Valeria pondered Eren's question for a moment before deciding to provide him with an answer. "I understand that you might not be aware of this, Eren, but there are border skirmishes taking place between the Asikha Empire and three neighboring kingdoms adjacent to its borders.
These kingdoms are smaller and lack the means to defend themselves against the aggression of the Asikha Empire. They do not possess the strength of Edinburgh or Layos, nor do they have top-tier academies that can produce a steady supply of young fighters.
Moreover, you are well aware of the military might possessed by the Asikha Empire. The Asipha empire wants to exploit these border disputes as an opportunity to attack and take control of these smaller kingdoms."