 

"Ahem."  A voice loudly announced, pulling them from their playful banter. Claude stepped out of one of the nearby rooms and took a seat at the round table that they had set up for their lessons and meetings. He rested his elbows on the table and placed his chin on his knuckles, his face giving a relaxed emotion.

"Good news. All of that we did went about as well as it could have. Each lord has agreed to provide us with soldiers and supplies." Claude said, pulling the other members of Alliance to join in the meeting. 

"I am impressed you were able to convince all of those scattered nobles to help us," chimed Judith, bringing her hand to rest on her hip, "I thought they would quarrel about how much support they should each provide. That's what they do anyway."

"Well, thanks to Count Gloucester took the initiative in taking on responsibilities. I presume that was because you spoke with him in advance, Lorenz?" Claude shifted his gaze from Judith to Lorenz, in which he nodded at the question.

"I merely explained the situation at hand, and then my father simply followed your lead, Claude. It was because you had the professor there to represent Lady Rhea. My father is a pious follower of the Church of Serio." 

"I don't doubt it. I wasn't under the delusion that it was my personal charm that unified everyone. Thanks for that, by the way. I hope you don't feel like I used you... because I sort of used you." Claude then turned to Byleth, lifting his hand towards him as a sign of thanks and apologies.

Byleth smiled in return, gently holding Y/n's hand in his and giving it a tight squeeze. "Don't mention it." 

Claude's face grew wide as he intently watched the professor being more, human. His gaze shifted back to the crew.

"I appreciate that. We don't have time to be picky with our methods. But be honest. You're having a hard time adjusting to your new role, aren't you?"

Byleth eyed him, "A bit, but I have been having less trouble as of late. Things to look forward to. So I'll do whatever I can to help in any way."

"Hm, that's good to hear. But I realized that you might be feeling guilty about deceiving the believers for our causes.. but this is what the archbishop wanted, and she's the highest authority in the church. Besides, as the wielder of the sword of the creator, it's undeniable that you are special. I think you should be more confident in yourself and use your position to the fullest."

"I'll keep that in mind." 

The doors suddenly burst open, revealing Shamir with some knights following behind her, 

"I have news. our enemy is gathering troops at Fort Merceus. Their army is immense. Likely led by a renowned general. Or perhaps.."

"Eddie..?" Y/n said, bringing eyes to her. Byleth held her hand tightly this time, knowing how important Edelgard was to Y/n still.