Chapter Text
Some people in this world were lucky to be born. Others, born lucky.
Ferdinand von Aegir was almost certainly in the latter category.
His education had been the finest money could buy: boarding schools throughout his youth, multiple tutors and summer colleges, fluent in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Almyran too. His father, CEO of Aegir and Gloucester, one of the largest porcelain distributers with a hefty influence over what constituted fashionable within the world of tea, coffee, and hospitality as a whole. During his childhood, he had never wanted for anything – except maybe his father being around more, but that could not be helped as the man was busy running an entire company. Instead, Ferdinand indulged in luxury skiing holidays with his childhood friends, trips to Dagda and beyond, riding lessons since he could walk. Ferdinand has truly been born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
In the looks department, the dashing hero was not falling short here either. Long, golden blonde hair, carefully maintained with the finest Duscur oils. Bewitching golden eyes, clear and smooth skin, a regularly exercised physique. Ferdinand von Aegir looked good. And he knew it.
Everything in his life was going smoothly, and just according to plan. He was set to inherit a vast fortune, poised to take on from his father Ludwig in just a few years. He had graduated top of his class at Garreg Mach University, excelling in every subject he undertook. He was certain that he could probably book another holiday abroad very soon; he heard Brigid was lovely at this time of year, he’d have to enquire with Petra.
There was only one thing in his life that was missing: someone to spend it with. He was sure if he asked Dorothea enough times, she would agree to go on a date with him eventually, despite her distaste for those of a higher standing than herself. But his mind always drifted back to the waitress at his favourite café, back in Garreg Mach. Deep, teal blue hair, not the most expressive, always served his tea swiftly and brewed exceptionally well.
But he had not seen her in probably three years now, who knew where the mystery tea girl even ended up? Regardless, his life had been smooth sailing from every other possible aspect.
Which is why, when Ferdinand received a message from his father stating simply: “come to my office immediately”, the long-haired socialite was not too worried, until he saw the grim expression upon Ludwig’s face.
“Father, how may I be of assistance today?” Ferdinand smiled, not betraying the uneasy feeling in this gut. Ludwig just eyed him exasperatedly; the balding patch upon the top of his head was sheened with sweat, his shoulders seemed tense and taught. He waved to the seat in front of him, a tea service ready and waiting. Ferdinand sat, before an attendant moved to poured him a cup, and to his delight he smelt the sweet tones of Southern Fruit Blend – his absolute favourite.
Ludwig took a long sip of his drink, placed it carefully back on the coaster, and looked at his only son with a sense of distain, before announcing: “You have never worked for anything in your life.”
Ferdinand blinked, aghast. “B-but father, I graduated top of my class and –“
“After I spent thousands on your education? I should hope so.” Ludwig snapped back, returning his attention to the papers in front of him, tea to the side. “You need to earn your inheritance, Ferdinand. Much like I had to earn mine.”
Ferdinand nodded at this – so father just needed him to prove himself? That was easy. “That is no problem father, anything you ask, I will excel at. Just you wait and see.” Ludwig looked at his son warily, before nodding and returning his attention once again to the papers in front of him.
“I shall need you to oversee production in the Fhirdiad production plant, namely regarding the new style of teapot we are going to be trialling.” Ludwig announced, showing a design blueprint to his son. Labelled Myrrdin, as most of their bestsellers had been named after geographical locations within Fódlan, it featured a striking, fluted spout and an intricately carved design. It was also made from handblown glass, sure to be a knockout and the newest fashion trend in Adrestia.
Ferdinand smiled brightly. “A new style of teapot? Why, this does look rather striking.”
Ludwig nodded in agreement, before announcing: “You shall need to move out.” Ferdinand choked on his tea slightly. Ludwig rolled his eyes at this. “For a year, whilst production takes place. In the meantime, I have secured enough funds for you to last at least a year. If you cannot budget properly, or if this new line is not a success, I shall seriously consider a replacement for your duties.” He announced, and Ludwig looked over to see Lorenz and his father stalking past through the window. No doubt Gloucester had had a role within this scheme.
Ferdinand had always gotten along with Lorenz; with both their father’s working hard side by side, the two naturally had grown close over the years. Regardless, he was not about to let his entire destiny, everything he had ever known, to fall into the hands of another.
“I promise, father, I will not disappoint you. I swear it, for I am Ferdinand von Aegir!”
Some people in this world were lucky to be born. Others, born lucky.
Byleth Eisner was almost certainly in the former category.
Firstly, she had almost not been born, her mother experiencing a significantly harsh pregnancy and birth, with Sitri passing away shortly afterwards. Secondly, her father had not had much money as she grew up, and as a result she had spent most of her life drifting between cities with him as he went from contract to contract, never scrounging up enough money for his daughter to have a stable place to call home for longer than a month or two at a time.
