Pegasus Moon: The Applicants

After defeating the Fell King Nemesis, Byleth assumed control over all Fódlan. She reigned from Derdriu, and sent many letters to her grandmother, Archbishop Rhea, who was deeply wounded by the Battle of Shambhala. Her granddaughter's constant contact with her gave Rhea a peace of mind during the daunting days where both death and life teetered over her. At times, she vanished from the monastery, concerning others, but she always returned.

Eventually, her body to passed through the worst-the risk of death. While she was still very frail and unable to oversee her role as archbishop, Rhea was officially on the long road to recovery.

Soon after it was determined that Rhea would survive, former Imperial soldiers still loyal to the deceased Adrestian emperor, Edelgard, joined forces with remnants of Those Who Slither in the Dark, and carried out an assault on the Aquatic Capital. Just as they were about to surround the palace, the Almyran king, Claude, led his army to crush the villains.

Rhea decided to stop concealing the truth and let the public know the true events of Nemesis, the Ten Elites, and her identity. Soon, everyone knew that she took up the name Seiros millennia ago. In this new age of candor, Seteth and Flayn no longer had to hide behind their aliases and went by their real names, Cichol and Cethleann.

After their victory, Claude fulfilled his promise to return to his beloved, Byleth, and they were eventually wed by Rhea in a beautiful ceremony that all of their friends attended. The newlyweds were as happy as could be.

Claude ruled over Almyra, and Byleth ruled Fódlan. Because of the previous attack, Byleth determined that she should revive the Adrestian Empire and appoint a proxy to be the emperor. Ferdinand, the previous Empire's prime minister's son, assumed the role and was proving to be an adept leader.

Rhea looked upward at the bright blue sky above her. The Sun warmed her ailing body. She sighed deeply, inhaling the sweet scent of waterlilies. Rhea gazed over the balcony, watching the students practice combat skills and white magic.

She sat there for a while, simply taking in the serenity, when Catherine, her most trusted knight, approached her. "Lady Rhea, Annette Dominic arrived unexpectedly and would like to speak to you. Should I let her in?"

Rhea's eyes lit up. "Yes, of course! I would be delighted to chat with one of Byleth's friends and one of the heroes who fought for the Leicester Alliance in the war."

Shortly after, Catherine and Annette came back. Annette curtsied. "Hi Lady Rhea! It's great to see you again!"

Rhea returned the smile. "Likewise. What brings you here?"

Annette broke eye contact and nervously stared at the water lilies. "I heard that since Almyran nobility are sending their children here, Garreg Mach is looking for new teachers. I was hoping you'd consider my application. My father is still missing. Mother and I can't be home anymore-too many memories. While I'm technically the heir of House Dominic, my uncle's in charge until he dies or Father comes home. It'll be a while. I worked as a professor in Fhirdiad's School of Sorcery for a bit, but I was hoping I could transfer here. I can teach reason and authority."

Catherine interrupted, "But Garreg Mach isn't looking for a reason professor. We have Hanneman. You know that, Annette. He was your teacher."

Annette blushed. "I know, but he could retire and become a full-time researcher. That's what he wants, anyway. Then he can start a real research lab here. It's a win-win! Oh, but Mother would have to come with me!"

Rhea contemplated that. "I see. Since you helped Byleth in the war, I trust you with our young students. And you make good points. I'll have to discuss this with Hanneman. I'm sure we could find something for your mother to do here as well. Catherine, please summon Hanneman here so we can consider this."

Once Hanneman was informed of the details, he could hardly contain his excitement. "Oh, what a lovely idea, Miss Annette! You were always my favorite student for a reason! I'll finally be able to fully devote myself entirely to my passion! Where do I even begin? I could do an excavation of Shambhala. Excuse me, but I must start planning immediately!" Hanneman raced out of the room.

Rhea laughed. "Well, I think we have our answer. You and your mother are more than welcome to join us here, Annette. I'm sure that you will make a fine teacher."

After a week, Annette and her mother settled into the monastery while Hanneman set out on an expedition to Shambhala.

Once she completed her daily exercise routine to heal her body, Rhea was about to drink a cold cup of Crescent-Moon tea when Catherine hustled to her side. "Lady Rhea, Caspar von Bergliez submitted a teaching application and is here. I'm guessing you want me to send him in? Why all these former Leicester Alliance army veterans are all looking to come here is beyond me."

Rhea tucked a piece of her electric green hair behind her ear. "Please do."

Caspar and Catherine returned swiftly. Caspar waved. "Hey Lady Rhea! I'm so relieved that you're willing to see me. I don't know what I would've done if you refused."

Rhea began the interview. "What brings you here, Caspar?"

Caspar gripped the arm of his seat. "The truth is that I want to be here because Annette is. After I saved her life in the mountains and made sure she got safely back to the Fhirdiad School of Sorcery . . . I don't know what this weird feeling in my chest is, but I like spending time with her. And seeing as though I have no where else to go and you're hiring, I came here! I can teach brawling and axes!"

Lady Rhea leaned back in her chair. "It is true that we are looking for more talented professors. Annette is replacing Hanneman, who is now our full-time researcher. We do not yet have an axe or brawling instructor. We have received some who would like the position, but your experience outranks all of them."

Caspar grinned. "Does that mean I get the job?!"

Rhea returned the smile. "Indeed. I pray that you will help your students grow in wisdom."

When Caspar went to surprise Annette, Catherine shook her head. "I have a feeling that the newcomers are already smarter than that boy."