Chapter 5: Bookworms
"Rhea, I feel as though it is my duty to question your judgement on this matter." Seteth said with a frown "As your advisor, it is my role to aid you in decision making, as such I must ask why you felt the need to appoint a stranger – A child, no less – as professor at the officers academy and offer a faculty position to another one."
"I have made my decision Seteth." Rhea remained stern faced in the wake of his council "I realise that worrying comes naturally to you." she gave him a reassuring smile "However, there is no need. That 'stranger' is Jeralt's flesh and blood after all."
"I'm sure you'll forgive me if that does not provide comfort." Seteth remained unchanged in his opinion "How trustworthy is this Jeralt character, a man who has not been seen in twenty-one years following the great fire. Even if the man has your complete trust, that does not explain the offer to this 'Goetia' character. He has even less of a background that Jeralt and his child, all we know of him is that he is a foreigner. How can we be sure he is not a risk to the Church?"
"I worry that you spend too much time seeing the worst in people, Seteth." Rhea shook her head "I believe that it was the Will of the Goddess that Jeralt and his child were there to aid our students, just as it was her Will that brought Goetia to our country and to this Monastery." she slightly raised a single eyebrow "Was it not also you who suggested hiring aid for Tomas as he ages?"
"From one of our resident scholars perhaps. Not the first stranger who visits the Monastery, more to the point he only has one arm Rhea. I fear his usefulness as an assistant would be...limited."
"We both know that appearances are deceiving Seteth, I feel as though our visitor would be more than capable of lending aid in the Library, and perhaps outside of it."
"The deception of appearances is all the more reason to be more careful when dealing with strangers." Seteth countered "I fear that you are too optimistic in the motives of people." his face became tinged with concern "I beg you at least reconsider, with Flayn now at the Monastery I would rather not take unnecessary risks."
"Seteth, they have my trust." She softened her features "Let that be enough for you." she frowned "More importantly, I have received a message from Shamir regarding our suspicious individual. We cannot ignore those who harbour ill-will towards the church. Especially if they are frequenting Garreg Mach."
Seteth closes his eyes and straightened himself "Yes, that matter is of great importance as well." he opened them and steeled his expression "I will continue my investigation on the matter." he released a weary sigh "Rhea...for now, I will trust that you are placing your confidence with the utmost care...and I pray that nothing occurs to shake that faith."
"So how do you get your hair to be so luxurious?" The girl asked Goetia. The man did well to avoid letting his irritation show.
Following his, albeit brief, visit upon the Academy Library he had decided to tour the Monastery itself. If he were to work here it would be useful to familarise himself with the rest of the facility.
That, however, brought up problems of its own.
Apparently Hanneman had not been exaggerating when it came to rumours circulating of his and Byleths appearance at the academy. He'd seen the girl accosted by several students already.
He himself was subject to stares and hushed voices as he journeyed around the main campus. The students had initially kept their distance.
Save one.
"I mean, I can spend hours trying to make sure my hair is half as soft as this." The brunette girl commented as she held up a lock of his hair "And the fact that you just let it fall down like this...it feels like a waste to not style it."
"Physical appearances mean very little to me." Goetia replied, feeling fatigued by her presence.
"Perhaps they don't mean a lot to you." She admitted "But they can mean everything to Nobles, you don't look too bad but there's just this...untapped potential to make yourself stand out."
That was the exact opposite of what he wanted, observation of humans at this point meant no longer interfering. However his desire to merely take on a background role was quickly dwindling when faced with the reality that he was unlikely to get peace of mind.
"Is that so…" He idly replied.
"Of course." The girl gave him a small smile "But where are my manners, I'm Dorothea Arnault."
"Goetia."
"I know." At his raised eyebrow she clarified "We do have a bit of a gossip mill at the Academy, suffice to say I'd be surprised if anyone here hasn't heard of a mystery new Professor and a tanned man with glittery golden hair."
"My appearance is likely to become a topic for conversation." Goetia acquiesced "I shall assume that Fodlan is an uncommon place for Foreigners and the Monastery less so."
"Got that right." She snorts "I'd watch out if I were you, being a foreigner, you're bound to attract some...less than savoury individuals and more so if you are a commoner."
"Fodlan is xenophobic?" Goetia tilted his head and hummed in thought, it made sense considering the lack of non-natives he had seen. Although he didn't imagine that the continent would actively participate in such acts of prejudice.
"Yikes, big words." Dorothea muttered then gave him a reassuring smile "That isn't the word I would use, most people around the Monastery won't give you a second glance but try not to be too surprised if some of the more...vocal members express distrust towards you."
Goetia nodded "Your warning is appreciated."
"So, I hear you are gonna be working in the library?"
"Possibly." He admitted "Dependent whether or not it interests me."
"I have a feeling you'll stick around." She gave him a sly smile "You've got the feeling of someone who likes to be near the centre of exciting things. With the leaders of three different powers here, what could be more exciting?"
Goetia frowned. Remaining here would certainly be of his benefit. More-so that a Monastery full of different cultures would likely provide him an opportunity to understand humans better. He hoped, as well as keeping a closer eye on the holder of the Divine Core.
"Well, I'll see you around Gotie! I gotta let Edie know I was able to have a chat with you!" Dorothea waved at him as she walked off in the direction of the classrooms.
Goetia stayed where he was for a few moments before he eventually spoke aloud in confusion "Gotie?"
"How did you find the monastery?" Byleth asked as she sat opposite him in the mess hall. Goetia looked up from his soup, being one of the few things he could eat with one hand, and cast a small glance her way.
"U-" He began, only to be cut off by the girl.
"Uninspired." He raised an eyebrow at her, if he looked closer he could be sure that the corner of her mouth tilted upwards slightly.
"You are learning." He said "It is nothing I have not seen before, however that does not mean it inherently disappoints me. It has its uses."
"Have you considered whether or not you will be staying?"
"I have." He nodded "The Library offers a wealth of information." he took a small sip of his soup "More than that, the Monastery itself offers the opportunity to aid in the answering of certain questions." he looked at her "What of you? You had never considered any alternate form of employment, and are now a professor teaching students barely younger than yourself."
She frowned "Its...weird. Never considered teaching." she placed her chin on her hand and narrowed her eyes "Perhaps I could teach them combat and tactics."
"Perhaps." He nodded "I have noticed that Nobles appear to be more than willing to involve themselves in combat thus far." he frowned "However, I assume that their education involves more than the ability to swing a sharpened piece of metal."
Her frown deepened.
"I am certain that Professor Hanneman and Physician Manuela are capable of lending you aid on the academic side of the equation." He pointed out "The Library also seems to be useful in acquiring the necessary information for the development of their academic career."
"Hmm." She hummed and went back to her lunch, a seared fish.
"What is your opinion on the Monastery?" Goetia asked "I assume you have spent the morning active in your exploration of this place?"
"Its big." She replied immediately "Quite defensible too, multiple barricades on our way up and sturdy battlements."
"Noticed that as well, did you?" He nodded "True, it is more akin to a fortress than a place of worship." he took another sip of his soul. Tomato, he didn't mind the flavour, figured it was actually quite pleasant. "Have you given consideration as to what you will teach your class?"
"Apparently its up to the professors who they teach."
"Really?" Goetia would admit, he hadn't expected that "Given consideration as to who?"
"Not yet." She admitted "Spent the morning asking the different house leaders about their classmates."
"I had the opportunity to encounter a couple of students earlier." He admitted "They were contrasting, although they seemed to be equally curious about my being."
"Curiosity is dangerous." Byleth said "Leads people into traps."
"...Is that so?" That seemed unusually paranoid to him, although there was merit to her statement. He believed that was an old human proverb about an inquisitive feline being murdered. Bizarre human aphorism.
"Captain, are you here for lunch?" Alois asked, the elder mercenary let out a weary sigh before turning to the man and giving him a blank look.
"I am, yes." He turned back to the Mess hall menu "Certainly more variety than I last remember…" he muttered under his breath.
"Of course you are." Alois nodded "You always did eat more than the rest of us, but I suppose you had to be considering you were the strongest knight in the church!"
