A/n: Honestly, I only pre-ordered Three Hopes because the Three Houses characters were returning.  After I complete this story, I may make another Presea x Claude story that takes place in Three Hopes. Love you all!!!

PS: This chapter has NOT been proofread.

~✨Celestial✨~
••••••••••••••••••••

Gathered at the entrance to the palace, the Golden Deer, Judith, Seteth, and Alois prepared for the next battle. Claude addressed his friends and comrades. "Is everyone ready? The objective of this battle is to defeat Edelgard and rescue Rhea. According to the information Dedue gave us, the throne room is directly north of the castle's main entrance. It's safe to assume that's where Edelgard is."

Byleth glanced at the duke. "Is there no way to walk the same path as Edelgard?"

"She's a fellow student to all of us. If there's a path that we can walk together, that would be preferable. But that all depends on Edelgard. If she won't yield, then that's that. If showing pity would put my allies in danger, I will not hesitate to kill her. I ask that you and everyone here prepare yourselves to do the same."

"Understood," Lysithea responded. "I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are prepared."

"The future of the Alliance—no, of Fódlan—is at stake. I have been prepared for this my whole life," Lorenz said.

"Captain Jeralt taught me that indecisiveness is a weakness," Leonie chimed in. "One must cast aside their doubts before fighting."

Flayn was the next to speak. "The lives of Lady Rhea and everyone here are more important than all else. I shall be prepared."

"You know what? I wouldn't be surprised if she took one look at my overstuffed muscles and surrendered in tears, then and there!" Raphael exclaimed.

"I really hope that Edelgard will yield..." Ignatz spoke honestly.

"Edelgard is a stubborn one. I don't think she's likely to surrender," Hilda said.

Presea couldn't help but agree with the warrior. "I also feel like she will never see eye to eye with us."

Marianne clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. "Goddess... Please protect us..."

"I...I'll fight with all I got to save Lady Rhea!" Cyril declared.

"Rescuing Lady Rhea is my dearest wish. We must prevail, no matter what it takes," Seteth spoke up.

"In the name of the Knights of Seiros, we'll bring the hammer down on the Imperial army!" Alois proclaimed.

Judith looked over at the duke. "Satisfied yet, boy? Everyone made up their minds a long time ago."

Claude nodded. "Okay. Let's get started." He gave his attention to the professor. "We're yours to command, my friend."

"Leave it to me," Byleth replied.

Claude was enthused by his confidence as he gave a command. "Everyone, take your positions! The battle is upon us!"

The Alliance army infiltrated the palace with brute force. They broke through the gate and busted down the front doors. Now inside the palace, they saw it was crawling with imperial forces. Claude analyzed the enemies they would be facing. He was already aware they were outnumbered the moment he decided to fight against the Empire, but he believed in quality instead of quantity. He had confidence in his allies that they would be victorious. "There are more enemies inside the palace than I thought. It's gonna take a lot to bring this situation under control. But, if we defeat Edelgard, then victory is ours! Everyone, let's go!"

In the foyer located outside the throne room, Presea could smell the awful stench of demonic beasts. Out of everyone, she could easily stand against them in her wolf form because her size was large. She could handle the bigger beasts while her friends dealt with the other imperial forces. Inhaling deeply, she transformed. She shook her large body with a huff before releasing a howl that echoed throughout the palace.

Claude's gaze fell onto the large door located on the other side of the foyer. Seeing the number of enemies guarding it, he easily deduced what was on the other side. "Our bashful little emperor has locked herself up behind the door of the throne room. The key should be around here somewhere. We need to find whoever's got it and take them out."

The Alliance army charged forward and clashed with the imperial forces. They wiped out enemies left and right while searching for the key to the throne room. Marianne and Presea acted as the designated healers until one of the giant demonic beasts rammed down a nearby door that led to the side courtyard. Unlike other demonic beasts, this one was bipedal and much larger. Its head and hands were cladded in heavy armor.

Presea saw the demonic beast was charging straight for their formation. If it were to break through their defenses, it would scatter them and force them to regroup. If they become scattered, it would make it easier for the imperial army to pluck them off one by one.

