A Lesson in Chivalry
Byleth Eisner's blue eyes scanned the faces of her students as she spoke. "And so, it had been decided that Flayn will now join our class. I'm sure there is a great deal all of you can teach her, and that she will be able to teach you. Please look out for her as you would with any of your comrades." "Thank you, Professor!" Flayn chirped, before giving a polite little bow to the Blue Lions. "I am honored to be fighting by your side!" The class were quick to welcome Flayn into the group. No doubt everyone was happy to indulge any whim of Flayn's at the moment. The girl's disappearance at the beginning of the month had been a frightening time for everyone, and no-one more than Seteth. He may not have been too thrilled with the idea of his baby sister joining the group, but as Flayn herself had argued - who better to keep her safe and teach her to defend herself than the ones who had found her and drove off the Death Knight? Byleth had been proud of how her Blue Lions had fared against such a dangerous enemy. They truly had come a long way since she had first started her work as Professor here at Garrag Mach. However. As she eyed two particular members of her class, there were still some issues that desperately needed addressing. "Well, that's all for today," Byleth said, shuffling her papers and stashing them away in the bottom drawer of her desk. "Class dismissed. Oh, but Ingrid and Sylvain, a moment, if you please." Ingrid Galatea and Sylvain Gautier exchanged confused looks as the other Blue Lions got up and left the room, Annette and Mercedes chatting about class, Dedue following Prince Dimitri like a shadow and Ashe enthusing on what might be on the menu at dinnertime today. That left the room empty as both of them approached the front desk, Ingrid's expression one of expectation and Sylvain's a laid-back puzzlement. "What's up, Professor?" asked Sylvain, holding his hands behind his head. "Is this about our next goal to aim for?" Ingrid asked, getting right to the point as usual. "Because I thought we discussed those one to one?" Byleth gave a little shake of her head. "Actually, this concerns both of you, but it's not about classes. I wish to discuss your conduct during Flayn's disappearance." Ingrid shot a sharp look in Sylvain's direction. It was about time somebody properly scolded Sylvain for his flippancy! "Ah...is this about me wondering if Flayn eloped?" Sylvain asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess that was my bad, I just thought, Seteth's so overprotective of Flayn, so maybe she got sick of it and-" "It was completely inappropriate and insensitive!" Ingrid snapped, looking like she might well punch him again and Sylvain held up his hands in an 'I surrender' gesture. "Honestly, Sylvain, why don't you ever think before you open your mouth?!" "Yes, it wasn't the most tactful of remarks," Byleth interjected calmly. "But Sylvain was merely posing a theory. Actually, the person's conduct I was most displeased with was yours, Ingrid." Ingrid and Sylvain both looked at Byleth, dumbfounded. "Excuse me?" Ingrid frowned. "Ingrid, while you may have been anxious regarding Flayn's disappearance, that is not a suitable excuse for you to physically lash out at one of your own classmates," Byleth said, fixing a steely gaze upon the blonde. "There are other was to express that you thought something was not well articulated, and to be frank this is not the first time you've thought it appropriate to hit Sylvain for annoying you. And you also terrified Bernadetta the other day when you kicked down her door and dragged her to training. In fact, it seems whenever I see you with your peers, you're scolding or yelling at them for something or another." "I-!" Ingrid began, shocked. Nobody had ever scolded her for her treatment of Sylvain before. Anybody who was familiar with the Blue Lions knew that she and Sylvain, along with Dimitri and Felix, had known each other since childhood. By now this was practically routine between them. "Oh, c'mon, Professor, that's all water under the bridge now, right?" Sylvain said, ever the peacemaker. "I mean, Flayn was found and everything's fine now." "I thought you might say that, Sylvain. However, as your teacher, it is my job to correct you when you are making mistakes and to discipline those who break the rules," Byleth replied, and that was when the atmosphere in the room changed. "If somebody doesn't address this behavior, then it will continue to go on unchecked. Therefore, I am going to punish Ingrid appropriately, and as the victim in this particular incident, you will stay here to witness it." By now an angry blush was forming on Ingrid's face, to be spoken of like a naughty child who needed a scolding! "Professor, with all due respect," Ingrid said, in rather