Jeralt turned back to the man with slightly narrowed eyes "Why did you recommend my kid for a professors job?"
"Well, she seemed to get along well with the other students." He shrugged and picked up his tray "Besides, she is your daughter. I suspect she has a wealth of knowledge to teach the young ones!" he finished with a wide grin.
"Right…" Jeralt shook his head.
"Oh? In fact, there she is now!" Alois pointed in a direction at the far end of the mess hall. Jeralt's expression softened slightly as he looked in the direction.
"Really?" He asked "Good, because I wanted to talk to her ab-" he cut himself off. The smile he had on his face vanishing as his mouth formed into a thin line.
"Looks like she's getting along with our possible Librarian." Alois commented, completely ignorant to his companions rapidly souring mood, he nudged Jeralt with his elbow "Think you might look forward to some grandkids in the future, eh Jeralt?" when he didn't get a reply he frowned and looked back at the man "Jeralt?"
Jeralt's face was, for lack of a better word, devoid of emotion as his entire focus was on Goetia and his daughter.
The man had said he had no romantic interest in his daughter.
And then he goes and has lunch with her...just the two of them...in the corner of the room...away from everyone else.
He thought not.
"I think they've got space at their table, don't you." He didn't wait for a reply before he marched across the room in their direction.
Goetia became aware of a glare which seemed to be fixated entirely on him, he looked to the left of him to see Jeralt and Alois marching up to their table. The former's focus being entirely on him while the latter looked slightly nervous.
"Kid." Jeralt nodded to Byleth, then his gaze travelled to Goetia as he sat down next to her "Goetia."
"Hello, friend." Alois similarly announced himself as he sat down next to the tanned man.
"Knight Alois, Knight Captain Jeralt." Goetia replied back to them, Byleth remained silent as she ate her fish, save a small nod to the pair.
"So, what were you two talking about?" Alois asked, a slightly intrigued look on his face.
"The Monastery." They both replied at the same time.
"Ah!" Alois grinned "Of course, it really is breathtaking isn't it? As one would expect to the home of the Church of Seiros."
Neither of them elected to respond to that.
"So, I hear you were in the Library earlier." Alois changed the subject as he spoke to Goetia between bites of his lunch "How did you find it?"
"Useful." Goetia replied "It, at the very least, provides me with History of the continent."
"I see." Alois nodded, then turned to Byleth "I assume you have had the opportunity to speak to some of your potential students?"
"Yes." Byleth nodded her head at him.
"What were your impressions?"
"Young, somewhat naïve." She frowned "Wouldn't make good mercenaries." Jeralt snorted.
"Well…" Alois shrugged "They are Nobles I suppose."
The day passed Goetia relatively smoothly after lunch. However, he would admit to being uncomfortable with the stare he had been receiving from Jeralt for the entirety of the meal.
He had ultimately decided to remain at the Monastery, which he informed the Archbishop of the next day when she met with both himself and Byleth for the second time. He noted that Seteth seemed to be against the placement of either of them as members of the faculty within the Monastery.
Something he could agree was rather sudden, it also served to raise his suspicions that the phantasmal was aware of the Divine core that Byleth held and were determined to keep her on-site. It did not explain his own offer, however he considered that to be of minimal importance compared to their interest in his fellow colleague.
"The lend out system is allocated to five books per student." Tomas explained to him. Goetia didn't know what kind of magic the seemingly old man was using for his disguise, but he came to the conclusion that despite being more advanced than other magics he had witnessed...it was ultimately rather pathetic.
From his perspective, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the old man had thrown the magical equivalent of a blanket over his head and called it a disguise. Although it spoke volumes to him of the competency of the phantamals here that they were unable to detect the facade.
Goetia ultimately decided against confronting the man about it. He found that he didn't care, and that for the moment it didn't effect him. If the monastery was unable to root out spies in its own staff, that was hardly his concern.
"How long are students expected to remain in possession of the documents before a return is required?" Goetia asked, the old man replied after a few moments of thinking.
"Normally it is two weeks, however exceptions can be made for up to four, depending on how many books the student withdraws."
"And the rules for logging out a book?"
"Names and houses are required, as well as expected length of possession."
"I see."
"As my assistant, you will also be in charge of following up on students who have yet to return their books to this archive." The old man pointed out as he led the one armed man to a shelf "You will also need to ensure that all the books are organised correctly are accounted for." he gave a humours smile "A spring clean once a week would also be welcome."
"Is there anything that requires my immediate attention?" Goetia asked with a slightly raised eyebrow. He would rather do something.
The old man furrowed his brows "I suppose the archive we have on magical research needs to be re-organised into order by author names." Tomas admitted, then looked at the missing limb of his new assistant "Do you believe you'll be able to complete that?"
"I shall be sufficient." Goetia said and turned to walk in the direction of the bookcase. He noted that there were easily several hundred books. Certainly quite the collection.
He floated upwards to the top shelf. It would be simpler if he were to work from the top down.
"Oh my!" A young voice exclaimed. Goetia turned his head to look down. He raised a single eyebrow at his sudden visitor.
Was this Monastery populated with phantasmals?
The young girl, with green hair in a drill style, stared up at him in surprise as he levitated nearly four feet off the ground.
"I have not seen someone use a levitation spell like that before." She commented as she continued to stare up at him.
"Is there something I can aid you with, young one?" Goetia asked as he turned his attention back to the shelves.
"I just wanted the opportunity to meet one of the new faces at the Academy." The girl said with a wide smile "I have already met the new Professor Eisner, however I had heard rumours of a new assistant librarian."
"Thus you travelled here to confirm my existence." Goetia supplemented, he looked down to see her nodding her head at him.
"I'm Flayn. You may have seen my older brother around?"
"Goetia. You refer to Seteth, the advisor to the Archbishop." Goetia floated back down to the ground and looked at the girl more closely "Yes...there is a resemblance beyond that of hair colour."
"I've heard you are not from Fodlan."
"I am not." Goetia replied, turning his attention back to the bookcase as he looked through the names of the authors.
"How exciting!" She exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement "I've never really met someone from a new place, you are not from Dagda or Brigid are you?"
"No." Goetia replied, working out the order of the books and nodding his head "I am from farther West, across the sea."
"What is it called?"
"I was born in the Kingdom of Judah. In the United Monarchy of Judah and Israel." He raised his lone hand.
"What was it like…" She trailed off and widened her eyes as the books floated from the top shelf and then proceeded to re-organise themselves before sliding back into their spots. Goetia nodded once, then floated down one shelf.
"You would be surprised and disappointed by how little changes wherever you go." He said, casting a quick glance at her stupefied face.
She stared at him for a few moments then shook herself out of her amazement as it registered to her what he said, she frowned slightly "That sounds a little cynical, don't you think? Surely there are changes wherever you go?"
"Humans remain a constant." He explained "Their circumstances differ, yet their behaviour remains the same. With such short lives they strive for purpose, even with the full knowledge that only death awaits them at the end. Even those who realise they will never leave their mark upon the world seem to find contention in this life." he frowned "I have yet to meet any who do not act in such a way."
"You sound troubled by that." Flayn spoke with a frown "This topic is sensitive to you, is it not?"
"Humans trouble me." He remarked as he re-organised the second shelf "They are constant in their inconsistency, the prefer to avoid pain yet will inflict it upon others. They fear death yet acts of self-sacrifice occur. A desire for peace, yet so willing to use knowledge to kill eachother...it does not make sense."
One would expect they would welcome immortality with open arms. An end to pain, suffering and inequality. Yet they denied the wish he strove for so fervently...a wish no one wanted.
"Perhaps you overlooked something." Flayn pointed out, Goetia raised an inquisitive eyebrow at her. Apparently he was to be lectured about the nature of humanity from something decidedly inhuman despite her appearance.
"That is what makes us Human." She smiled at his dumbfounded expression "Yes, they inflict great pain...but you missed that they inflict great good as well. Pain and suffering is unfortunate, but without it...how could you appreciate the finer points of life? Life is short...but that is what makes it so precious."
