"Yes, three are in our possession." Erwin doesn't refute that they will unlock the power of the Founder. It's something he thinks about constantly, given that it is likely still Marley's goal to retrieve it somehow. "But in terms of physicality, we are working with two."
There's no way to know how quickly they may face retaliation for this latest victory. They will likely have escaped back to Marley, to regroup and strategize. How often did boats come, he wonders? Was there a pre-arranged rendezvous interval? How long did it take them to make the trip from the nearest point? Without any ideas or hints about these answers, it's difficult to know how soon to expect another attack - which is why finding the touchpoint on the island as quickly as possible is his top priority.
Erwin hasn't shifted his focus from Eren, silently taking in the details of his posture, the tension tight in his arm as he grips the gate. For a moment, Erwin thinks of himself at fifteen, wonders if he wouldn't have completely shattered under the weight of such power and expectations. Naturally, he'd like to think not. But if enough people had tried to steer him toward a different goal, who's to say he wouldn't have gone off on his own? Levi and Mikasa notwithstanding, it's still remarkable that Eren has been as compliant as he has been, thus far. Luckily their goals have aligned.
But that could change.
"I would like to avoid either scenario, if possible." It's perhaps a diplomatic answer, but Erwin notably doesn't refute it outright. Although that may have more to do with the fact that eradicating an entire group of people that likely far outnumber the whole population of their island is an unfeasible goal, as far as he's concerned.
"Even if we are a people in exile, this is still our home to defend. If Marley insists on continued aggression, we will respond in kind." If they prove that they can defend Paradis well enough, maybe Marley will be more open to diplomatic discussions.
One of the horses has noticed their presence, and comes trotting up to the fence, whickering a greeting and waiting expectantly - possibly for a good rub on the nose, or a treat from a pocket. Erwin retrieves two halves of a dried apple and hands one to Eren before stepping up to feed the other to the animal, rubbing fondly between her ears.
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There's no way to know how quickly they may face retaliation for this latest victory. They will likely have escaped back to Marley, to regroup and strategize. How often did boats come, he wonders? Was there a pre-arranged rendezvous interval? How long did it take them to make the trip from the nearest point? Without any ideas or hints about these answers, it's difficult to know how soon to expect another attack - which is why finding the touchpoint on the island as quickly as possible is his top priority.
Erwin hasn't shifted his focus from Eren, silently taking in the details of his posture, the tension tight in his arm as he grips the gate. For a moment, Erwin thinks of himself at fifteen, wonders if he wouldn't have completely shattered under the weight of such power and expectations. Naturally, he'd like to think not. But if enough people had tried to steer him toward a different goal, who's to say he wouldn't have gone off on his own? Levi and Mikasa notwithstanding, it's still remarkable that Eren has been as compliant as he has been, thus far. Luckily their goals have aligned.
But that could change.
"I would like to avoid either scenario, if possible." It's perhaps a diplomatic answer, but Erwin notably doesn't refute it outright. Although that may have more to do with the fact that eradicating an entire group of people that likely far outnumber the whole population of their island is an unfeasible goal, as far as he's concerned.
"Even if we are a people in exile, this is still our home to defend. If Marley insists on continued aggression, we will respond in kind." If they prove that they can defend Paradis well enough, maybe Marley will be more open to diplomatic discussions.
One of the horses has noticed their presence, and comes trotting up to the fence, whickering a greeting and waiting expectantly - possibly for a good rub on the nose, or a treat from a pocket. Erwin retrieves two halves of a dried apple and hands one to Eren before stepping up to feed the other to the animal, rubbing fondly between her ears.