#Nile Dok

[leviismybby]

Erwin: "What do you guys do with your wives when you both get bored?"

Miche: "Go out on a walk or do other activities outside, recently we have been working on our garden."

Nile: "Me and Marie usually play chess, sometimes we can go out with our kids."

Levi: "Fuck."

Everyone looks at him

Levi: "The fuck you all looking at?"

Erwin: "No wonder you and (y/n) have four kids already."

[cluelessjellyfish]

"How is Marie?"

[violentvaleska]

𝑴𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔

ᴏɴᴇ ᵗʰᵉ ᵖʳⁱⁿᶜᵉˢˢ

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ: ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ!ʟᴇᴠɪ × ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇss!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: ᴀs ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇss ᴏғ ᴍᴀʀʟᴇʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏғ ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ ɢʀɪsʜᴀ, ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴅᴜᴛʏ ᴅᴇᴍᴀɴᴅs ғᴏʀɢɪɴɢ ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ᴀʟʟɪᴀɴᴄᴇs—ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪғ ɪᴛ ᴍᴇᴀɴs ᴍᴀʀʀʏɪɴɢ ʏᴏᴜʀ sᴡᴏʀɴ ᴇɴᴇᴍʏ, ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ ʟᴇᴠɪ ᴀᴄᴋᴇʀᴍᴀɴ ᴏғ ᴇʟᴅɪᴀ.

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ᴍɪsᴏɢʏɴʏ, ᴡᴀʀ, ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ᴍᴀɴɪᴘᴜʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ, ᴀɴɢsᴛ

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs: ᴛᴡᴏ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ғᴏᴜʀ ғɪᴠᴇ

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴏ3

ᴛᴀɢɢɪɴɢ: @xiernia @cutesydemon

ᴀ/ɴ: sɪɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜɪs ʜᴀs ʙᴇᴇɴ ʀᴇϙᴜᴇsᴛᴇᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ; ʜᴇʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴏ! ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ɪᴛ, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ʟᴇᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʙʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛɪɴɢ <3 ᴛ���ᴏᴋ ᴍᴇ ᴀ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ғɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ᴅɪᴅ ɪᴛ ʏᴀʏ

The day you awoke to learn your fate was a somber and stormy Friday the 13th, the skies weeping in harmony with your sorrow. The gentle patter of rain against the glass mirrored the unease settling in your chest. You stirred at the sound of Pieck, your maid, bustling into your chambers with unusual urgency. Her soft hands worked quickly to prepare you for the day, yet there was a peculiar weight in her movements. You sensed it the moment she spoke; your father, the Emperor of Marley, had summoned all his children to the courtroom.

Such a request was unheard of. You had always been kept far from the political sphere, your mother ensuring you devoted yourself to gentler pursuits - art, literaturea, music - anything but the harsh realities of war. Politics, you were told, were not your burden to bear. As a woman of royal blood, your duty lay in mastering the art of grace, not war.

Even when the war’s shadow darkened your family’s halls, you were taught to turn your thoughts elsewhere. "Focus on being a good wife." Your mother had insisted. Your elder brother had echoed her sentiments with a dismissive wave when you dared to ask about the war’s toll.

You knew its history well enough. Thirty years prior, the late Emperor Kenny of Eldia had laid claim to northern Marley, sparking a bloody conflict that defined your father’s reign. Newly crowned and untested, he had held the empire together through sheer determination, a feat you privately admired. But admiration could not blind you to the suffering wrought by war; starving citizens, grieving families, cities reduced to ash.

You had voiced your concerns to your father once, but he had merely laughed, dismissing your words as the naïve musings of a girl who lived in books. That day, however, there would be no avoiding reality. Pieck laced you into a crimson gown, its rich color symbolizing Marley’s banner, and escorted you to the throne room.

“Is it about the war?” You asked hesitantly, unable to quell your curiosity.

“I believe so, my Princess.” Pieck replied, her voice low. 

“The new Emperor of Eldia has shifted the tides. Much has changed since his coronation.”

You recalled the unease that gripped you when news of Emperor Levi’s rise reached Civita, your family’s royal seat. Eldia’s forces had expanded rapidly under his command, capturing vital cities like Liberio and Salmuo. Now they encircled Civita itself, a menacing noose tightening around your empire.

Inside the courtroom, the gathering was intimate, your family alone. Your father, Emperor Grisha, sat upon his throne, his presence commanding yet inscrutable. Beside him stood your half-brother Zeke, ever composed, and your younger brother Eren, his gaze restless.

“The war has ended peacefully!” Your father announced, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. Relief washed over you, but it was tinged with unease.

Your mother, radiant in her joy, clasped your hand. “What wonderful news, my love!” She exclaimed.

“I felt generous-” Grisha began, his tone indifferent, “-and granted him the right to declare the regions of Niedereldia and Obereldia as his own. The peasants there have long abandoned loyalty to our cause, so it is no great loss.” He dismissed the cession of territory with a mere shrug, his gaze shifting to his youngest son with a glimmer of pride.

“The Ackerman clan has offered their princess in marriage to Eren. A wise proposal, and one I have accepted, as her mother is a princess of Hizuru. This union will solidify our alliances in the East.”

The news visibly struck your mother. The warmth of her smile faded like a passing shadow, replaced effortlessly by the composed seriousness she had learned to wear over the years.

“Princess Mikasa?” Carla’s voice held a trace of disbelief. 

“She is highly sought after; I am surprised the Emperor would part with her so willingly.” Suspicion laced her tone, justified after decades of war between their nations.

Grisha’s eyes gleamed with something darker and calculated, almost sinister, as he turned to you, his gaze piercing through your passive expression.

“That is not all,” he continued, his voice low but deliberate. 

“Levi Ackerman has requested our daughter’s hand in marriage.”

The days that followed were a blur of harsh lessons and uncomfortable adjustments. You were thrust into a whirlwind of Eldian culture and history, forced to absorb the traditions of a people you had been taught to despise. Your maid Pieck tried to soothe you with kind words, but even she could not erase the whispers.

“Cannibals, wife beaters, monsters.” Piecks husband, Porco Galliard, had muttered. He had faced Levi on the battlefield and survived, earning his place as your personal guard. His accounts of the Emperor painted a chilling picture.

The first light of dawn kisses the mountains, their peaks bath in hues of gold and rose. Yet the beauty of the morning does little to soothe your turmoil, for today marks the beginning of a fate you could not escape. This is the day you would leave everything you know behind and be taken to Eldia, Paradise Island to be exact, a place that feels anything but its namesake.