Goetia stared at her. His expression quickly forming a blank one. That was preposterous. Human life was pain and suffering so they could appreciate whatever brief reprieve they received?
Suffering existed to make the good stand out? By that logic a man could wander into a town, slaughter every single inhabitant save one and call it a beautiful kindness that he spared a single child.
Absolute nonsense.
This was what Fujimaru Ritsuka fought for? A simple desire to live this type of pathetic life which harboured pain?
This was why Mash denied them? Because she found beauty in a flawed existence?
They denied paradise for this!?
What possible reason could Solomon have for seeing this as a worthwhile existence? How could he accept it?
The more time he spent as a human, the more he came to believe his goal had been right.
"Hmph." He scoffed. He lost. Even if he was right, he could do nothing about it now…
He and Solomon shared a personality archetype. He was made in his image. Whatever Solomon saw as being worthwhile in humanity, Goetia had the same potential to see.
"I hope you'll get a better outlook, Mr Goetia." She gave him a sad smile "I'm always open to conversations. Perhaps we can get you to find something you like about people?"
"I suspect my consent would be considered a suggestion in this matter."
"Yep!" She grinned "I won't rest until you turn that frown into a smile. Even my older brother, sullen as he is, still smiles every now and again."
"You sound like the young Von Reigan." Goetia noted as he continued to organise the shelves.
"Then he sounds very wise." Flayn nodded to herself, completely unaware that Goetia did not mean it as a complement. "I hope we shall speak again, Mr Goetia."
"Goetia is sufficient." He idly commented as she left, half focused on the task at hand and half on the words that dragon had spoken to him about.
Was his understanding of humanity so poor that even a dragon could understand them better than he? He who watched them for three thousand year?
He frowned…
He watched humanity...She and Solomon lived with them…
Perhaps that was what he needed...to live as a human? He withheld is grimace, it couldn't be that simple.
AN: To be honest...I'm kind of enjoying writing this.
Always liked three houses. Noticed there weren't many Goetia fics so you know...
Why not combine the two?
Either this or a Goetia in Highschool DxD...
So I thought about it...
Then thought about it some more...
Then realised how cliché it would be...also Goetia would probably kill himself within ten minutes of meeting the main cast...or he'd kill them...or both.
Also someone pointed out that I was making a pseudo Golden Deer route alongside Azure moon. I have only one thing to say to the person who thought to point that out!
Damn...you caught me...
Omake: Temple of Goetia
"Beg for help! Raise your lovely voice! Its time to drown in a sea of anguish...that is your only salvation..."
"Its only two days late on a return!" Annette argued, throwing her hands up as the one armed librarian approached her in the dining hall "I'll return it right now! I promise!"
"Move!" Goetia announced "You are granted this reprieve! Flee! Return what you took from my temple! Sing stories of my mercy to you!"
"S-so...can I return my late book with her?" A hesitant voice called out behind him. Slowly, he turned to the pink haired Hilda staring at him with a pensive expression.
"Welcome." He announced, his face remaining blank "Straight to the point, you are going to die. Pointless talk ends here. Pleas of mercy ignored and salvation from your fate, impossible!"
"Goetia." Seteth called out as he entered the Dining hall, an irritated look on his face "We have told you before, do not threaten the students for having been late to return their books."
"They disgrace my temple of knowledge."
"It is the churches temple, if anyone's." Seteth pointed out with a frown "And even then, you remain Tomas's assistant for the moment."
Goetia lowered his arm, he frowned slightly "The principle of who controls the library remains the same...however if all that needs be done to acquire control of it is replace Tomas...then I shall remove him myself."
"Do not threaten the staff either."
"It is no true concern." Goetia waved him off "I shall simply possess his corpse as I did my fathers. No one shall be able to tell the difference."
"No. The disturbing implications of what you have just stated aside, being in charge of the library would not gift you the right to bring bodily harm to the student body." Seteth sighed out as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Then what is the point of running a temple if one does not punish thieves?"
"They are not thieves!" Seteth exclaimed in irritation "They are borrowing the books and will return them!"
"She has missed her opportunity." He gestured to Hilda "That makes her a thief...and she must be punished accordingly for her transgression."
"She will be helping you in the library for the number of days she failed to return the book. Is that sufficient?"
"...It will suffice."
"Don't I get a say in this!?" Hilda exclaimed, the pair turned to her and offered a simple rebuttal.
"No."
Chapter 6: School work
Goetia would admit his surprise that Byleth, despite her time being occupied as a professor, had for some reason continued to visit him in the coming days following their arrival and employment at the academy.
He didn't know why though. He had assumed that they would occasionally see eachother in passing. Yet the woman seemed to make a habit of coming to the Library during break periods or sitting with him at lunch just to speak with him.
Their conversations held very little in the way of consistency. One day she would ask about his thoughts on her lesson plan and the next day she would talk about her opinions on some of the students and occasionally ask for his input in magical theory, the spells they used were primitive enough that more effort went into explaining them than understanding them. He did notice she was relatively quick on the uptake when it came to understanding the basic formulas.
Goetia found the meetings with her to be somewhat meaningless, yet he found himself quickly falling into a pattern. By the end of the week, he was fully expecting Byleth to make a daily habit of meeting with him to discuss something or visit upon the library to continue their out of hours tutoring lessons.
He also noted that Byleth was not the only one to continually visit him. The girl, Lysithea, would also make a habit of stopping by the library and continue her research into spells and formulas. She seemed determined to prove her worth as a student of sorts to him.
He had no idea why. The learning of his magic wouldn't affect her in any meaningful way, yet she seemed to make a habit of learning all she could just to make sure she would master the spells of her own magic. She was determined, however he could see no discernible goal in sight for all her efforts.
There was also another thing he noted about her.
She, like Edelgard, bore two crests and, like Edelgard, had suffered a loss of pigment in her hair. It seemed that bearing two crests had a physical impact on their hosts. He had seen such symptoms before, an overuse of ones magical circuits to a harmful degree would often lead to physical impacts on the body, usually hair pigments dying and turning white.
Which told him that either two crests were rare because it would normally kill the bearer, or that the pair were experimented upon. He would have guessed the latter of the two, however without analysing the girl properly he'd have no true way of determining how greatly her body was affected by the addition of a second crest.
"You have started to make a habit of visiting the library for irrelevant reasons, Von Riegan." Goetia spoke with a frown, not turning around to look at his new visitor today.
"Eh, what can I say?" Claude shrugged, a playful smile on his face "I'm a curious guy."
"I am contractually obligated to inform you that you are highly advised to visit the library for studious purposes only." He slotted the book he was holding back into the shelf.
"Ah, you love me being here." Claude's smile got wide "Otherwise you'd be all on your lonesome."
"I am neither romantically interested in you, nor would I be concerned about social isolation." He turned around to face the boy "However, I have informed you of the regulations of the Library, whether you follow them is up to you."
"See?" He gestured to him "You do care!"
"...You have a query, I assume?" Goetia ignored the remark and decided to get straight to the point.
"Lysithea has been throwing herself into her books rather than her lessons." Claude pointed out "Ordinarily I wouldn't have taken notice, but we do have a mock battle tomorrow and I'm worried she isn't putting enough effort into her training."
"You are concerned she is forgoing the practical in favour of the theoretical."
"Use small words please, you'll hurt my delicate brain." Claude joked, the smile got dimmer at the blank face of his other conversationalist.
"As interesting as this is, I do not see how it relates to or affects me."
"Ah, ah, ah!" Claude waged his finger and his grin took on a knowing look "But I'm afraid it does, Sparkletia.-" his eyebrows creased at the nickname "-you see, she won't name names. Buuuut...I have it on good authority she is determined to live up to the standards of a certain someone in order for him to teach her magic…" he looked at Goetia for a few moments "See where I'm going with this?"
"Her obsession with proving herself to me is impacting her school work."
"Bingo!"
"I assume you have some suggestion for me to resolve this issue?"
"You're on a roll, aren't you?"
