'Italy, I… I've liked you for a very long time.'
He slowly separated from this beautiful country which he'd loved for what felt like forever, keeping her small hands in his own. The Austrian corps marched out the gateway behind them towards a battle already doomed to failure, the Holy Roman Empire's double-headed eagle leading them on.
His heart beat wildly in his chest, being closer to the Italian than he'd ever been. What he'd wanted for so long, finally…
"I know that we'll see each other again. I will come back. I will!"
A graceful smile pulled on Italy's lips then, and Holy Rome knew he had to come back. Never again would he be the reason for her fear. Never again.
'I swear it Italy. I love you. I love you more than anything in this world!'
The Germanic heir parted from the nation and from his home, joining the soldiers to fill them with pride when they saw the country they fought for on the battlefield. A battlefield that would seal the end of the Holy Roman Empire.
He'd loved that child for so long indeed.