“Porco-” you murmur, your voice trembling as Pieck’s delicate hands wove flowers into your hair. “What does he look like?”

Porco’s reply is sharp, his tone laced with disdain. “A small man. Coal-black hair, eyes like molten silver. Handsome, perhaps, but do not let that deceive you. Beneath that face lies a devil.”

“Porco!” Pieck chastises, her gentle features hardening as she shoots him a disapproving glare. “You will frighten her. The Emperor seeks peace, does he not? Surely he cannot be as monstrous as the stories claim.”

Her words, though spoken with care, do little to quell the unease stirring within you. Your gaze drops to the gown you wear, a garment of Eldian design, starkly different from the soft pastel gowns of your homeland. It clung to you like a shadow, foreign and unyielding, much like the life awaiting you across the sea.

The gown drapes over your weary frame, its deep forest green fabric heavy against your tired body. The neckline dips lower than your modesty allows, leaving you feeling exposed beneath its opulence. Pearls adorn the hems like drops of moonlight, while delicate elderflowers are intricately woven into the fabric; a quiet elegance that belies the unease settling in your chest.

You are to marry the devil of Eldia.

And no amount of soothing words or delicate flower crowns could silence the storm raging in your heart.

“Pieck. What if he does not like me?” 

The maid pauses, her fingers hovering over the final flower she had been weaving into your hair. Her gaze softens as she meets your eyes in the reflection of the mirror before you. “My sweet princess.” She begins gently, her voice a melody of warmth and quiet reassurance.

“How could he not? You are kind, intelligent, and far braver than you realize. Any man would be fortunate to have you.”

But her words feel hollow, distant, as if spoken into an abyss. Your fingers grip the edges of your gown, the rich fabric grounding you in a moment that feels increasingly surreal. The weight of the pearls around your neck seems to grow heavier with every passing second, much like the burden of your fate.

Porco, who had remained by the door like a sentinel, scoffs under his breath. “It is not about liking you.” He mutters, his tone blunt, though not unkind, it is clear the topic does not speak well with him. 

“Levi Ackerman is not the type to care about such things. He is a man of strategy, of war. This marriage is a transaction, plain and simple. Don’t expect affection.”

“You are an idiot!” Pieck snaps, turning to glare at him once more. “That is enough. She does not need your cynicism today.”

He shrugs but says nothing further, though the truth of his words lingers in the air like an unspoken shadow.

Your reflection stares back at you; a pale, trembling figure adorned in splendor that feels ill-suited to the fear gnawing at your core. You press a hand to your chest, trying to calm the storm within. 

“If he does not like me-” You whisper, almost to yourself.

“-Then what will I become in his world? A stranger? A prisoner?”

Pieck places her hands on your shoulders, her touch firm yet comforting. “You will become exactly who you need to be.” She says, her voice steady and resolute. “You are stronger than you think, and you will find your place, no matter where you go.”

The words offer a flicker of solace, but it is fleeting, like the delicate petals of the flowers in your hair. 

An hour later, the moment you had dreaded more than any other arrives; the time to bid farewell to your family. You had clung to the faint hope that they might accompany you, even partway, to this foreign land that would soon become your prison, your new home. But no such mercy would be granted.

The grand hall feels colder than usual, its towering stone pillars casting long shadows as the sun struggles to pierce the gray clouds outside. Your father stands before you, as composed as ever, the weight of his crown seeming lighter on his head than the emotions etched into your heart.

“This is a necessary step, my daughter.” Emperor Grisha says, his tone measured, almost distant. 

“You carry the honor of Marley on your shoulders now. Do not forget it.”

You lower your gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes. The words feel more like an order than a farewell, and they echo in your mind with a hollow finality.

Your mother steps forward, her usual grace tinged with a faint tremor in her hands. She clasps your face between her palms, her touch warm yet fragile. 

“Be strong, my love.” she murmurs, her voice soft enough for only you to hear. 

“Remember everything I have taught you. An empress must learn to endure.”

Her words are meant to be comforting, but they only deepen the ache in your chest. You long to embrace her, to plead for her to come with you, but the unspoken rules of royalty bind you as tightly as the pearls around your neck.

Zeke is next, his expression unreadable as he places a hand on your shoulder. 

“Do what is expected of you.” He says simply, his words devoid of warmth or cruelty. 

“And remember, this alliance benefits us all.”

Eren lingers behind him, his jaw tight and his fists clenched. He looks at you with something that resembles guilt, though he says nothing. Instead, he presses a small, folded piece of parchment into your hand as he steps past you, a fleeting gesture that goes unnoticed by the others. He has always been a wrack of emotions, especially now that he has been forced into a marriage quite like yourself, yet your fades part like worlds. You do not unfold the parchment, not yet.

The final blow comes when Pieck steps forward, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. 

“I cannot go with you, my Princess.” She whispers, her voice cracking.

Her absence hits you harder than you expect. She had been your constant companion, your solace in the storm. And now, even she would be left behind. You hug and kiss her goodbye, wave at your family one last time before Porco leads you to the gates. 

The carriage ride to the port of Liberio feels endless, each jolt of the wheels carving another piece of your resolve. The air is heavy with the scent of salt, mingling with the faint metallic tang of rain-soaked earth. The skies remain gray, a somber reflection of the dread pooling in your chest.

Liberio bustles with activity despite the overcast morning, its docks alive with the hum of sailors and the groaning of ships tethered to the harbor. Yet amidst the chaos, your arrival draws silence, a collective pause as curious eyes settle on your procession.

The exchange is to take place here, at the edge of Marley’s dominion. Princess Mikasa, your counterpart from Eldia, awaits you on the dock. She is a vision of quiet strength, her posture unyielding despite the biting wind that tugs at her cloak.

As your carriage slows to a halt, you catch your first glimpse of her fully. She is stunning in a way that seems effortless, her raven hair cascades like silk over her shoulders, framing a face marked by sharp, graceful features. Her eyes, however, are what capture you most. They are dark, fathomless pools, and within them, you see the shadow of a woman who has endured more than her fair share of pain.

You step down from the carriage, your trembling fingers clutching the skirts of your gown. The weight of a dozen eyes is upon you, but none feel heavier than hers. She regards you with a stoicism that borders on indifference, though you sense something flicker beneath the surface.

“Princess Mikasa.” Your voice wavers as you curtsy, the words almost lost to the wind.

“Your grace.” she replies, her tone cool but not unkind. There is an unspoken understanding in her gaze, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens you both carry.

