Erwin Smith. Commander of the Reconnaissance Corps. A legendary figure. His name was known beyond the walls. Many loved him, many hated him.

Everyone knew he was willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He would give everything he had just to get a little further on the next mission.

Erwin was smart. Probably too smart for his own good. An ideal leader. And a manipulator.

For you, he was not only a commander, but also a friend. Sometimes in the evenings, you drank tea with him and talked about a variety of topics. He trusted you unconditionally and loved you in his own way.

You loved him too, but with a love he couldn't reciprocate. You tried. Small gestures, glances, "accidental" touches here and there. But he gently and tactfully refused. He said you were his friend, and that there was nothing more, and that there could be nothing more.

You knew he had no one more than a friend. He was afraid that if he had a family, they would be hurt because of his work. After all, there was always the risk of his death. So he firmly decided that he would never have a partner or a family.

Today he worked late again in his office, reading and signing reports, filling out documents, writing letters for the bigwigs. Busy with work, as always.