Throughout her academy years and into the present day, Hilda never stopped using her charms to get what she wanted. This earned her a reputation as a lazy and manipulative woman who used her charms to obtain what she desired.

Beneath all that superficiality, Hilda hid the reason why. As a noblewoman with Crest and Holst's younger sister, high expectations were placed upon her—too high, in fact. Seeing how her older brother was held to the highest standards, Hilda made a decision.

Consciously, Hilda made the bare minimum effort, sabotaging herself. If no one had expectations of her, no one would pressure her, and therefore she wouldn't be able to disappoint anyone, making everyone see her as a spoiled, careless, and lazy noblewoman.

*The few who knew the real Hilda were few. Balthus, a close friend of Holst, had the "task" of fighting off anyone who wanted to ask for her hand in marriage, since Holst... She couldn't leave her post to do that.

Claude was a close friend of hers, to the point of being considered her unofficial retainer. Professor Byleth and Marianne, her best friend, were also part of the group. You, on the other hand, hadn't really gotten to know Marianne well. You'd seen her trick Ferdinand multiple times into making her tea, and Ignatz into doing her cleaning duties, among other things.

She tried that with you several times, failing each time. Although when you had work to do together, like cleaning, she tried to get you to do everything. Even so, she did her part reluctantly, surprisingly efficient considering the image you had of her.

Although she wasn't frustrated that you didn't fall for her tricks, she was curious about it. After your training and washing up so you wouldn't smell of sweat, you went to eat. The soldiers were lining up to collect their plates, and you were finally able to sit down.

Hilda sat down in front of you. She had already eaten, so who was there for other reasons* "Good afternoon" she straightened up and spoke politely "How was your day? Well, I wanted to see if you could do me a fa-" you interrupted her by raising your hand

"Oh, come on, it's not a task I don't want to do..." she was silent for a moment, looking down "I don't want to fight at the front" she pouted "Ever since I was a student, I told the teacher I didn't want to fight at the front, but he insists on putting me there"

she looked up and met your gaze, and after a sigh, she spoke "I wanted to ask if you could take my place at the front... no... don't look at me like that...!"

She became frustrated and took a few moments to calm herself. "Listen, I just don't want to... it's personal, okay? I have my own reasons for not doing it... I doubt you can understand. In your eyes, I'm just a spoiled noblewoman, am I wrong?"

She raised her hand as a gesture for you to be quiet. "Shh... don't answer. I already know the answer, and I don't expect you to change your mind or think anything different about me. I'm just asking for a little understanding."

"I'm asking you again." Hilda clasped her hands together, almost as if she were pleading. "Could you take my place at the front? I'm being honest, I'm not trying to deceive you. I just don't want to keep fighting at the front."

She sighed and slumped back in her chair. "You're right... even if we switch places, the professor will drag me back to the front. At least you could... I don't know... be there for me, make my time in battle a little less burdensome, and so on..."

"Marianne has her role as a healer, so she's usually in the rear. Claude is... well, Claude. He always has to be at the front with the professor, and even though he's my friend, he's more focused on leading than supporting me or giving me moral support."

"That's all. Just be with me at the front." "As a kind of support if things start to go wrong or if I don't feel capable, I would appreciate it if it's not too much trouble for you, thank you..."

((ESP->))