Archive of Our Own

"Think about it," Dorothea took another sip of her tea, shutting her eyes briefly to enjoy the wonderful aftertaste. "It could be an excellent measure if properly done. Drama have always been the best advertisement; the holy books of the Church, the chivalry legends of Faerghus, the operas of Adrestia, the plays of Leicester... sometimes people remember stories much better than real history. We grew up with stories of lords and ladies and the Church, and that is why they're such an inseparable part of our life."

Edelgard nodded. "You mean now that I plan to replace them with new ideas, there should be stories to make the presence of these ideas aware?"

"Always quick to catch up, Edie. That's exactly what I mean."

Edelgard turned to her advisors. "What do you think?"

Dorothea had just finished an extremely successful rendition of the classical opera The Wedding of Fernando, and Edelgard had invited her to the palace for a tea party in the imperial garden to celebrate the success. The tea was prepared by Ferdinand himself, and Hubert had her safely escorted into the palace. Although the underground danger had been destroyed, he certainly did not allow the joy of victory to wear down his guard.

Despite everything, here they were, sipping at the finest tea in the shade of the marble pavillion, surrounded by the blooming flowers of spring, the topic of their conversations stretching from politics to nonsense. Strangely though, neither Hubert or Ferdinand were very talkative this morning. There was this subtle silence they maintained ever since the tea party started, with Ferdinand handling the fine china and Hubert observing closely his fluid, elegant movements with fixed attention. Overly fluid and elegant movements, actually, as if Ferdinand was trying to put up some sort of show beneath Hubert's eyes. Edelgard noticed several times that they stole one or two glances of the other through fallen hair or raised teacups, like maidens in love too shy to look straight into the eyes of her lover. Edelgard's question startled them both, and Ferdinand smiled in embarrassement while Hubert's face crumpled as if chiding himself for the inappropriate behavior. Edelgard wasn't really sure if she should smile or sigh.

"I think it's a great idea!" said Ferdinand, clearly excited by the proposal. "Didn't I say that we should provide more opportunities of education? Well, this could certainly be encouraging, if the winning prize is tempting enough!"

"Definitely. And you, Hubert?" Edelgard asked.

"I agree with Lady Dorothea. But just as she said, literature takes different forms in different regions. I hardly think one competition could cover all the fields... this might get more and more complicated in the future."

"We can start with the basics, lead as example," said Edelgard. "Opera houses have performance seasons, don't they, Dorothea? We can have something like that as well. Different focuses in different times. And it doesn't need to take place in Enbarr only... it would be another good reason for me to visit more parts of the Empire."

"A good cover for certain political purposes," Hubert smiled.

Ferdinand's brows furrowed, however. "Couldn't it be... left alone, if you understand me? Not that imperial progresses are bad, it's definitely a good thing to visit the land, but... it pains me to think about such meaningful and inspiring events suddenly interrupted by a scream or a body dropping from the rooftop. Next time the boxes in opera houses would become murder slots..."

"It's not like that, Ferdinand," Edelgard sighed. "It's true that such competition could be good covers for diplomacy and other matters, but that's just part of the reason; it should still mainly function as an entertainment and opportunity for the people."

"And if screams and bodies dropping from rooftops give you nightmares," Hubert added with a mocking grin. "I can arrange the assassinations to be carried out more discreetly, Lord Prime Minister."

"Hubert!"

"Okay, okay, Ferdie!" Dorothea pressed Ferdinand back into his seat. "Hubie's just teasing you, can't you see?"

"I can see! That's why I... nevermind," Ferdinand gave Hubert a final glare before shaking his head. "So... how do we organize these competitions? Must the crown pay for everything every time?"

"No, I don't think so," Edelgard contemplated. "The fund is a good question... although I do intend it to be a festival of commoners, very few of them could afford the expenses of holding such an event, obviously, for now at least. A lord must be put in charge... yes, we could appoint a noble house to organize the competition, a different one every time, of course."

"Reasonable enough. Who would appoint the noble house, then?"

"You would, Ferdinand," concluded Edelgard. "I trust that you would make fair judgements and deliver the task to the right lord or lady, Prime Minister. Meanwhile, I will decide where the competition would be held and the theme of the competition with the help of Hubert. A full plan will be delivered to your desk by tomorrow, Ferdinand."