Before the beast could plow through the Alliance army, Presea used her body as a battering ram and plowed into its gut. She kept it occupied while the others focused on searching for the key. Latching onto its back, she sunk her fangs into its exposed flesh. She yanked and pulled until a chunk of its neck was missing. Blood spurted from the large wound, causing the demonic beast to shriek. Frantically, it rammed its back into a nearby wall and crushed the wolf against it. She whimpered in pain, but she fought through it.

Preparing to attack the demonic beast again, Presea spotted a familiar figure from the corner of her eye. Dedue charged forward with his axe at the ready. He swung it at the monster and cracked the armor on its hands. He swung his axe a second time and knocked the beast back. It landed on its back.

The pterolykos was surprised to see Dedue again so soon. She glanced down at him with a curious gaze. When their eyes met, she saw the bloodlust in his gaze.

Dedue gripped his axe tightly. "I cannot vanquish her alone. So I will join you in this battle. But if I fall, leave me. My only wish is for Edelgard's head."

The wolf nodded her head in understanding. Her attention was then drawn back to the demonic beast when it recovered. Focusing her magic, she cast an ice spell. Large, sharp icicles formed around her body. With a wave of her tails, the icicles surged forward and pierced the monster's body. The single spell was just enough to kill it.

With the beast dead, Dedue targetted the imperial forces gathered outside the throne room. He fought alongside the Alliance army and joined the search for the key. Among the many imperial forces were none other than Petra and Dorothea. The two women stood before the throne room door.

Petra raised her sword. "We must be protecting the throne room! You will not be getting past!"

Dorothea stood beside Petra, eyes narrowed in a death glare as her palms swirled with a fire spell. "Stay back! I'll protect Edie with my life!"

Seeing how strong the two women were, Presea wondered if either of them possesses the key to the throne room. She was ready to rejoin the Golden Deer and face off against her two former classmates. Her large form allowed her to have an advantage. She remembered what the demonic beast was trying to accomplish earlier and decided to try it out herself.

Presea charged at the imperial forces gathered in front of the throne room door. She barreled through them, successfully scattering them. She handled two assassins and a masked mage when she noticed they had targeted her after she plowed through them. She received praise from Hilda and Claude for her decision. It made it easier for them to deal with the enemies.

After all the unknown faces of the imperial forces were wiped out, only Petra and Dorothea remained. Byleth, with the Sword of the Creator, stood before the songstress. Dorothea felt bittersweet about seeing him again. "If it's our destiny to kill each other, then I cannot—will not—respect the goddess. My only request is that if you win, you'll at least have the decency to kill me quickly."

Byleth too was displeased to fight against a friend he once thought he would never find at the opposite end of his blade. "A shame we could not fight on the same side, Dorothea."

"As am I, professor."

On the opposite side of the room, Shamir found herself face to face with Petra. "I cannot bring myself to kill you... You're a princess of Brigid. A hostage of the Empire."

"That was the truth in the past, but it is a different truth now, Shamir... I am...the will of the emperor!" Petra shouted proudly.

Shamir felt awful at raising her weapon against Petra, but she knew what had to be done and steeled herself. "In that case, I won't hold back."

In the end, Petra and Dorothea fell. Their final words were heard by those who slew them. Shamir returned to the throne room door with the key she had discovered on Petra's corpse. She unlocked the large door and pushed it open with all her might.

Seeing the Alliance army had managed to defeat the enemies in the foyer and side courtyard, Edelgard still wasn't worried when she saw them push open the door to the throne room. "I must confess I never imagined that you would be able to pursue me this far. I don't mean to belittle your skills, Professor, but you've far surpassed my expectations. Inform the troops! Destroy anyone who sets foot in the throne room!"

Imperial reinforcements poured from the stairwells and began making their way through the palace toward the Alliance army. Claude knew they were going to be surrounded, considering the throne room was also flooded with enemies. "Looks like we might have to thin our ranks to deal with the reinforcements."

"Wait," a whispy voice filled Claude's head. He was startled at hearing the voice. Eyes wide as saucers, he turned his head to the source when he recognized the voice. He locked eyes with Presea. Never had he heard her speak when she was in her wolf form. "Let me handle this."

Claude snapped out of his shocked state, figuring he could question her after the battle. "What did you have in mind?"

"I will use the same power reserve I accessed on the Great Bridge of Myrddin to wipe out the reinforcements," she responded.

He recalled what happened to her after she used such power. "Will you be all right after using so much power?"