snotty tones, "I was just trying to keep Sylvain in line, and if you want to talk about behavior running unchecked-!" "Ingrid, you are not Sylvain's mother or his teacher," Byleth replied, coldly. "You're his friend, and to be frank you haven't behaved very much like one as far as I've observed. Sylvain's behavior is not the issue we're here to discuss and using it as a shield for your own is cowardly of you. I expect better for an aspiring knight." By now, both Sylvain and Ingrid were stunned speechless. To have their relationship's flaws laid so bare was a humbling experience indeed. Byleth crossed the room to her desk and pulled her chair out from behind it, until it was in front of the blackboard. Ingrid winced at the harsh scraping on the stone. "Sylvain, please take a seat," Byleth instructed, calmly. Puzzled, Sylvain glanced at Ingrid before he obediently went to sit at one of the front desks. What exactly was the Professor going to have Ingrid do? Write lines? But the blackboard was full of scribbles of their last battle formation and Byleth made no move to wipe it away. Instead, she approached her desk again and pulled something out of one of the drawers - neither of them saw what, but she calmly went and sat down. "Come here please, Ingrid." she said. Bewildered and a little surly, Ingrid approached Byleth with her chin tucked in like a petulant child. Still, she tried to remain composed as she asked; "Yes, Professor?" "The punishment will now begin. Please do not try to resist or negotiate with me, or it will increase in severity," Byleth told Ingrid matter-of-factly, like she was critiquing her lance technique. "Do you understand?" "Yes," Ingrid replied, stiffly. "Good." Then, to the shock of both Ingrid and Sylvain, Byleth casually grabbed the girl's wrist and dragged her forwards, effortlessly toppling the girl forwards so she was lying sprawled across the professor's lap. Sylvain made a choking sound. Ingrid's eyes widened as she realized what was about to happen and immediately protests burst forth from her mouth. "Professor, I am not a child! I-" "You said you would not resist me," Byleth replied. "Have you already gone back on your word?" "No..." Ingrid murmured, biting her lip. Damn it. A knight was supposed to always keep her word. "That was your warning. If you do it again, there will be further consequences. Now, keep still and accept your fate." Byleth resisted the urge to snicker - 'accept your fate' seemed a tad dramatic, but it seemed to fit the mood. Ingrid lay stiffly over her knees, not outright resisting but obviously bitter and resentful of her punishment. Byleth didn't doubt it was embarrassing, especially in front of Sylvain, but if Ingrid thought she didn't deserve this, she was sorely mistaken. Or, she was about to be. She didn't bother smacking over the skirt. Being the fighter of the Blue Lion girls, Ingrid was used to a little pain and would barely feel it, so Byleth wasted no time in flipping Ingrid's skirt up to reveal a predictably sensible pair of white panties. Sylvain snickered. "I'm surprised there aren't little Pegasus on them, Ingrid." "Shut up, Sylvain!" Ingrid snapped, glaring at him. Byleth's hand smacked down hard on Ingrid's bottom, ruining the girl's glower by driving a yip from her. Byleth may have not been a large woman, but the flat of her palm stung. With the first smack landed, more began to follow. Byleth set up a smooth, slow rhythm, swatting Ingrid's backside firmly but not with undue force or speed. She was just warming up and didn't want to tire herself out early. As predicted, Ingrid had a very firm bottom from so much physical exercise, though there was a slight plumpness to it as well thanks to spending so much time sitting in a saddle. For Ingrid, this was possibly the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to her, getting a spanking over her professor's knee while Sylvain - lecherous, irresponsible Sylvain - watched the whole thing! Granted, Ingrid had seen Sylvain do plenty of embarrassing things when they were young, but she found she didn't much like being on the other side of the fence. Still, she grudgingly supposed this could have been worse - Byleth could have done this in front of the entire class! Sylvain fidgeted in his seat as he watched the whole spectacle going on in front of him, blood rushing to his cheeks and...elsewhere. He couldn't deny that this was...extremely hot. It was weird seeing Ingrid in such a vulnerable position, or for a woman to take his side on anything. He knew his reputation was well-deserved, but here the Professor was really being upset because one of his friends had hurt him? It felt...strange, but inspired an odd warm feeling in his chest that someone actually cared about him like that. He remembered Miklan used to beat him