"Do not waste my time, Von Riegan." Goetia''s eyes narrowed in annoyance and his lip curled downwards "Despite whatever belief you hold, I am not as free to utilise my time as you are."
"Alright, alright." Claude held up his hands and gave a disarming smile "I just wanted you to talk with her...you know...considering you are kind of the reason she is doing all of this…"
"What would you suggest I do? Tell her to ignore my warnings about the dangers of magic and fling herself into learning a spell which could vaporise her arms?" Goetia inquired incredulously. He had told her to master the basics of her own magic for a reason.
"Well...maybe let slip that should she perhaps focus more on the 'practical than the theoretical', as you say, you might be inclined to teach her something…" He finished with a sly smile.
"You ask me to manipulate her for your classes benefit?" Goetia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Whoa!" Claude exclaimed in a rather exaggerated manner "That's such a nasty way of putting it...besides you are also helping her."
"In what way does this aid her?"
"Think about it, if she starts to put her studies into a more physical environment then she can better learn how to improve, can't she?"
Goetia furrowed his brows "A trial and error tactic?" he scrunched his face up in thought. The idea was certainly not without merit, her understanding of formulas would mean nothing if she could not apply them in a more practical sense. He looked back at Claude for a few moments "I will merely provide her with the suggestion. Whether or not she decides to follow it, is not within my power."
"Hey, all I'm asking is that you try." He said with reassuring smile, then looked around the Library "Also, you seem to be right at home here."
"I spent much of my early life in places similar to this." Goetia absently commented as he turned back around "While not as physically impressive as the Libraries in Jerusalem, the principle of its existence remains the same."
"Huh…" Claude let out a noise of affirmative "I'll get out of your luxurious hair then." he patted Goetia on the back, then quickly left the library.
Goetia looked over his shoulder...what was everyone's obsession with his hair?
"Tomas." He called out as he floated down from the first floor and to the front desk where the old man resided.
"Yes, Goetia? How may I assist you?" The old man asked as he looked towards the approaching man.
"What time is my break?" Tomas looked to the wall clock in the corner of the room before turning back to him.
"Right now, funnily enough." The old man chuckled "I shall see you back here in thirty minutes, I assume?"
"You shall." Goetia turned and walked out of the Library. Evidently he had a small girl to speak with.
Lysithea bit her lip in irritation. This spell shouldn't have been complicated!
She already understood most of it, so why was this part so hard to understand!?
She'd already been hailed as a prodigy at magic, so why couldn't she live up to the title! She was here to prove that her achievements were the result of hard work and dedication, not some crest.
And right now, this stupid spell was throwing a dagger in tha-
"There you are."
"Aieee!" The released a cry of alarm and flung herself over the desk. The other students in the classroom looked towards the disturbance to see the small, white haired girl, currently laying on her back while the mysterious new assistant librarian stared her down with a blank expression.
"You lack awareness of your surroundings." Goetia pointed out "I made no attempt to mask my presence."
"Well, what do you want me to do!?" Lysithea snapped as she got back to her feet, scowling at him "Just 'sense' whenever someone approaches me!?"
"Yes." The clear cut way he delivered the rather blunt answer told her that he was fully expecting her to just somehow do that. She didn't know whether to be pleased he thought so highly of her skills, or indignant that she apparently didn't meet his standards.
"What do you need me for?"
"Von Riegan came to me earlier." Goetia took a slow look over the assembled notes on her desk and the several tomes on dark magic "It seems you have been neglecting your practical application in favour of the academic research." he picked up one of the pieces of paper with her failed formula on it "While not wrong in itself, it does leave for several issues in the development of your magical prowess."
"Eh?" Lysithea blinked, her features turning from annoyance to curiosity "What do you mean?"
"Have you attempted to cast the spell you are learning yet?"
"No, I can't even understand the formula how can I cast it?" She looked at him like he was stupid.
"Do you recall my analogy on the difference between my magic and yours?" She nodded her head.
"You said it was like trying to get a toddler to sprint before they could crawl." She quoted, she didn't see how this was relevant.
"Do you believe a man who has never run a day in his life could explain what running is to you?"
"Probably not...very...well..." Oh…
"I can see you are understanding my point." Goetia nodded his head "Your explanations lack their completion because you have yet to apply them. The missing piece of your equation lies in the practical." he looked over the miasma spell "However for this example it is purely academic." he added on as a last thought "Your circle is adequate, however you will overcharge your spell and cause far more damage than you intend to."
She frowned "So I would have gotten it eventually then?"
"No." He pointed out "You would have learned the same thing if you had attempted the spell."
"So why did you tell me?"
"I assume you are attached to your fingers remaining on their hands?"
"Yes…" She answered, that was a stupid question. Then she blanched in realisation.
"Your concern is well founded, however that would have been a worse case scenario." He reassured her...she thought he was trying to anyway. Or at the very least hoped she was.
"Wh-what would have happened in a normal scenario?" She hesitantly asked, she got the feeling she really didn't want to know.
"A basic miasma spell?" He looked thoughtful for a few seconds "Minor necrosis in the fingers for you. Easily treatable. For the recipient of your spell? An incredibly painful death."
Well then, she thought, at least he caught it...Wait a second.
"I thought you said you were new to our magic?"
"I am."
"So how did you know what was wrong with the spell?" She was slightly curious about that.
"Your magic is easy to learn. This spell also bears some minor similarities to small scale curses utilised by magi from my home." he paused before adding "Although a Gandr is far more advanced than this, an accurate comparison would be comparing a puddle to an ocean."
"Gandr?" She ever heard of something like that before.
"Release of rune energy in a concentrated shot." He pointed out "Primarily designed for incapacitation. Although the more proficient could use it for more lethal wounds."
"How complicated is that?" She asked, slightly curious if it was similar to the Miasma….
"Depends of the affinity of the mage." He pointed out "A 'Light' mage would have greater difficulty creating one than a dark mage would." he looked back at her work and creased his brow "Your utilisation of something akin to runes does make me suspect you have an affinity for it…" he narrowed his eyes, seemingly in thought.
"A proposition." He looked up "Von Riegan suggested I...offer...you the opportunity to learn basic spells provided you apply yourself more to training in preparation for your mock battle."
"I thought you said you weren't going to teach me your magic?" She asked, confused then threw up her hands and quickly added "NothatI'mcomplaining!"
"I am not teaching you my magic." Goetia said as he set the paper back down "Despite my proficiency in it, Rune craft did not originate anywhere near Jerusalem. It also has minor similarities to your own craft. The transition between the two is certainly manageable."
Lysithea raised an eyebrow at him "You do realise this is manipulation, right?"
"Von Riegan is not as subtle as he would like to believe." Goetia admitted "However, I suspect that you would find the opportunity to learn a potentially new magic an offer too promising to refuse."
Lysithea crossed her arms and scrunched her face up with thought "I...suppose I shall take a more active role in training with the others…" she then flashed out her hand and pointed at Goetia "But only if you teach me these 'Runes' you speak of!"
"An agreement then." Goetia nodded "I have fulfilled my role here." he turned to leave "We shall meet later."
Lysithea nodded her head and smirked. She'd obviously gotten the better deal of the arrangement. So what if she had to put in a little more effort into training. She got to learn a whole new system of magic! That was at least worth it.
Goetia had no idea why he offered to teach the girl runecraft.
He'd made the comparison purely because he had noticed it. However, he also noticed that he quickly became curious as to whether or not the people of Fodlan could learn the magic he was used to.
Runecraft, while not the most diverse form of magecraft, was certainly closer to the magic that was utilised here. He supposed to that extent, it was an experiment on the application of runes. The girl had shown a strong affinity for curses.
Most mages would be concerned with being unable to generate enough magical energy to power a spell, this girl suffered from the exact opposite. With that flaw pointed out, it was likely she would quickly excel in the field of dark magic, more so than other mages of the school.
He frowned, that still didn't justify teaching her it. He just felt...compelled to. The opportunity to teach her was there...so he took it.
