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Peace was like a double-edged sword to Byleth.
On the one hand, peace led to a new age for the Kingdom of safety and comfort. The people were more prosperous than ever, and celebrated the victories led by the Savior King.
On the other hand, that safety led to people’s priorities shifting to another. Now that they did not have to solely focus on survival, their discussions focused on… other trivial matters.
I don’t understand how she was appointed Archbishop. Not with that get-up.
I heard that she used to take up the name as Ashen Demon. How could someone with a nickname such as that be blessed by the Goddess?
Surely, His Majesty could find a more appropriate woman to be married to? She’s a bloodthirsty weapon of war.
Those conversations tended to happen within castle walls by the King’s appointees or the nobility that visited for diplomatic matters.
It was slander left and right, not just by the Kingdom, but by the Church. Priests and priestesses alike were appalled by Lady Rhea’s choice in an heir.
It was only outside of the castle, in the heart of the town, could Byleth get away from their distaste, replaced by the respect and kindness of the townsmen of Fhirdiad. The merchants grew fond of her, knowing her favorite flowers and fish. The kids would also swarm her, fueled by their curiosity of the King’s former tactician and best fighter. The townspeople also always seemed to have their lost items returned by their queen. What an honor that was!
It’s how she got the name the Queen of People’s Hearts by the people themselves. And perhaps that name, a name so endearing, is what intimidated the nobles. To them, a mere commoner didn’t deserve that sort of high pedestal.
“You can’t just go around gallivanting around the town whenever you please!” Her adviser chided. “You are the Queen, not commonfolk! It is important to keep appearances!”
“Isn’t meeting with the people a way to keep appearances?” Byleth asked. “Surely, it is one form of understanding what the people like. What Fhirdiad represents.”
“You are too naïve, m’lady.” He shook his head. “This isn’t just about keeping appearances with the people, but to those of nobility as well. You understand that you are currently not seen in a good light, yes?”
She frowned. He almost sounded like Seteth, who had chided her about the same thing more or less when she visited the church. He had scolded her for staining the archbishop garments when she went to train the children of the monastery.
But how could she help it? She was more comfortable with the commonfolk. She was surrounded by them growing up.
But at the core, that wasn’t the problem. The main obstacle blocking her from earning their respect was her position as both the Queen and archbishop. It had caused quite the scandal when it was first announced, and the hostility lurked ever so subtly ever since her union with Dimitri became official.
“Just try to gain their respect,” Her adviser pleaded. “It’s for your own good.”
And indeed she tried. Nobody, not even those who despised her, could question her intellect and strategy when it came to diplomacy. It was especially her former students and comrades in the army who endorsed her skills that allowed her to be listened during meetings.
But even with those esteemed qualities, the nobility still had ways to fight back.
She has no elegance to her whatsoever. She truly just sounds like a commander in battle whenever we have these meetings.
She’s no example for the people of Faerghus, let alone, the women! What kind of woman wants to look up to an authoritarian beast like her?
It was not in Byleth’s nature to be confrontational. She never was affected by comments like that. But surely, she had to be, right? She had to learn to command the respect of the nobility. They couldn’t speak like that about her, even if she never really took it personally.
So she approached the two men, who she recognized as the Dukes of Ochs and Barnabas, formerly allegiant to the Empire. Their hostility was understandable, albeit unwelcomed.
“Good afternoon, Duke Ochs, Duke Barnabas.” Byleth made her voice as clear as she could.
The men turned at her, their faces paling. “Your Majesty,”
“If there is something you can discuss within yourselves so blatantly in this castle, I believe you should have no problem discussing with your Queen directly.”
“W-well, that’s-“
But Duke Ochs chuckled, recovering from his surprise, ego oozing from his aura. “Your Majesty, we appreciate the hospitality you have provided us during our stay. Please, pay no regard to our conversation, we surely did not mean to offend.”
“I assure you, I was not.” She answered. “After all, it seems to me that you have acknowledged my strategies during our meeting this morning. I sound like a commander. Those were your words, yes?”
Duke Ochs let out a laugh. “Why, yes! After all, you were representing the church as archbishop, not as Queen. As archbishop, I must say your demeanor is very fitting, it’s no wonder you decided to take upon the needs of the Church over your Kingdom.”
“I believe our King is suffice in handling matters of the Kingdom.” Byleth’s eyes narrowed.
“Of course,” He agreed. “He is not one to be swayed by bias, after all. Not even when he went rampant during the war."
"I ask you to watch your language, Duke Ochs." She hissed, anger boiling at the mention of her husband.
"It's no insult. In fact, you should learn a thing or two from him on his dedication. I believe he must have educated you on the ways of nobility by now? Though I do notice how some only find your elegance when you are in your regal wear. Does His Majesty feel the same behind closed doors?”
