Personal History

       Ernesta (real name: Juana) is the character with the most striking contrast within Vespuccia's "Black Horse Squadron," an opposing force unit. Hailing from a prominent family on the tropical island of Arecibo, a Vespuccian territory, she was bound by strict family rules from a young age. Yet, she yearned for freedom; she deeply admired the "Taigewu" guerrillas, captivated by their image as free-spirited, dashing warriors.

       Juana is quiet and gentle by nature; she tends to keep a low profile and goes with the flow, projecting an image of docility and obedience. In pursuit of the freedom she craved, she began gathering intelligence on the "Taigewu" and acquired guerrilla-style gear based on her own imagination, even obtaining blowguns and poison darts used by the indigenous people of South Vespuccia. However, she could only emulate this ideal through her mindset and attire, unable to take actual action. While adapting to military life, she struggled with the cold weather but, encouraged by Natasha, gradually found her rhythm within the Black Horse Squadron.

       Having lived under the shadow of her family's prestige, Juana led a life mapped out by others, never truly experiencing the "freedom" outsiders imagined. Her longing for the Taigewu" guerrillas stemmed from a deep-seated resistance to her restrictive lifestyle. After causing a neighborhood panic by hanging her guerrilla outfit out to dry, her family decided to send her to the military; they hoped combat experience would reshape her character while demonstrating their loyalty to the suzerain state.

       Juana views the "Taigewu" as the embodiment of an ideal, not merely for their combat style, but because they symbolize a way of life defined by freedom and an adventurous spirit. On one occasion, under the influence of alcohol, she briefly let her true nature shine through, displaying a level of energy and passion vastly different from her usual demeanor. This behavior represented a breakthrough regarding her identity and perhaps a deep-seated desire to express her authentic self. Even when sober, she maintained an image of being well-behaved; yet, in her drunken state, she could experience a sense of freedom that had always remained beyond her reach.