I am a royal of Gallus, and also a senior to all of you gathered here today. It is an honor to stand before you.
You must have many questions as well. Why a royal would join the military academy instead of engaging in politics. What is to be gained by risking one's life. However, like you, I consider the time I spent studying alongside my peers—your seniors—to be invaluable, and I made no excuses on my way to the battlefield. If a person has an innate duty, then the responsibility given to me is to protect Gallus and the people at my back. I stand here today to tell you that your strength is needed for this vast journey.
You, too, are individuals born with such gifts. If you possess the strength to be one step ahead of others, you must strive to be worthy of that trust. That is the mission of those who are so blessed, and it is the burden you and I must carry for the rest of our lives. We are leaders who guide from the front, not rulers who command from behind. I hope you will not forget that you must become the foundation that will bear the future of this nation. I apologize for speaking so harshly to my juniors who have just passed their first trial, but to constantly hone your skills and never compromise—that, I believe, is the only way for a generation to truly advance.
Take today's experience as an opportunity to never let your guard down. To always press forward and overcome your fears. As someone who feels more responsible for your lives than anyone, I sincerely hope that the blades of beasts from the front lines will never threaten your necks. Our oath lies beneath the heart of the eagle, so I expect you to fight on as soldiers, just as I have.
That is all. Theoderick Claudith.
- Gallus Magazine, an excerpt from the congratulatory address by Second Prince Theoderick to the 29th graduating class of the Ultima Military Academy
