Chasing a New Dawn

Chapter 7: Victory and Audiences

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Three Houses or its characters, I only own Blythe, Celine, and the changes in the plot that I make in the war phase.

Enjoy!

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Last Time:

Back on the hill where Jeralt was overseeing the mock battle, the Blade Breaker turned to the figure beside him. "They didn't even need you, did they?"

"They didn't." The figure replied in the affirmative. "And I'm impressed with the growth that they have had in this short amount of time."

"Remember, this job for you has only just begun." Jeralt reminded the person beside him. They nodded, with their teal strands of hair seen blowing in the wind.

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30th of the Great Tree Moon, Afternoon of the Mock Battle, Imperial Year 1180

As soon as Byleth got into the reception hall, he heard lots of footsteps coming in his direction. He turned around to see his class coming up to him, his siblings and Dimitri at the front. Dimitri then called out to him, "Professor! I've been looking for you!"

Once the Blue Lions stopped in front of Byleth, Dimitri continued his statement. "I was hoping we could all share a meal together. It could serve as both a victory celebration and a post-battle analysis. What do you think?"

"A victory celebration?" Byleth said with a mildly inquisitive expression on his face. In the mercenary company, he was almost never involved in celebrations after a job was complete.

"Of course." Dimitri responded to the teal-haired professor's question. "After all, we fought hard out there. Such exertion is bound to make anyone hungry for respite, don't you agree?"

Blythe and Annette nodded in the background. Sylvain then called to the professor. "Come now, Professor! We can't very well celebrate without the last of our three keys to our victory present."

"He's right! He really is! We were only able to win because we had your help, Professor!" Annette spoke up with a joyful tone in her voice.

"I only played a supporting role in the mock battle." Byleth pointed out with a straight face. His voice void of emotion. Celine shook her head while making a humming noise. The blue-haired young woman looked at Byleth with the thankfulness shown in her eyes. "Your training prepared us enough for the mock battle."

"Yes." Felix's voice cut over the crowd. He then continued with, "Compared with that boar who knows nothing save frontal attacks, the tactics of you and your sister were nearly decent."

"Felix! You really ought to stop picking fights with His Highness." Ingrid admonished her childhood friend with a slightly disappointed expression.

"Don't worry, Ingrid." Dimitri said while shaking his head. He then looked towards the Galatea heir. "I encourage all to speak freely. And I must agree that the professor and Blythe's tactics were truly extraordinary. I have much to learn."

"I can help you if you want." Blythe said while looking at Dimitri with a small smile. Dimitri thought for a few seconds, and nodded to Blythe's help. The turquoise-haired young woman's smile then widened.

Mercedes suddenly wobbled on her feet slightly. With a fatigued expression, the pinkish-blonde healer interjected. "Oh, sure, but today was exhausting I'm so hungry I can barely stand..."

"To be honest, so am I." Ashe responded while looking at Mercedes. "Let's head to the dining hall. Together."

Everyone nodded. All of the Blue Lions except for Blythe, Dimitri, and Byleth then began to go to the dining hall. The turquoise-haired young woman then looked back towards Dimitri with a questioning expression on her face. The prince made a small motion with his hand, signifying that he would follow along in a minute. Blythe nodded, and followed after the rest of the Blue Lions.