up all the time as a kid and it was only when it escalated to him shoving Sylvain down a well and leaving him stranded on the mountains that finally got him disowned from the house. Byleth, for her part, didn't say a word during this, nor did her face give anything away. She just kept up her appointed task of turning Ingrid's peach-colored bottom a light pink, making sure to cover all areas. Fortunately, Ingrid was nowhere near as voluptuous as someone like Hilda or Dorothea or Manuela, so keeping the entirety of Ingrid's backside a consistent shade wasn't difficult. Her other arm rested on the girl's back, who twitched and jerked with each firm smack. However, though Ingrid had been prepared to tolerate a little punishment, after twenty or so smacks that showed no sign of stopping, she began to grow irritated. Truthfully, she didn't think she deserved to be punished at all - so what if she'd hit Sylvain? He should take things more seriously! And Byleth was only a few years older than her, it was ridiculous that Byleth was treating her like she was younger than Flayn! "Professor-" Ingrid blurted out, as another slightly harder smack jolted her right in the center of her bottom. "Yes, Ingrid?" Byleth replied in a meditative hum. "Ngh-! Don't you think you've made your point now?" Ingrid asked, careful to keep her tone level. "I understand now why you were...unhappy with me." "Do you," Byleth replied. She smacked Ingrid a few more times, hitting where thigh met the curve of her cheek. "Then let me ask you a question." "Yes?" Ingrid asked, hopefully. "Suppose for a moment you had posed a theory about Flayn, and Sylvain had hit you?" Byleth asked. Sylvain made a sound at his desk, a little indignant. He'd never hit a woman! Battling an enemy soldier didn't count, obviously, there was being gallant and then there was being stupid, but to physically strike one? He baulked at the very idea. "I'd- I'd hit him back!" Ingrid said, flustered, before wincing at a firmer smack. "Yes, you would. Sylvain didn't, though, even though from what I heard, several people saw you punch him, and they told me about it as if it were quite normal. Tell me, Ingrid, was that knightly behavior? Was that something somebody who really understand chivalry would do?" Byleth questioned the girl mercilessly. "Is that how you should treat someone you call your friend?" Frustration, humiliation and shock pulsed through Ingrid as Byleth peppered her with questions, and Ingrid was surprised at the influx of sudden emotion. She wasn't used to having her ideals or actions questioned by anyone except for Felix - where did this stranger get off implying she wasn't a true knight?! "That's different!" she protested, squirming now despite herself, suddenly unable to tolerate this anymore. It wasn't fair! "How so?" Byleth said, upping the pace of the spanking. The smacks made it difficult for Ingrid to think rationally, only serving to fuel her anger and resentment. She got what Byleth was getting at, but she still couldn't accept it, her stubbornness and pride rearing their heads as one. "Because-!" "Because?" Byleth asked, and even Sylvain was leaning forward, suddenly interested to know the answer himself, with the facts so plainly laid out before them like that, as if Byleth had put up a wall of dominoes. "Because he deserves it!" The words exploded unbidden out of Ingrid, in a defiant, angry burst. She went to stand up, whether to storm out of the room or to turn and face Byleth to confront her, she wasn't sure, but she only realized her mistake when she was pinned down by a much firmer hand than before. She twisted her head to look at her teacher, and the stony look on Byleth's face made her stomach drop. "I see you're failing to learn your lesson," Byleth said. "I had hoped I wouldn't need to resort to this, but you brought this on yourself." And with that, she hooked her fingers in Ingrid's panties and yanked. Instantly Ingrid let out an undignified squeal of embarrassment as her panties gathered somewhere around her knees, revealing a rather pink, naked bottom to the wide, shocked eyes of Sylvain. No doubt he'd remember this sight forever. Byleth didn't go gently. She raised her hand high and cracked it down hard on Ingrid's bottom, sending a shock of pain through the girl, making her buck in place, arms flailing for purchase, but there was nothing to grab. Byleth began smacking Ingrid's bare bottom with force, each slap making the punished flesh bounce a little, the imprint of Byleth's palm a shocking white before fading into a pink that grew ever darker. Sylvain gripped his thighs beneath the desk. No doubt if he tried to interfere, Byleth would either make him sit back down or maybe even punish Ingrid further for his actions. And if he were being honest with himself - really