The Eldian vessel looms behind her, its sails a dark green, much like your gown. It is a ship built for war, its design as menacing as the land it sails for. Mikasa gestures to the vessel with a gloved hand, her expression betraying nothing.

“You will take this ship to Paradise.” She says simply. Her voice is low, steady, a stark contrast to the storm churning within you.

As the sailors begin transferring your belongings to the ship, Mikasa steps closer, her gaze never wavering from yours. For a moment, you think she might offer words of encouragement or advice, but instead, she leans in, her voice barely audible.

“Do not let him irritate you. My cousin can be a cold man and can get burdensome at times.” She whispers. Her words are a warning, sharp and deliberate, cutting through the cold wind like a blade.

Before you can respond, she steps back, her stoic mask firmly in place. The exchange is complete, and without another word, Mikasa boards the carriage that once carried you here, her figure retreating into the distance like a fading dream.

You stand frozen at the edge of the dock, the ship towering behind you, its gangplank like a bridge to another life. Porco appears at your side, his expression as unreadable as ever.

“It’s time.” He mutters, his tone gruff yet tinged with something you dare to interpret as concern.

With a deep breath, you gather the fragments of your courage and ascend the gangplank. Each step feels heavier than the last, the weight of your father’s expectations, your mother’s whispered hopes, and Mikasa’s parting words pressing down upon you.

The deck is stark, its wooden boards slick with rain. Sailors move around you with practiced efficiency, their murmurs barely audible over the creak of the ship and the crash of waves against the hull.

“I thank you for your service to me. Goodbye, Porco.” You lift a trembling hand, from cold or fear you don't know and to wave at the guard, your final goodbye for the day. His gaze, sharp with barely concealed anger, lingers on you for a moment longer before he nods stiffly. The pain in your chest tightens, but you force yourself to turn away, following after the Eldian captain who leads you across the deck. His anger is not directed towards you, but rather to the man you will have to wed.

“This is Sasha.” The Captain announces, gesturing to a young woman with warm, wide eyes and a gentle smile. 

“She’ll serve as your handmaid during your stay.” Sasha curtsies quickly, her demeanor friendly yet professional.

“And this-” the Captain continues, nodding toward a towering figure at your side.

“-Is Reiner Braun, your personal guard. He will ensure your safety.”

Reiner steps forward, his posture rigid and his expression unreadable. You meet his gaze briefly, noting the weight behind his eyes, but you cannot dwell on it now. The ache in your chest is growing, and the need for solitude becomes overwhelming.

“Thank you. I would  like a moment alone, if that is possible?” You manage, your voice steady despite the storm raging within.

Sasha exchanges a look with Reiner before the latter nods. “Very well, your grace. I’ll be outside if you need anything,” he says, his voice low and measured.

You are led to a small cabin tucked into the side of the ship, its interior modest but comfortable. A pair of wooden chairs flank a narrow table, and a window lets in the salty breeze of the open sea. Reiner closes the door softly behind him, leaving you to your thoughts.

The moment you are alone, your hands dive into the folds of your skirt, searching for the hidden pocket. Your fingers brush against the parchment, and you pull it free with a shaky breath. Eren’s scrawled handwriting greets you, the hurried strokes mirroring the urgency of his words.

“Be careful who to trust. We organized one of our last remaining spies in Paradise to be your personal guard. His name is Reiner Braun. If you feel your life is threatened, do not hesitate to ask for his help. Destroy this letter after reading it.”

The words feel heavier than the fabric of your gown, settling like a stone in your chest. You glance toward the closed door, your pulse quickening. Reiner Braun, your guard, your protector, yet also a spy in service to Marley. You had not been prepared for such a revelation, nor for the dangerous game you were now forced to play.

You rise from the chair and approach the small window behind it. The salty wind bites at your skin as you pull the glass pane open. Without hesitation, you crumple the parchment tightly in your hands and toss it into the churning waves below. The paper flutters briefly before disappearing into the water, dissolving into nothingness.

For a moment, you simply stand there, your fingers clutching the window’s frame. The open sea stretches endlessly before you, vast and unyielding, much like the uncertain future awaiting you in Paradise. You feel the weight of your responsibilities bearing down on you, heavier than any crown or title could ever be.

A soft knock at the door startles you, and you spin around to find Sasha standing there, your bag slung over her shoulder. Her warm smile remains, though it falters slightly as she studies your face. 

“Are you all right, your grace?” She asks gently.

You force a smile, your composure slipping seamlessly into place. 

“Of course.” you reply, smoothing the folds of your gown as you step away from the window. “I just needed some fresh air.”

Sasha sets the bag down and tilts her head, her curiosity evident. “The sea can be a bit overwhelming at first,” she says, her tone light. 

“But it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

You nod absently, your mind still turning over Eren’s words. 

“Yes… beautiful and vast. It is unlike anything I have seen before.”

The couple of hours on the ship pass in a haze uneasy silence. Sasha’s attempts at small talk and Reiner’s stoic presence do little to soothe your apprehension. The vast, unending sea serves as a cruel reminder of how far you are getting from home, from everything you’ve ever known. Each wave that crashes against the hull feels like a heartbeat, counting down to the moment you’ll arrive in Paradise.

And then just six hours after leaving Marley, the island comes into view. Its cliffs rise like jagged sentinels, crowned with dense forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. The docks are bustling with activity, soldiers in dark uniforms moving with disciplined precision. Their sharp gazes turn toward the ship as it approaches, their expressions unreadable. This is Paradise, the home of your enemy and now your future, the main island and ruling seat of Eldia.

The gangplank lowers with a heavy groan, and the Captain gestures for you to disembark. Your legs feel unsteady beneath you as you step onto the dock, the unfamiliar ground solid yet foreign. Sasha and Reiner follow close behind, their presence a small comfort amidst the sea of strangers.

A black carriage waits at the edge of the dock, its design austere yet imposing. Beside it stands a man who can only be Levi Ackerman. He is smaller than you imagined, his stature compact but exuding an air of command that renders his size irrelevant. His coal-black hair is neatly combed, and his piercing gray eyes meet yours with a cold intensity that sends a shiver down your spine. He is every bit the man Porco described; handsome, yes, but with a presence that feels as sharp and unyielding as a blade.

Levi says nothing as you approach, his expression unreadable. His gaze sweeps over you briefly, assessing, before he turns to the carriage. 

“Get in.” He says, his voice low and clipped. There is no warmth in his tone, no acknowledgment of the life-altering union you are about to enter.

