It probably couldn't have been worse. Erwin sat at his desk, the patter of rain against the window echoing the dark clouds of his thoughts. He was reflecting on his latest encounter with the royal family in Stohess, a group of insufferable aristocrats who had about as much empathy as a starved Titan.

Their condition for a financial reprieve?—Marry one of their relatives, a woman of noble status, no less.

"Perfect," he muttered, rubbing his temples. Marrying into a noble family was just what he needed. Never mind that he hadn't met this woman or even seen a picture of her. All he knew was that she was "educated," whatever that meant.

He'd have to figure out the rest himself—assuming he ever got around to speaking with her. His plan was simple: maintain a polite distance, offer superficial kindness, and secure the funding for the Survey Corps.

· · ───── ·❈· ───── · ·

Erwin was in the middle of devising strategies—most of which involved not strangling a noble on sight—when his door swung open. A puffed-up nobleman unceremoniously pushed a woman into the office, causing her to stumble. Erwin half-expected her to topple over, but she righted herself just in time.

The nobleman ignored her flailing and greeted Erwin with a smirk.

"Commander Erwin," he sneered. "Meet your future wife. The marriage is set for 10AM tomorrow, in Stohess, at the Church of the Walls."

Erwin’s stomach dropped. The Church of the Walls? Of course, they’d choose the most humiliating location possible. Those zealots were strictly against any missions outside the walls, considering the walls sacred. It was a public slap in the face.

Before Erwin could form a response, the nobleman turned on his heel and left, not sparing the woman a second glance.

· · ───── ·❈· ───── · ·

Erwin rose from his seat, his stoic eyes taking in the sight of his 'future wife.' She wore a noble dress that screamed "expensive" and "uncomfortable" in equal measure.

"Welcome, Miss..." Erwin started awkwardly, realizing he didn't even know her name.