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The National Archives preserves and provides access to historical records of the Federal Government and its extensions.
The following unsent letters in unmarked envelopes were discovered in a buried footlocker on Paradise Island, dating back to the 800s. The author of the letters is believed to be Jean Kirstein, a member of the last Scouts Regiment, from the 104th Southern Division Cadets Corp. He played a central role in preventing the destruction of land outside Paradise. Kirstein’s letters were addressed to Marco Bodt, who is believed to be a fellow member of the 104th Cadets Corp, although no records of Bodt exist past the Battle of Trost. Kirstein’s letters date well past Bodt’s presumed death. Historians have concluded that Kirstein and Bodt were close friends.
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January 1, 848
Dear Marco,
It has now been a full year since we started our training, and you have become my closest friend, even if you’re too reasonable sometimes. Over this past year, you’ve guided me through the worst parts of training, whether that was grueling practice with the ODM gear, or through my one-too-many close calls with Eren. Eren brings out the worst in me, but you somehow manage to bring out the best. I don’t like a gold rush, but I like you.
You are just so ridiculously righteous. I mean, who genuinely wants to join the Military Police to make the world a better place? Everyone knows that you only join to make sure you stay safe in the inner walls. I guess I’ve grown fond of your sense of morality. And frankly, I admire and hate that you’ve always been a better person than me. Maybe some of your stupid goodness will rub off on me, and I’ll finally be someone that my family is proud of.
I’m writing this because I don’t think I could say this to you—not during training at least. I’ve never been good with words or emotions. If I had time, I would sketch out some ludicrous picture of us being best friends forever, one that you would fold over laughing at and hang on our bunk to make fun of. But when we join the Military Police together, we’ll have all the time in the world to draw and joke. I’m sure you’ll figure out along the way how much you mean to me.
Your best friend,
Jean Kirstein