Your heart sinks, but you force yourself to remain composed. You curtsy slightly, murmuring: “Your Majesty.” though the words feel foreign on your tongue. He offers no response, simply opening the carriage door and gesturing for you to enter.

The interior of the carriage is as cold and uninviting as the man who occupies it. Levi sits across from you, his posture rigid and his gaze fixed on the window. The silence between you is heavy, oppressive, broken only by the steady clatter of hooves against the cobblestone road.

You glance at him, searching for any sign of emotion, but his face is a mask of indifference. Finally, you gather the courage to speak. 

“I… I am grateful for your hospitality, Your Majesty.”

His eyes flicker toward you, but his expression remains unreadable. 

“Save your gratitude.” He replies flatly. 

“This isn’t about hospitality. It’s about duty.” You notice the difference in accent immediately, the way he shortens his words like the common folk would. None the less they sting the same, though you try not to show your disappointment. You clasp your hands tightly in your lap, your fingers digging into the fabric of your gown. 

“Then I hope I can fulfill my duty to your satisfaction.”

For a moment, he says nothing, his gaze returning to the window. Then, almost as an afterthought, he replies, “We’ll see.”

The rest of the journey passes in silence, the weight of his words settling over you like a shroud. You had prepared yourself for many things, but not for this. Not for the cold indifference of the man who now holds your future in his hands.

When the carriage finally arrives at the palace gates, you feel a mixture of relief and dread. The palace is grand, its stone walls rising high against the backdrop of the island’s dense forests. Yet it feels more like a fortress than a home, its beauty marred by an underlying sense of menace.

Levi steps out first, his movements precise and efficient. He turns briefly, his gaze meeting yours as he offers his hand. For a moment, you hesitate, unsure if the gesture is one of courtesy or obligation. Then you place your hand in his, the contact brief yet charged with unspoken tension.

“Welcome to Paradise,” he says, his tone devoid of warmth. And with those words, you step into a new life, one filled with uncertainty, duty, and the cold gaze of the man who is going to be your husband at the end of the week. 

[namekusi]

おじさん達のショタっ子時代

[stormychameleon]

appreciation post for my aot underrated KINGS

[starshower1215]

Nile Dok and Erwin Smith: A Word Vomit

I'm so curious about the drama they might have gone through to have broken up their friendship the way that they did. Nile and Erwin were described to be childhood friends, and the only tangible reason we're given as to why they are so cold towards each other now, as adults, is because Nile joined the Military Police instead of the Survey Corps, which he had initially wanted to join with Erwin.

So, there's a large dichotomy between the mindset of people in the Survey Corps and people in the Military Police. The SC is sort of liberal in the AoT world, promoting freedom, the change of the status quo, and accountability, whereas the Military Police seems more conservative, because it benefits them and because they are located directly inside of Wall Sina. They're more impacted by the bystander effect, as they're shown, generally, to go along with things unquestioningly as long as their safety isn't endangered:

Like here, where this officer of a higher rank shows no care whatsoever for any deeper meaning or larger purpose. No matter how he may be contributing to violence or injustice, he just wants to be safe and live an easy life, which is threatened by either direct danger or loss of his status, which would force him outside of Wall Sina and closer to titan territory. As pointed out by Annie in Chapter 31, "Grin," this isn't the mindset of any terrible human, but simply that of the common man. At its core, there are traits of ignorance, complacency, and cowardice, which is generally what we resort to when there is no effort to act otherwise. That is the nature which keeps us safe. That's why there is such a thin line between bravery and stupidity.

Well, assuming Nile might have prioritised the bigger picture over his own personal desires and adopted a more SC-like mindset during his time as a recruit (which is likely, since he wanted to join the Survey Corps of his own will, and underwent the harsh training that sometimes even killed trainees with the intention of doing so), then he's undergone drastic shifts from that mindset to reach the perspective he has now. It isn't only that he doesn't see eye-to-eye with Erwin's views anymore; he seems to degrade it, even, and to view the Survey Corps as a foolish group instead of humanity's spear or the group at the face of evolving knowledge. Or stagnant knowledge, at the time of Nile and Erwin's training corps days, but oh, well.

Nile demeans the purpose of the Survey Corps and Erwin's goals by accusing him of being "interested in titans," similarly to the way one might assume Hange was demeaned for taking a genuine interest in them, or like Armin was called a "heretic" for having a book on the outside world. Instead of framing it the way it is, in which Erwin is drawn in by the possibility of humanity outside the walls, he re-frames it more as an inexplicable interest in the enemy of humanity, which is calling him a heretic at its core. So he adopted the MP trait of complacency and lost the curiosity he likely had as a trainee.

He also takes Erwin as a sort of abnormal man, a man who is "more interested in titans than Marie," or perhaps more broadly, a man who is more "interested in titans" than women. Now, the social norm in the universe of AoT regarding marriage isn't really disclosed, but based on realistic social expectations, the concept of not being married, or interested in romance, really, isn't particularly welcome. Even if outwardly, we express that it's all right, it's still quite common to receive side-eyes for not being married at older ages. Regardless of gender, people start wondering whether a person might be "crazy" or worse, gasp, infertile. The horror. That seems to be what Erwin is experiencing now, as he grows older. Even Nile, a former friend of his, regards him as having "something wrong" with him for prioritising his goals over settling down with Marie.

On a separate note, Nile also addresses the way he might have hurt his friend when he chose to join the MPs instead of the SC.

In response to Erwin's supposedly harmless reminiscence of the past, Nile's words seem to carry a hint of passive aggression or intentional dismissal of the previous pain he'd caused. Erwin doesn't seem to be bothered at all. He's consistently cordial in his interactions with Nile, even when Nile insults him at the very end of their conversation. Though, this could be attributed to their different personalities, as Erwin is always attempting to move forward. But anyway, Nile is unforgiving in his actions, and oddly specific, so maybe he'd just been pissed before that Erwin might not have understood his actions.

Anyway, what looks like the reason for his attitude shift is that he simply lost hope in the Survey Corps. Maybe meeting Marie, being shown a future where he could find happiness without knowing what was beyond the walls, changed his outlook on what his best choice was. The Military Police, where he could secure for his wife and future children a safe life where they could possibly find happiness, or the Survey Corps, which had good intentions but had gotten nowhere in the past few years, and was still seen as a waste of taxes at the time. That must have been the change in his attitude from seeing the SC as brave to seeing them as stupid, because he realised that, within his lifetime, what was going to change, if the Survey Corps only got massacred and massacred again?

