Joining Forces/Edelgard: The Future


Edelgard	Commander Anna, do you have a moment?
Of course, Edelgard. What would you like to discuss?		Anna
Edelgard	I noticed our enemy using an unusual formation in the most recent battle. I've written a short analysis of the unorthodox strategy. I thought you might like to read it and discuss.
Thank you. I'm impressed that you took the initiative to write this on your own. ...		Anna
This is impressive work. There's so much detail. Are you sure you're just a student?		Anna
Edelgard	Yes. I attend the Officers Academy in Garreg Mach, where more than half of the students are nobles. Even at a young age, many of us are entrusted with leading our territories: taxing properly, subduing bandits... If we cannot effectively perform such duties, countless people will feel the consequences. Our education, therefore, is designed to make us capable leaders.
That must be challenging. It sounds a bit like being in the military.		Anna
Edelgard	Indeed. It is not so different.


Anna	You said that the Officers Academy you attend has students from three different regions learning together?
Yes, that's right. Long ago, the three were united as one. Fódlan is now split into the Adrestian Empire, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and the Leicester Alliance. I am from the Empire, Dimitri is from the Kingdom, and Claude is from the Alliance. We are the house leaders for our respective houses at the academy.		Edelgard
Anna	I see. Relations among the territories must be warm, considering that you can all gather at one school, correct?
Yes and no. For 300 years, since the Alliance split from the Kingdom, there has been relative peace. However, some are not content with the current state of affairs. I count myself among them.		Edelgard
Anna	What a complex situation. On the surface, there is peace, but tensions simmer beneath.
With people from so many places gathered together here, I imagine you encounter similar issues all the time.		Edelgard
Anna	You're right! It seems your world and mine have something in common.


Anna	What do you think of this strategy? It should allow us to adjust on the fly according to battlefield conditions.
Impressive. We can devise formations suited for a variety of terrains and situations.		Edelgard
Anna	Let's agree to put it into practice before our next battle.
Agreed. I think this strategy would serve us well.		Edelgard
Anna	Now that that's been settled, I have to say, I still find it hard to believe you're just a student.
My circumstances are much like those of Prince Alfonse. I am not just a student; I am also the heir to the Adrestian throne. Even before entering the academy, I diligently studied military strategy and the art of governance.		Edelgard
Anna	Of course. I suppose I'm just not used to hearing someone your age speak like an experienced ruler.
It's understandable. After all, the Adrestian empire doesn't exist here. In this world, I AM just a student.		Edelgard
Anna	Not exactly—you're a Hero too!


Anna	What is that book you're reading?
It's about the history of this world. I borrowed it from Prince Alfonse because I was curious to learn more. It's so different from Fódlan here. The structure of the country, the way your political system developed... It's so different that it perhaps won't apply much to my duties in Fódlan. But I have learned quite a lot.		Edelgard
Anna	Every time I see you, you're studying or you're training. Do you never tire of those activities?
Anna	You must take breaks to enjoy a hobby of some kind.
I take breaks, but only when I know that no one will see me.		Edelgard
Anna	You only take breaks alone? Do you have a hobby you're trying to hide from people?
Anna	No need to answer if you don't feel comfortable doing so.
I do try to hide it from other people, but not because I'm doing anything out of the ordinary. Sometimes I like to just lie around and relax. When I'm alone, I feel that I can just be myself...		Edelgard
Anna	Lying around... Hah!
I know. It doesn't become me at all. I'm the heir to the throne—I don't want people to see me as lazy.		Edelgard
Anna	I'm not saying it doesn't become you! In this world, you're just a student, right? You said it yourself. It's OK for a student to laze around every now and again. In fact, let's be lazy together.
Well, if you insist... Not for too long, though. I don't want anyone to see me.		Edelgard