Her fists clenched at the implication.
He grinned. "Oh, I must have angered the lady. I do hope I don't awaken the war tactician-"
“I believe you have overstayed your welcome, Duke Ochs and Duke Barnabas.” A voice bellowed from behind them.
“Your Majesty-“ Duke Ochs’ features paled at the sight of the man that now towered over them.
“Our meeting has been adjourned this morning. If there is nothing else you require to discuss, I suggest you take your leave.”
Duke Ochs gulped. “Yes… Your Majesty.”
The two dukes bowed at his sight and scurried off.
Dimitri let out a sigh, placing a comforting hand behind her back.
“Beloved, are you alright?” He asked, worry etching his face.
“Of course.” Byleth nodded, looking up at her husband. “You know… I could have handled it by myself.”
“Yes, I know.” His smile was soft and gentle as he stared down at her. “I merely stepped in because I wanted to be there for you. That is all.”
“Is that so?” She hummed.
She knew that she should have been grateful, but his gesture spurred something in her that was more uncomfortable than the subtle insults the dukes had given her.
“But the nerve of them,” Dimitri’s scowl deepened. “To think that they could say such a thing to the Queen! They must be utter fools if they think they could get away with that!”
“There’s no need to dwell on it. It’s quite normal, really.”
“N-normal?” Dimitri looked at her in bewilderment. “What do you mean normal?”
Byleth blinked in confusion. “I mean I hear that all the time. It doesn’t really bother me.”
His look of astonishment transformed into one of quiet rage.
Byleth placed her hand on his shoulder. “Dimitri?”
He shook his head, letting out an exasperated sigh. “We will have to resolve this at once.”
“Dimitri, wait-“
But he had already stomped off, focused on his mission to quiet the gossip of the nobles.
And did it work almost immediately. The voices quieted down, and all Byleth dealt with were the subtle glares from the nobles whenever she passed by.
Despite that, Byleth felt no relief. The unsettling feeling still settled in her stomach, and she felt as if she were missing the point.
It would grow stronger especially whenever she was near her husband. She felt guilty whenever she felt that way, but she felt the unease when she went on walks with her husband, and the nobles greeted him with courtesy and respect. It was only then did they give her a plastered smile that could almost be fooled as a genuine one if it weren’t for the smirks Byleth caught them wearing once they passed by.
She didn’t understand, and she had no one to ask. If she brought it up to Dimitri, would he understand? Or would it hurt his feelings?
Ignoring her hesitation, she decided to find him. Out of all people, he was the one she wanted to confide in, even if it may feel unpleasant. It was always Dimitri who understood her. Who could unravel the complex mysteries of her heart.
But as she stumbled upon him at the corridor, she was greeted with a scandalous sight. Her eyes landed on the lips of one of the duchesses that met her husband’s.
Just as immediately as she looked, Dimitri pushed the woman away from him, scanning around in shock. His shock amplified even more so when he spotted his wife staring.
“Beloved!” Dimitri’s face paled as he rushed over to her side. “It’s not what it looks like!”
The woman looked smug as she gave Byleth a challenging gaze.
She straightened herself as she eyed the woman back.
“I could tell.” She said, her eyes remaining glued to the woman. “Not with how you look sick to the stomach.”
The woman’s face morphed briefly into disbelief, before settling back into her cunning smile as she looked back at her husband. "I do not mean to offend the Queen, Your Majesty. After all, I only wanted to share my input on internal affairs."
Her condescending gaze landed on Byleth. "My, it is only befitting for somebody who grew up in Faerghus to advise on trade between our neighboring lands, isn't that right?"
"Leave."
The duchess flinched at Dimitri's voice. He wasn't looking at her, but the deadly glare on his face was enough to send her a message.
"I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I didn't mean to-"
"Clearly, you underestimate my authority. Do not make me repeat myself."
As Byleth watched the compliance on the duchess' face, the puzzle pieces fit together.
"Y-yes." The duchess bowed hurriedly before fleeing from the scene.
Dimitri's attention returned to Byleth, who just stared at him, almost calculatingly.
Ah. She understood now.
Dimitri lost his tense composure, changing into something more frantic, as he watched Byleth turn on her heel, each step deliberate and powerful.
“Beloved, please, I can explain,” Dimitri fumbled as he caught up to her. “She told me she wanted to speak about Kingdom matters, but then she threw herself at me before I could react!”
She continued to walk onward, her epiphany overtaking her mind, running its gears.
"I-I understand if you're angry, but please, I promise you, I would never do anything to hurt you intentionally like this-"
Thoughts continued to crowd her mind. From the mocking faces of the nobility to the compliance they had to Dimitri's authority.
The gears kept turning and turning, spewing out the words that defined her feelings so vividly that dawned on her shamefully.