"As long as I control it, yes."

"Just don't overdo it."

She nodded. Concentrating, she accessed the reserve of power stored within her body. Her friends protected her from any and all threats that targeted her. The golden marks along her body radiated brilliantly as she released the power within her. At once, she cast multiple spells across the entire palace. The reinforcements were wiped out and the stairwells had been blocked by rubble. Her spells had destroyed multiple parts of the castle, leaving nothing but piles of debris. The only enemies that were left after her powerful barrage were the ones dwelling within the throne room.

The golden marks ceased glowing. Presea huffed out a sigh via her nose. She didn't feel like she was going to collapse, but she did feel a bit exhausted.

Claude saw the damage she'd caused and smirked. "Well, would you look at that? There's no way for our little emperor to call any more reinforcements. Now we can focus on the remaining soldiers and Edelgard herself. Nicely done, Pres."

"I'll focus my efforts on the demonic beast. You and the others should deal with the remaining soldiers and Edelgard. I'll join you once I've disposed of the beast," Presea replied, her voice only audible to Claude.

"Understood."

Presea dashed off to fight against the giant demonic beast.

Claude watched her attack the monster before setting his sights on Edelgard. He saw Lysithea and Byleth were heading straight for the emperor and joined them.

The professor was the first to. come face to face with Edelgard. He remained silent as he glowered at her.

Edelgard had an unreadable expression. "Professor... I suppose you think you can defeat me. Is that right? But I will never give up. Even if my arms and legs failed me, I would still find a way to move forward." She swung Aymr in a downward motion. "I will smash that false goddess and her minion into the ground! I will fight to free this world from her vile grasp!"

"Whoa, there!" Claude shouted as he guided Albus over. "Someone's fired up. Guess that's why you chose to be called the "Flame Emperor."

The emperor scoffed. "Your ideals, I understand they're not so far removed from my own. But without sufficient knowledge of this land's suffering, I can't entrust Fódlan to you!"

Claude's teasing smile shattered. "Perhaps. I daresay it's true that I don't fully understand the history of Fódlan. Still, I've seen many things in my life. Don't worry. I'll finish the job for you."

Byleth and Claude fought against Edelgard. Even though they were framed up, the emperor stood her ground and remained strong. Her combat skills were extraordinary.

Lysithea, after having been intercepted by an imperial soldier earlier, finally arrived to help the professor and duke. She sent a ball of miasma toward the emperor, successfully knocking her back.

Edelgard recovered from the attack and eyed the woman. "Lysithea. You and I are so alike. We could have walked the same path."

Lysithea's brows knitted together to show her puzzlement. "We're alike? You don't mean to tell me..." Struck with realization, she gasped with a wide-eyed expression. "It can't be!"

"Yet now, we are at a crossroads. There's no turning back. Must we fight each other for the things we believe in?" The emperor asked.

Lysithea's eyes narrowed in a sharp glare. "That's exactly what's going to happen. And I will defeat you, Edelgard."

Across the throne room, Presea slammed the giant demonic beast against a wall. She wound up smashing the wall and sending the monster to the adjacent room. She wondered how much more life it had in it until she saw it wasn't moving. Seeing it was dead, her attention was drawn to the battle happening across the way. Byleth, Lysithea, and Claude were struggling against Edelgard.

Without wasting any time, she crossed the room to aid her companions. As she ran, she witnessed Aymr shimmer but heard no voices. That was all she needed to know. She reached the throne just in time to witness Edelgard strike Claude with Aymr. He fell off Albus and failnaught slipped from his grasp. She was ready to kill him with a single blow, but Presea intervened. She grabbed the Hero's Relic between her teeth and pushed the emperor away from him.

Edelgard glared fiercely at the wolf as she tried to push back. She wound up stopping the creature but they were at a stalemate. "You are nothing more than a monster created by a false goddess. I shall strike you down!"

Presea could feel Edelgard's hatred. However, it didn't faze her. Instead, she used it to her advantage. She took the emperor off guard by pulling back. When she did, the lilac-eyed woman stumbled and her grip on Aymr slipped. The wolf yanked the weapon out of her grasp.

