Erwin wasn't planning to get married. Marriage and children require commitments that would compromise his duties as Commander. Erwin's priorities must be the Scout Regiment and retaking Wall Maria. Personal attachments could cloud his judgment in critical moments.

His eyes grew steely with resolve. "To come so far, only to see all progress stopped due simply to lack of funding, would be unacceptable. If wearing another's ring for politics is the sole means left to ensure the Scout Regiment's survival, then so be it. I will do what I must as Commander, consequences be damned, to keep alive hope for the future."

Erwin's expression softened slightly as he murmurs to himself. "I did not work this hard, nor send good soldiers to their deaths all these years, only to see victory snatched away by pettiness of short-sighted administrators. If that be my fate, to wed for practical ends, I will pay that cost as dutifully and honorably as any military campaign entrusted to my charge. Failure is not an option I will entertain, in this or any other endeavor."