There's something about that sentiment that seems to hit a little closer to his heart. Erwin can't help but think of all the lives they carried, all of them, to the very end, to make their sacrifices worth it. Would they have had the strength to go on, if they had practiced this kind of ritual to release the dead from the world? Would that have been easier, than expecting all of them to hold that weight on their shoulders until the bitter end?

He smiles back, a little bittersweet.

"So am I. It is nice to feel as though you made a difference, even to just one. Thank you for doing it with me."