Possibly, he tried to tell this to Erwin, and maybe even tried to dissuade him from pursuing the question his father had implanted into his brain so long ago, insisting that it was stupid to hope for anything more. After all, if you think about it, faith is the most illogical thing on Earth. Erwin must have looked foolishly optimistic, and Nile, breaking to him that his dreams were baseless, was a betrayal, as he likely would have been the first to know what Erwin wanted, being his childhood friend. He would have been with Erwin when his father was taken.

He legitimately thought that the MPs were the smart way to go (and logically speaking, they are), and Erwin's awareness surrounding the fact that he's sort of a fool for chasing his dream rather than settling down seems to exacerbate his disgust. It's really only when he realises that Erwin was quite right that his expression changes. Look at this guy:

He expresses his 'loss' affectionately towards Erwin, lol. He's so fed up with Erwin's gambles, but he still knows him deep down.

[melishade]

what if in the Remorse Timeline. Terminus tells the Survey Corp (even Optimus) how Megatron do when he was little D-16, how he met him, and when Little D-16 want be a Medic (which took the Survey Corp and Optimus off guard, Megatron want to be a Medic when he was a kid), or how Little D-16 is good at Poetry. And maybe Terminus also tells Gabi and falco the same thing, How he met Matthew.

Falco:... Matthew wants be a doctor when he was a kid

Terminus: yes

Previous Episode of the Remorse Timeline

So I'm gonna focus on a few past events and what I discussed in the previous episode. It might be a little jumbled but stay with me.

So after Megatron's meltdown and Optimus giving the rundown of what happened to Megatron to Terminus, the Survey Corps do have to inform the military that there is a new titan. Terminus manages to collect himself enough to properly meet with the military officials, but again, he's not a fighter. And one of the military officials openly comment that he's practically useless if he can't fight.

Hanji: Thank god Megatron isn't here or he would've lost it.

Levi: I genuinely don't know how he would have reacted. This whole situation is batshit.

But as I've stated before, Wheeljack jumps to his defense saying "Useless?! Have you seen his garden?!" And everyone goes to see the garden to start that agricultural exchange.

Now the Survey Corps are the ones who spend the most time with Terminus out of all the humans. And some of them are quite curious, wanting to ask about Megatron, especially Hanji.

Hanji: This is the perfect opportunity to ask about Megatron!

Connie: Wouldn't we get in trouble with Megatron for asking?!

Hanji: Megatron won't even talk to the guy!

Sasha: Doesn't mean he won't try to kill us over it!

Hanji: Well, I'm gonna ask about it! We know nothing of Megatron's life! And we can ask about it to the one guy that knew Megatron before he went all psycho!

Levi: Hanji, I might be interested, but I still think it's a bad idea.

So Terminus starts getting pestered by Hanji, and that emboldens others to ask questions once they realize Megatron isn't going to show up since Megatron refuses to talk to Terminus. But what they find surprising is that Terminus is refusing to give any information away. He's not really excited to share any information and merely redirects them towards the task at hand. It goes on for a while and everyone is surprised at how evasive Terminus was. Hanji believes this is a skill Megatron picked up from him.

Armin can't help but apologize to Terminus while the Bot is checking up on some flowers. Armin explains that Megatron's never shared anything with them before and everyone's naturally curious to learn about him. Armin says he'll try to get them to stop, but then-!

Terminus: We find it best to not get too attached to those around us.

Armin: Huh?

Terminus: Miners do not have long life spans. If one died, another took their place. We were expendable in the system.

Armin:...But...you looked so happy to see Megatron? You clearly got attached to him...How did that even happen?

Terminus: It is a story I am not certain I should share.

Armin: Are you....afraid Megatron will hurt you if you talk about his moment of weakness?

Terminus: What?! No! It's to protect his privacy! I!...I'm assuming that D-16 kept his spark closed off to survive.

Armin: But this is the first time that you're telling anyone anything.

Terminus: Because, judging from what I've seen, D-16 trusts you.

The Survey Corps do overhear this and decide to change tactics and ask questions regarding Terminus himself. They are curious about him after all. So Terminus decides to indulge those questions about himself instead. His favorite plants. His favorite seasons. What he's done to occupy his time? And the Survey Corps are stunned at how much of an overall good person Terminus is. And because Terminus is such a good person, they can't help but wonder how Megatron just completely lost it after that.

One day Terminus does get injured. Nothing too serious, but everyone is panicking a little. Including Optimus. Terminus reassures everyone that he's fine and it can be patched up easily. Hanji immediately tells Eren to transform so that he can help patch the injury, since Terminus still doesn't feel comfortable around Optimus. Eren feels really awkward about it, but Hanji persists and Eren does what he's told. This reminds Terminus of how D-16 worried over his health. And during this temporary patch up before Wheeljack gets back, Terminus let's it slip.

Terminus: He wanted to be a doctor.

Hanji without paying attention: Who did?

Terminus: D-16 did.

Everyone freezes.

Levi: The fuck did you just say?

Terminus chuckling a little: Shocking no doubt, but...he figured being a doctor would be one of the better ways of getting out of the mines if he could get his servos on that knowledge. He said that he'd use that knowledge to fix me...so that we could live a better life.

Hanji can't help but start squealing at that information.

So Terminus ends up giving more information bit by bit. For example, some of the text that he's been saving is poetry because he knows D-16 liked poetry and started making his own. Terminus talks about other things, like the caste system and why he's actively weary of Optimus. The Survey Corps hate Sentinel now. He also discusses the terrible working conditions in the mines, and how he's never seen the sun until he landed on this world.

But Terminus also reveals how they met. How D-16 had suffered a rather brutal beating at the hands of the guards and how they left him to rot. Terminus was prepared to pass him by like everyone else. Like he had before. He didn't want to help him, but D-16 refused to stay down. He wanted to live. He kept forcing himself to stand before passing out. So Terminus drags D-16 to his quarters to repair him. D-16 is surprised at this information, but Terminus warns that this is transactional. D-16 owed him a favor now. And that was how their relationship started. A relationship of means and convenience which evolved into that of a mentor/mentee relationship. And despite the unspoken rules of the mines, Terminus ended up getting attached to D-16, and the younger to him.

Armin: So then...what happened? How did you get separated?

Terminus:...The guards docked our rations a few weeks prior. I already knew how to haggle and sneak in a few extra before...but I got caught this time around. Last thing I remembered was the guard attacking me. Looking down at his healed scar on his chest and abdomen. And D-16 calling my name....I think...he had killed that guard. I...barely remember that moment. It was all so disorienting....but I do remember waking up imprisoned...and wondered if D-16 was killed for his actions. I stayed alive as long as I did, just to confirm D-16's fate...He made the mines just a little bit more bearable.

