Ingrid

Apologies for bothering you so late. I just... really wanted to speak with you.

Byleth

Thank you. You see, I've been feeling conflicted. About my future. It may seem petty to worry about such things in the middle of a war like this...

This isn't something I open up about with many people. Feeling such a sense of inner turmoil while a war rages on and other are fighting with all they have, well... It feels a little selfish. The truth is, I've wanted to be a knight ever since I was a small child. Not just any knight, like one you might find serving within the castle guard, but a true knight—serving a master. However, my father has always had different plans for me. He wants me to marry, for the benefit of the Galatea family.

You don't have to do what you don't want to.

Defying my father feels... wrong. I've seen how he's struggled over the years. His burden has always been far greater than any I've had to bear myself. While he fed me extravagant meals, he subsisted on meager portions and watered-down soups.... He never once complained—even though he must have been starving. Knowing his sacrifices, I've never been able to tell him my dream of becoming a knight. Although ultimately, I find myself betraying his wishes. Now that I have parted ways with my father, there is nothing to stop me from pursuing my dream. But even if I do become a knight, I feel an unease deep within me. I fear I will never escape this guilt I carry. That I have shunned my duty as a noble.

Even with the academy days long behind us, you're still a professor, through and through. Always listening to others' troubles and offering up your wisdom. I really am grateful for all that you do for us, Professor. I hope you'll always be here as a guide for everyone. I know I myself would appreciate that deeply...

Professor? Ah, I didn't see you standing there. My apologies.

I understand where you're coming from here, but I have no need of such things. It isn't like anything of importance was written on it. Curious? I suppose there's no harm in allowing you to read it. Go on, then.

Yes. This was the last letter I received before leaving the academy. I've told you that we've never been very well off, financially. My noble family—House Galatea—branched off from House Daphnel in the Alliance. Shortly after, we were lucky enough to receive the support of the royal family, allowing us to attain nobility... to some extent. But the territory we watch over is poor, its harvests meager. And our noble blood, too, has grown thin. Neither my father nor my brothers bear a Crest. I, however, do bear a Crest. Because of this, my father sees me as our family's one hope for the future. A Crest is highly prized among nobles. Were I to marry into a greater noble family, that financial support could soothe our woes...

Thank you, Professor. Your sentiment alone is a great comfort to me. Despite my own feelings, I understand why he said these things. It isn't that he doesn't care for me. I understand it very, very well. Which is why I... I apologize, Professor. I must be going.

Well, um, that is... I was just tossing out something I have no need of. It's important to keep our spaces clean, after all! You'd do well to remember that too, Professor! A clean space makes for a clean mind... or some such. Getting rid of things you have no need for is the first step to managing one's belongings in an economical way.

Despite my family's nobility, we've never been particularly wealthy. So my father raised me to be conservative with my resources, paring down when necessary. He also encouraged me to keep my living spaces immaculate, so the two go hand in hand, I suppose.

Oh...just a scrap of paper. It was already written on, so no good for note-taking. And obviously I can't use it to clean my lance. So I tossed it. No need to hang on to inconsequential things, you know! Professor, did you come to check on me for any particular reason?

Ah. Well, if there's nothing important, I'll be on my way, then. I still have some cleaning to take care of, after all. Talk to you later, Professor.

Whew, I can't manage one more bite. So full... So full! Oh! Professor! What do you think you're doing here?! I came here to stuff my fa—I mean to have some ME time.

Who, me? No, no, of course not. I was just about to walk off all that food I just ate. Really, I came here to have some privacy. But you're here now, so I suppose that makes it a bit less private.

Does that concern you too, Professor? I'm happy to return to the reception hall.

Is something the matter? You seem lost in thought.

I-I promised myself I would wait until the war was over...

Well. Professor, I have feelings for you. Of course, I respect you as a person, and I'll understand if you can't love me back, but... still, I had to tell you. Though my focus has ever been on my duty and training, I cannot deny the feelings that have arisen. My dream is to attain knighthood, but now I have a new dream to hold tight to... That is to be with you, always.

Oh! Is this... I must say I'm a little... inelegant with such matters. Battle is all I know. Are you quite certain?

You truly desire to spend your life with me... I am so happy! I...I worried that my feelings would go unrequited. Now that all of that is out in the open, I feel as light as a feather! My love... I... I swear to stay by your side, always. I swear on the goddess above... and on your, here at my side. You and I, together, entering this new age. No matter what the future brings, I will stand by you, as your sword, your shield, and your dearest companion.

There is nothing that brings me more joy. It truly is all I need in this world. I love you... so very much. Ah, I'm sorry! I'm overcome. This may take some getting used to.

Triangle Attack