He furrowed his brows. He did something, purely for the sake of doing it...how...human…
"Well?" Goetia came to a halt as he heard Claude's voice to the left of him, he turned to see the man leaning against a wall and giving him a lazy smile "How did it go?"
"You need not feign ignorance, Von Riegan." Goetia curtly replied "I am aware you were present for our meeting."
His eyes widened in surprise before settling into an amused expression "Kinda figured, you and Teach are the only ones I can't seem to sneak up on."
"I did not exaggerate to Lysithea. I expect her to be able to sense those around her."
Claude raised an eyebrow "How come you call me 'Von Riegan' but call her Lysithea."
"I find her company more preferable." Goetia replied immediately "Her pursuit of knowledge, while unguided, is not an incorrect path. She merely needs a goal to work towards before I grant her begrudging respect."
"Oh?…" His smile got wider "I see then...got a little soft spot for her have you?"
"I treat her no more favourably than I would treat you if you were in her position. Her results are was interest me, not her personality." He replied instantly...although there was a small part of him that found her being...endearing.
The smile faded and he frowned "Results are only half the equation. You're forgetting about the people side and all the efforts they put into it." he looked around "Take this monastery. If you look at the results, yeah. Its a fairly impressive place. However, you need to remember that it was built by people. They all came together to build this place...if you spend all your time looking at results you'll miss the journey to get them." he smirked "That's where half the fun lies."
Goetia frowned and narrowed his eyes "You suggest one derives enjoyment from challenge?"
"They might." He replied, the shrugged his shoulders "They might not...but if they never try and challenge themselves then they'll never know. You should try it, maybe I'm right and maybe I'm wrong." he kicked off the wall and walked past Goetia with a grin "But you won't know till you try."
Goetia watched the boy saunter off back to his classroom. The tanned man frowned, challenges…they invited the possibility of failure and that was something he fervently despised.
However, perhaps the hardship before success was what humans found valuable? In which case, was teaching Lysithea a challenge? To him, not in the least. Her success or failure was entirely dependent on her own understanding rather than his abilities.
What would be counted as a challenge then?
He decided to ignore that line of thinking for now. He had completed his objective here.
"Ah, there you are." Goetia turned to see Hanneman approaching him, a wide smile on the old man's face "I was hoping to catch you in the Library during recess, however if you are here then that is fine as well."
"You require aid?" Goetia inquired, the old man shook his head.
"Not so much help as your presence." He replied "I am a Crest Scholar, as I believe I have mentioned before."
"You have."
"I had planned to approach you earlier in the week, however preparations for the students mock battle and the startling results of our new colleagues Crest analysis have kept me away from you." He was no longer focused of Goetia "It's truly strange, it is possible she has a Crest, however the analyser just can't seem to pick it up entirely. I believe it may be a new discovery."
"I assume this is a boon for your field of research."
"Indeed." Hanneman chuckled "The discovery of a new Crest would be truly splendid." he refocused on the man "That is in part why I am speaking to you now. I am unaware if your society is aware of the existence of Crests."
"I am aware of something similar." Goeita acquiesced "However their only similarity appears to be in name."
"I see." Hanneman nodded "I was wondering, if you had the spare time, if you would be able to stop by my laboratory to see if we could discover if you also possessed a Crest."
"I find it unlikely." Goetia replied "However, I suspect that your occupation, and my circumstances, will mean you will continually question me about the possibility."
"You make it sound like I would harass you." Hanneman joked "In truth, this is a rare opportunity for one in my field of study. Crests are rarer in foreign countries than they are in Fodlan, however that does not mean they do not exist. If there are, in fact, undiscovered Crests which are native to your homeland, then it opens up a completely new area of study for me."
"You are passionate about your work." Goetia pointed out, slightly intrigued. Magi had always placed a high level of importance on their family crests, a logical motive considering they were the result of hundreds of years of work, however these Crests did not have the same level of complexity to them.
"I suppose I am." Hanneman nodded "They are a fascinating thing, and given that they control much of the culture of Fodlan, I think it best we understand every aspect of them."
"A reasonable argument." Goetia admitted "I doubt it will bare results that will please you, however I will make an effort to visit you later should I have the time."
"That is all I ask." Hanneman nodded "I will leave you to your day, young Goetia."
"Hmph." Goetia grunted in reply as the elder gentleman turned away and walked back across the grass to his classroom of the Black Eagles.
A field of study towards the Crests of the continent? Goetia hummed in thought. Studying the phenomena of Crests was...mildly interesting. While the holders of such Crests were normally less than intriguing, what they carried, from a purely scientific standpoint, was of interest.
He already noted Crests to have an impact on their physical users, but he had yet to see any practical applications beyond Prince Dimitri's enhanced strength. Were there Crests which granted passive abilities? Enhanced regeneration? Increased speed?
There were numerous possibilities…
The library did provide more information on Crests which he had yet to encounter. Minor descriptions of their abilities on the users at best. While the common man wasn't able to discover this information, the Church was likely to make mention of what each Crest represented and their impacts as well as variety of.
He hummed in thought. Something to research perhaps.
AN: Yeah, Goetia teaching Runes...
Look...I'm not big on Fate magic system okay? I just thought Runes were one of the more simpler forms of magic! Don't hurt me!
But anyway...Goetia suspects Lysithea has issues with her health, but he doesn't actually know about her shortened lifespan.
Omake: Hired Help
"You had better have a good explanation for all of this Goetia!" Seteth exclaimed "The knights are running all over the monastery in a panic."
"I hardly consider this my doing." Goetia shrugged "It was not I who initially panicked."
"The library was filled with those things!"
"I know. I brought them here."
"Why!?"
"Initially it had been to aid me in the library... However that plan is no longer possible."
Seteths frown deepened "Quite so. We shall be lucky if they do not kill anyone."
"You misunderstand." Goetia shook his head "They are currently preoccupied with other tasks."
"What other tasks?"
"Raum made contact with Hubert. It seems the pair have come to an understanding. It seems Hubert admisters pain to those who stand against Edelgard, Raum found this a worthy cause and has been helping him."
"Is he the reason that several knights have been crippled?"
"... Possibly."
"And the others?"
"Zepar is working with Von Riegan for 'Human potential' or so he says."
"I believe there were two more." Seteth tapped his foot.
"Baal and Dimitri have been discussing revenge." Goetia then looked slightly puzzled "Phenex spoke with Bernadette... And it seems that they are now both too afraid to leave her room."
"Goetia...get rid of them."
"As you wish." Goetia sighed.
Chapter 7: Casual Conversation
"Young Goetia?" The tanned man heard Tomas call out his name, he walked over to the railings from the upstairs section of the library. He quickly caught sight of the Green hair of Seteth standing with Tomas staring up at him. "Seteth requires your presence."
Goetia nodded, despite being here for nearly a week. He had yet to speak to or even encounter the phantasmal outside of their first encounter several days ago when he arrived at the Monastery. He suspected that the green haired man wished to confront him about his origins.
A logical deduction. His role as advisor to the Archbishop likely meant that he was also in charge of discovering potential risks, which Goetia himself would admit he was, and disposing of them.
Seteth wasn't the only one who was likely observing him for such a reason. Goetia had been aware of a dark haired, rather tall and somewhat desiccated looking student observing him from afar. He had yet to learn his name, but the boy seemed closely affiliated with Edelgard.
A vassal, he deduced from what little information he had. He didn't particularly care, should the students wish to obverse him, that was their prerogative. It only truly affected him if they desired to approach him.
"I shall be down momentarily." Goetia replied, then proceeded to levitated himself over the railings and down to ground level a few feet from Seteth, which left him unimpressed.
"I would ask that you limit the use of magic when it is unnecessary." Seteth replied "I fear it may encourage the students to be less than active when in the library."
"You fear that my use of levitation would encourage them to attempt similar feats?" Goetia asked, slightly puzzled.
"Among other things, yes." Seteth replied, a raised eyebrow. He then sighed "Regardless, it has come to my attention that we have not yet had a moment to talk since your arrival here."
"We have not." He agreed "I assume you wish to correct this oversight?"