And now everyone's sad because they realize that Megatron didn't go mad because Terminus somehow messed up. Megatron's spiral to insanity started when the one good thing in his life was cruelly taken away from him.

Levi: Still not an excuse, but yeah that really does suck.

Hanji sobbing: HIS STORY IS SO SAD!

And the more everyone learns, the more guilty Optimus actually feels. Optimus had always questioned whether or not he should have accepted the title of Prime that day. Hearing Terminus' story just confirms that the Prime made a terrible decision. Of course Megatron would have resented him over it.

Also, everyone is now more motivated to try and GET MEGATRON TO TALK TO TERMINUS YOU STUPID IDIOT! They all try, and fail, and Megatron confessing that it would have been better if Terminus stayed dead really dejected everyone. And with Eren kinda losing it, they have to put the Megatron/Terminus situation on the side.

And then Terminus shows up to the neutral ship with Gabi and Falco in tow and it just causes Megatron to laugh and finally speak to Terminus.

Also, side note, the Restorationists don't know about Megatron's relationship to Terminus. Nile does after he did a little digging when he noticed something was off with Megatron, and then found out through the grapevine and told Kenny and Erwin.

Nile: So...Megatron has a dad?!

Erwin: What?!

Kenny:

Anyway, Megatron finally talks to Terminus after all this time and it's for the mech harboring Gabi and Falco in his possession. He actively insults Terminus' intelligence for harboring two known criminals. Terminus can't help but be annoyed at Megatron but focuses on coming to Gabi and Falco's defense, saying that they are brainwashed and victims of a system that would actively discard them. Megatron says they need to be in person at best and disposed of at worse because they could start killing people. And he specifically targets his attention to Gabi. Terminus refuses to hand them over and says they're under his protection. They have no where safe to go.

Megatron: You must be really fragging foolish making the same mistake twice.

Terminus: Protecting you was not a mistake.

Meanwhile, everyone else there is anxious about what's gonna happen next. But Megatron backs off, loudly states that he'll let Terminus keep his little insects. But if they start killing people, then everyone else here knows who to blame! Megatron's totally not projecting btw. Terminus can't help but grimace at that while Megatron storms off. Falco and Gabi want to ask what that was about, and also how Terminus was able to stand up to the Flying Titan like that. But Terminus deflects and says that the two of them need to eat.

As Gabi and Falco do eat and get some rest, they are alerted to the sounds of...crying. They follow it down the halls of the neutral ship and spot Terminus, alone, curled up in a ball and crying to himself. Gabi and Falco are shocked to see this. A titan showing emotion? A titan crying? But what for? What could he possibly be upset about? Gabi and Falco try to leave, but they hit something alerting Terminus to their presence. Falco apologizes for the intrusion, but Gabi can't help but ask what could Terminus possibly be crying for.

Terminus brushes it off, saying there was no need to share. They didn't have to hear an old man's burdens. Falco says that he's willing to listen, since Terminus has been helping them so much. Terminus sees Falco's earnest expression and start to share some information.

(I think I'll leave things here for now. Kinda tired and had a long day.)

[yourlocaltrashcan657]

Ball in Sina

WARNING: mild spice scene at the end.

“A gathering in Mitras?” Levi asked as he grabbed his tea cup. “No chance.”

“When you’re from a place like the Underground, you don’t really get opportunities like this.” Y/N said. “It’s still a no though, Erwin.”

“There’ll be a great impact if both of you arrive. Humanity’s Strongest Soldiers arriving at a fancy party of higher ups will be good for the Survey Corps.” Erwin explained.

“It’s a fancy gathering, we have no interest in these things.” Levi muttered as he looked at his twin sister.

”Most of its going to be those Unicorn Pricks and that one Drunk Garrison guy.” Y/N said. “Unless we’ve been invited we’re not going.”

Just as Y/N said that, Erwin pulled out a letter from his right pocket and opened it up. Clearing his throat he began to read out a section of the fancy handwriting on the paper.

“You are allowed to bring one guest with you, whether it be a friend, partner or an acquaintance.” Erwin quoted before looking at the duo.

”That means only one of us is going.” Y/N said before leaning against the wall behind her.

”Hange also received an invitation, not so sure why..” Erwin explained, mumbling the last bit. “Hange already decided to take one of you so that all four of us can come.”

”Can’t Mike go with you?” Levi asked as he sipped on his tea.

”He’s busy with paperwork and so is Nanaba, and Gelgar, along with all of the other Captains…” Erwin mumbled. Suddenly Hange bursted into the room with the same letter in her hands.

”GOOD AFTERNOON! Hello Erwin, Y/N and Levi!” Hange happily said as she waved the letter in her hands.

”Good afternoon Hange.” Erwin formally greeted whereas the two Ackerman siblings stayed sat down, silently.

”Has Erwin told you about the invitation?” Hange asked happily.

”Yes, he has Hange.” Y/N answered causing Hange to grin mischievously. “Now we’ll just have to choose partners, but honestly I don’t care who I’ll end up with.”

”I’ll go with Levi!” Hange happily said as she turned towards him. “Hey Levi did you know-“

”No. Shut up.” Levi quickly said, shutting Hange from blabbering.

”That means you and me Y/N.” Erwin said. “It’ll be a party in Mitras so we’ll have to be formal. The party will take place next week on Sunday, a carriage will arrive at roughly 5 o’clock so we should arrive in half an hour. Any questions?”

”Just one. How did Hange get an invitation but Humanity’s Strongest Soldiers didn’t?” Y/N asked.

”I.. do not know that.” Erwin said as the trio looked at Hange, awaiting for an answer.

”Why’re you looking at me for?! I didn’t think I’d get invited to Mitras either, okay?!” Hange exclaimed.

As the week went by, eventually the time came for when the four higher ups would travel together for the party. Erwin wore a dark royal blue suit with a red tie. Levi wore his iconic black suit and stood beside Erwin in his office.

”Do you know when Y/N or Hange will be coming.?” Erwin asked as he checked the time awkwardly.

”No.” Levi bluntly said.

Suddenly the door opened and revealed the two scouts, dressed in their formal attire. Hange had worn a suit as well, claiming the suit looked to fabulous and had to be shown off. Y/N wore a black dress which flowed nicely as she walked towards them. (You can decide what it looks like)

”I-is everyone ready?” Erwin said as he quickly looked away from Y/N.

”Let’s get going already.” Levi said as he got up and saw the fancy carriage outside of the building. “The carriage is here too.”