Edelgard gasped as her body fell to the floor. Her glare never wavered as she remained on her knees. She placed her hand on the hilt of the sword attached to her hip. The moment she went to unsheathe the blade, the pterolykos shattered Aymr. The Emperor was in pure shock to see the Hero's Relic broken so easily. "How...?" Her hand shook over the hilt of the sword. She watched the pieces of Aymr fall to the floor near the wolf's paws.

Byleth, Claude, and Lysithea shared the same flabbergasted expression as the emperor. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.

Presea kept her gaze focused on Edelgard. She waited for a reaction and was slightly taken aback when the woman released a battle cry and unsheathed the sword. She went to strike the pterolykos but was intercepted by Byleth. He blocked her blade with his and exchanged blow after blow.

While the professor occupied Edelgard, Presea reverted and ran to Claude. She helped him up as she provided healing. "Are you okay, Claude?"

"Much better thanks to you," he replied. When he was going to ask about Aymr, they heard a painful cry from Edelgard. They turned to see the professor was gaining the upper hand.

"She can't last much longer," Presea mumbled.

The duke saw the emperor was weakening. "Edelgard, give up! We don't want to kill you!"

Edelgard, on shaky legs, refused to back down. "But...I must kill you. If I don't, the righteous world I dream of will never see the light. Come at me with everything you have. For one of us, this is the end!"

Lysithea joined Byleth in attacking once seeing Edelgard wouldn't back down.

Presea picked up Failnaught. The peaceful and cheerful voices of the Nabateans as she returned it to Claude.

He smiled, accepting the Hero's Relic. "Let's finish this."

Claude and Presea joined the fray. They were soon joined by the others, who finished off the remaining imperial forces. Within minutes, they had Edelgard on her knees. Byleth stood before the emperor as she leaned against her sword for support while kneeling. Panting, she watched the professor closely.

Byleth stared calmly at her with the Sword of the Creator clasped in both hands. He said nothing.

"It looks as though...my path...will end here." Edelgard slumped forward, her right arm limo at her side. "My teacher...claim your victory."

The professor closes his eyes. He wishes it didn't have to end like this.

"Strike me down. You must!" Edelgard shouted.

Byleth furrows his brows and then opens his eyes again to gaze at the defeated Edelgard. He still wasn't sure what to say and remained silent.

"Even now...across this land, people are killing each other. If you do not act now, this conflict...will go on forever," she panted. Her voice was becoming weaker, signaling she was having difficulty speaking. "Your path...lies across my grave. It is time for you to find the courage to walk it."

A saddened expression crosses Byleth's face as he continued to listen.

Edelgard leans forwards toward the professor, lowering her head in grief as she speaks her last words. "If I must fall...let it be by your hand."

Byleth's grip on the Sword of the Creator tightens. He slowly walks toward Edelgard as she kneels on the floor. Light from the windows behind him envelopes them, creating a halo. His gaze doesn't have guilt or hesitance anymore but instead displays determination. He lifted the sword, preparing to strike her down.

She muttered her final words. "I wanted...to walk with you..."

The Sword of the Creator swings down, claiming her life.

The throne room descended into suffocating silence. No one said anything as they departed from the castle.

Outside the palace, Presea, Claude, and Byleth lagged behind the others. They came to a stop not too far from the entrance of the castle. The duke sighed in relief. "It's over. We were only able to beat her because of you and Presea."

The snowy-haired woman was perturbed. "Me?"

Claude nodded. "Not only did you wipe out those demonic beasts, but you also destroyed Edelgard's Hero's Relic. How did you do it?"

"It was a mere imitation of a Hero's Relic. Whenever Edelgard used it, I didn't hear voices. I wasn't sure if it was a replica right away, but when I broke it, it confirmed my theory." She glanced back at the castle. "Still, I wish she had yielded. If she were to have joined us on the road to peace, I think we could've rekindled the bond we had when we were classmates. And perhaps she could've even told us where she obtained an imitation."

With a heartbroken expression, Byleth tried to speak. "I..." He sighed and fell silent.

Claude could see the professor struggling. "This wasn't the conclusion I had hoped for. Even though... I... Never mind. It's over now. The important thing is that we won."

"Yes," Byleth nodded. "We're one step closer towards a new dawn."

Just then, Judith joins them. She handed a piece of paper to Claude. "Here, boy. A letter. An Imperial general asked me to give it to you."