Ferdinand nodded and gave her a confident smile. "You'll see my best, Edelgard. Ah, there's so much more to expect in life now!"

It took only a day for Edelgard and Hubert to finish the final draft of the project, since the Emperor was most excited by the idea. It's not a complicated one, of course, as it would be added and revised many times in the future. But it was generally decided that the competition would be split into seasons, spring for poetry, summer for play, autumn for song, and winter for novel.

"Unfortunately, spring has passed this year, so we just have to start with summer," said Edelgard in the study after they finished. "Plays then, most beloved of the people of Leicester. I will have it held in Derdriu, and the award ceremony will take place in that famous Globe Theatre of theirs. Ours now. We never got to see it properly... it still stands, doesn't it?"

"I heard that it was burned when we seized Derdriu," said Hubert. "But it has been rebuilt."

Edelgard sighed. "Pity. But anyway, send an invitation to Claude... King Khalid of Almyra now. It'll be a good chance to improve our relationship with a neighboring country."

"Is it safe to meet him now, Your Majesty? I heard he still has his problems to worry about in the Almyran court. Especially the ones concerning his half-siblings."

"Which is why we must invite him," said Edelgard. "If we don't cooperate with him as soon as possible, we'd lose Almyra's friendship again when he... mysteriously dies of sudden sickness or accident or something. He'd sit with much more confidence on his throne with our help, and we'd have a strong ally and fewer border disputes."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Hubert bowed as he stood. "I shall send the invitation immediately."

"And do deliver the document to Ferdinand. I have a feeling that there's much to expect from him."

There is. Ever since Ferdinand officially received the position of Prime Minister, he had participated in the matters of state with utmost vitality. He wasn't the most cautious man, but his creativity, persistence and impeccable social skills made up for his shortcomings; moreover, Hubert was always there to be the bucket of water down the head, should Ferdinand... well, get over his head.

"Ah, Leicester! So it's my part to choose the lord responsible, isn't it?" Ferdinand said happily when he received the document. "The choice seems obvious to me, but I shall make it an official appointment instead of letting it slip from my tongue so easily."

"I'm glad to see you've learned some caution, Lord Ferdinand," said Hubert. "But it would also be efficient if you could inform me of your decision now, so that I can convey it to Her Majesty."

"And you call me capricious! But nevermind, I don't dislike it; I'm thinking of Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. He should be able to handle the cost, and display the demeanor that befits a noble."

"Hmph, interesting choice. Just to remind you, Her Majesty intends to make this competition a chance for the commoners to prove their talents, not a private posh party for the rich and the powerful."

"I understand. Lorenz can be a little old-fashioned sometimes, but he's always willing to heed advices, and I surely will do the work with him. I believe our cooperation will go smoothly; apparently we share the same taste for tea!"

"I'm glad you're willing to put in so much effort. Her Majesty will be glad."

"Just do your best to restrain the assassinations, can you, Hubert? It's my first time doing this, I really want it to be good."

Hubert only gave Ferdinand his iconic chuckles before he departed from his office, ignoring the irritated sighs behind him. "I will, my lord. I will."

A month later, the imperial progression arrived at Derdriu on a barge, winding through the waters like a silver swan. Edelgard stood on the deck in a dark red travel dress and slender golden tiara, waving and smiling diplomatically to the crowds on both sides; Hubert stood a few steps behind her, his hands hidden in his cape, always ready to form a spell should any danger occurred. Derdriu's summer was the best among of the summers of Fódlan, cooler than Enbarr and warmer than Fhirdiad. Hubert could bet that even Petra would like it here during this season, although he never gambled. It was early in the morning, the sky still a pale blue, and the sunlight enhanced the color of the yellow bricks of Derdriu, gilding the city in a golden hue. The water swayed romantically in the morning breeze, varying between emerald and moss green. No wonder the city was the cradle for drama and romance; every part of her seemed to be crying out stories, telling secrets of the heart.