"Indeed." Seteth nodded "I was hoping you would walk with me, while we discuss your rather...sudden arrival here."
Goetia looked to the old man, he received a small smile and a nod in affirmation before looking back at Seteth "Then we shall depart."
"Excellent." Seteth turned to Tomas "I shall see to it he returns within the hour."
"Of course Seteth." The old man replied and returned to the desk of the library. The green haired man nodded for Goetia to follow him, the two walking side by side as they exited the library.
"I understand that you are not from Fodlan." Seteth queried as they walked.
"Indeed." Goetia replied "I shall assume you are asking for confirmation rather than curiosity."
"Quite so." Seteth admitted "Despite your sudden employment, the Monastery is required to note down details of all staff, from origins to age, relatives and name."
"I see."
"In which case, I suggest we travel to my office so that we may get the formalities completed." Seteth abruptly turned, signalling for the tanned man to follow him.
"Name?" Seteth asked, quill in his hand while Goetia sat opposite him, staring at a parchment.
"Goetia."
"No family name?"
"I was not granted a name of my own, therefore I named myself." Goetia replied. Seteth frowned but said nothing.
"Place of origin?"
"United Monarchy, the Kingdom of Judah, the city of Jerusalem."
"How far West of Fodlan would you say this kingdom is?" Seteth asked as he scribbled down the answer.
"At the time of my travel I made no effort to discern distance." He replied "It was rather abrupt."
"Fleeing from persecution?" Seteth's head snapped up and he narrowed his eyes at the man opposite him. Goetia remained straight-faced in the wake of Seteth's accusatory tone.
"I did not travel to Fodlan to flee persecution, no." The phantasmal stared at him for a few seconds before steeling his face and writing down an answer.
"Age?"
"We used a different Calendar." Geotia replied "However, for the ease of documentation. In Fodlan years I would have been born on the Seventeenth day of the Month of Lone Moon. Year 1155 of the imperial calender."
"I see." Seteth wrote down, then looked Goetia more closely "You seem to have a habit of calling students 'young one' despite being barely older than them."
"I do." Goetia admitted. Seteth grunted and turned back to his parchment.
"Relatives?" He looked up when he didn't hear an answer, he raised an eyebrow when his usually stoic looking man had scrunched up his face in disgust. 'A problem with family, perhaps?' he mused as Goetia's features began to settle, although his lips were stil curled into a frown.
"My...progenitor." He seemed to have great discomfort speaking that word "Was Solomon."
"And your mother?"
"He had nearly several hundred concubines and over twice as many wives." Goetia replied, much to Seteth's surprise "If any of them had participated in my creation, I was not made aware of it."
"Is there a reason he had so many...spouses?" Seteth asked, writing down 'Unknown' for mother figure. He would admit, he was not naïve in that he knew some to take mistresses despite being married, but to be polygamous to that extent.
"Polygamy was not uncommon." Goetia replied "He was also the King of Jerusalem, therefore it was expected that he would have many suitors."
Seteth's quill froze, his head slowly travelled upwards towards his blank faced companion "Did you say he was a King?"
"I did." Goetia acknowledged.
"Would that not make you a Prince?"
"No, the inheritance of Kingdoms is to a Kings firstborn heir. I was his first creation, not his son." Goetia replied, from his perspective the claim made sense. He had been created by Solomon and lived in his shadow. It seemed relatively simple, he was never expected to govern humans.
From Seteth's perspective, a twenty five year old man just admitted to being the neglected child of a foreign kingdom. Combined with the claim of his abrupt exodus from his apparent kingdom, it was quickly falling into place that it was perhaps a similar situation to House Gautier. Miklan, despite being older, was no longer being considered the heir to the house considering that his younger brother bore a crest.
Was Goetia abandoned for a similar reason?
"I see." Seteth nodded his head "I...believe that is everything in regards to information we need."
"I assume there is more you wish to discuss?"
"Perhaps." Seteth nodded "Although for now, I believe this will suffice. You may return to Tomas, I suspect he will soon require your aid."
Goetia nodded and stood up to leave "Just one thing before you go." he turned back to Seteth staring at him with a frown "I am personally against your placement here, however...the Archbishop has confidence in your character. I do not believe I need to remind you of what will occur should you break the trust she has placed in you and prove a risk to this Monastery."
"I will ensure that my impact on life at the Monastery is risk free." Goetia replied to him, Seteth narrowed his eyes then gave a sharp nod.
"See that you do...We will have the opportunity to speak again in the future." With that, Goetia departed.
Seteth watched the tanned man depart before sinking into his chair and letting out a sigh. A disowned Noble, one who could have been heir to a whole kingdom, had shown up at their Monastery.
The man didn't seem malicious in any way, from what he had seen and heard about from the other Scholars in the Library, he mainly kept to himself unless approached.
He hummed, the Golden Dears house leader had seemed to take an interest in him and there was rumour that Lysithea Von Ordelia had been seen speaking to him on several occasions. Whether or not his interaction with the students would be detrimental would have to be carefully observed within the coming weeks.
He just prayed to the Goddess that Rhea had not made a mistake accepting both Goetia and Ms Eisner into their Monastery. He looked at the sundial he kept near the window. If all was going well with the classes, then they would be back from their mock battle soon.
He withheld a small grimace. While he did enjoy teaching young students...those like the young Gautier and Gloucester were certainly trying on his good will. Especially with Flayn now at the Monastery.
Well...he'd always be there.
No one would lay a hand on his daughter while he was around!
Goetia wandered around the Marketplace, simply browsing the wares that were available.
With a majority of the students away on training, Tomas had decided to allow Goetia to end early today, thus he felt it best to see what the local peddlers were trading. If they had anything of value he would have to remember it for when he got paid.
He was disappointed. There was plenty which would appeal to the common human, especially for their location such as weapons, teas and baits for fishing, yet he failed to discover anything of note.
His disappointed gaze travelled the different stalls until his eyes fell upon a red haired woman at the corner, near the main gate of the Monastery.
His brows furrowed. How strange...she appeared to be coated in a type of magic he had not yet encountered.
Another traveller perhaps? He shook his head, perhaps he would keep a closer eye on her. If anything, she presented a bizarre curiosity. He furrowed his brows, perhaps that is how he was viewed around the Monastery…
"Hello there!" Goetia turned to his right, a young man in church armour stood near him. A wide smile visible just underneath his pointed helm "You're new here, right? We all heard about a new Assistant librarian being hired."
"And you assumed it to be me?" Goetia asked, slightly intrigued by how the man came to this conclusion.
"Well…" The guard seemed to fidget "Sorry if I am being presumptuous...but you kind of give off an intellectual aura...sorry if I'm mistaken though."
"Your deduction was correct." He nodded "I am Goetia, the new assistant at the Library. You are?"
"I'm the gatekeeper here at the monastery!" The man smiled "I normally just stand watch here, sometimes give my reports to any of the professors or higherups that happen by."
"I asked for your name, not occupation."
"Huh?" The man recoiled in surprise, then pointed a finger at his chest "Y-you want to hear my name?"
"It is customary to introduce oneself, is it not?" Goetia asked, a raised eyebrow "I assumed it was a common human ritual?"
"N-no!" He waved his arms "Its just no one ever really asked me for my name before. They usually just call me 'Gatekeeper'." he smiled "I'm Harold. I guard the gate at Garreg Mach Monastery."
Goetia nodded in affirmation, then turned back and pointed at the red haired girl "That woman...she is one of the Merchants, is she not?"
"Anna?" He asked, at Goetia's nod he affirmed "Yep. Bit of a recent addition, although she's been hanging around in the town at the base of the Monastery for a few months now. Although…" he looked around before leaning in "Between you and me, and I don't like to speak ill of people, she's a little...cut throat when it comes to the price of her wares."
"She is miserly?" Goetia asked, the knight nodded at him.
"Its not that her wares are bad or anything." He quickly added on "Its just that I think she charges more than what they are worth." he shrugged "Although I haven't really heard of some of the stuff she sells, so I might not be a good authority on it."
"I see." Goetia nodded his head "Your information is appreciated."