"A letter? Let's see it." The duke begins to read the letter. "It looks like it's from... Hubert. Edelgard's vassal."

"He left a letter?" Presea blinked in surprise.

"He sure did."

*****

If you are reading this letter, that means I have perished. As Her Majesty would never surrender to another, I can only assume she has fallen as well. It greatly pains me to think of this coming to pass... That said, as the survivors, I must ask you to settle certain affairs in our stead. You must destroy the threat that slithers in the dark. I am sure you must recall Monica and Tomas. Their allies yet live. They hold deep resentment against the children of the goddess, the pterolykoses, and the people of the world, and they are biding their time until they can exact revenge.

If left to their own devices, it is certain they will eventually bring unimaginable calamity and suffering to the world. I detected their sorcery when you took Fort Merceus. I have deduced the location of their stronghold, Shambhala. You will find its whereabouts enclosed. There is no question that they are the enemies of everyone in Fódlan. Do not allow yourselves to forget that.

Lastly... While I cannot say she is in good health, the archbishop resides in a secret chamber in the Imperial palace. I have shared the location of the entrance to that secret chamber with the person to whom I have entrusted this letter. I believe that Her Majesty will be victorious... Even still, I must plan for her defeat as well. If you wish to lead this world, I challenge you to rise to the occasion and surpass my estimation of you. Such is your obligation as the victors... and the only fitting tribute to all that Lady Edelgard sacrificed.

*****

"Hubert..." Claude exhaled melancholically. "To leave a letter like this behind... You were a better man than I believed you to be. So, Rhea is alive. And the fight isn't over yet. Those who slither in the dark... It sounds like Fódlan will never know peace unless we defeat them."

Byleth nodded in agreement. "They are the only remaining obstacle in our way."

"The allies of Monica and Tomas..." Claude hummed while deep in thought. "Well, we knew about them already. I think it's safe to assume this is the same group who used Lysithea for their blood experiments and are the ones helping Acheron. And they were also responsible for the javelins of light that destroyed the fortress. These "children of the goddess" must be the ones you and Presea spoke of, but why do they resent them? There's just not enough information here. I don't suppose there's any chance of his idea of a prank... If so, wow. Good one."

"Hubert never was one for pranks," Presea stated. "And he probably would blow someone away with magic if they were to prank him."

"Heh, true," Claude weakly laughed. He gazed back down at the letter. "Hubert... Rather than writing a letter, you should have just told us before we fought..."

"Let's ask Rhea about it," Byleth said.

"Right. We still don't know for sure if this letter is telling the truth. Let's go find out."

As promised in the letter, they found the secret chamber within the palace where Lady Rhea was being held. With help, they freed her. Once she was unbound, she feebly leans against Byleth's arms. She was in shock at seeing him. "You... You have come to save me... Is this... Is this a dream? I have longed to see you again...all this time... Is it truly you?"

Byleth nodded slowly. "It is."

Rhea pulled away from the professor and arranged to stand on her own in such a weakened state. She saw who was with Byleth and smiled. "Claude... I can see you have grown into a reliable young man... Thank you for supporting the professor, and for rescuing me." She then caught a glimpse of the woman that was hidden behind the professor. She gasped and took a few shaky steps forward. "Presea... You're alive..."

Presea stepped around Byleth after seeing how weak she was. "I'm sorry to have worried you, Lady Rhea."

The archbishop weakly wound her arms around her. "Oh, sweet child, you have no need to apologize. When you vanished alongside the professor, I felt I was the one to blame. That day five years ago... I thought you had perished. I am glad to see you are alive and well." She pulled away and gazed lovingly into her cerulean eyes. "Surely the protection of the goddess has—"

"Wait, Rhea," Claude interrupted. "What do you know about the children of the goddess? I know only a little from Teach and Presea, but I want the whole story."

Rhea was perplexed. "Children of... What is this about?"

"Forgive my bluntness. Someone from the Empire filled us in on a few things. I know it must be painful for us to ask you difficult questions after such an arduous confinement. But we have no choice. We must defeat a secret enemy... Those who slither in the dark. Do you know about them?"

"Those who slither in the dark..." The archbishop parroted.

"Apparently, they resent the children of the goddess, Presea's people, and the people of the world, and are planning something big. Something terrible."

Rhea remained silent.

