Fodlan's Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad.

Chapter 8: A warm greeting from the Lions

"Apologies for the interruption. You all were having an important meeting." Dimitri apologized, bowing down.

"Your Highness, relax! There's no need to apologize. I mean, you were bound to know eventually." Sylvain smiled, patting Dimitri on the back.

"Perhaps we should continue our conversation later." Rhea spoke "Both of your classmates have been worried sick." she explained.

"Welp, to the Blue Lions we go." Sylvain sighed "This is going to be a mess." he mumbled to himself. Bernadetta gently held his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He smiled at her. Honestly, he was grateful she was here with him, safe. If she had ended up somewhere else, then... He wouldn't know what to do if S.E.E.S wasn't with him.

"Huh? But Bernadetta is a part of the Black Eagles?" Edelgard asked, a brow raised. That caused the two to go silent, realizing that they had not told the house leaders anything about this.

"Yeah, what do you mean to the Blue Lions?" Claude inquired, placing a hand on his chin.

"I am quite intrigued as well." Dimitri admitted, looking at the two with curiosity.

"..." Bernadetta remained quiet, looking down. She felt shame. She couldn't find the courage to tell Edelgard. It felt like she was her old, weal self. And she hated it. Sykvain looked at her.

"Are you okay, Bernadetta?" Edelgard asked, frowning. Bernadetta shut her eyes. She couldn't get any words out of her mouth.

"She's transferring to the Blue Lions." Sylvain only said before he, Bernadetta and S.E.E.S left the room, leaving a wide eyed and open mouth Edelgard, a surprised Dimitri and a very amused Claude. The house leaders turned to Rhea and Seteth, silently asking for an explanation on what the redhead meant.

"You certainly seemed surprised by that." Seteth spoke.

"I can't say I was expecting that." Edelgard answered after a few seconds of silence "May I ask why she transferred?" she asked, turning to Lady Rhea.

"She feels safer around Sylvain and her friends. That was what she told us." she answered. Edelgard only nodded, frowning. She had to admit that this did make her have to change her plans. It frustrated her. But there was nothing she could do.

"Sorry." Bernadetta whispered. Sylvain raised a brow at that.

"Why are you apologizing, Bernie?" he asked.

"Because I couldn't muster the courage to answer Edelgard. It felt like... I couldn't speak." she said, running a hand through her hair "I hate it when it happens. It feels like I'm back to my weak, scared self." she added. Sylvain frowned.

"Big sis, it's okay to feel scared." Ken told her "You're human, just like the rest of us." he smiled. Bernadetta stared at him in surprise, not expecting him to comfort her.

"Yeah, Ken's right! Besides, you can rely on us." Yukari assured her, patting her back while Junpei gave her a thumbs up. Bernadetta couldn't help but smile at their support. She really loved them. They were her family.

"Now, if any of the Blue Lions bother you guys, you tell me and I'll have a talk with them." Sylvain told them with his usual carefree grin.

"Thank you for that, but I think Mitsuru-senpai can deal with them just fine." Junpei chuckled.

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"His Highness is surely taking a while." Ashe mumbled out loud, his eyes darting to the door. Ingrid hummed, frowning.