"My pleasure." Harold smiled "Always happy to help newcomers at the Monastery." he turned and looked back towards the gate "Huh, looks like the new professor and the classes are back."
Goetia turned to see Byleth with rather pleased looking Blue Lions in tow behind her as she walked through the gate and towards the main entrance. The two of them made eye contact.
Goetia, for once, decided to approach the woman himself.
"I shall assume that the mock battle went well." He said as he walked near her, the Blue lions themselves stopped behind her when she did to speak to Goetia.
"Yes." She nodded "Not great, but certainly a lot of potential."
"You are too humble professor." Dimitri spoke up, a joyful expression on his face "I fear that without your leadership, the result would not have been as predictable."
"Most likely." Byleth nodded "However, I am a trained mercenary, Professor Hanneman is a Scholar and Professor Manuela is a physician. I am more suited to the role of Mock battle." she turned back to Goetia "You seem competent, though."
"I am no stranger to violence." Goetia admitted "However, the front line is not where I would choose to spend my time."
"You should always be prepared for violence." Byleth frowned then looked over to Dimitri "You may go on ahead, I will join you shortly."
"Of course, Professor." Dimitri smiled, then turned to the other students "Come, Blue Lions, we have a victory to celebrate."
The class marched past the pair, Goetia noticed that as the Golden Deer went past, Lysithea broke off and approached him.
"Sir Goetia-"
"Goetia. I am not a Sir, or the holder of any accredited title."
"Right, sorry…" Lysithea winced "I...would like to apologise for being unable to assist my class in winning the mock battle."
"Don't beat yourself up Lysithea." Claude stated as he walked up behind her and patted her on the head, the white haired girl scowled and batted his arm away "Sure, we didn't win...but you were the one who helped a fair amount. You really did get quite well with that Miasma spell."
"You succeeded then?" Goetia asked, Lysithea remained scowling at Claude for a few moments before turning back to Goeita.
"Yes." She replied, looking slightly smug "I was able to perform the spells correctly and succeeded in using a Miasma."
"Yep!" Claude grinned "Although I kind of feel bad for Ashe...he does look a little pale."
"He'll be fine!" Lysithea crossed her arms "It was only a single blast, if he can't handle it then he should avoid dark mages, besides Professor Manuela said she would have a look at him."
"If she struck him with a Miasma, and failed to liquefy him, then the spell was a success." Goetia stated, as if that was his only criteria for success. He looked away from Claude and back to Lysithea "I am granted a single day each week where I am given free time. Meet me at the library. We will cover the basics of Rune craft that you should be capable of using."
"Yes Sir!" She smiled "I won't let you down, Master!"
"Master?" Goetia furrowed his brows.
"Well...you've basically taken me as your apprentice in Magic, right? That makes you my Master...or do you prefer teacher? Or tutor?"
"You may call me what you wish." Goetia replied "It is of no concern to me."
"Teacher then!" She grinned and ran off, muttering something about excelling beyond her peers.
"See…" Claude remarked, an amused smile on his face "She says she doesn't want to be treated like a child...then does something like that…" he shook his head and turned back to the two staff members "I'll see you two lovebirds around." he gave them a wave as he wandered off.
"I am not a species of African Aves." Goetia remarked, then turned back to Byleth. He raised an eyebrow when she was giving him a curious look.
"Is there an issue?"
"You are aiding a rival of my class."
"I am discovering whether or not a student could learn simpler forms of my own w-countries magic."
"You do not strike me as a teacher." She remarked, Goetia lowered his eyebrow.
"Neither did you." He countered "I am not teaching an entire class, merely a promising mage."
"Why?"
He frowned, he himself wasn't quite sure...He justified it to himself that he was simply aiding her to see if it was possible for a Fodlan native to learn...but that felt more like an excuse than a reason.
Perhaps he would understand when he actually instructed her.
"Simple curiosity." Goetia replied to Byleth "She asked, I accepted."
"Hmmm…" She nodded her head "I see. I suppose that isn't too different from what the Monastery asked of me."
"Have you had an opportunity to speak with Seteth?" Goetia decided to change the topic, the more he spent on the topic of teaching...the more troubled he became.
"Yes." She nodded "He spoke with me yesterday."
"I see."
"Why were you here? I was under the impression you worked in the Library?" She titled her head to the side in puzzlement.
"Tomas dismissed me for the day. Your excursion meant that the Library was virtually unpopulated outside of the Monastery scholars and myself." He replied back, she grunted and nodded her head.
"I am going to return to my students." She said after a moment "Have a good day."
"To you as well." Byleth nodded and walked past him. Goetia thought to his conversation with Hanneman yesterday. The old man had returned with his class and were most likely given the rest of the day as a free study period. He suspected he could at least visit the man to ask about Crests.
"-ember, I am in no way shape or form disappointed in your performance today." Goetia heard Hannerman speak to his class as he approached their House room "This mock battle was designed to highlight any strengths and weaknesses you have, in that regard I would consider this a success."
Goetia stopped at the entrance of the room. The Black Eagle students staring at Hanneman as he continued to advise them.
"In the coming weeks, we shall address whatever areas I feel need improvement." He looked up from his desk and noticed Goetia, his expression quickly changed into one of mild surprise before settling itself again "In any case, you may use the rest of the day to think back on the mock battle and how you could improve the Result for the real thing. If you will excuse me, I have a visitor to attend to."
The heads of the class turned to where Hanneman was looking and instantly noticed the one armed tanned man in a dark robe standing at the entrance to their classroom. The students whispered amongst themselves as they began to pack up.
"Is there anything I can help you with, young Goetia?" Hanneman asked as he approached him.
"I was planning my own research into Crests." Goetia admitted, the man's features seem to brighten as a result "Considering your occupation, I was curious as to what you would recommend as being a starting point."
Hanneman's face became thoughtful as he nodded "That would depend, the official beginning of Crests would be the linked with the founding of the Church of Seiros along with Nemesis and the ten elites. However, if you were to look at some of the earliest works regarding the studies of Crests, then I myself would recommend Cordell Von Reede, it's not quite as detailed as later works, however it does set the stage, so to say, on the research of Crests as a whole." he hummed "I believe they have a copy of his early works in the Library."
"I see." Goetia nodded "I was more curious as to the effects of one on the body, the impacts on the young Prince Dimitri speak for themselves, however I am more interested in the passive benefits they provide."
"Ah yes." Hanneman smiled "That is the more in-depth field of study." he crossed his arms "The more passive skills have often been sidelined by the effects of the more notable crests. For works such as those, I believe that works of Linn Beitelg would be a good place for you to start."
"I will look into your recommendations." Goetia replied, then turned to leave before Hanneman called out to him.
"Before you go-" Goetia turned back to him "I would like to remind you to pay a visit to my Laboratory as some point in the future if you have the time."
"I will remember, good day Professor Hanneman." Goetia nodded and continued on his way.
"Good day to you as well, young Goetia." Hanneman bid him a farewell.
Goetia, despite no longer needing to remain there for the day, returned to the Library. The recommendations of Hanneman would serve to aid him in his understanding of Crests. They provided significant boons to their owner, however he needed to understand what else they were capable of.
Their status in society was irrelevant to him, what was more curious was their nature.
He studied the shelves until he came across what he was after 'The Origins of Crests: A definitive guide to their nature and their meanings by Cordell Von Reede' Goetia looked back to the shelves, it appeared the man had written several books however this would at least provide a start for him.
Several hours later, he had completed the rather hefty tome and made several notes regarding Crests he found of importance.
The Crest of Blaiddyd increased the owners physical strength by a considerable margin. It seemed to be a passive skill rather than one which could be activated on command. Goetia noted that Prince Dimitri would likely have learned at an early age to control his strength.
Goetia would also need to observe the boy to determine how greatly it increased his physical abilities and whether or not it could be bolstered by adrenaline.
Crest of Dominic conserved magical power, allowing for spells to be cast at a lower cost to their user. Something of interest to him. He was unaware of any possessors of said Crest, however it likely would not take long to discover.
