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The sun shone high in the sky, bathing the headquarters of the Survey Corps in brilliant light. It was a rare day, a truce offered by the heavens after so many days of rain and terror. The soldiers, taking advantage of this welcome brightness, busied themselves with multiple tasks to repair and rearrange the damaged buildings. The sound of hammers echoed across the courtyard, punctuated by the rhythmic sound of saws cutting wood and the shouted orders from officers.
Large stacks of wooden planks were piled up here and there, ready to be used to reinforce weakened structures or rebuild sections damaged by recent battles. The soldiers, sweat running down their foreheads from the effort, worked with determination, knowing that every nail driven, every plank placed, made the battalion a little safer.
Amid this organized commotion, Erwin walked with a confident stride, his imposing stature drawing everyone's attention. At his side, Marie struggled to keep up, her wide eyes taking in everything around her. Every soldier they passed briefly stopped to acknowledge Erwin with a respectful nod or a military salute. Everyone recognized him as the dedicated commander, the formidable strategist who had led so many of their missions.
Marie couldn't help but be impressed. She had always seen Erwin as her protective older brother, but here, surrounded by his men, he seemed to be almost a mythical figure. She looked around, fascinated by how everyone respected her brother, following his orders without hesitation.
"You're really... important here, aren't you?" she murmured with a mix of admiration and wonder.
Erwin turned his head toward her, a slight smile appearing on his lips. "Here, I'm the major. It's my job to guide these men and ensure their safety."
Marie nodded, impressed. But once they were out of sight, in a small quiet corner near a wooden building under repair, Erwin's expression changed. He turned to her, his face taking on a more serious look.
"Marie," he began softly, "you need to go back home, inside Wall Rose. This isn't the place for you."
Marie frowned, a displeased pout appearing on her face. "No, I want to stay here!" she protested immediately, her voice betraying her determination. "I want to be useful."
Erwin sighed, knowing how stubborn his sister could be. "Marie, you're not a soldier. This isn't your place."
"But I can learn!" Marie exclaimed, clinging to his arm like a stubborn child. "I want to become a doctor, to help the wounded! To save a lot of people!"
