Hello everyone, I hope you're all keeping safe what with recent events going on. I hope you enjoy this chapter, I purposely made it longer than the previous ones, if only by a small bit because I plan to make the rest of the chapters similar in length or longer. I may come back to edit this one. Her interactions with Byleth will get stranger, and he will be more talkative in the future, I just feel like he has to get to know you first. Anyway, please enjoy and continue staying safe!

Robin's mind was racing all morning. Going through the curriculum she found there was stuff in there that was new to her. It looked like some students were magic users but there was no mention of tomes. Why wasn't there any mention of tomes? What do they use for healing magic? Surely they'd use staffs like back in Ylisse, what else is there to use, their hands? But if she were expected to teach her students magic like Fire, then she only knows how to use a tome.

"Ouch!" Robin stared at her hairbrush she had yanked too hard through her hair. Sighing, she just tied it in her usual pigtails at each side.

What about the students themselves? Will she get along with them? They were all roughly her age, and while that felt weird to be teaching someone her age, at least they'll have something in common. Looking at her reflection in the small vanity, a thought struck her. You've fought your way through an empire, watched your father die and attempted to kill a fell god. And you're scared of some students? She smiled at her reflection. She could handle this. If there was something she didn't know then she would have to start from the beginning with her students. She could fluke her way around some things, and as long as Rhea was happy with her students' progress, then there wasn't an issue.

Her room was next to Byleth's, according to Seteth. And they were only round the corner from the classrooms. She was living close to some of the students as well.

Glancing out the window, she surmised they could already be at class. Breakfast will have to wait until later. Throwing her hood on, she ran out into the rain, hoping she remembered where Seteth showed her was her classroom. Gods, she hoped she didn't barge into the wrong one. If she did that, then Naga help her.

Up ahead through the rain, she noticed Byleth, being accompanied by a tall blond who was wearing blue. They seemed to be discussing something. They were headed towards the classrooms so she followed behind, but kept her distance. She wasn't sure what to make of Byleth, he just seemed so distant. Plus she didn't want to admit she was partially lost. Finally, they turned around and she saw them walk into a room with blue flags on the outside.

So, that must have been a student he was with? Didn't Seteth mention what houses the other professors are teaching?

She couldn't help herself and quickly surveyed the colour of the flags. The blue one had a picture of a lion, so that meant they were… The Blue Lions! Yes, that was it! The red one was, the red eagles? No, she was sure she heard the black something or other. The Black Eagles? Ok, that was confusing.

That meant the last of the flags was her house. The Golden Deer. She could hear chattering coming from inside. Cricking her neck side to side she held a deep breath and opened the doors.

Ok, maybe this wasn't what she expected. It was kind of funny though. Everyone's eyes were wide at the sight of her. She must have made quite the scene, her dark robes were still dripping, and she quickly remembered her hood was still up. The girl near the front with grey hair looked downright terrified. A small part of her wanted to keep the act up, but she didn't want Seteth bringing his wrath down on her so she kept an easy smile on as she lifted the hood.

"My name is Robin, it's a pleasure to meet all of you." She bowed to them. There was still silence. She looked back up and there was a mixture of expressions on everyone. Mostly confusion but some looked terrified.

Ok, keep it cool. Let's just start by making friends. If you can make friends with a Taguel, you can make friends with anybody.

She pulled out her journal and flipped through until she found their names and profiles. Tapping the name she looked back up.

"Is Claude here?" she kept smiling as a hand shot up.

It belonged to a boy who had an almost lazy smile to him and dark skin. She noticed a small braid that framed his face nicely. He also wore a yellow cape, which she realised should have been a dead giveaway.

"And, you're the house leader?" She asked him.

His smile grew as he answered, "you got it."

She nodded, "If you don't mind, come see me before we break up for lunch. I just have a few things to discuss."

His eyes widened slightly but he nodded, "no problem."

Robin smiled and nodded before closing her journal and sitting behind the desk. It felt strange to be in front of so many people like this, but she was good at adapting, thank Naga.

She coughed to clear her throat, "I know it must be strange for me to appear out of nowhere, but it's my hope we get along and that we get to know each other better. I was thinking of using this time for me to get caught up with what you guys have learnt so far."

She flicked through her journal once again, "Am I to understand there is a mock battle at the end of this month, called the Battle of the Eagle and Lion?"

To her surprise she heard audible groans, looking up she saw some roll their eyes. She gave a small chuckle.

"I'm guessing by those reactions we are not looking forward to it?" She saw a girl with short, orange hair raise her hand.

"Yes? Ms..?"

"Leonie," the girl answered.

"What did you want to say, Leonie?" Robin encouraged her to continue.

