This may be the last we see of each other.

No. It wasn't.

The ax dropped from Edelgard's hand, the shield fell, she drew breath and closed her eyes, accepted her loss to Byleth. To her teacher.

She was stronger than this. Faster, more ferocious. The Flame Emperor's armor was not heavy enough to hinder her such. She had another burden. A heavier burden.

Despite what I said I have no intention of killing you.

Could he believe that?

Rhea's words twisted and sneered as she condemned her. Judgement from the Goddess already passed.

But why? Why force a confrontation? Even had she fought to her utmost he was the better and she knew that. Knew those soldiers could not defeat the Black Eagles. Some scheme in the dark, some contingency from Hubert? Why? what purpose did it serve?

Something about you makes me reveal all of the things I so carefully keep concealed.

Because it had to be. The confrontation was the point.

...someday he will appear before you without his mask…

One without that mask.

If you wish to join forces, I will hear your plea.

Because what she said back then was not a sick, twisted joke.

The moment that battle was over she came to plead her case. Could not wait to explain herself. Ask for his hand.

Do you believe all these incidents are connected, Professor?

It's even more revolting… more terrible than I expected.

The disappearances. The disgust. She had been trying to tell him all this time. He had just refused to see it.

Had he given it then, would Jeralt still be alive? Would she have turned on Kronya and Solon? A question she'd already answered.

Would Sothis still be then?

Or was she too hand-in-hand with their killers to ever side with?

If the Flame Emperor truly wishes to make use of your power… Perhaps someday he will appear before you without his mask, and you can look in his eyes and decide what you believe.

Byleth looked into her eyes. Icy-blue and beautiful. Striking even when they first met. When he sacrificed his life for hers. She did not flinch, did not stagger. Understood the fate this path had carved. Stone-faced as possible. Another thing she could not best him in. He saw it. Beyond the front and bluff. The truth.

All of it. All of it done for his sake.

So much from everyone for him.

"Kill the traitor!"

To side with Edelgard was to betray the Church and everything they'd done for him. For a woman who'd just been after his life. The lives of her friends. Kidnapped Flayn, worked with his father's murderers, Remire's butchers, tortured students. Those who forced Sothis's sacrifice.

Only a fool would put his trust in Edelgard.

I appreciate your help back there. Your skill is beyond question.

Your skill is precisely why I must ask you to consider lending your skills to the Empire.

I've never told anyone about my past before.

All I can do is promise to reach out my hand when it's time for me to move forward.

Thank you for all that you have done for me.

My teacher… There is a choice to be made. I hope you make the right one.

I will build a world where such meaningless sacrifice is never again sanctioned. As emperor, I will change the world. I swear it.

Sothis always did call him one.

He reached out and took her hand. Sword of the Creator aimed at the archbishop.

"My teacher…"

He would protect her.

Protect that smile she gave him. Protect the memories they shared. The ideal she championed. Protect her. Now, and forever.