Alois

Byleth

Oh, yes. Apologies. I'm struggling with some unpleasant thoughts. Since the war began, I've ended so many lives. You and your students got your hands dirty as well. Nobody forced you all to join the fight, of course. You did so of your own volition. Still. There must be something very wrong with the world, for it to make children into killers.

That's true enough. We've all gotten older. Ah, listen to me! I'm sorry for being so glum.

Well said! In truth, I don't think my expression will improve my looks. I'm a brute, no matter what face I pull! Ah, you really are just like Jeralt. When I was down in the dumps, he'd cheer me up with a playful quip. He gave me his library of jokes. But when I tell one of them, nobody laughs at the punchline. They laugh at me! You, on the other hand. You inherited the old man's comic talents. I'm feeling pretty perky now, all thanks to you. I can't stop this war by feeling gloomy about it. Onward! To a brighter future.

To tell you the truth, that was another line I picked up from Jeralt. He taught me everything about life. He was more important to me than anyone in the world. Apart from you, perhaps.

When I look at you or see you fighting in battle, it's like I'm seeing a sibling. But at the same time... it's like seeing something sacred and powerful. Something I must defend. You're so important to the future of Fódlan... And to me. I promise to continue protecting you, with the strength of a knight and the love of a big brother.

You're welcome to return the favor, should you feel so inclined!

Hello, Professor. What brings you here? Fancy a bit of fishing?

Are you looking for help with something? Ah, no. Your eyes tell a different story.

You know, I can hardly go fishing without thinking of ol' Jeralt. He and I would just sit here, casting our lines again and again. I'm no better at it now than I was then! Not a single nibble.

I was hopeless at it, but he was a master. In the time it took me to catch one fish, he could fill his basket to the brim. You know, talking to you, I'm feeling very nostalgic. Why don't you join me? We can trade some stories about the old man.

We spoke before about how Jeralt never seemed to age, right? Once, when he was drunk, he let the secret slip. He said he'd had an infusion of Crest-bearing blood, and it had greatly extended his life.

Well, we'd both been drinking. I figured he was joking, so I just laughed it off. Then I asked him his age. He said he'd stopped counting after he hit one hundred. And he was telling the truth! In those 20 years he was away, he didn't age a bit. An incredible person, to be sure. And I probably don't know the half of it. Actually, I'd... I'd like to ask you something about Jeralt, if you don't mind. When Jeralt was away from the monastery, what was he like?

I have to say, right now, fishing with you, it really takes me back. This feels just like the good ol' days, when Jeralt was sitting alongside me...

Hello, Professor! You're really on the move today. A lot to get done, I take it? I'm happy to help. Tell me, is there anything I can do to lighten your load a bit?

Oh, surely there must be something! Don't be shy about asking for help. We're practically siblings, after all. Cut from the same cloth. I was raised by Jeralt, just as you were. So we should have no trouble getting along.

My parents died when I was small, and I came to live in the monastery. It was an aimless existence. But sometimes, a knight would pass by, wearing magnificent armor. That knight was Jeralt. And the first time he laid eyes on me, he made me his squire! What was he thinking, eh?

No kidding! I don't think I'll ever fully understand his logic. Later, I heard that the squire preceding me had died of a terrible plague. I looked a bit like him, and was about the same age, so Jeralt thought me a suitable replacement. A little nutty, old Jeralt, there's no doubt about that. Quite a character. All that was more than 30 years ago. How time flies.

Well, Jeralt hardly seems to have aged since then. In fact, over drinks he once told me... Ah, perhaps that's a story for another day. At any rate, that's Jeralt for you. One of a kind. I don't think there's anyone else quite like him.

Right. Well, now you've heard my whole story. I hope that you understand now why I feel such a strong sense of attachment to you. If you're ever in a bind, just give me a holler. I'll help however I can.

Thanks for offering, but I can handle myself.

Indeed, indeed. Well, I'll let you get back to it. But truly, if I can take anything off your plate, don't hesitate to let me know.

Hey, what're you doing here? Waiting for someone?

Anyway... Things seem to have quieted down across all of Fódlan. But we can't slow down now! The work's only just begun! In fact, we'll probably be busier than ever.

But when we've got a little breathing room, I'd like to go fishing with you. We can sit by the water together and idly cast our lines, not a care in the world… Ah, ahem. It occurs to me. Were you really waiting for someone? A little rendezvous, perhaps?

I'm sorry. It's just, when it comes to your life, I get emotional, you know? You've...you've done so well. You've persisted through so many obstacles, and you just kept on fighting. I have no doubt Captain Jeralt's looking down proudly from heaven right now. And of course, I'm proud of you too. I'm a very proud big brother.

At any rate, let's keep marching forward, together. For Fódlan! For the captain!

Of course you can count on me! As long as I live, I'll be your most faithful ally!

Triangle Attack