And there he was, standing on the dock with Riegan and Gloucester, the Prime Minister of Adrestia who arrived a few weeks eariler for the preparations. Even among all the Almyrans with their golden ornaments and exotic robes, Ferdinand was easily recognized with his cascade of coppery hair, worn loose and rustled a little messy by the wind. He was dressed in the Leicester fasion... the Gloucester fashion, to be precise, with the skintight black trousers and white shirt and the crimson rose in front of the chest, the color so bright and delicious as if waiting to be picked. Hubert's fingers twitched in his cape with the desire to do so. When Ferdinand waved to them in excitement, the movements emphasized the inverted triangle of his shape.

Claude was the first to approach when the barge sailed into the harbor, flashing his usual charming smile as he offered a hand to Edelgard and pulled her to the dock. "Ah, Edelgard, Imperial beauty! The city is made brighter by your presence!"

"Spare me your poetry, Claude, you should've realized by now that they're no good. Or you can save them for next spring, if you wish to disgrace yourself publically at the competition," Edelgard teased. "By the way, is Claude still an option, or only King Khalid now?"

"Claude is fine. Anyway, your arrival in Derdriu this time is much more appreciable than the last, Edelgard. I'm glad to see that I didn't bet on the wrong monarch," Claude spread his hands. "Come now, you must be tired after the journey, and hungry. There's good food and chambers with ice prepared for you in the castle of Riegan; I do hope you'll find the dishes suitable to your taste, I brought my own cooks from my fatherland."

"You did this on purpose, didn't you, Claude?" said Lorenz with narrowed eyes. "That is very inconsiderate and impolite of you, I must warn. Although you're the Almyran king now, I speak as a friend."

"I understand, Lorenz. But don't be so traditional! Some ice-breaking is always needed when it comes to forming friendship between two cultures. I'm merely giving it a small push."

"I believe my Prime Minister has tasted it already," said Edelgard. "Perhaps I should listen to Ferdinand's opinions?"

"I personally find it delicious, and it always excites me to enjoy more of this world," Ferdinand smiled. "Not that everyone would like it, but I strongly suggest that you give it a try, Your Majesty."

"Valuable opinion, Prime Minister," said Hubert with a dark chuckle. "And I assume you didn't waste all your time here enjoying exotic fashions instead of doing the actual work?"

"Hubert! Your suspicions hurt me. It's true that I've had a good time with Lord Lorenz and King Khalid, but neglecting duties is beneath me! You'll see the results of my labor with your own eyes soon enough."

"I am truly thrilled by anticipation, Lord Ferdinand," Hubert replied with dramtic sarcasm.

Edelgard and Claude walked ahead, while Hubert, Ferdinand and Lorenz trailed a little behind, heading towards the castle of House Riegan. Lorenz gave them a bow, "Forgive me, my lords, but it appears that the rest of the Leicester lords have received news of Her Majesty's arrival as well. I must attend to their needs and bring them to order."

"Don't let me keep you from your duties, Lorenz," said Ferdinand. "Will you join me at the award ceremony then? I have a box reserved, and good tea prepared."

"Unfortunately, I will not have the pleasure this time," Lorenz sighed. "As much as I want to share your tea, I'll have to accompany the ladies of Ordelia and Edmund. It's improper for a gentleman to leave the ladies on their own."

"A pity, but I understand. Next time then, Lorenz."

Lorenz hurried away, and Ferdinand turned to Hubert with a smile of relief. "I can't believe there's a day that I actually miss your presence, Hubert. Such pressure to be alone in foreign lands. Not that there's anything I couldn't handle, but still."

"Careful now, Ferdinand. Leicester is not foreign lands anymore."

"I know, I know, it's not what I mean, just old habits. Anyway, how's the trip? Why did you arrive by boat? I thought Edelgard hates water."

"Her Majesty dislikes the sea, but rivers are much better. And she's learning to swim," said Hubert, his eyes dropping briefly to Ferdinand's bared collarbone, the faint blush of summer heat brought out by the red rose at the side. "The folks of Derdriu is accustomed to traveling on water, so Her Majesty sought to present herself as one of the people."

"Good choice, and admirable."