honest - seeing Ingrid the one being scolded and embarrassed, her feeling shamed and hurting, was kind of satisfying. Sylvain could never bring himself to retaliate against Ingrid's scolding or punches, mostly since people told him he deserved it when she had to clear up his mess...but did she really have to? Or...maybe she did it so she had an excuse to yell at him all the time? He'd never considered it before, their friendship too familiar and ingrained in him for him to question how healthy it even was. Ingrid was like that with everyone, really - even the crown prince wasn't immune to her tongue-lashings. But maybe it was about time Ingrid got one of her own. So he sat, listening to the rain of spanks that fell on Ingrid's sore bottom, the pretty shade of dark pink he was turning. Though he was uncomfortable by the tears now streaking down Ingrid's cheeks, he couldn't help but wonder if maybe being put in her place had felt somehow good to her, too - like bursting a blister. Byleth shifted Ingrid forward a little bit so the blonde's bottom was at the highest point possible over her knees, changing up the angle a little, before smacking firmly on her sitspots. She'd keep going until she broke down that stubbornness, Ingrid's haughty belief that she was in the right in everything she did. It was a dangerous attitude to have and since none of her friends were willing to tackle it, she would. "Owwww!" Ingrid wailed, throwing her head back, braid flying. "Professor!!" "Use your words like a big girl, Ingrid." Byleth advised her student, slowing down her spanks but never stopping. "I...I... I’m sorry..." Ingrid sobbed, squirming fruitlessly, kicking her legs. "Oww! I'm sorry!" "Are you going to reflect more on how you behave?" Byleth asked the girl, still not quite satisfied with such a vague apology. "Learn to be a little kinder and more understanding of your peers? Truly wish to help people and not just force them because you don't like how someone behaves?" "Yes!" Ingrid howled. "Then, you just need to do one more thing," Byleth told her. "I want you to apologize to Sylvain. And I want you to mean it." Ingrid gave a few gulpy breaths, but Byleth kept firmly smacking her backside, her palm stinging, but she would not shirk on her duty. And she knew Ingrid could take it, or she had no business claiming to want to be a soldier. She did have the mercy of taking it slowly, allowing the girl time to compose herself, but never ceasing the punishment early. "Sylvain," Ingrid gulped. "I... I’m sorry I hit you. Even if what you said was st-stupid...I should know better." "Hey, it's okay-" Sylvain began, embarrassed, but Byleth held up a hand. "A moment." Finally, she stopped the spanking. Ingrid slumped over Byleth's knee, sobbing like a little girl, no longer caring about her knightly dignity or keeping her composure. And now she'd said the words, she realized it was true - she hadn't exactly been the easiest person to be around when it came to her classmates, and not just Sylvain. But he was without a doubt she was the one she'd been hardest on. Still, when she went to tug her panties up, Byleth caught her wrist. "I'm afraid we're not quite finished here, Ingrid. Wait a few more minutes." Ingrid groaned but didn't dare protest further. Sylvain approached the women, blushing as he did so - Ingrid's ass was nearly as red as his hair. "Um, yes, Professor?" he asked, clearing his throat. "I didn't ask you to stay behind just to observe." Byleth told him, and pulled something out of the pocket of her shorts. Sylvain stood still. Byleth was holding a wooden hairbrush out to him. She wiggled the end when he hesitated and Sylvain took it, a shiver of anticipation running through it as he turned it over in his hand. "Is this...?" he began in a scratchy voice. Ingrid turned to see what was going on and stiffened, green eyes wide with horror. "P-Professor...you're not going to...use that?" she breathed, unable to comprehend how terrified she was of a mere little hairbrush, but she felt like a sword was being pointed at her. "I'm not. He is." Byleth replied. "B-but I apologized!" Ingrid protested in a panicked voice. "I admitted I was wrong!" "Yes, and that was a very good thing, Ingrid," Byleth replied patiently, sending the girl a warning look as she squirmed more. "But I think one final reminder of today by the hands of the person you wronged will be good for you. And your apology was still a little rude, wasn't it?" Ingrid winced as she realized Byleth had caught the 'stupid' in there. She hadn't thought too deeply about that, but casually insulting Sylvain was another ingrained habit in her by now that apparently even being spanked over her Professor's knee couldn't fully correct. Byleth turned to Sylvain, who stood there looking comically