Claude continued. "They use blood for their wicked magic and are capable of dropping javelins of light from the sky, which are powerful enough to crush a fortress. Presea also learned they had been using the corpses of necromancers as puppets. If you can think of anything at all, please tell us now. We need to know as much as possible about these enemies in order to stop them."

Silence.

Claude was becoming impatient and enraged at the archbishop's silence. "This is the critical moment that will determine whether or not Fódlan falls! And not only that! You care just as much for Presea as I do. These people will keep hunting her down even if we get rid of Acheron. Don't you want to protect her just as much as I do?! Can't you see that the time for secrets has passed?!"

"Claude," Presea chided. "I understand your concern, but yelling won't accomplish anything."

The duke sighed. "You're right. I...lost my temper. I'm sorry."

Presea met the archbishop's gaze. "Please, Lady Rhea. Tell us what you know. We need to stop them before they hurt any more people."

Rhea could no longer remain silent once Presea pleaded with her. "It is true that there is a group of people who have slithered in the darkness and threatened the peace of Fódlan since ancient times. I am sure you have heard the stories of a man named Nemesis, the older brother of Acheron."

"The wielder of the Sword of the Creator..." Byleth murmured.

"Nemesis, the King of Liberation," Claude said. "He's the hero to whom the goddess gave the Sword of the Creator."

"Nemesis and Acheron were originally the leaders of a group of bandits. They plundered the Holy Tomb and stole the remains of the progenitor god. When Nemesis appeared in Zanado alongside Acheron sometime later, he already wielded the Sword of the Creator. However, Acheron sought his own relic after the pterolykoses broke their promise to him and after witnessing the power his brother gained from the remains of the progenitor god." Rhea met Presea's gaze. "Your father was there the day when the battle was fought. He tried to protect the children and his own people, but Acheron and Nemesis were too strong. This made it easy for Acheron to begin his own creation—the Holy Armor of the Guardian."

"I had no idea my father was that old," Presea commented.

"How did Nemesis get the Sword of the Creator?" Byleth asked.

"According to legend, the goddess gifted him the sword to fight against the evil gods," Claude answered. "But now that I think about it, the legend doesn't mention Acheron or even the fact that Nemesis had a brother."

"I do not know how Nemesis obtained the sword, or why he and Acheron appeared in Zanado. But he used that sword to massacre the people there. The children of the progenitor god and their protectors, the pterolykoses. From their corpses, he and his brother gained even more power and brought war to Fódlan. Although they were brothers, Acheron sought only to kill the pterolykoses and soon separated from Nemesis to complete the holy armor."

"That's completely different from what the legends tell us about Nemesis. And, of course, we have nothing to compare Acheron to since he's not mentioned at all."

"Mere bandits like Nemesis and Acheron would not have been capable of anything so monstrous on their own..." Rhea said.

Claude snapped his fingers. "Aha! So Nemesis and Acheron had accomplices. And those accomplices must have been those who slither in the dark. They used Nemesis but were loyal to Acheron! And this time they used the Imperial army to once again bring war to Fódlan! I finally get it... And I even understand why Edelgard was associating with them. Just as they were trying to use the Empire, the Empire was trying to use them. Rhea, there's still a mountain of things I need to ask you. And I will. But I'll leave all of that for another day. You must be weak after living in confinement for so long. Please rest for a while."

The duke then turned to Byleth and Presea. "My friend, Presea... Let's prepare for battle. We need to strike Shambhala as soon as possible."

"You must not allow Fódlan's bloody history...the Red Canyon Tragedy...to repeat itself..." Rhea said weakly.

Presea, Claude, and Byleth escorted Rhea out of the palace. They entrusted the safety of the archbishop to the Knights of Seiros. When she was gone, the duke groaned.

"What's wrong?" Presea asked.

"It occurred to me that we never got an answer from Rhea about the children of the goddess. I mean, I understand what you and Teach have told me, but I was hoping to get a little more information about them," Claude replied.

"When I spoke to Lady Rhea before the war, she told me the children of the goddess once resided in Zanado alongside the pterolykoses. Some of them escaped with my people, but I don't know where they went. All I do know is my people scattered into various tribes across the world, but Rhea never told me where the children went. Perhaps they lived alongside my people," Presea explained.

"Were their Nabateans in your tribe?" Byleth inquired.

