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This letter, accessed through the Hevring Dynasty Library in New Cethleann, is one of the first examples of Hubert von Vestra’s recruitment efforts to rally the young nobles of Adrestia behind his liege. The letter is dated to the months prior to enrollment in the Officer's Academy. Notably, however, he does not mention Princess Edelgard by name at any point - likely to ensure that if the letter were to be intercepted, only he would be considered a threat. In much the same vein, Hubert does not lay out any specific plans that the Hevring heir could take part in, choosing instead to focus on Edelgard’s larger scale vision for a more just society. Naturally, the letter is an example of Hubert’s peculiar “charm”... or lack thereof.
3rd Day of the Wyvern Moon,
1179
Greetings Linhardt,
In addition to whatever salutations are seasonally appropriate (you know well I am not well versed in these things), I wish to extend to you my most heartfelt congratulations on your acceptance to the Officer's Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery. I look forward to working alongside you as a member of the Black Eagles.
Of course, your acceptance in itself is hardly an achievement. As the heir to one of the most powerful houses in the Empire, you’ve likely had a dorm room set aside for you from the moment of your conception. And while the same case can (and perhaps should) be made against me, the presence of your crest makes your… “Qualifications” for enrollment all the more clear. I write this not to undermine whatever positive feelings you hold in regards to your admission. Indeed, I would not be surprised if you have not considered the matter at all. I only write this in the hope of encouraging you to pursue something grander than your inherited expectations… something of actual value.
As you are doubtless aware, the Empire - and by extension the entirety of Fodlan, faces any number of challenges. Inept and aging rulers are held in check by those with no legitimate authority over them. These despots cling to power by in turn pushing down those cursed to be born without crests… or elevating those cursed to be born with crests. The system is not only unjust, but unsustainable.
You and I both know that you have no desire to rule - a position I applaud you for. However, you’ve been thrust into the role of heir without your regard for your own ambitions… which I assume you have.
If you are at all interested in a future determined by yourself, rather than handed down to you by generations long dead, please reach back out to me. A man of your mind and abilities could doubtless reshape the very foundations of our society, if you set yourself to it. Even if, as I fear, your ambition is nothing more than a life of laziness - a youth spent on this project could leave you with a lifetime to spend as you please.
I hope you consider the benefits of this offer and agree to it willingly…as you end up having to take it on soon enough anyway.
Do give my love, insincere as it may be, to your family.
As ever, I am a mere servant of Adrestia,
-H. Vestra
Postscript: It is worth noting that this letter was never opened by Linhardt von Hevring, and was only unsealed by historians centuries after his death. This should not be taken as a rejection of Edelgard’s vassal, as it seems Linhardt very rarely actually took the time to read letters sent to him by the Empire’s nobility.