"Well professor," gods, Robin was going to have to get used to that title, "the mock battle is meant to show how far we have come in our time at the academy! And, well," she huffed, "we don't have much to show for it."

"H-hang on a second, Leonie," a boy with glasses and green hair spoke, "I don't think the problem was with our last professor, we have all improved greatly since…"

"Since our first mock battle when we got our behinds handed to us," Leonie scowled. "It's not the fact we came dead last, but we did so, so catastrophically!"

"I must agree with Ignatz," the guy with purple hair spoke up next, "we have indeed improved, perhaps if some people were to actually use their talents properly and in a more refined way, we could have improved as a class."

Leonie shot him the darkest look Robin was sure she could muster when the girl with the grey hair snorted.

"Lorenz, the problem with our disorganisation is partially, if not mostly to do with you! If you could stop insisting going against what Claude suggests so vehemently, you'd see he has good points! Not that I'm sticking up for you." She pointed at Claude, who just shot her a grin back.

"I see no reason why I should not continue to challenge his so-called leadership! All he does is scheme, when really, these things need a fine eye and attention to detail! In any case, at least some of us are willing to put in the effort." Lorenz scoffed, he glanced at the girl in the row behind him.

The pink haired girl shot him a dirty look, "hey! Don't throw me into this! Claude, say something!"

Claude laughed and threw his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair. He nodded to Robin's direction, "while you were all bickering, our new professor here was taking notes."

Half the class paled and saw Robin writing away in her journal.

Disorganised. Do not listen to each other. Must put them through team building exercises. Learn to gain each other's trust. Need to see what their individual level of skill is.

Lorenz: prideful, seems to want others to follow him instead of Claude. Perhaps one of the nobles.

Once she finished her notes she looked back up and leant back in her chair, smiling at the worried faces looking back at her. "So, what we're saying is, there is a lack of teamwork and communication in this house?"

Most of the class nodded, except for a blue haired girl who seemed to prefer to keep her head down. Ok, this house might be more difficult than she expected. She'd need to see how much potential they have before she decided to make this worth the effort. But she helped pull the Shepherds through some tough times that wore on morale, so she figured she can help this lot.

"Ok, I think we can fix that. I've seen bitter enemies work together, I'll shape you into a great team in no time."

It was annoying but she wished she had grabbed food before class. "Hey, are we allowed food in here?" She asked without thinking.

Some students glanced at each other before the big guy laughed. "Ha! If it was allowed then I would be having my third breakfast right about now!"

Robin laughed with him. "It's not allowed unless you get caught," some looked at her in surprise. Ok, she meant to say that more quietly and to herself. She was thinking of bringing a small snack next time she got hungry in class.

"Uh, what I mean is don't eat in class, but if you do, there's got to be enough to share." Ok, she was making this up on the spot now. Teaching is hard. Claude's laughter brought her hope she was helping them ease around her.

"Ok, back to business." She stood up from behind her desk and leant on the front. "How good are the other classes?" She needed to know what she's dealing with. "What about the Black Eagles?"

Lysithea was the first to answer, "they're taught by Professor Hanneman, who everyone knows loves to lecture more than doing anything practical, but the results speak for themselves, really. They're terrifying on the battlefield, and so well organised!"

Robin nodded as she jotted in her journal. "Ok, and the Blue Lions?"

"They have gotten a bit smug since Professor Byleth got that sword." Claude leant forward on his desk with both hands under his chin, "that guy is seriously good on the battlefield and very experienced. The Blue Lions are well versed in tactics and they've got good leadership."

Robin hummed and finished with her notes, she wasn't sure what a sword had to do with a house's morale but she'd find out. She genuinely wanted to give this house a fighting chance at the mock battle. She looked over her new schedule for the day, this was the shortest period before a short break, then a longer lecture period for two hours. After that came lunch, then another two hour period of more lecture. Today was basically a lecture day. But lunch sounded really good about now. Looking out the window, it looked like the clouds had finally parted and were letting in some light.

"Ok guys, I'm giving you an early break. When we come back I'd like to speak to you individually."

She sat back down in her chair and watched them file out. Lysithea gave her an odd look before noticing Robin was looking and she rushed out.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw yellow.

"You wanted to see me, Teach?"

"T-teach?" Flashbacks of Vaike flooded her memory.

"Everything ok?" Claude asked. She saw him giving her a worried look.

"Ah, yes uh, everything is fine, thank you. I just needed a word." Quickly rubbing her face, she waited until he was comfortable before she continued.

"I just needed a gauge on how well this class is doing, and since you're house leader I thought you might give me some insight?"

Claude scratched the back of his head, "well Teach, I won't lie to ya, the academic year so far has been a wild ride. Take last month, when Flayn went missing. We were all on edge for that." He shook his head, "and what you said about us lacking in teamwork that's true. We're just a bunch of miscreants." He winked.

