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Edelgard was, by nature, a suspicious person. That wasn't to say she didn't trust people, because she did, especially more than Hubert or Monica. But anyone who knew her history would also know that she always assumed matters that reached a certain level of coincidence or conjecture should be treated with the appropriate level of caution. It really just made sense.
Hence her current dilemma. Because it was becoming incredibly clear now that she was being followed.
Obviously as emperor she had grown used to having a retinue - neither Hubert or Monica were ever truly far from her side - but both were away on imperial business today. So when the same face kept appearing at the exact same locations she went to in their base camp, it set alarm bells ringing in her head.
Not that they were actually trying to be sneaky or anything. And with that bright head of illuminating green hair, they stood out in a way few others did.
But why was the Ashen Demon following her?
Edelgard looks up from her lunch to note that once again, the mysterious mercenary was staring at her with those large green eyes of hers. She doesn't flinch at all upon being discovered, just a slight cock her head to indicate awareness.
Another thing about Edelgard was that she didn't avoid confrontation. So she gets up and walks right over to the Ashen Demon's table.
"Why are you following me?" she asks bluntly, looking down at her.
The Demon blinks a few times. "I was told to."
"Told? By whom?" Edelgard demands, hoping now that this wasn't either of her retainer's newest attempt to foist a bodyguard on her.
"My commander."
Unable to help it, Edelgard's brow twitches in that way it always did when frustrated. "Shez put you up to this?" She was going to have a few stern words with her friend later about it.
"Yes, she did," the Ashen Demon responds. "I was told to try and get to know you better, since I am now fighting for you."
"And you thought following me around the camp all day was the best way to do that?" Edelgard asks, feeling very incredulous about the whole thing.
The Ashen Demon just nods.
"Unbelievable," Edelgard mutters under her breath. "Did it not occur to you that perhaps actually speaking with me might be a more prudent means of achieving that goal?"
"Most people prefer keeping their distance from me. I thought I would extend you the same courtesy," the Ashen Demon says.
This admission actually pulls at Edelgard's heartstrings a little - she too understood what that was like, even if it was for different reasons.
So she sighs. "Did you actually learn anything?"
"Yes!" the Demon responds with a little smile. "I've figured out that despite being the emperor, you try to treat everyone equally regardless of their social standing."
Surprised at the deduction, Edelgard nods. "I am attempting to create a more equal and just society. As such, I need to be an example for everyone to follow." She folds her arms together. "Have you learned anything else?"
"That you are a loner by choice," the mercenary says, "despite that you clearly enjoy the company of others." A pensive look overtakes her, and the Ashen Demon breaks eye contact for the first time of their conversation. "Well… we might be a little alike that way, I feel."
Edelgard almost doesn't know what to say - most of all because it was true. So at that moment, she comes to a decision.
"I understand Shez's reasoning for this assignment. But I can't have you just following me around like this - Hubert will take it seriously and try to get rid of you."
"I can handle Hubert," the Demon says with a montone confidence. "But I understand. My apologies for my behavior today."
Then she walks away with her empty plate, leaving behind a very unsure emperor. It had been the right thing to do, so why did this bother Edelgard so much?
Recently, she had confessed to Hubert about how she felt 'drawn' to the Ashen Demon. The whole thing wasn't something she fully understood herself yet, but this mysterious mercenary kept invading her thoughts as well. Such a notion was inherently annoying, but… also rather nice sometimes. They weren't an unpleasant person, and neither were they difficult to look at.
Edelgard has to shake her head at this last thought. Where had that come from?
—
"Shez!"
The purple-haired merc turns around from the tactics board she was studying, then smiles and waves upon seeing her employer. "Oh, hey Edelgard! What's up?"
"I was hoping you might explain something to me." Crossing her arms over the breastplate of her silver armor, Edelgard frowns. "Or can you not think of a reason why I might be upset with you?"
Shez cringes. "Oh shoot, is this about the Ballista Incident? I swear, I tried to stop that."
"No, this is about me being stalked by your subordinate today," Edelgard responds. Then she narrows her eyebrows. "Wait, what Ballista Incident?"
"Uh, did I say that? I think you misheard me. Anyway, what's this about you being stalked?" Then Shez's face pales further. "Oh goddess, Hubert didn't kill someone, did he?"
Fortunately not yet, Edelgard thinks to herself, and she tells her as much. "I'm talking about the Ashen Demon."
"Oooooh. Yeah, she told me about that, sorry."