“Beloved, please talk to me-“
She snapped out of her thoughts as soon as she heard the crack in her husband's voice. When her eyes met his, her heart clenched when she saw the fear in his features.
“My love, do not worry. I'm not mad at you.” She reassured, intertwining his trembling hand with hers. “I trust you. I know you wouldn’t do such a thing.”
“But…” Dimitri analyzed her carefully as he caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry, I cannot believe that. You still look upset. I… I want to ease your mind. Please, tell me how I can make it up to you.”
“You don’t have to make it up to me.” She frowned. “If anything, I should be the one doing so.”
“What are you talking about?”
"Dimitri, I’m…” She closed her eyes, acknowledging the shame she felt. “I’m jealous of you.”
“J-jealous?” Dimitri’s eye widened so much, as if it could pop out from his socket. “W-what-“
“You know that the nobility does not welcome my presence.” She continued. “In fact, they despise it. They despise the power I have despite being a mercenary. I’m the archbishop and the Queen of Faerghus.”
“And that is their own fault!” He interrupted. “If it were anybody else, they would be abusing that power to their benefit. You have been handling your positions with grace!”
“Grace,” Byleth shook her head. “Not at all. That’s not what they think.”
“It doesn’t matter what they think-“
“See, this is why.” Byleth called him out. “This is why I’m jealous.”
Dimitri’s shoulders slumped. It was clear to her that he was desperately trying to understand her, to find the right words to say.
Byleth sighed. “Dimitri, you do not have to care about what they think. But I have to, even when I don’t. I married into your family. Into your name. To them, I am somebody who used you as a way to climb up the ladder from nothing.
“I am not like you, who has earned the people’s respect for generations. I just used to be your professor and confidante during the war. I know how to command the respect of fighters because I have the skills that they acknowledge. But the nobility…”
She looked down in shame. “I do not understand them, Dimitri. I do not understand the importance of elegance or grace, something that they hold in such high regard. To them… I am easy to discard. My authority is easily challenged. And the only time I get their respect is when you’re by my side.”
She recalled the events with the two dukes the other day. How they only mocked her when she confronted them, while scurried away in fear once Dimitri stepped in to help.
“It’s times like that when I feel so… helpless.”
Saying the word opened a wound that Byleth did not know she had. The discomfort of knowing that she, for once, could not be the one who saved herself. The dependency on another made her anxious. Helpless.
Ashamed.
Guilty.
“Beloved,” Dimitri tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Do you remember that night you held my hand under the rain? That fateful night when you pulled me out of the darkness?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
“I had to gain the trust back of our allies too. It may not look like it, but the Blue Lions were obviously skeptical in having me back to lead. I had to prove to them that they could rely on me as their future King. But I had to regain my confidence in going back on the path that was carved out for me.”
He smiled at her fondly. “It took time, but you were there every step of the way. You reassured them that I was somebody they could trust and continued to do so until I finally had the confidence to find my footing and to prove to them that I can lead.
“You do not know… how comforting it is to have somebody stand by your side. Especially in times where you feel lost. So… my beloved,”
He took her hands in his. “Could I be so selfish as to ask of you to allow me to stand by your side this time? Could you allow me to be there for you, to support you, until you recognize just how perfect you are as an archbishop and as a Queen?”
He stared at her, almost pleadingly. “Would you let me in?”
Ah, she was right. He really was the only one who could unravel the complex mysteries of her heart.
-
She really went for it this time. How aggressive!
Sometimes, I don’t understand if she cares about the Kingdom or the Church more.
“Why, we should commend Her Majesty’s input, shouldn’t we?” Dimitri butted in a conversation between two duchesses from the neighboring Houses of Ifan and Herebus.
“Your Majesty-“
“There’s no need to be so afraid of her, I assure you she puts the needs of the Kingdom in high regard.” He reassured. “Isn’t that right, darling?”
Byleth timidly walked over to where the three stood. “Yes, I do. I understand that it is quite complicated, being that I represent the Church during these meetings. But that is why His Majesty is there to represent the Kingdom. We both value the peace we’ve achieved. I’d like to promise you we’re doing the best we can to protect it.”
“W-why, yes, of course!” Duchess Ifan said, evidently flustered.
“If it’s okay with you, would you like to have some tea? I’d be more than happy to hear any concerns that you may have.”
The two duchesses exchanged glances in surprise.
“W-we’d be delighted to!” Their smiles were tense, but Byleth took it as a victory nonetheless.
The duchesses were the first to walk away, Byleth following not far behind.
She turned back to look at her husband, who was smiling and gave her a nod of encouragement.
This time, instead of knots twisting around her stomach, a fuzzy feeling warmed up her chest.
She returned his smile, which widened when she noticed the blush that dusted his cheeks.
She went to catch up with the duchesses, relishing in the comfort of having him stand by her side.