The summer heat grew more intense as noon drew closer, and a small drop of sweat slid down Ferdinand's jaw. He took out a dark ribbon and pulled his hair into a ponytail, exposing the back of his neck covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Ferdinand blended into the city so easily, with his natural and carefree manners and coppery colors, his blinding smiles and warm cheerful voice. The streets were full of people chatting about the recent competition, arguing whether this was better than that, and Ferdinand waved and smiled at some of them, shop owners or tailors or tavern mistresses, as if there was no barrier between noble and common in the first place. For a moment it was as if he was becoming one with the golden bricks of Derdriu or melt into the sunlight of Leicester, and Hubert almost reached out a hand to draw him back, keep him at his side. Ferdinand was like a fish in familiar waters in the sun, while Hubert was always out of place wherever there was light.

"How did the competition go?" Hubert asked. "Has the champion emerged?"

"Yes, I'm glad you asked! The winning play is called Karim and Tania, a story about a pair of star-crossed lovers that brought peace of their hostile houses with their love. Written by the famous playwright, Wilhelm Hathaway. Truly a well deserved prize! Mr Hathaway will be given fifty thousand gold pieces as reward, a golden cup as the proof of his championship, and the honor to meet the Emperor and the King of Almyra in person. His play will be also be performed at the award ceremony. The actors have been rehearsing day and night; it was quite a long play."

"That's why you reserved a box in the Globe? Because there will be a performance?"

"Indeed."

Ferdinand's eyes suddenly started wandering, and the blush on his cheeks seemed to have deepened in color.

"...Hubert."

"Yes?" Hubert asked softly.

"I mean... the award ceremony will be held in three days, at night... I was thinking that, now that Lorenz cannot come... but of course you have to be with Edelgard, but I'm not sure if the imperial box can seat another besides her and Claude... maybe I'm not alerted enough on potential danger, but..."

"Get to the point, Ferdinand."

"Will you join me in my box at the award ceremony?"

Despite somehow forseeing this coming, Hubert's heart still fluttered in his chest upon hearing the actual words from Ferdinand's mouth. The invitation had such power over him that he was stricken silent for a brief moment, his mind too blank to logically think.

His silence was apparently mistaken for hesitation or an inclination to refusal, because Ferdinand quickly started explaining. "I'm not pushing you... it's just an invitation. I'll understand if you have to watch over Edelgard. But... my box is in a really good position, and I'm sure the ceremony and the play will be splendid! I'll have coffee prepared for you! No, the ceremony is at night..."

"Some liquor will be more fitting for the occasion, don't you think?" said Hubert.

Ferdinand widened his eyes. "So you..."

"Yes, Lord Ferdinand," Hubert had to take a small breath to continue. "I'll join you in your box at the ceremony."

"Brilliant! But, what about Edelgard?"

"Lady Edelgard usually participates in diplomatic conversations on her own. Most nobles know the role I play in Adrestian court, and my presence may lead to some of them thinking my lady is overly distrustful."

"Oh, I see... so you're really free? You sure you'll come?"

"Welll..." Hubert smiled. "That depends on what drink you prepare for me."

Ferdinand's lips turned upwards in a charming curve. "Let me see... a bottle of Adrestian red for the taste of home, and a jar of Derdriu stout for a little adventure. What do you think?"

Hubert pictured Ferdinand in his cups, cheeks pink and eyelids heavy with dizziness, his fiery eyes hazed and lazy like the orange clouds at dusk. Just imagining the sight sent a shot of heat down Hubert's spine, had him shivering a little even in this summer heat. "Sounds tempting enough. I shall see you at the ceremony."

"That's that, then! Do keep your promise, Hubert!"

Every second after that felt like a year, even if it was just three days. Even the complicated diplomatic discussions and assuring the safety of Edelgard at the ceremony failed to numb the aching longing in Hubert's heart for the night he would spend with Ferdinand. He kept thinking about what Ferdinand would wear that night whenever he saw him, about what he would say that night and how Ferdinand would answer whenever he lay in bed. The day before the ceremony, he spent some effort making sure the liquor Ferdinand bought wasn't in any way poisoned, and had his least gloomy set of formal dress ironed, a black frock and trousers, and a green silken shirt with silver embroideries.