uncertain. "Sylvain, I would like you to use this on Ingrid," she instructed calmly. "Ten should be enough." "Professor...do you really think this is necessary?" Sylvain asked. "It seems a little harsh." "Perhaps it is, but I don't think it will need to be repeated after today," Byleth replied. "If you don't want to, then I suppose I shouldn't force you - but if you decide not to use the paddle on Ingrid, I will and I can guarantee she'll wish you had done it." Ingrid might previously have found that hard to believe, but after the session she'd just had, she knew Byleth wasn't lying. She shot Sylvain a pleading look - again, something she'd never done before - and ducked her head. "Please, Sylvain...let's just get it over with." Sylvain bit his lip, looking down at the brush. Well...ten wasn't so bad, right? And in a way, he was saving Ingrid from a much harsher paddling from the Professor. Byleth apparently had a mean hand on her. "Okay." He positioned himself so he was standing in front of Byleth. Fortunately, the chair she was sitting on was quite high off the ground, so Sylvain didn't have to crouch awkwardly to make sure the brush would connect with its intended target. Either because she was trying to help or to add a final touch of embarrassment, Byleth held Ingrid's arms behind her back. "When you're ready," she said. Ingrid shuddered but did her best to keep still. Sylvain let out a slow breath, readying himself. Then, he swung his arm high and brought it down with a firm crack. "Aaaah!" Ingrid shrieked as the wooden side of the brush connected with her throbbing backside, jolting so much that it was a good thing Byleth was holding her steady. She felt like she'd just been shot in the ass with a lightning spell. "One," Byleth said, loudly. Sylvain nodded and swung the brush in another arc before bringing it down again, the resulting crack loud in the otherwise empty classroom. Ingrid's shriek pierced the ceiling. "Two." said Byleth. And so it went, each thwack of the paddle meeting its intended target. By the time Sylvain had finished all ten, Ingrid was sobbing all over again, drumming her toes against the cobblestones. Byleth rubbed a hand on the girl's back for a minute or so to calm her down and Sylvain set the brush on Byleth's desk, his fingers tingling from squeezing it so hard. He felt...odd. Kind of hollow, but a lot lighter at the same time. It was like every insult, punch or lecture had been repaid with those ten strokes and now it was like a clean slate. When Ingrid's sobs subsided, Byleth stood her up. Her skirt fell back down, though it was still obvious what had happened - Ingrid's thighs were peppered with red between skirt and stocking. The lady knight tugged her knickers back up, letting out a pitiful whimper as the cotton brushed over unbearably sore skin. Sylvain stood next to Ingrid, feeling awkward, but the girl didn't look at him, not even to glare. "Well done, you two," Byleth said, waving her hand, which by now had a fairly sore palm. "You both did very well. Now we can fully celebrate Flayn's safe return and get ready for next month's mission. You're dismissed - I think you're just in time for some supper." "Actually, Professor, I think I'll turn in for tonight," Ingrid said in a shaky voice, a wan little smile on her face that she was actually turning down food. "I'll bring you up something later," Sylvain offered. "...Thank you, Sylvain. That would be nice." With a stiff nod, Ingrid turned and hurried out of the classroom, no doubt to run straight to her quarters to lie down on her stomach and probably have a very early night's rest. Crying took a surprising amount out of you - and so did admitting you were wrong for the first time. "Professor?" Sylvain said, after a pause. "Yes, Sylvain?" Byleth asked, wondering if he was going to protest Ingrid's punishment. Sylvain looked thoughtful for a moment, then he gave her a bashful grin. "I, uh...can't say that was how I expected today to go. But thanks - for caring about what happens to me." Byleth smiled. "Of course, Sylvain. I care about all of you. You're my precious students, after all. Now, go have something to eat." "Yes, ma'am." With a wave, Sylvain left the classroom as well, hoping there was some of his favorite dish left in the Mess Hall. Byleth, now alone, picked up the hairbrush Sylvain had left on her desk before smiling to herself and locking it away in her desk drawer. While she didn't think Ingrid would need a repeat reminder after that, Byleth knew that the girl could be somewhat set in her ways and resolved to keep an eye on things as the months went on. She'd be interested to see what she taught her Blue Lions stuck. After all, there were some lessons they didn't teach you about in the storybooks.
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