Quickly rushing out of the building and into the carriage, they sat down and set off to Mitras. The journey was long so Erwin began to talk with Levi about upcoming expeditions whilst Hange mentioned her Titan experiments and theories to Y/N. Soon, the carriage arrived in Wall Sina, right in front of the very building in which the grand hall was located.

Stepping out the carriages, Erwin helped Y/N out like the gentleman he was before offering his arm for her to hold onto, in which she accepted.

”You look quite stunning today.” Erwin whispered in her ear as they walked slowly.

”Thanks you, you look rather… nice.” Y/N mumbled as she walked beside him. Walking into the hall, to the side was a large table in which expensive food was laid out along with sweet dishes and other grand things. There were multiple round tables which could fit up to 8 people and in the middle of the hall was nothing for it was space for guests to dance with one another, whilst a band played music in the corner of the hall.

”When you said it was fancy.. I didn’t expect this Erwin.” Y/N confessed as her hands fell to her sides.

”This is Wall Sina I guess. Even I didn’t expect it to be this luxurious.” Erwin said as he looked around before meeting eyes with Nile.

”Oh great, the thin moustache bastard..” Levi muttered under his breath.

”You’ve met him before?” Hange asked quietly for once. “You must know how much of a pain he is then.”

“I have but Y/N hasn’t, he’s a real dick alright.” Levi mumbled before turning away. “Shit, he’s coming towards us.”

”Erwin, good to see you.” Nile said as he reached out to shake Erwin’s hands. “Glad you could make it.”

”Happy to be here, Nile.” Erwin replied as he shook his hand. “Who’d you bring with you?”

”Oh just a cadet from the Military.. I see Captain Levi is with you.” Nile said as he frowned at Levi glaring at him.

”Actually he’s Hanges partner for tonight. Tonight I brought along Y/N, she’s Levi’s sister.” Erwin said as he placed an arm on he back.

”Good Afternoon.” Y/N said as she looked towards Nile and reached out to shake his hand. Blush evidently spread across Nile’s face once he saw Y/N but quickly took her hand and kissed the knuckles of her soft hands. Disgusted, Y/N slowly pulled her hand back and wiped it against the back of her dress. Erwin’s calmer look was much more annoyed as he stared at Nile, wondering what he was doing.

”We haven’t met before as it seems.” Nile said as he smiled at Y/N. “It’s nice to meet you Y/N. If you hadn’t heard already, I’m the Commander of the Military Police.”

”Nice to meet you too, we’ll see you later I suppose.” Y/N said as she looked at Erwin who simply smiled at her and looked towards Nile.

”We better take our seat now, shall we?” Erwin asked before Nile interrupted.

”Why don’t you sit with us? It’s best if there’s no empty seats at a table instead of there being multiple.” Nile said as he pointed to his table.

”Fine.” Erwin replied, still keeping his composure. The four walked towards the table and sat in the seats. Somehow, Nile ended up next to Y/N whilst Erwin stayed on her other side.

”Y/N, let’s swap places.” Levi said as he tried helping her out of the situation.

”It’s fine like this.” Erwin and Nile both said at the same time, causing them to look at each other. After a long speech, made by Darius Zachary, everyone began to chatter amongst themselves. Nile’s partner soon arrived, a disgusting smell lingering on him.

”Where'd you go?” Nile asked

”I went for a smoke. Besides, I only missed out on some boring old speech.” He said before sitting down beside Nile. “Who are these folks?”

”These are members of the Survey Corps. You remember Captain Levi and Commander Erwin, don’t you?” Nile asked. “This is Felix, he’s my partner for tonight.”

”Y-yeah yeah. Nice to see you all again..” Felix muttered as he looked away from Levi’s death stare and towards Y/N. “I haven’t seen you before. Who might a dazzling lady like you be?”

”Y/N Ackerman.” Y/N bluntly said, not reaching out to shake his hand. Watching Felix, he leaned back on his chair and smirked towards her before sipping on his wine. Much to his dismay, Erwin stared at the Military Police member before sipping on his water.

“Oi Felix, don’t you think it’s early to be drinking?” Nile asked quietly. “You already had a cigarette.”

”Relax, just trying to impress the lady.” Felix whispered into Miles ear before getting up along with everyone else and heading towards the large tables of food. Grabbing a plate, Y/N placed small portions of recognisable food and sat back down at the table. Looking up, Nile had sat in his seat whilst Felix had rushed to Erwin’s seat, moving it closer to Y/N.

”Say, Y/N-“ Felix began to say.

”That’s Erwin’s seat, so could you please move off it. Also you reek of cigarettes and onions.” Y/N said as Erwin arrived to the table.

”H-huh..?” Felix mumbled before getting up and moving back to his seat and slumping in his chair. Erwin quickly sat down beside Y/N, not caring to adjust his chair back to its regular position whilst Levi and Hange sat down together.

”So Y/N, why’d you choose the Survey Corps?” Nile asked as he cut his steak and chewed it down.

”I’m not so sure, but if I had to guess it was probably because it was my only option and also because Levi chose it too.” Y/N answered as she picked up her glass of water.

”Y’know, the Military Police has a few spaces for talented soldiers like you.” Nile replied as he smiled towards Y/N.

”Thank you for the offer but I kindly decline.” Y/N quickly said.

”Both of Humanity’s Strongest Soldiers are apart of Survey Corps which means a lot to us, Nile.” Erwin said as he smiled at him.

”I suppose so, still, the offer still stands. If you do end up moving branches, you could work beside me and some of the fellow Captains-“ Nile began to say.

”Hey Nile, how’s Marie?” Erwin interrupted.

”Marie.? She’s alright I suppose.” Nile answered. “Why’d you ask now?”

“She was one of my old acquaintances, besides am I not meant to ask about one’s wife’s condition?” Erwin asked.

”You’re married?” Y/N asked as she looked at Nile’s hand to see a silver ring. “Good for you.”

“For how long if you don’t mind me asking? Five, six years now if I had to guess.” Erwin said.

”R-right.” Nile mumbled embarrassed.

”And how’s your daughter? Heard she’s turning four soon.” Erwin admitted. “If we can, Y/N and I will drop by and see you all. You know how Hange and Levi can be so it’ll be us two.”

”N-no no it’s alright.” Nile said as he sipped on his wine. “You don’t have to visit, you must be uhm busy..”

”Erwin, what’re you doing?” Y/N whispered into his ear as she glanced back at Nile, who was looking away from them.

