Imperial Year 1180, Garreg Mach Monastery

Byleth let out a sigh as he settled into his seat, and let the still strange atmosphere of his office envelop him. Given the amount of time he would no doubt be spending in this room during the course of the following year, Byleth was certain that that strangeness would fade away quite rapidly indeed.

It had been a decidedly long morning, but on the plus side, he had managed to complete all but one of the interviews before even needing to break for lunch. Aside from finishing up the lesson plan for the following day, he could spend time with Amy. The Goddess knew that he would soon be short on time to spend with her.

He glanced over the pile of copious notes he had complied, and drained what was left of his tea. Whilst the lavender blend had indeed calmed him and a number of his students, Byleth couldn't understand why half the students were so obsessed with the stuff. It was probably a noble thing.

He turned his thoughts back to the interviews. It seemed that Claude had opted to have the interviews in age order. An understandably easy way to go about it, requiring little thought or planning or argument. Byleth let out a sigh, and privately wondered if that was a sign of things to come.

Amy herself was happily playing with her bear, 'Sir Reggie', in a corner of the room. Byleth began to read over his notes one last time as he waited for the last student. It would mean he could leave his office straight away after this last interview was over.

Lysithea von Ordelia:

Appears to be remarkably intelligent, but was yawning a lot during our interview. Uncertain whether it was tiredness or boredom. Likely struggles to be taken seriously due to her age. Curious hair colour. Is she related to Princess Imperial Edelgard? She Informed me that I can drop the 'von' from people's names when addressing them.

Note: I now owe her sweets.

Lysithea had been...a curious way to start the morning, Byleth had thought. The youngest member of the Golden Deers by two years, and quite defensive about her age.

Not that her age was an issue, in his opinion. She was here, with the approval of both the Archbishop and the Headmaster, and as far as Byleth was concerned, that was all that mattered. He would teach her the rest of his students.

Ignatz Victor

He appears to be nervous about a great many things. Self Esteem issues perhaps? From what I can tell, he doesn't really want to be a Knight. He likes art. I agreed to show him sketches of Brigid and of the hill outside of Aileni Village.

Note: Be sure to get Weaver to reinforce his glasses so they can't break.

Weaver would do good work, he was sure. He liked odd jobs like that. Master Victor was pleasant enough, and ensuring that the young man's glasses didn't break during training was a damn good plan. In addition, it would allow him to cast his mind back to the happy, lazy days spent with his Dearest one in Aileni Village.

Unlike Karin, however, he wouldn't owe Weaver anything except a small favour.

Marianne von Edmund

She is quiet, and apologises a lot. During our interview, she never met my eyes. Appears to be quite devout. Liked the tea. It was very difficult to read her, although I do not believe that this is due to anything malicious.

Note: Ask Seteth about her history. She's acting like I did five years ago.

Of all the people he had interviewed this morning, Miss Edmund had concerned him the most. Had his life been different, perhaps he would not have noticed the obvious traits.

But Byleth had noticed. He hoped he was mistaken, that he was merely overly paranoid, but he had to at least plan, just in case.

Claude von Reigan

Claude is an interesting one. He made a deal with me during our interview whereby any question I asked him, I had to answer the same question. A truly intriguing scheme that I entirely approve of, to a degree.

However, when I asked about his past, he was decidedly vague, and deflected by asking about Amy.

Note: KEEP AWAY FROM AMY. He'll almost certainly be a hilariously bad influence on her.

Byleth let out a sigh. Claude's interview had been almost fun. Asking the younger man questions that he himself was happy to answer had been a challenge, and had broken up the monotony of the morning. It was quickly obvious that the Alliance's heir was far more intelligent than he openly displayed.

Why he hid it, Byleth was unsure.

Raphael Kirsten

Master Kirsten appears to be a pleasant enough fellow, I want to make that part clear first. But if my interview is anything to go by, he is focused on his body, and neglecting his mind. Dedicated to his sister, who lives in the village. Ensure that he can visit her as often as he wants.

Note: Arrange to get him a uniform that actually fits him.

It would be interesting to see how well Master Kirsten would do with the more academic side of things, Byleth thought. It was clear that he was skilled enough to be at the academy, but from his first impression of the young man at least, Byleth was of the opinion that Raphael was not academic in the least.

With luck, that would soon change.

Hilda Valentine Goneril

Miss Goneril appears to lack confidence in her abilities, as the last thing she asked during the interview was to be placed on logistics during the upcoming mock battle. But without seeing her train, I cannot make an informed and reasoned decision on that matter.

Note: Make sure she actually does the work. Lack of confidence is fine, laziness isn't.

Lorenz Hellman Gloucester

Amy came into my office during this interview. Master Gloucester did not seem to mind, he even introduced himself in the traditional noble manner. He appears to be quite academic, and holds himself, and others, to a high standard. He was honest enough to admit he has doubts in my ability to teach.

His mindset, that being that everyone should hold to their roles, is something I can understand. Healers should heal, trackers should track, and the like.

Note: Aside from Leonie, currently the only one to trust with Amy's safety.

Byleth had very little so say about the last two members, both had been pleasant and respectful. He would have to wait and see how they (and the others) actually performed in classes. But at least now he had a good idea as to who it was his students were.

A knock on his office door brought Byleth out of his thoughts. He let out a sigh, and sat straighter in his chair.

"Come in."

The last student walked in with a smile on her face. Leonie Pinelli offered a vague wave in greeting. "Hey Professor."

"Oh thank the Goddess, the last person is relatively sane." Byleth stood up from his desk, and extended a hand, which Leonie shook.

"Relatively?" She asked, her smile turning into a broad grin.

"At thirteen you managed to just about keep up with the Bears in training." Byleth drawled. "So yes, you're relatively normal."

Leonie held his gaze for a few moments, before she shrugged and sat down in the spare seat. "Fair enough."

"Hi Miss Lee!" Amy chimed in with a happy wave.

"Leonie. It's Leonie, Amy." Byleth corrected her with an amused smile, to which his daughter merely smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry Leonie."

"Don't worry about it, Littlest Eisner." Leonie smiled. "It's not the worst thing I've ever been called."

Amy shot her a grin, and went back to amusing herself with Reggie. Byleth cleared his throat, drawing Leonie's attention at last.

"Right then." He said with a smile. "Miss Pinelli, I have some questions for you."

Leonie Pinelli

I didn't call her Duckling, so I consider that a success. She seems eager to learn. A little too eager to learn of Jeralt's techniques rather than my own, but that is fine. Amy was still with me and seemed happy to see her.

Note: Reintroduce her to the Bears at some point.

I am not entirely happy with this chapter. It's too nothingy for my liking, so I apologise for that.

Lysithea's comment on 'von' is something I discovered a few days ago, but rather than go back and edit stuff, I opted to go with writing it in as a mistake on Byleth's part.

The interviews themselves will end up in Side Stories. The initial plan I had for this chapter was to do them here, but after about four rewrites and a week of writing barely twenty days a day, I decided to go with showing Byleth's notes instead so I can move the story along.

Fun fact: Aileni is Welsh for 'Rebirth'.