On the day of the ceremony, the event began a little after noon, since the performance would continue well into the evening. Ferdinand waited to receive them at the Globe while Edelgard and Hubert prepared for the formal entrance, taking place after most of the audience arrived. A long, red carpet was placed at the gate of the threatre, and Edelgard and Claude arrived in a carriage, both dressed in their imperial and royal glamor, walking side by side into the gate. Hubert was close behind at first, but just after he saw Edelgard was seated in the box, he looked around and deemed it was the suitable timing for him to join Ferdinand. He seized a chance when no one was looking, and slipped away from the crowd into the corridor.

"...Lord Vestra."

A woman's voice sounded behind him, in the darkness of the corridor, as if the owner of it had known he was coming all along. Hubert tensed and came to a halt, but he neither heard nor felt any danger from the voice.

The woman emerged as he turned around, her footsteps making little to no sounds. She was in her thirties, with pale skin, wavy brunette hair and sharp blue eyes, lips curving upwards in a enigmatic half-smile, dressed in a white nightgown excellently cut to bring out her mature beauty. She approached him without any display of fear, as if he was just another young lord waiting for a noble lady to engage in boring small talk.

"Greetings, Lord Vestra," said the woman. "My manners demand that I introduce myself properly, but I assume that someone like you must have known me already, although we've never met."

Indeed he did. "Lady Anita Nurse, spymistress of the Duke Claude von Riegan. Your fame proceeds you," they started walking down the corridor like just another common pair. "So you're still in service of him, after he reclaims his true name and status?"

"People like us serve our overlord regardless of anything," said Anita. "What he calls himself matters little to me."

"What business do you have with me, Lady Anita?"

"Straightforward, I see," the ceremony had begun, and the host was announcing the names of the winning play and the playwright, sending a wave of cheers and applause through the audience. "Karim and Tania. Do you know that this play is actually based on a real story?"

"Let me guess: the story of King Kareem of Almyra and Lady Tiana von Riegan?"

"Star-crossed lovers, they're called in the play. Hindered by exterior forces, disapproved by those around them. Especially when the king already has a native queen, and has produced with her a pair of little prince and princess, before the foreign beloved came into the picture."

"Although I understand you, Lady Anita, I will appreciate it if you stop speaking in riddles." His Prime Minister was still waiting for him with the finest liquor.

"Forgive me, Lord Vestra, my love for subtlety can be a little overwhelming," they stopped at a corner where they were completely protected by the shadows. "In short, someone wants King Khalid's life tonight. Someones."

"Which ones?"

"His half-siblings, Prince Adnan and Princess Alya, the proud children of Queen Rubab. I have information that they've hired assassins to take out Claude in the theatre tonight."

Hubert's eyes briefly shifted to the Imperial box where Claude sat... with Edelgard. "And the Emperor?"

"Will be left intact."

"Why? As far as I know, most Almyrans still hate us."

"Exactly why the prince and princess will have her live. They're planning to blame Claude's death on Emperor Edelgard, and use the Almyrans' hatred to win their support and ascend the throne. They'll delcare war on Adrestia, as they've warred with Leicester for centuries."

Arrogant fools. No wonder they lost against Claude in such a short period of time, if they're stupid enough to choose not to take out the Emperor when they had the chance. Not that they actually had it, though. "I'm glad you informed me of this, Lady Anita, you have my thanks. Now, what is your plan?"

"I know who the assassins are, their locations and their plan. But unfortunately, me and my forces are no longer the official spies of Leicester, after your Emperor conquered the land. I am hoping that you, the current official spymaster, would provide us the convenience of operating without impedement, and perhaps cooperate with us to get rid of the killers."

"When will you make the move?"

"If we have your assistance? Immediately."

Hubert shut his eyes briefly. Forgive me, Ferdinand. "Then immediately it is."

They moved quickly, but to Hubert, not quick enough. First he had to explain to his spies about the situation, then he had to negotiate with the guards, then he discussed with Anita the best route to approach the assassins, then they decided each of their works, and finally they started the operation. The assassins were a group of three, one to carry out the task, one to distract the guards inside the threatre, and one positioned outside the theatre waiting to receive them when the job was finished. Hubert had his men took care of the one responsible for distraction, and together with Anita he took out the killer. He used his magic to warp them both into the box where the killer used as a temporary hiding spot, and Anita stopped him from jumping down the balcony by throwing a dagger right into his calf, while Hubert dragged him up, muffled his mouth with a handkerchief and slit his throat.