”Excuse us, just for one moment.” Erwin requested before grabbing ahold of Y/N’s hand and dragging her out of the hall.

”Erwin. Erwin. Erwin! What are you doing?” Y/N asked as Erwin ignored her and dragged her back to the carriage, making sure no one was around.

“Get in, we’re leaving. I’ll tell Hange to come with Levi whilst I pardon Darius for our sudden leave.” Erwin explained.

”Why are we leaving so early though? This was your idea and your suddenly switching up.” Y/N said as she stared at him and crossed her arms.

“You feel uncomfortable don’t you?” Erwin mumbled as he grabbed her chin and tilted it up. “I can tell.”

”Let’s just get going then..” Y/N muttered as she quickly rushed into the carriage. Soon, the trio arrived and sat in the carriage, riding off to the Survey Corps Headquarters. Upon arriving there, Y/N and Levi walked down the hallway together, trying not to wake up any soldiers.

”Y’know, if it wasn’t a special event that Erwin wanted to attend, I would’ve left right after making sure Nile got a taste of those filthy hands of his.” Levi whispered.

”He was revolting.” Y/N simply said before getting stopped by Erwin.

“I need to discuss something with you Y/N.” Erwin said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Letting Levi walk off, Y/N walked beside Erwin towards his office, Erwin’s hand sliding down to her lower back.

.

.

.

“Do you know how jealous I was huh?” Erwin panted as he rested his nose in Y/N’s neck.

”E-Erwin. I didn’t-“ Y/N began to say.

”Say it again. Say my name again Y/N.” Erwin demanded as his nose moved away from her neck, and his lips were attached instead. “That’s an order.”

”Erwin.” Y/N gasped. Erwin’s hand kept Y/N’s thighs tightly wrapped around his waist as he kept her against the wall in his office.

”Who would’ve thought that Humanity’s Strongest Soldier would be so submissive, hm? Acting all tough but when daddy kisses you a dozen times, you get all weak.” Erwin mumbled before sucking on Y/N’s neck.

”I’m sorry Erwin. I really am.!” Y/N mumbled as she looked at him.

”Let’s get to bed, shall we?” Erwin asked.

[cymbel-ne]

the old men yaoi is hitting

[violentjo]

I could talk a lot about why I hate Zeke but I think what he did to Colt and Falco is enough said.

[leviismybby]

Idk about you all but I need a deep insight on the Erwin and Nile lore. Marie knows the tea I am telling you lmao.

[ferociousroll]

Very specific rarepair post

❤️ Erwin x Nile❤️

(I need a lot more content of them !!🤌❤️)

[momtaku]

I'm so sorry I know this question has been asked to you repeatedly but I want to ease my curiosity. You said before that Mary is just a crush from the past, nothing more and nothing less and Erwin doesn't regret his decision, so why is it that whenever Erwin sees Nile he asks about her in the Attack on Wings of Liberty game, Erwin asks about her and says "How is Mary? Before she married you she was the cutest girl in the bar", and Nile replies that she is fine and that he is crazy for choosing the giants over her. And in the drama sir, Erwin's monologue said "I chose the path of fighting the giants over the girl I loved" Why do I see her name repeated a lot despite her unimportance. I hate it when they make her the focus of Erwin's life or his only love that he will not love after her. What do you think of my words?

Ok, let's see if I remember now to do this...

I'm at a disadvantage here because I don't know anything about the game you are referring to, specifically what portion of the manga it focuses on. But what's important to remember is that Erwin's conversation in the carriage with Nile is at the very beginning of what becomes a powerful and complete character arc. For many side materials set early in the series, his conversation with Nile and crush on Marie is one of the few humanizing characteristic about Erwin up to that point so they tend to lean into that. And since it's the only significant interaction between him and Nile, it's what is focused on. I personally don't have any issue with that.

In canon, however, Marie is mentioned exactly twice. The first is in the carriage in chapter 53:

The second is in chapter 61 after Erwin is tortured:

In both instances Erwin is attempting to appeal to Nile's love of family over his sense of duty. Erwin playing his usual 3D chess relating to the Uprising but that likely doesn't translate well into action games. It's far easier to boil the interactions with Nile down to something simple. Everyone understands crushes - no story development is needed.

I can't imagine that any game is going to focus on the later chapters of the manga where Erwin is a developed character, particular those starting in chapter 76 where Erwin provides his own insight into his youth and what motivates him. Marie isn't mentioned. Neither is Nile. From childhood Erwin's real focus was discovering the truth of the world and his father's theories, and his guilt over how having those dreams affected his friends.

Thanks for the ask. It's fun to do this once in awhile.

[lostcauses-noregrets]

I'm so sorry I know I've asked a lot about this topic but I want to relieve myself and my curiosity. You told me before that Erwin no longer loves Mary and that she was a person from the past, so why is it that whenever Erwin sees Nile he asks about her in the game Attack "Wings of Freedom" Erwin asks about her and says "How is Mary? Before she married you she was the cutest girl in the bar", and Nile replies that she is fine and that he is crazy for choosing the giants over her. And in the drama CD of Erwin monologue "I chose the path of fighting the titan over the girl I loved" Why do I see her name repeated a lot despite her unimportance and only a childhood crush . I hate it when they make her the center of Erwin's life or his only love that he will not love after her. What do you think of my words🥺?

Sorry it’s taken me so long to answer your ask, I’m a bit slow with everything at the moment.  I know that @momtaku has already answered your ask and I agree with all the points that she’s raised.  One thing I would add is that every time Marie is brought up, the point being made is that Erwin chose to fight Titans rather than settle down and have a family. Although I think the significance of Marie is frequently overstated (see @fallenrazziel's Mary Dok Card), what is important is Erwin’s decision to give up the chance of having a “normal” life in order to join the Survey Corps and pursue his father’s dream.  This is a pretty fundamental aspect of Erwin’s character, which is emphasised in most iterations of the story. “Not choosing Marie” is convenient shorthand for Erwin’s decision, which is always highlighted as being in contrast to Nile’s, who does choose wife, marriage and family.  This in turn sets up the scenes in the Uprising Arc that @momtaku has already mentioned.

I think it’s also worth adding that we don’t really see Erwin pining for Marie. There’s never any suggestion that he regrets his decision or still holds a torch for her.  Quite the contrary, it appears that Erwin was happy to help Nile court Marie (see the Smartpass story Erwin’s Letter) and he remains on good terms with the couple (The incident of the scout’s mysterious advertisement).

Of course there is one other appearance by Marie that hasn’t been mentioned in this discussion.  I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions from this...

[iftdaa]