Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude finished their time within the sauna and after eating lunch, they decide to split off when Dimitri was called up by Seteth himself 

Claude when towards the library to study while Edelgard grabbed a couple of cookies and when towards the greenhouse where she encountered Bernadetta who is holding a pot containing a plant and...singing? 

Edelgard smiled as waited in silence while Bernadetta closed her eyes, look up at the glass roof and continued to sing her song "♪Food, Food, come to me, fly into my mouth like a fly♪" 

She looked at the cookie within her hands, Edelgard slowly walks up to Bernadetta and places the cookie within Bernadetta mouth "Here you go Bernadetta, have a cookie," 

Bernadetta bit the cookie "Mmm, my imagination is so strong today it's like I'm eating a real cookie," she muttered as she continues to bite on it...until she opened her eyes and noticed Edelgard which caused her eyes to become wide 

Edelgard smiled at Bernadetta and said "Good morning Bernadetta," 

Her cookie fell from her mouth "L...Lady Edelgard!" she leaped back which caused her to drop the plant within her hand but Edelgard was quick enough to grab it 

"Carefully Bernadetta, you nearly dropped your plant," said Edelgard as she hands the plant back to Bernadetta 

Bernadetta accepted the plant as she bowed towards Edelgard "T..thank you Lady Edelgard, but may I ask, why are you here?" Bernadetta asked

Edelgard just points at her "You, Bernadetta, we have something important 'things' to discuss," She pats Bernadetta right shoulder "Once you are finished your task, meet me at the garden," Edelgard slowly walks away but stops just at the entrance "Oh and I nearly forgot, don't let my tea become cold otherwise I sent Hubert to remind you," said Edelgard as she exited out of the Greenhouse while Bernadetta mouth just dropped as she stared at the entrance 

Bernadetta soon snapped out of it "Huh...oh...sure, I...I will be there Lady Edelgard," Bernadetta sighed as she when back to her task 

-------------

Claude was about to enter the library until he heard some voices within the room. He leans his back against the door as he slowly peeks around the corner where he sees Petra and Shamir having a chat together at one of the tables 

"Interesting, well I better leave before they notice me," muttered Claude as quickly leaves and heads towards the training ground where he saw Bernadetta running past him and heading towards the Garden. Claude smirked at her as he continues his way 

When he arrived, the training ground was left abandoned. He sighed in relief as he picks up his Apollyon and starts practicing his bow arm against the training dummy 

-------------

Bernadetta arrived at the garden...the same place where Dimitri, Claude and Edelgard normally meet as Hubert pour them both a cup of tea before leading towards Edelgard and whisper something into her "Miss Varley has sent her request Lady Edelgard," whispered Hubert as he hands her the letter with the seal of the Crest of Indech. Edelgard stares at before whispering back towards Hubert "Bring that special 'Bow' for Bernadetta," Hubert nods before leaving them alone 

Bernadetta meanwhile just looked back at Hubert before turning her eyes back at Edelgard "Lad...Lady Edelgard, may I ask...why have you called for me?" Bernadetta asked with a worried look on her face 

Edelgard took a sip of her tea, opened the letter and examines the content before responding to Bernadetta comment "The reason why I called you here is that your father has been arrested, his crimes were corruption and treason against the Imperial royal family," 

Bernadetta faces when wide as she starts to panic "Oh no...am...am I going to be executed?" 

Edelgard shook her head "No, it's just your father that has been punished." she reveals the paper within her hand "Bernadetta, I am going to make an offer and it going to be a big one,"  

"I see...so what the offer?" Bernadetta asked as she slowly calms herself 

"It simple, your mother is asking you to take over House Varley," Edelgard calmly sips her tea as she waits for Bernadetta 

Bernadetta just stared at Edelgard with a silent look before "What...b...bu..but why?" 

Edelgard sighed "Bernadetta...do you have any other siblings?" 

She looked down at the ground "No...but mother can take over...right?" 

She shook her head "I would allow it but..." Edelgard took a deep breath "Your mother isn't exactly popular with the common folk nor in the minor nobility due to her shaky... 'past'. I wish I could do something about it but..." Edelgard sighed as she leans back "She made her choice and asked me to hand you this," she hands the letter to Bernadetta "She what you to take over House Varley and to serve alongside the Emperor,"

She set the letter onto the table "I see, mother did order some servants to stuff me in a bag, I thought that I was being kidnapped but...instead, it was my mother trying to protect me from my father abuse," Bernadetta sighed as Edelgard respond 

"Your mother does care for you within her heart," she took another sip of her tea "Bernadetta, do you remember the time when I told you, my greatest fear?" Edelgard asked 

Bernadetta looked back at Edelgard "Yes, Lady Edelgard, you said that...you can't swim is that correct?" 

