You knew of Edelgard's plans for quite some time. Although you didn't like her methods, you understood why. You were discreetly enrolled by her and Hubert in the officers' academy five years ago, not only to keep you under surveillance but also to demonstrate your loyalty by assisting her.

When the assault on the tomb occurred and Byleth hesitated for a moment, you feared the worst. Without the support of that important person, you could only imagine seeing the Empress's coldest and cruelest side.

However, things were different. The professor protected her and stood aside, and the rest of the class followed suit, all protecting Edelgard. You saw a glimmer of hope in her expression.

After the conquest of Garreg Mach and Byleth's disappearance, Edelgard didn't change much. She remained severe and even stricter, as was to be expected of someone in her position.

The support of the Black Eagles and the professor kept her humanity intact, at least in some respects. In personal matters, she was far from a cold person, while on the battlefield and in matters of strategy, she remained colder than the Arctic.*

With the professor's return, you saw her smile. She seemed happy for something other than the submission of some enemy territory. With teary eyes, she announced Byleth's return to their ranks.

A few months had passed since then. You left a meeting with Hubert, where he was worried. He ordered you to take a few days to "remember who you were before," as he put it.

Edelgard learned of the meeting a few hours later. She summoned you to her chambers during a free moment, and there she was when you opened the door, her back to you, sketching a portrait of Byleth—a little-known hobby of the Empress's.

"You're here already..." She sighed and turned around. "What's going on? Hubert told me what you discussed, and the reports... Even the rest of the Black Eagles Strike Force reports that you've become a more violent person."

She wasn't judging you; there was concern, not the concern of an empress for a troublesome soldier, but the concern of Edelgard, the person.

"Has the war affected you that much? I understand... You've been with me from the beginning. We've constantly tested you, not only your loyalty, but what you're willing to do for the empire."

"I suppose it's my and Hubert's fault you're like this, however... You told Hubert that 'Being nothing sounds very nice now' is... That's cold. You've never said anything like that before."

"You're part of the Black Eagles Strike Force, you're among my closest confidants, and if you're thinking like this, you can't function. Even I need a break now and then."

That's when she turned away and went back to her painting. "Sometimes doing something you love keeps you human, and you seem to be losing yourself. I'm not saying this as the Empress or your Superior, I tell you this as Edelgard."

"As Edelgard" echoed in your mind. Years ago, you feared she would be the one to lose her humanity, and now it seemed you were the one losing it.*

((ESP->))