Sylvain has an indecent proposal

“Err, yes! That can work with a little tweak.” Sylvain said, his eyes lighting up with mischief. “There is an old legend in Faerghus that tells of Saint Cichol delivering gifts to impoverished kids. A lot of villages celebrate a festival in honor of his noble deed.”

“Huh? What are you tal-“ Sylvain elbows Ingrid to let him finish the story.

“After the War of Heroes, when the winter was harsh and the land still ravaged, it is said that he rode across the whole countryside in a sled pulled by a single, pale reindeer. He gave all the orphan kids food, toys, and clothing to last until Summer…”

“Sylvain, I have never heard of-“

He didn't let Dimitri cut her off. “So, I propose that our King dons the garb of Saint Cihol and Edelgard play the part of the reindeer. Together they can go and give aid to all the war-torn villages. What better example of cooperation between our nations than that?"

“Cooperation? More like a subjugation. You ask our Emperor to prostrate herself and carry your King as if she was nothing more than her steed.”

Edelgard is surprised by the story. Her mask of elegance falters, and she blushes. She? Become Dimitri's steed? That's not proper for an Emperor.

“Well, what do you say, Edelgard?” Claude asks.

“Oh, one more thing,” Sylvain said impishly. “To do this right, you two will have to wear the traditional outfits of the festival. That means that Dimitri gets to wear a puffy red suit, while Edelgard gets, well, nothing but fake antlers and a red nose. Reindeers are naked, after all.”

“Yes, I remember this tradition now. It's the most beautiful festival in Faerghus,” Ingrid smiles while Dimitri sighs. Those two were truly pushing their luck. Edelgard would never agree to-

“If-f that's what it takes to have peace. I'll do it.” Edelgard said, shocking everyone in the room. Her face turns as red as the Imperial crest. Edelgard does not want to reveal her body to everyone, she doesn't want to do something so ridiculous and vulgar, but she is the Emperor. The needs of the many outweigh that of herself…

“I guess we are doing this…” Dimitri said.

“Can I join you on the sled, Dimitri?” Claude winks. ”You know, to promote the spirit of tri-national cooperation or whatever.”

“I can't believe her majesty agreed to this,” Ferdinand and Lorenz both say.

“I'll have to have my spies work overtime to ensure word of this doesn't get to Adestria,” Hubert lamented.

With that payment settled, the conversation turned to the boring details of the treaty. But Edelgard could not find peace, her mind was restless thinking about what she would have to do…