Edelgard nods "Yes, it one of my weaknesses that I am still struggling with but what if I tell you another weakness of ....." she stopped when 

Bernadetta raised her hand "May I ask? Why are you telling me this Lady Edelgard?" Bernadetta asked 

She sighed as she took another sip before responding "Its to show that you are not alone. Bernadetta, I understand your fears and that you what to shut yourself away from reality but soon or later, you will have to face the harsh realization of reality." Edelgard points at the letter "Like becoming the new head of House Varley,"  

Bernadetta looked down with shame in her eyes as she slowly picks up the letter "So you are telling that...just because I shut myself inside my room, I wasn't prepared for 'reality'?" 

Edelgard nods once more "Yep, you been hiding within your den for too long and now...the sun has completely blind you," said Edelgard as she points at the bright sun in the sky

"I...I see," she got up from her chair and bowed "Then will you help me Lady Edelgard to become the next head of House Varley?" 

She pats her on her head "Sure, I would gladly help another friend out," her face turns into sorrow for a moment before turning back to her serious self "Especially the fact, that your grades are very impressive. You scored 3rd place during our last test. Only being beaten by me and Linhardt," 

Bernadetta sat back down and took another sip from her cup "I only beat Hubert by three points, Petra by six points and Dorothea by twenty points...it wasn't that much Lady Edelgard," 

Edelgard chuckled "You scored 83...that deserves some praise and also..." she leans next to her ear "I saw you smiling during your dance with Hubert," Edelgard smirks as Bernadetta face blush bright red 

"Tha...no, No Lady Edelgard! I...I was forced out of my den by Hubert!" shouted Bernadetta as she looks away and covered her face with both of her hands 

She started to giggle before bursting into a laugh as her body leans back 

She looked surprised at Edelgard laugh as she lows her hands onto her lap "Lady Edelgard...your...laughing?" Bernadetta asked with a confused look on her face 

Edelgard soon steady herself as she took another sip of her tea "What wrong? Am I not allowed to laugh?" Edelgard asked while smiling 

She shook her head "Oh no...it just that...you were always so serious when it comes to fighting or being inside a classroom...it like you are a completely different person," Bernadetta replied as she smiles alongside Edelgard 

"Sorry to crush your image but are you feeling any better now?" Edelgard slightly leans back as Hubert finally arrived with a case that has the marking of the Crest of Indech on it "Perfect timing Hubert, set the case on the table and keep an eye out for any unwanted attention,"  

Hubert nods as he sets the case onto the table where he noticed Bernadetta staring at him. Hubert just made a wick at her causing her to blush before leaving them alone 

Edelgard hid her chuckle by using one of her hands to cover her mouth before Bernadetta turns her eyes back at her "Remember this case?" Edelgard asked as she points at the Crest of Indech 

Bernadetta nods "It...it...it can't be..." muttered Bernadetta as Edelgard slowly opens the case and shows to Bernadetta. The case was containing a bow covered in gold like plating, a black string and has a white middle "This is...the Inexhaustible...a Scared Weapon. How did you get this?" Bernadetta asked as she examines the bow 

"It a special gift from your mother," she points out the bow "She wants you to have it as the next head of House Varley," Bernadetta nods as she was about to pick the bow but Edelgard move the case away from her  "Bernadetta, I think you are missing something," 

Bernadetta looked confused at her statement "Umm...what am I missing?" Bernadetta asked 

She sighed "Do you remember how the swear an oath of loyalty under the Twin Eagles?" 

"Huh? swear an oath but...I only do that if there..." she stopped for a moment and stared at Edelgard "...A new Emperor..." Bernadetta looked speechless at Edelgard

Edelgard smiled and nods "Well...it looks like you finally caught up to speed, My father has abdicated from his throne and made me the New Emperor of the Adrestian Empire. Although the news has not reached to the public ears...only to the nobility and generals were present at the coronation beside Ferdinand, Hubert, Petra, Lysithea, Dedue, Claude and finally the Prince of Faerghus himself Prince Dimitri," said Edelgard 