Robin sighed and placed a hand under her chin, "I honestly didn't think it was that bad. Are arguments that frequent?"

"Oh, as frequent as the monks who pray to the goddess." He half laughed. She noticed his smile doesn't always reach his eyes.

"What about you, Claude? What do you think?"

"What do I think?" He repeated. "I'm just your average, if not exceedingly handsome, student who got caught up in this."

She noticed he was quick to deflect but before she could speak, a knock sounded at the door.

"Professor? Are you free?" Seteth hovered at the entrance.

She nodded. "Thank you Claude, enjoy your break." He bowed to both her and Seteth before shooting her a grin and dashing off.

She stood up to greet Seteth. "How are you today?"

"I am quite good thank you. How are you finding it so far?"

"The students appear to be a bit rough around the edges, I'll polish them off." She smiled encouragingly.

"That's good to hear, professor. I came here to inform you that Lady Rhea wishes to see you, you may arrive at lunch time, where I have arranged the other professors to greet you formally. Before that I can point you to the library."

"That sounds great, I will be there."

"Very good then, I will see you when lessons are over." He bowed and left the classroom.

Sighing, she flipped through her journal, preparing each page for when she talked to the students. She flipped through their profiles and noticed some had 'crests' while some didn't. Like Lorenz, it said he had "the minor crest of Gloucester." She thought at first crests were some kind of family crest, like a kind of banner. But some students didn't have one, perhaps only the noble families had them? It looked like Lysithea had two. Was she supporting two families with a different crest each? Frowning, she decided it probably wasn't important. After setting the next lesson up, there was still time to see if there was any food in the dining hall. She was starving.

Humming to herself, she made her way to the dining hall where it appeared most of the students were helping themselves to food. Thankfully, there was only a short line. But as she got closer, she felt the stares. Ok, so she was new, but did they have to stare? Hopefully that'd stop soon. She saw a guy with red hair gawk at her until his friend with his own hair in a messy blue bun jab him in the stomach.

She kept in her laughter until she saw Byleth up ahead. He looked like he was in line with another person and they were chatting. Maybe she could stand there silently and he won't notice, Tharja had taught her how to stand really still without being noticed. Oh, no he noticed! That guy's sharp, but then Claude mentioned he was experienced. All she could do was politely smile as she drew closer.

"Good morning, Robin." He deadpanned. The person he was talking to finally took notice of Robin's appearance.

"Oh, you must be the new professor everyone is talking about! My name is Dorothea."

"It's nice to meet you," Robin bowed to both of them. "Are you here for breakfast?"

Dorothea smiled, "sometimes we do not have the chance before lectures."

"Are you in the Blue Lions?" Robin asked.

Dorothea giggled, "No, I come from the empire's capital, I'm in the Black Eagle house." She gave Robin a once over, "oh my, you look like a wonderful person. Shall I show you around?"

Robin smiled but felt some discomfort at the way Byleth was still staring at her, "perhaps on our free day on the 12th?" She had made sure to memorise the calendar. Plus she couldn't pass up making a new friend. If the other students saw that they would feel more at ease around her.

Luckily by this time Byleth had grabbed some food and Dorothea was next. "Sounds like a plan! See you around, professor, I hope we have some classes together!" Dorothea smiled at Robin before leaving with her breakfast.

Finally, some food! She grabbed some fruit and stuffed it in her pockets before reaching for delicious smelling soup. She wasn't sure she recognised the ingredients, but Fódlan cuisine might be tasty for all she knew. Turning round, she wondered where to sit.

"Hey, Teach!"

She cringed slightly, thinking someone was calling Vaike for a second, or rather he was calling himself. Turning to the source of the voice, she saw Claude sitting with some other students, waving her over. Smiling, she walked towards them.

"Hey Teach, why don't you sit with us?" He patted the seat next to him.

She blinked for a second before obeying. "Sure, I would love to." She looked to the students who were accompanying him, "hello Ignatz." She looked at the blue haired girl next to him, "and you would be Marianne, right?"

Marianne looked up from her food with a scared look on her face, "uh...yes. Hello professor."

"Don't mind her too much, she'll warm up to you eventually." Claude winked at Robin.

"Hey guys!" Hilda walked over and sat down abruptly next to Marianne, then she noticed Robin. "Uh, hello professor."

"Morning, Hilda." Robin smiled.

She let them continue their conversation by themselves while she ate. Stahl would have loved this soup, she was sure.

"Excuse me, are you professor Robin?" She looked up to see the tall blond Byleth was walking with before classes started. Behind him was an even taller guy with dark skin tone.

"That would be me." She offered him a grin.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he bowed. "I am Dimitri, head of the Blue Lion house."