"Care to explain why you even told her to 'get to know' me?" Edelgard asks.
"Right, well…" Shez puts a hand to her temple to help gather her thoughts. "I've been relying on her more and more in battle, and so I was thinking both of you might benefit from knowing each other a little better." She makes a small triumphant gesture with one fist. "Squad cohesion and all that."
Edelgard squints a little in disbelief. "Is that so? Would it not have made more sense to have us train together then, if this was for combat?"
Now Shez cringes again. "Saw right through that, huh? Okay, look. Aside from Jeralt, I'm the only person she ever really interacts with. So… I felt bad for her, and thought maybe I'd have her get to know more people around here."
The truth suited this much better, and Edelgard cannot refrain from chuckling. Shez was a good person, so this shouldn't have come as a surprise. "I see. And you thought to start with the emperor."
"In my defense, the two of you are a lot alike," Shez says. "Similar personalities, at least."
"In what way?" Edelgard has to ask, her lips drawn and pursed while she puts a hand to her chin.
"Oh come on Edelgard, don't make me say it," Shez whines. Still, she eventually sighs. "You're both blunt, pragmatic, and you've got that whole 'tortured past' thing going on." After a split-second, Shez grimaces upon realizing what she had just said. "Uh, I didn't mean literally, in your case. Sorry.'
It wasn't uncommon for her mercenary friend to accidentally put her foot in her mouth, so Edelgard just smiles. "I understand. If I may be honest, I think it's rather sweet how much you care for the person you swore to strike down only weeks ago."
Shez actually blushes, a rarity for her. "Thanks, but don't get the wrong idea. There's nothing going on beyond friendship."
"I didn't mean to imply that there was," Edelgard responds. "Remember that people thought we were courting?"
"Ugh, don't remind me. You're a good-looking gal and all, but I have a strict 'no dating the person who pays me' policy."
Edelgard laughs. "Which is smart of you, Shez. Besides, I take it that a certain Leicester mage is more your type."
The blush deepens. "...Is it that obvious?"
"Your secret is safe with me," Edelgard assures her. Then, "You really do want me to do this."
"I would appreciate it a lot," Shez responds. There was a gentle honesty to her expression. "They're a good person, and I want her to know she fits in here with us. Plus, I know Jeralt would be grateful too."
"When you put it that way, how can I refuse?" Edelgard says, committed now to the idea. "I'll spend some time with our Ashen Demon, hopefully make her feel more at ease here."
Shez grins, happily pumping her fists. "Alright, you're the best, Edelgard! I'll let Byleth know!"
As she runs off, the name sticks in Edelgard's head. Byleth… it was an unusual one for Fódlan, but she couldn't say it didn't fit her. There's a pang of guilt at the realization that she had taken to calling her the Ashen Demon like everyone else. Did that offend Byleth?
She would have to find out, Edelgard thinks.
—
"Thank you for helping me fulfill Shez's request," Byleth says when they meet by the armory. "I didn't want to disappoint her."
"I've been meaning to speak with you anyway, so it's hardly a problem. I just hope you don't mind us doing it while working."
In lieu of her usual after-lunch routine of working on official Imperial matters, Edelgard decides to volunteer herself and Byleth for one of the weekly chores posted up for the entire camp. Her newfound acquaintance seems very impressed she took the same duties as anyone else would.
"So, how are you and your father settling in here?" Edelgard asks while sorting through the collection of weapons brought in from their last battle. Most would be melted down for scraps, but there were always a few diamonds in the rough here and there.
"It's not bad," Byleth replies. She was polishing a silver sword with a small whetstone. "I'm amazed at how nice everyone is considering how many times we've fought before this."
Edelgard hums in acknowledgment. It hadn't surprised her too much among her inner circle, but even the ordinary soldiers seemed to get along with the Blade Breaker and his daughter. "I believe most are content to let bygones be bygones. Especially since you were only fighting for coin."
"Yes, I have nothing against the empire," Byleth says. "I'm actually really interested in all the changes you're pushing."
That was news to Edelgard. "Oh? I wasn't aware you had an interest in politics."
For some reason that causes Byleth to rub at the back of her neck like she was embarrassed. "Not really. It's just that anything which makes life better for commoners will help me and my dad, you know?"
"Your dad is very important to you."
Byleth nods, pausing what she was doing. "He's all I've got."