Her breathing became heavy as her hands were shaking when Bernadetta tries to take a sip of her tea but Edelgard gentle comforts her by moving over and patting her on the head. After a couple of mins, Bernadetta finally spoke up "So...so that means...you were the one that ordered my father arrest, your majesty?" Bernadetta asked as Edelgard move across from her 

She nods once more "He was part of the Insurrection of the Seven, to strip away my father's power and the main cause of corruption within the Imperial court. But don't worry, I only ordered his arrest into prison, I am not planning for an execution...unless you what me to change your father punishment," Edelgard replied 

Bernadetta sigh in relief "I think that a fine punishment for my father, your majesty. As for the oath...yes, I remembered it..." she looked at the case than back at Edelgard "You what me to do it now?" Bernadetta asked 

Edelgard nods "Hubert...can you lend me your sword?" Hubert showed himself, however, he wasn't alone as Ferdinand was also present "Ferdinand? You were as well?" Edelgard asked as Ferdinand bows towards her 

"Yes, your majesty, I have heard that you were having a conversion with Lady Bernadetta," He turns towards Bernadetta "Bernadetta, you don't have to do this. You could just let your moth..." Edelgard interrupt Ferdinand by raising one of her hands 

"I am afraid that Ms. Varley has rejected that offer and is wishing to retire due to her shaky past," Edelgard took a sip of her tea 

Ferdinand was about to speak up but that when Bernadetta stood up and took a deep breath "Its alright Ferdinand, I will be fine...just believe in me," said Bernadetta 

Hubert looked shooked at her statement alongside Ferdinand but kept his cold look as he hands Edelgard a Mithril Sword

Ferdinand on the other hand just nods as he looks at Edelgard "May I be present at this ceremony, your majesty?" Ferdinand asked 

Edelgard nods "You may Prince Minister, just hold this case, stay silent and keep an eye out for any unwanted attention," Ferdinand nods in reply as he held the case within his hands behind Edelgard 

"Good luck to you Miss Varley," said Hubert as he bowed towards Edelgard before taking his leave 

"Pr...Prince Minister? So...you too?" Bernadetta asked Ferdinand 

Ferdinand sighed "Yes, her majesty, ordered a purge of the corrupt nobility and well...my father was among them. I couldn't believe the ugly truth until I saw it within my own eyes...thankfully she allowed me to serve in my father's place. So right now I am working hard to restore House Aegir image for the common people," Ferdinand replied 

Edelgard raised her sword in front of her "All of it was true, I had to work hard to remove the corrupted nobility within the Imperial and to reform the Imperial Government. Anyways, shall we start the ceremony?" 

Bernadetta kneeled right in front of Edelgard with her right leg forward, left leg back, right arm across her chest and her left arm behind her back

"Bernadetta Von Varley, today is a special day as from this today forward...you shall become the new head of House Varley," she places her sword on her right shoulder "Do you swear under the Twin Eagles of the Adrestian Empire, your absolute loyalty to the Imperial bloodline and its people?" 

Bernadetta nods "I swear under the Twin Eagles that..." Bernadetta soon when into complete silence. Ferdinand had a concerned look on his face while Edelgard just frowns. Sweat started to appear on her face

Edelgard quickly noticed it as she turns her head towards Ferdinand. Ferdinand points at himself in which Edelgard nods her head towards Bernadetta. Ferdinand bowed as he moves and leans next to Bernadetta, whispering something into her ear before moving back into his original position 

Bernadetta sighed in relief as she continues with her original sentence "That I shall serve for the rest of my life or until retirement," 

Edelgard smiled as she dubs her right shoulder then moves to her left shoulder and dubs it without saying a single word. Ferdinand noticed this but didn't question Edelgard "Now rise, Bernadetta Von Varley, as from this day forward...you just became the head of House Varley. Come and claim your gift to prove your birthright," said Edelgard as Ferdinand stepped forward and present the case towards Bernadetta

Bernadetta stood up straight and lift the case with both of her hands. She then bowed towards Edelgard "Tha...thank you, your majesty," said Bernadetta as she grabs the case upright with one hand

Edelgard sets the sword onto the table "No problem, but I have to remind both of you that you may only call me as just a princess within Garreg Mach instead of Emperor, Do I make myself clear?" Edelgard asked 

Both of them bowed and said "Yes your Highness," 

She when towards Bernadetta and pats her on the shoulder "You did well, now you should write a letter to your mother...she would be very proud of you," 

Bernadetta smiled "Th...Thank you, your highness, I shall get started," said Bernadetta as she cheerfully leaves the garden alongside the case within her hands 