Finally, she was stuck without a roommate for the foreseeable future, thanks to Leonie deciding randomly she was off to see the world and become the greatest social studies graduate the world had ever seen, or something. How on earth her bills were going to get paid this month was beyond Byleth’s comprehension.
<Ingrid>
fifteen minutes away
<Byleth>
brill i’ll meet u out front
<Ingrid>
alright, Sylvain is driving today tho so hope ur ready for awful music
<Byleth>
has he got to Hamilton yet?
<Ingrid>
almost exclusively
<Byleth>
i’ll see u soon lol
Byleth finished filling her bag for the day, grabbed her travel mug of coffee, and skulked her way to the pavement outside to await her friends’ arrival. Exactly fifteen minutes from the text, a familiar sedan pulled up, and Byleth piled into the backseat. “Punctual as always, Sylvain.” She greeted, as the redhead in question was attempting to rap along with the rasping tones of Lin Manuel Miranda. Felix grunted from the shotgun seat and turned the radio down. Sylvain whined, but Felix shushed him loudly. Ingrid rolled her eyes from beside Byleth in the back.
“Good morning, gorgeous.” Sylvain finally acknowledged her presence, and she rolled her eyes in tandem with the other occupants of the car.
“Sylvain, I swear to Sothis keep your eyes on the road.” Ingrid huffed, and their friend yelped before returning his attention back to the roundabout he was approaching. “Ready for another fun day at work?” she added sarcastically, to which Byleth just huffed and sipped her coffee.
“We’re teachers. When do we ever look forward to work?” Felix grunted rhetorically, sipping his own coffee with a scowl as Sylvain started to sing along once again.
Ingrid just shrugged herself, before bringing up the golden ticket question: “How’s the flatmate hunt going?”
“Horribly.”
“Still can’t believe someone as beautiful as you is going to be living alone, if only I’d known…” Sylvain lamented, to which Felix snapped:
“You literally are the one that picked out our flat, Sylvain.”
Ingrid added simultaneously: “It’s no picnic living with you either.”
Byleth just grinned. She had met them at Garreg Mach University a few years ago; the three had known each other since they were children, and it did not take long to bring Byleth into the fold. Through them, she had met countless other people; the gentle giant that was Dedue; Dimitri, the blond-haired prodigy who was surprisingly strong; Mercedes the baking genius and her girlfriend Annette who would promptly devour anything that Mercie cooked; and Ashe the soft spoken boy who was always reading something to do with knights and history. As a history teacher herself, Byleth found him easy to get along with.
“By, you should post on LionList.” Felix’s deep rumble broke Byleth from her stupor.
“LionList? You mean that website where people look for hook ups?” Sylvain snickered at this. Before he could add anything else to Byleth’s comment, Felix interjected again:
“No, seriously, where do you think Ashe met Caspar?”
“….LionList?”
“Bingo.” Felix smirked, and Byleth huffed. At this point, it was worth a try.
As Sylvain pulled his car into the parking spot (the school they all worked at had a tiny faculty car park, hence the need for all four of them to car pool), Byleth had drafted an ad, and after the expert eye of English teacher Ingrid, she posted her Flatmate Wanted listing on a website known for its seedy history, bargain (questionable) furniture, and apparently house hunters.
Flatmate Wanted
Clean, spacious 2bed/2bath flat in Eastern Fhirdiad, close to all major transport links.
1 bedroom available, other tenant is 25y/o female. No pets, no smokers. 525 a month including bills, 12 month contract.
It took minutes for the first message to come through, and until lunchtime for an enquiry from someone who wasn’t a creep to message about the room. ("Occupational hazard with that site" - Felix).
<fvonaegir3004>
Good afternoon,
I wanted to enquire about the bedroom available. Is the flat fully furnished? Is there a parking spot?
I am moving to Fhirdiad for work from Enbarr, and I can pay the first month up front.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Kind regards,
Ferdinand von Aegir.
Byleth blinked, of all the messages she had received regarding the flat today, this was the most formal. “I’m sure it will be fine, I’ll see if he’s available for a viewing.” Byleth hummed, tapping away.
<byletheisner20>
Hello!
The flat is fully furnished, and there is a parking spot below. I will need to check if you need a permit as I don’t drive. I’ll attach some photos of the room as well.
If you’re in Fhirdiad already let me know and we can arrange a viewing?
Thanks,
Byleth Eisner.
Attachments: 4 images, 1 video
It took a couple of minutes before a reply came back:
<fvonaegir3004>
Thank you for the quick response, I can be in Fhirdiad this evening if that works with you? How does 7pm sound?
<byletheisner20>
7pm works for me, I’ll send you the address. Looking forward to meeting you!
For the first time since Leonie had announced she was moving, Byleth felt relief to be going home that night.