Both continue to work in silence after that, and all the while Edelgard ruminates on the insular little life the Ashen Demon had led with her father. It was one part saddening, but also somewhat sweet to see the way they looked out for each other.
The next time she catches Byleth staring at her, Edelgard doesn't say anything about it.
—
"You have such a unique fighting style," Edelgard remarks after a while in the training yard, the two practicing in adjacent spaces. "I've never quite seen anything like it."
"Oh, this?" With a swing of her sword, Byleth sends a training dummy flying while managing to step back at the same time. "It's my dad's old style, back from when he still used a sword. He earned the name "the Blade Breaker" because of it."
"Do you want to take up his mantle someday?"
Byleth thinks it over for a second before shaking her head. "Not really. I'm already the Ashen Demon, and I'm sure Leonie would be happier becoming the second Blade Breaker."
"You intend to remain a mercenary?"
"Sure, it's what I'm good at," Byleth replies. Then a little smile graces her lips. "Don't worry about me leaving - your contract is ironclad."
"I am not worried about that," Edelgard insists with a blush. Where had that come from?
"Good." With a flick to clear the dust from her sword, Byleth motions to the sparring ring. "Feel like a bout? Most people don't get the chance to duel the Adrestian Emperor and live."
"Hmmm, you could say the same about the Ashen Demon," Edelgard retorts. Still, she finds the competitive side of her is eager for a fight, especially against her. Only Shez had ever been able to actually go head-to-head with her on the battlefield until now. "Very well, a quick duel then."
Quick was the operative word here, as Byleth proceeds to wipe the floor with Edelgard in mere seconds. Even without the use of those mysterious powers, she was no match for the Ashen Demon and her lifetime of experience.
"How… the hell…. did we ever beat you…?" Edelgard demands, bent over with her hands to her knees as she pants heavily from the exertion.
Byleth sounds more than a little amused. "I don't remember any of you beating me in combat. Just a lot of running away."
Rolling her eyes, Edelgard takes a moment to gather herself, then joins the Ashen Demon to lean against the fencepost. Now that she was looking more closely, the small beads of sweat on Byleth's skin was more obvious, indicating that perhaps the fight hadn't been that fully one-sided.
"Hey, Edelgard… thank you for indulging me," Byleth says suddenly. "You really didn't have to."
"I meant what I said about treating everyone equally."
"Yes, but most nobles don't actually mean what they say." With a curious expression, Byleth cocks her head and lays a hand against the side of her face as though deep in thought. "I think I understand what Shez was talking about now."
"Oh, and what would that be?" Edelgard asks.
But Byleth only shakes her head and smiles. "I'll tell you after we're all done today. I still have to work it out in my head."
—
Sometimes Edelgard enjoyed taking a page out of someone else's book - whether that was a new fighting technique, a different approach to a problem, or even something as innocuous as replicating Lysithea's sweet consumption habits. In this case, that meant doing something Shez was rather infamous around camp for.
"Why are we bringing a tea set?" Byleth asks as she adds the box to their saddlebags.
"How else are we going to enjoy tea?"
"I didn't realize tea was essential for an outing on horseback." But there wasn't any discontent in the Ashen Demon's voice, merely curious puzzlement.
Edelgard chuckles, finding the action comes easily to her. "I believe Shez has rubbed off on me. She enjoys taking a break at the destination."
"Ah, is that what that was?" Byleth doesn't have a very large smile, but it still stood out regardless. "I can't say I have much experience with tea."
"In that case, I can teach you to enjoy it," Edelgard says. It felt so easy, so natural to just be open and friendly around the Ashen Demon. Perhaps it had something to do with how open and genuine she was, even if it came across as muted.
Byleth seems to like that response. "That would be wonderful, my teacher."
Edelgard has to pretend to do a last-minute check on her horse so as to hide her blush and smile. That's when she realizes both her and Byleth had been focusing on the same animal.
"Do we not have another horse?"
"There was only one available at the stables today," Byleth explains, unphased. "We can share this one."
"Very well…"
Horseback riding wasn't a skill Edelgard could claim to be any good at, and she awkwardly struggles to mount the creature for a minute before Byleth comes over to help. It was a little embarrassing, but the woman was gentle and before long Edelgard was seated on the back of the saddle. Byleth effortlessly hops onto the front and takes the reins.
Unsure of where to keep her hands, Edelgard just lets them dangle for a few minutes, but as the path becomes bumpier, it becomes a little difficult to stay upright.
As if she could tell, Byleth calls back, "Put your arms around my waist."
