Chapter Text
Lamps glowed from the walls, washing the tense interior of the office room with sunset hues. From behind her desk, Headmistress Rhea stared up calmly at the man looming over her, unfazed by his glower. Over his shoulder, twin navy heads exchanged glances of uncertainty, which she ignored.
“It is good to see your presence grace these halls again,” she spoke softly, repeating the words she’d spoken hours ago to him. Unlike before, his expression didn’t waver at her sentiment.
“We can’t just abandon everything to return here, Rhea,” the man finally broke the silence. “We have a life of our own to tend to.” The male behind him snorted at this. He shot a stern look at him, then resumed his earlier focus. “We’re glad to have helped out with the earlier situation - but, really, Rhea, it was hardly difficult enough to require a gift of this sort.”
His tone clearly showed how he considered her gift, Rhea mused, lips twitching. “I strongly disagree. My offer is an expression of gratitude for far more than what you did for me today - and you know it, don’t you?”
Something glinted in her eyes.
Jeralt seemed to recognise it. He shifted uncomfortably, and glanced over his shoulder. “Go,” he commanded. “I’ll call you when this is dealt with.” His words held a defiant promise.
Rhea ignored it and allowed her warmth to show in her smile at the other two. “Byleth, Beleth. Feel free to explore the rest of the academy whilst your father and I discuss the matter at hand. My students have been freed from classes for this Sunday, so if you need any help whatsoever, they’ll be able to assist.”
“See you later, Dad,” Byleth said quietly, and moved to catch up to her brother, who had already begun walking away. The door shut with a muted click behind them.
Sea-foam eyes met with brown again, a jolt of electricity flashing between.
“Take a seat,” Rhea said, voice firmer now that the youngsters were out of sight and out of mind.
Visibly biting back a retort, the male glared at her as he obeyed.
“Please, Jeralt. I spoke with your children whilst you were busy assisting Alois with the situation. They are utterly clueless about everything, aren’t they?”
“Damn brats.” He rolled his eyes. “I don’t care what they said to you-”
Some warmth crept into her voice as she carried on, “This academy of mine is home to many - and I would be honoured to have your family stay here.”
“Dammit, how many times do I have to tell you no?”
She shook her head. “You know as well as I do that I am in your debt as much as you are in mine.”
He waved his hand carelessly. “I absolve you of your debt, then - I could care less about that, Rhea.”
“I will change your mind, Jeralt,” Rhea said.
“And why is that?”
She pulled out the top drawer of her desk and pulled out a bundle of sheets, sliding them carefully across to let him take in the printed ink. Her eyes intently followed the emotions flashing in his - confusion and exhaustion, shifting smoothly into shock, then disgust, and finally, finally resignation.
“Shit,” he breathed, pinching the bridge of his nose.