Hubert smiled at the sight of Bernadetta before continuing his duty as a lookout 

Ferdinand meanwhile just when beside Edelgard "You when easy on her didn't you? You were supposed to speak another sentence during the second part of the dubbing but instead, you just skipped it," said Ferdinand 

"I know but that fine with me, after all, she is still struggling not to faint under my presence," Edelgard replied in a single tone 

He sighed in relief "I agree, she did faint while standing up when she encountered Hubert," 

"She still has some room for improvement but for now, let us just enjoy this time of peace," Edelgard gentle pats Ferdinand on his shoulder 

"Alright then, I see you later, your highness," Ferdinand leaves the garden 

Hubert entered the scene as Edelgard sighed in relief "Hubert, I am going to ask a serious question Hubert, so please...don't hide anything from me," 

Hubert simply nods "Anything for you Lady Edelgard," 

Edelgard looked at Hubert with a straight face "Are you love with Bernadetta Von Varley?" 

He made a slight grunting sound under his mouth but kept his calm "What type of question is that, Lady Edelgard?" Hubert asked 

"Yes or no Hubert, give me a straight answer," Edelgard replied as she examines the Mithril Sword

Hubert frowned but sighed "How did you know?" 

"I saw the dance between you and Bernadetta. Both of you were smiling as you dance alongside the music of the ballroom and rumours said that you took her to the infirmary when she fainted...while standing up," Edelgard smiled "How kind of you to support Lady Bernadetta. Anyways, where did you get this Mithril sword?" Edelgard asked 

He groaned in frustration as he ignored Edelgard first comment "I found it during my search inside my father office, the Mithril sword would greatly suit you Lady Edelgard," Hubert replied 

"I see so that how you found their hideout...very impressive," Hubert hesitated but just nods as Edelgard swings the sword around "This sword is very impressive. It has tons of weight behind each strike but it weighs less than a normal Long Sword. Maybe I should do some sword training just in case or...I could give it to someone else that would make better use of it, is that alright Hubert?" 

Hubert nods "I shall let you decide Lady Edelgard," he hands the sheath to Edelgard 

Edelgard took it and sheathed the Mithril Sword "Very well, now if you excuse me, I will be heading to the Training Ground. Hubert, you are 'dismissed' for this day of peace,"

He bowed "Yes, Lady Edelgard," said Hubert as they split off 

----------------

Dorothea was chatting with the boys outside of the dorms until she noticed Bernadetta walking back to her dorm with a smile on her face

She split off from the boys and walked towards Bernadetta whose eyes were shut as she was humming until she bumped into Bernadetta 

Bernadetta opened her eyes and stared at Dorothea "Oh...hello Dorothea," 

Dorothea had a surprised look on her face "Bernie you are...smiling," 

She nods "Yes, I am...I got a gift from my mother," Bernadetta reveals the closed case 

She examines the case "Oh, I see. I got to say...even though your father is the biggest meany within Fodlan. Your mother still deeply cares about you, I am touched..." Dorothea stepped out of the way "Sorry for getting in your way," 

Bernadetta kept on smiling "It alright Dorothea, you don't have to feel bad for me...anyways, see ya," Bernadeta waved Dorothea goodbye as she shut herself inside her room 

"See ya...hmm, I wonder what was inside that case..." she shook her head "No matter, it none of my business," muttered Dorothea as she when back to the boys  

---------------

Mercedes is still trapped inside the large cell alongside her friends. At least that was until a group of Dark men wearing dark robes burst into the cell and started to drag everyone away beside Mercedes

Constance was outraged "What is the meaning of this?" Constance asked as the Dark men didn't reply as they tied their arms tightly with a piece of rope same with Balthus, Hapi and Yuri  

Balthus tried to resist but got knocked out by a Dark spell. Hapi didn't bother to resist alongside Yuri who...doesn't look surprised at all unlike the other three 

Mercedes tried to help "No...Constance!" but one of the men push her onto the bed and started to beat her with a wooden club "Stop! Please!" begged Mercedes as they dragged her cellmates out with Constance still shouting while the rest are just silent 

Soon that man stopped beating her and left the room without saying a single word. Mercedes examines her surroundings within the cell...she is all alone now as another food trey entered this time holding a fresh loaf of bread, a jar of water, and a couple of fresh apples 

Mercedes just took the tray and placed onto one of the beds and started to pray as her eyes started to fill with water, her mouth muttered in dry lips and ignoring the pain inflicted onto her body