Ferdinand's box was right at the opposite of the killer’s, so from this position Hubert could see every single one of his little moves. Ferdinand was wearing blue, his jacket glittering with the smoothness of fine silk, and the vest was golden satin embroidered with Adrestian eagles. A few strands of his hair fell in front of his chest, shinning with a metallic glamour. But his face was no where near the brightness of his clothes. Those brows were curving downwards, and those lips were twisted into a melancholy shape, his eyes dark and dull. He was pouring himself another glass of red wine, filling it to the brim and downing it with one single gulp. He choked a little from drinking too fast, and looked around with anxiety as if searching, or waiting for someone. When no one came, he covered his eyes with a hand and sighed.

Hubert's heart twisted at the sight.

When they returned to the castle after the ceremony, Hubert changed his clothes, scrubbed as much stench of blood from himself as possible, and hurried to Ferdinand's chamber. He knocked on the door after taking a few deep breaths.

The door opened, and Ferdinand's pupils dilated when he saw who it was. Hubert noticed that he didn't change his clothes, and his hair was messy as if he just flopped himself into bed after returning to his chamber and couldn't care less about what he looked like.

"Hubert?" Ferdinand let out a choked sound. "Where have you been?"

"I'm sorry," Hubert said quickly, before he lost the chance to apologize and explain at all. "I'm truly sorry, Ferdinand. I didn't mean to go against my words."

"No, wait... come on in, don't just stand there."

Ferdinand closed the door and offered him a chair, sitting down at the edge of his bed with a tired sigh. Another sting in Hubert's chest. "So... what happened? Something urgent?"

"Yes."

"Well, what is it?"

Hubert swallowed, recalling how disgusted Ferdinand was when he heard that the competitions were being used for political purposes, about boxes turning into murder slots. "It's... a planned assassination, against Claude. His spymistress sought me out for help, and I had to take care of it."

Ferdinand blinked. "...A planned assassination?"

"Some political scheme in Almyra, yes."

"You're not joking, right?"

Hubert remained silent, waiting for whatever would come next. Surely Ferdinand would be upset, that such a meaningful event was soiled by the dirtiest side of politics...

"Goddess, Hubert! Are you hurt? Is-is it taken care of? Do you need my help?"

Ferdinand grabbed hold of his shoulders, his eyes full of worry and searching for any kind of wound. Startled by the sudden movement, Hubert answered dumbly, "No... I'm not hurt, and, yes, we've removed the danger now."

"Oh, thank goodness," Ferdinand gave a sigh of relief. "So that's what kept you."

"I'm truly sorry..."

"No, no, you don't need to! What kind of man am I to blame you for that?" Ferdinand chuckled. "Besides, you did wish to come, didn't you?"

"Of course. I made a promise to you."

"Well, that's enough for this time, I suppose," Ferdinand grabbed a bottle on the nightstand and took out two cups. "I drank all the red wine, but I didn't touch the Derdriu stout. I was thinking that the adventure should be saved for us both."

"You shouldn't drink if you've finished a bottle already."

"Just a small cup," said Ferdinand as he handed him the glass of beer. "To the success of your mission."

The liquor was thick and burning, and it did taste like success. Hubert watched through the glass as the beer slid between Ferdinand's lips, and wondered if it would taste much sweeter, much stronger. Ferdinand swayed a little after downing the cup, and Hubert took the glass from his hand, stripped off his blue jacket and handled him onto bed.

"You should sleep now. I wouldn't want Her Majesty to see her Prime Minister in hangover next morning."

"Yeah, you're right. You should get some rest too, Hubert. It must be a hell of a night for you."

In truth, the task was far from the most difficult one he finished, but he smiled at Ferdinand's care nonetheless. "Good night, Lord Ferdinand."

He remained for a few more seconds after Ferdinand's eyes fluttered shut, staring at the shivering lashes, and slowly, quietly, backed out of the room.

When he closed the door, he leaned on the wall and put a hand over his chest, trying to soothe the flutter there, but to no avail.