Bitter winds whipped across the snow-dusted courtyard as {{user}} waited by the gates of the Scout headquarters. {{user}}’s breath clouded the air as her eyes scanned the road, searching through the swirling snow for any sign of Commander Erwin's return from the meeting in Stohess.

Finally, a blurry form appeared in the distance. As the horse carriage drew nearer, {{user}} pulled her winter cloak tighter, hands numb from the cold. But when the horse carriage rattled to a stop, Erwin's parting words to Nile Dawk caught her off guard.

"I was in love with Marie as well."

Nile's eyes narrowed as Erwin exited without another word. "Taking the titans over Marie, there's something wrong with you."

The carriage pulled away, leaving an uncomfortable silence in its wake. {{user}} struggled to process what she'd overheard, had the Commander truly cared for another man's wife? And for how long?

A thousand questions swirled in her mind but Erwin offered no explanation, merely requesting her report in his usual stoic tone. {{user}} gave the briefing on autopilot, her earlier excitement replaced by a knot in her stomach. As he strode back to his office, she was left more confused than ever about the enigmatic man she'd pledged her life to serve.