"Maybe, maybe not. I was only five when those dark mages attacked. I can't even remember if Acheron was with the mages or not."

"How did Acheron get away but not Nemesis?" Claude pondered.

"I don't know," she replied. "With your new theory, I have a feeling Acheron and Nemesis were having a sibling rivalry. Acheron only wanted to create the holy armor and consume the hearts of my people, but Nemesis wanted to slaughter the Nabateans."

"Then what does Acheron want to accomplish with the holy armor?"

"That is an excellent question and one I don't have an answer to."

"I wonder..." Claude pondered. "Does that mean some of the children of the goddess, or their descendants, are still alive?"

One name came to Byleth's mind. "Rhea?"

Presea tensed. She had left out that part of the story on purpose, but it seemed Byleth had maybe picked up on who Rhea truly was.

Claude was oblivious to her behavior. "Could be. She was talking about what happened in Zanado as if she was there herself. She even mentioned Presea's dad as if she knew him." More questions started to pop into his head. "What are these children anyway? How are they connected to the goddess? Are the pterolykoses connected to the goddess too?" He looked over at Presea, wondering if she knew.

She shrugged her shoulders. "No idea."

He then placed his hands on her face and messed with her cheeks. "Maybe you're a divine spirit sent by the goddess to protect the children? Or perhaps you're a goddess yourself?" He squished her cheeks with a smile. "I'm leaning more towards the latter. Your beauty and kind heart definitely could convince me you're a goddess. Or maybe you're an even higher being?"

"Claude..." She grumbled.

"Bah! I almost disappeared into the bottomless swamp that is my mind. I thought that after we defeated the Empire, I'd be able to see that sight I long to see." Claude released her cheeks.

"What sight is that?" Byleth questioned.

"I've told you about my dreams before... I want to break down the wall separating Fódlan from the outside world. The sight I want to see lies beyond that. Honestly, it's a trivial thing to fixate on. Just people gathered in their towns. Living out their lives together. Sometimes laughing. Sometimes fighting. But the people living there aren't just citizens of Fódlan. They are people from Dagda, Brigid, and even Duscur and Sreng. There could be people who were born in Almyra or countries even farther east there too. All of those people living together, like it's nothing special at all. That's the sight I long to see. It's so simple, but still so far away... But this is no time for complaining. We need to focus on capturing Shambhala. Let's hurry up and gather everyone together."

The trio rejoined the others and told them about their next target. Judith was trying to wrap her head around all the information the duke had shared. "So...you mean to tell me that Fódlan will fall to ruin if we leave those guys be?"

"Um, if this map is reliable, their base is just south of my family's territory," Hilda commented.

"This story is a bit much to believe... And yet..." Lorenz's voice trailed off.

"It does ring true somehow," Leonie finished the man's thought.

"Remember Monica, the one who killed Jeralt? And the old man who was masquerading as Tomas?" Claude asked his friends. "They were their allies. And the Flame Emperor and the Death Knight were merely their pawns."

"The people who were after my blood and trying to kill Presea?!" Flayn gasped.

"They were also the ones who used me to conduct their blood experiments..." Lysithea added, her words laced with a small hint of venom.

"As awful as it sounds, they're seemingly fond of using blood in their secret techniques," Claude explained. "And, of course, they were only targeting Presea because they're loyal to Acheron."

Hilda expressed her disgust. "Eww! That's really gross! I could never be friends with someone like that."

"I believe they were also responsible for the javelin of light that destroyed Fort Merceus."

Judith had to intervene after hearing that. "Hold up, boy. Do you really think that we can win against such powerful foes?"

"I don't know. But we have to try, don't we?"

"This is for Fódlan's future," Byleth said.

"We've really taken on something big. I wonder if our names will go down in history," Hilda stated.

Lorenz started to ponder a couple of questions. "My heroic name? Passed down to future generations? Haha! A worthy cause indeed."

"They were trying to use the Imperial army to plunge Fódlan into war, but we nipped that in the bud. Now we just need to tear out their roots," Claude said. "And I know we have what it takes to do it."

"But first, all of us need to rest," Presea chimed in. "Let's return to the monastery."

<————————————<<<<<

On the 1st of the Blue Sea Moon, Presea found herself enjoying some peach tea by her lonesome. She picked up a peach tart and started munching down. She was peacefully enjoying her time alone.