"Ah, his princeliness has graced us with his presence," Claude waved his hand in a mock gesture.

"Claude, please. I only want to meet the new professor in person." Dimitri scowled slightly.

"It's nice to meet you Dimitri," Robin got up and shook his hand. She noticed he had a strong grip. "And who is this?"

"That is Dedue, my vassal." Behind him Dedue simply bowed, to which Robin returned.

"I think it's time we left for class," Ignatz got up to leave, Marianne following behind.

"Of course," Robin turned to Dimitri and Dedue, "I hope to see you soon."

"Likewise professor," Dimitri bowed his head and left.

On their way back to the classroom Robin turned to Claude. "Is Dimitri a prince?"

Claude showed her a toothy grin, "yup, about as princely as they come, don't you think?"

Robin hummed and simply took an apple out of her pocket to chew on.

Robin had a lot to stew on. Her one on one sessions with the Golden Deer was distressing to say the least. Claude was helpful when it came to other students, but for whatever reason remained secretive about himself, and he was too good at deflecting conversation topics. Hilda was lazy, no other word for it. Robin had a strong suspicion she got other students to do her work for her. Raphael was kind and had the right attitude, but he admitted he was slow with learning. That wasn't a problem, there are always workarounds, she can get him up to speed if he was willing to put the time in. Leonie was trying to impress this 'Jeralt' character, whoever that was. Marianne wanted nothing to do with fighting and seemed to think she was a burden. Robin would have to quickly change that mindset. Ignatz seemed kind and optimistic, that was a big plus. Lorenz clearly wanted to show everyone he was the biggest and best noble and to uphold his duty. Lysithea was something else entirely, so young but she had to know everything, by that Robin could tell Lysithea was just as much of a bookworm as she is. She could tell she was a focused individual, except when Lysithea is talking to Robin. She would look so sad when she looked in Robin's eyes. That was unusual but Robin decided to ignore it for the time being.

Robin sat back and rubbed her face. What a mismatched bunch of people… just like the Shepherds...heh. Still, they'd benefit from working together, as disinterested as they appear right now. She just doubted she could do it before the mock battle.

While the students were enjoying their lunch, Robin was discussing her mission for the month with Rhea. The archbishop was confident in Robin's abilities to teach the Golden Deer and prepare them for the mock battle. Robin remembered the intense gaze Rhea gave her every time their eyes met. Robin agreed to do the best she could for them. With that concluded, Seteth walked with Robin down a corridor.

"Since you are now a professor, here is your library card," he handed her a small card, "you are allowed to sections students cannot enter, such as the restricted area."

"Really?" Robin's eyes lit up.

Seteth coughed into a balled fist as if to discourage her thinking. "We're heading there now where I have arranged the other two professors to meet us."

He opened the door to the library and Robin couldn't help the smile on her face. So many books! Perhaps not as extensive as the one in the palace in Ylisse but these would surely be ones she's never read before.

"Ah, you must be professor Robin, yes?" She looked down from gazing at the books to see an edlerly gentleman striding towards her. He bowed to which she returned.

"Yes, it's nice to meet you."

"Pleasure! I'm professor Hanneman, I teach the Black Eagles," he studied her carefully, "I am also a renowned Crest scholar. Perhaps you have an interesting Crest I could look at?"

"I don't have a Crest," she nervously laughed, he seemed almost ready to begin searching for one on her. What's a Crest anway? If she didn't know what one was, it was better to deny having one.

"Hmm, very well." He seemed crestfallen. "Anyway, since you are new, please do not hesitate to come to me for guidance.

She nodded in thanks, and turned to see Byleth to Hanneman's side. Silent as always, she almost didn't see him.

"What professor Hanneman said." Byleth unfolded his arms. "Come to us if you are in need of help."

"I will, thank you." Robin smiled, but couldn't shake the odd feeling Byleth was giving her.

"Hope you're ready for the mock battle!" Hanneman laughed, "I have to say, my students will not lose to the Blue Lions this time, we have a solid strategy!"

"Mine are strong, we won't be giving you an easy time," Robin saw a smile appear on Byleth's lips as he said that. He turned to her.

"Don't feel too bad at the results, I take battles very seriously, even mock ones."

Robin almost scoffed, what was that supposed to mean? "You think I can't bring my students up to your students level? Watch me."

Hanneman laughed genuinely but Byleth continued to stare.

"I'll see you around Robin, you seem like a person who enjoys scholarly pursuits too. Feel free to come to my office anytime."

"I'll take you up on that offer," Robin exchanged a handshake with him before he left.

Byleth looked spaced out again before he snapped his eyes back on Robin and nodded before leaving. So everyone here took battles very seriously? She wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She didn't mind showing them what the Ylissean tactician can do.