She does so, pressing her chest against the Ashen Demon's back in order to fully hold on. Byleth doesn't seem to mind, humming a little as she guides their horse further along the trail.
"You're very good with horses," she observes.
"I suppose so," Byleth answers. "I learned from my dad."
Considering that massive warhorse of Jeralt's, that wasn't too much of a surprise. More and more, it became clear why Byleth had such a fierce reputation - she was the most well-rounded mercenary Edelgard had ever met, including Shez.
Their destination ended up being a secluded spot near a meandering stream, and Edelgard helps set up the picnic blanket like Shez always did. She brews a small pot of tea, then pours Byleth a cup.
The moment that the bergamot hits her taste buds, Byleth's already large eyes grow bigger. Despite the heat of the beverage, she's quick to take another sip, then another.
"This is wonderful."
Feeling a little bit smug, Edelgard pours her some more. "Then you have good taste."
Byleth swirls the drink around in her cup experimentally. "How can boiling leaves be this good?"
"Don't let Ferdinand catch you saying that, or he'll subject you to an actual lecture about the finer arts of tea," Edelgard says, taking a sip herself. It was quite good.
"Ferdinand…he's the one who won't stop saying his name, right? Ferdinand von… air?"
Unable to stop herself, Edelgard spits up a small amount of her tea while she fights back the laughing fit such a mistake induced in her. After a second, Byleth joins in with soft giggles of her own.
The rest of their outing flows with considerable ease, and Edelgard almost feels regretful that they couldn't spend more time together as they return to base camp. Byleth even helps her off the horse like a gentleman from one of Bernadetta's stories.
It's enough to make Edelgard's heart race.
"I had a wonderful time today," she tells Byleth when they finally decide to part ways. "Truly. I'm grateful I was able to get to know you more, though I feel guilty, seeing as I shared little about myself."
Byleth just shakes her head. "On the contrary, I've learned even more about you. Shez told me something when I joined the Empire, and I've been able to confirm it for myself today."
"Oh, and what is that?"
That little smile appears again. "She said that anyone who spends time around you comes to understand why so many support you with such fervor. You are a good leader with the interests of everyone at heart. I may be only a mercenary, but I am still proud to fight for you."
Edelgard has to fight back an instinctual blush at those words. "I see… Thank you, Byleth. That really means a lot to hear."
"Of course." The Ashen Demon turns to leave, but not before saying, "If you ever want to go on another date again, I would find it more than welcome."
As she leaves, Edelgard can only process that specific choice of description for their little outing.
… A date?
—
"Shez!"
This time the mercenary appears ready for her, and flinches upon seeing Edelgard. "Oh, hey! I take it you're upset at me again?"
"Not upset, more confused," Edelgard responds, because she really didn't want to be mad at one of her best friends. "Am I right in assuming you know why Byleth thought we were going out on a date?"
Shez holds up her hands. "Okay, I can explain that. When I told her that you wanted to spend time with her, she may have thought I meant in a romantic sense…"
"And you let her believe it?"
"Oh come on, Edelgard." Offering her a knowing look, Shez sighs. "I didn't want to break her heart, she looked so happy about it."
Edelgard doesn't quite know what to think of that. "She did?"
With a sly grin, Shez nods. "I think she might have a little crush on you, Your Majesty."
Oh. Oh dear, Edelgard thinks.
Seeing the momentary blank expression on her face, Shez lights up. "Aww, do you like her too? Edelgard, that's wonderful!"
"You sound like Dorothea," Edelgard complains, putting a hand to her head. "I…. I admit that she's easy to spend time around, and Byleth isn't bad-looking per se…"
"Aha, you do have a thing for her!" Happily, Shez claps her hands together. "I always knew she was your type."
This sounded exactly like something their diva friend would say as well. "Dare I even ask…"
Shez holds up a few fingers as she starts to count. "You like competency, large breasts, someone who can challenge you…"
Edelgard groans into her palms. "Don't. Ever. Say. That. Again."
"Hey, I get it, alright? If you want, I'll tell her you had a good time but aren't interested in anything longer-term," Shez offers.
"Wait!" Not even bothering to hide it, Edelgard allows her friend to see how bright red her face was. "I am not opposed to another… date with her. Perhaps after the next battle…"
"I knew it!" Shez declares triumphantly. "It's the boobs, right? They kinda just draw you in…"
All Edelgard can do is sink into another groaning fit.