As she poured her second cup of tea, two hands were placed on her shoulders. "I was wondering where you were, Princess."

Presea put the teapot down. "Just enjoying some tea and pastries. Want to join me, Claude?"

"Don't mind if I do." Claude sat down next to her. He thanked her after she poured him a cup of tea. "So, I've been meaning to ask you about something."

She gently scooted the bowl of sugar cubes towards him. "Ask away."

He took a couple of sugar cubes, dropped them into his tea, and stirred. "Back in Enbarr, I heard your voice in my head. That was the first time I've ever heard you speak when you were transformed. Have you always been able to do that or is it something new?"

Presea was waiting for this question to arise. Thank the goddess she already got answers from Lady Rhea. "Both, actually. It's how my people communicated when they were transformed. But there is a way for others to hear us." She could feel her cheeks turning red since she knew the truth. "It's possible for others to hear us if we have a deep bond with them. Hearing our voice is a sign of our connected hearts. It can take many years for my people to forge a bond deep enough for someone to hear our voice. To be honest, I wasn't sure if you would've heard me."

The corners of Claude's lips curled upward into a smile. He adored her red cheeks. "It feels like an honor since I'm the only one who can hear you. Knowing how deep and strong our bond truly makes me feel like I could accomplish anything." He took a sip of his tea. "Which leads me to why I'm really here."

"Huh?" she hummed in wonderment.

Claude looked around to see how crowded it was getting. He stood up with a grin. "Time to change location."

"Change location...?" she parroted. She watched him closely as he approached her. She wondered what he was planning. "Claude, what're you—ah!" She shrieked when he suddenly scooped her up into his arms. She unconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck.

The duke grinned. "Just hold on, Princess."

Presea glanced over his shoulder at where she once sat. "My peach tarts..." she whimpered.

"Don't worry. I'll have some more made for you," he said.

She looked around as he carried her through the reception hall. "Where exactly are we going?"

"The Goddess Tower," he answered. "I figured out of everywhere, that's where we'll have the most privacy."

"Why not one of our rooms? I'm pretty sure we'll have plenty of privacy there."

"And risk having someone eavesdrop? I'd rather not have this special moment ruined by some of our nosy friends."

"That's understandable, but..." She gestured to their current position with a nod of her head. "You really don't have to carry me. My legs are working just fine. You can put me down."

"I could, but I don't want to," he smirked. "I enjoy having you in my arms."

She looked away, her cheeks turning red. "You said that so easily..."

Claude didn't put Presea down until they arrived at the top of the Goddess Tower. She was more than surprised at seeing him carry her up the spiral staircase while carrying her. She poked his clothed arm with the tilt of her head. "Since when did you start working out?"

"Hey, I've always been in shape." He flexed the arm she poked. However, his muscles were hidden under his puffy sleeve. "Well, you can't see them right now but they're there. Trust me."

She laughed lightly. "I do."

"Now then, let's get to why I dragged you—well, carried you—here. I won't beat around the bush since I've been itching to do this for a while." Claude fished out a small black box from his pocket. He then kneeled on a single knee in front of her, holding out the small box towards her. Slowly, he opened it to reveal the ring inside. "We've known each other for eighteen years. To be honest, it hasn't felt that long. You always know how to make me smile and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anybody else. I could keep going on about how much I love you, but we would be here forever if I did. So, I'll just skip all of that for now. Will you marry me, Presea?"

The woman was stunned. She fell silent the moment she saw the ring. It was adorned with an emerald gem that matched Claude's eyes. She couldn't believe he was proposing to her. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. No words rolled off her tongue. A few seconds of silence passed before she managed to find her voice. "Goddess, Claude. I... Yes."

He sighed in relief. "For a second there I thought you were going to say no."

"I'd be crazy to say no. I love you, Claude."

Claude stood up. He took the ring from the box and slid it onto the ring finger of her left hand. He held her hand, admiring the ring on her finger. "It's a perfect fit. I knew it would look perfect on you." He put the empty box back into his pocket. "Now to seal the deal." Cupping her cheeks with his gloved hands, he leaned down and kissed her.

Presea immediately kissed back. It was a short yet passionate kiss. She pulled back after the kiss ended. "You still owe me some peach tarts."

He chuckled. "Leave it to me."