[ Shorter term and the mention of an academy are both noted, even if the context in what sounds like possibly a name is lost on him for now. It makes sense that other worlds wouldn't have anything resembling the Officers' Academy even if it'd seemed strange to him when first talking about it with others. What it's done, really, is make him more curious about the differences - possible things to take back to Fodlan in concept even if the actual execution would have to differ. ]

I was 17 when my grandfather sent me to the academy. Hilda's House is also one of the ones leading the Alliance so we'd crossed paths before then. I met Sylvain and Petra there for the first time since they were from other nations, and I'm... 25 now. I think.

[ Slight pause, then for explanation about having to take a second to recall his age as it isn't (quite) forgetfulness but more like a math equation - ]

I wasn't at home yet, but I've had one birthday here according to the calendar and it's coming up again so I supposed I'd better start counting in Abraxas time. But back on topic, I haven't actually known Sylvain and Petra for that long as the years of war were - in the way.

[ Close enough to the truth. Hilda's who he's known the longest by far and without any question about it. Even with time in Abraxas factored in, that doesn't begin to close the gap in years. ]

The academy you mentioned, is it close to the one I know? And was it one you attended?