Crest of Gloucester increased the power of magical spells and such. It seemed Lysithea was noted to have such a Crest, it would explain her prowess in magical talents and how she had come to overcharge the most basic of spells.
Potential for an extremely talented mage...Goetia placed his hand on his chin and hummed. The combination of a Crest of Dominic and a Crest of Gloucester would create a powerful mage. However, it appeared that combining two crests within a human would place a great amount of strain on their body, hence the obvious signs on Lysithea and Edelgard.
Crest of Indech, those granted seemed to have a higher degree of intelligence. Certainly a useful trait.
Crest of Cethleann. Spells geared towards healing are far more potent than otherwise.
Fodlan society was right to view these as boons...although they were misguided to place those with Crests on a pedestal. However there were cases when such a thing would be logical.
A bearer of the Crest of Indech would likely make an efficient tutor and a bearer of a Crest of Gloucester would be a powerful mage.
Crest of Flames. Unfortunately lost to time it seems although there were several instances where it was documented that Nemesis, the ancient King of Men, would use this Crest to heal himself from otherwise fatal wounds. It seemed it worked in a similar manner to Avalon. Highspeed regeneration, although he had no idea how it would compare to the Fae Construct considering that holders of it were thought to be non-existent since the death of Nemesis.
However, he failed to see how bearing a Crest of Cethleann would make an individual worthy of a Noble position and considered to be above the common man. It was illogical.
He could understand it in part though, isolating certain Crests and raising them above others would breed contempt for Crest wielders and their peers. In that regard it was necessary to raise all those who wielded Crests above the common man, regardless of whether or not they provided any meaningful benefit.
It was human nature, he supposed, vexing as it was he understood that whenever a human was superior in some way to another, they would flaunt this. In this case, their superiority came in the shape of Crests.
Perhaps they would outgrow this troublesome quirk, or they wouldn't.
He looked back to the books on the shelves. There was still more to read. He understood the origins of Crests.
Gifts from the Goddess to the ten elites, Nemesis, Seiros and the Four Saints. The explanation seemed far too easy, however. The Goddess grants Nemesis and the Ten elites Crests, they become corrupted by power and then are put down by Seiros and the four Saints which lead to the Church of Seiros being the largest faction in the continent and the ones who propagate the faith in Crests.
While he had no doubt that crests came from the Goddess, he very much doubted they were 'gifted' to the equivalent of a warlord from the northern states to unify the country.
Regardless, whether or not History was correct on that front was irrelevant to the subject at hand. He need only understand how a Crest is passed along from family to family and whether or not new Crests could be created.
More than this, the Divine Core of Byleth. Did it provide the benefits of all the Crests? Or simply the benefit of a singular one, exemplified to its ultimate degree? In which case, did that mean there was a crest which allowed for time manipulation?
It would not have been out of place, there were several magi families who were focused on developing time based craft, however they only succeeded in altering their perception of it, or briefly altering the worlds perception of them.
Either way, this would require more focus…
There was an opportunity here to view the effects of Crests. Lysithea herself...could she boost the output of magecraft related spells?
It would at least be worth the effort, success or failure.
Goetia would admit to himself, despite reservations about their function in society, Crests were at the very least worth documenting.
AN: Goetia is born during the Lone Moon, a time of parting...
*Sniffs* Sorry...just thinking of a physician.
Omake: Several Drinks later...
"Hey, Goetia?"
"Yes, Harold?" The Tanned man asked as he looked up from his book "Can I help you with something?"
"Me and the guys were gonna go out drinking tonight..." Harold shifted slightly "And we wanted to know if you wanted to come..."
"I have not partaken in the consumption of Alcohol." Goetia looked back to his book and flipped to the next page "It is not something I seek to correct."
"Don't be like that." Harold smiled "Its gonna be a pleasant evening, just some of the guys and a few pints. No one has any plans to get drunk." he looked around, then leaned in "Apparently, there's a wild rumour that Seteth might be joining in, but I don't buy it myself."
Goetia sighed "You are not going to forget about this, are you?"
"Come on, just a couple drinks! What's the harm?"
Later...
"Three-thousand years!" Goetia shouted out as he slammed his mug down, tears falling from his eyes "I spent three thousand years in that fucking temple! It was all going to plan! We were going to change everything!"
Harold and the guards stared at him with growing levels of concern, he had only had a couple beers and now he was shouting about how his plan to end the world had failed. Some of the other patrons were now staring at them.
"I had seven holy grails!" He continued, completely ignorant to the audience he had gathered "Fucking seven of them! It was supposed to be easy! Years of work! I had done it, I suc-hic-succeeded!"
"U-ummm...Goet-" Harold began, only for the man to lash out and grip his shirt and drag him closer.
"I even had Flauros sabotage Chaldea! They weren't even supposed to be able to Rayshift anyone!" His eyes went wide and maniacal "You know what happened!?"
"T-they ray-"
"They Rayshift!" He threw him away "They Rayshift into seven singularities and undo all my work!" he threw his tankard away "But that doesn't matter, I've still got the temple of Solomon! As long as I had that, I was fucking unbeatable! I had Ars Almed...Arse Amad...Ass...fuck! Salmon Ring of death, I had that! I couldn't fucking lose to them! Fujimaru Ritsuka was scared of a dragon that wanted to sleep in his bed! She didn't even look like a fucking dragon! She just looked like some girl!" he scrunched his face in thought "Unless...did he have a fetish...A lot of his servants were well end...endowned...ewdo...they all had big milkers...was I beaten by a pervert!?" He slammed his head on the table and continued to cry.
"Goetia-"
"Yeah! Salmon ring..." He sniffed "That and Arse Paul would make me immortal...then you know what happens next!?"
"No-"
"Solomon! Fucking Solomon shows up! What!? Apparently he had been Romani the whole time!"
"Wait, really?" George asked, one of the few guards who had actually been paying attention to the rant "I thought he was just a doctor?"
"He was! He was! Fucking Flauros went to school with him and somehow doesn't figure it out! How!?"
"What happened next?"
"Solomon shows up, uses Arse Novice or whatever and fucking kills himself! Does it in such a way that all of his work is made worthless! All my plans are ruined! If he wanted to kill himself he should have just consumed his entire medical cabinet! No need to ruin my plans!"
"What is going on in here?" A irritated voice called out, everyone turned and blanched as Seteth and the Archbishop walked into the pub "We've been getting disturbing reports or several hours now about a man from the monastery claiming he is a genocidal beast. I trust there is some explanation?"
"Goetia is explaining his life story to us." George pointed out "Apparently he's three thousand years old. You just missed Solomon's big sacrifice."
"Hm?" Goetia looked at Rhea "Ah, the phantasmals! Good, you can join me in my lamentation!" he looked around "Where's my mug?"
"You threw it over there." Harold pointed at it on the floor. Goetia followed his finger and then stared at the spilt drink as if it had betrayed him.
"Goetia." Rhea stepped forward "Please, you are intoxicated and causing a scene. If you wish to confess, the privacy of the Church is the better place."
"N-no..." Goetia hiccupped "I'll confess here...I don't want pity, I'm the Beast of Pity!" he proudly announced, then stumbled slightly.
"Goetia-"
"Join me, phantasmal." He said again, stumbling over to the bar "You've likely had a long life...reg-hic-regale us with your stories..."
Rhea frowned "Goetia, this is no place for such things, and I am not one for drinking."
Even Later...
"Wh-hic-why didn't any of them work!?" Rhea whined, tears falling from her eyes "I tried everyt-hic-everything to bring her back!"
"None of it worked, didn't it!?" Goetia exclaimed "Thousands of years of work!"
"I just wanted my mother back!"
"I just didn't want people to die!"
""What was so wrong with that!?""
An entire pub stared at the two crying people with growing degree's of discomfort.
"Perhaps...we shouldn't have invited him..." Harold said, scratching his head.
"Nah..." George shook his head "I liked his story. Sound cool, doesn't it? Like an adventure of old!"
"You do realise this is all drunken nonsense?" Seteth said, although he himself had a pint in hand.