Orvud District. Upon receiving news of the successful operation, the military bigwigs rushed at once to the city closest to the Reiss estate.
The conference room was solemn. Commander-in-Chief Zackly sat in the main seat. As the supreme commander of the three military structures and one of the principal leaders of this revolution, it was only right that he occupied this position.
Commander Pixis and Commander Randy sat together. Rarely did Commander Pixis not have a drink in hand; instead, he wore a grave expression.
Beside them were two elderly commanders in Garrison Rose uniforms. The one with the parted mustache was Heren Isen, Commander of the Northern Front of the Garrison. The one with mostly white hair was Loen Soke, Commander of the Western Front, an old-guard military figure.
There was also Nile representing the Military Police, Erwin representing the Survey Corps, and Keith representing the Training Corps. The military's representatives were all present.
On the nobles' side, only a few minor nobles attended. In terms of status, Randy Wald present might actually be the highest-ranking noble in the room.
Under Zackly's thunderous methods, a large number of nobles colluding with the false royal government were arrested. Only after the arrests did they realize—damn—it was practically a clean sweep of all the major nobles.
And since this meeting could not give the public the impression of military dictatorship, several respected minor nobles were invited, along with representatives of the Wall Church and the chairman of the capital's Reeves Company.
At the very end of the table sat the youngest face present: black hair, black eyes—Yago Norman.
Those who knew Yago's background would not underestimate this young soldier: a wielder of Titan power, a visitor from the human world beyond the walls, a key figure who knew the truth of the world.
Thus began this meeting that would decide the future of humanity within the walls.
"The military has basically stabilized," Zackly began. "Most soldiers are on our side. Of course, a small number of aristocratic officers may be dissatisfied, but the overall situation is settled. They can't stir up much trouble."
"Uh, as for the nobles, what everyone is mainly worried about is whether they'll be implicated," a noble representative said cautiously, a bead of sweat on his forehead. Forgive him—this was the first time in his life he'd seen so many high officials.
"But we can guarantee we never participated in any of the false king's affairs or actions. We were kept completely in the dark."
"The Reeves Company has no issues," said the chairman, a venerable elder. "We're doing our best to maintain market balance, though there has been some turbulence."
"The populace is the most unstable," said the Wall Church representative. "I believe you all understand."
"As expected," Randy said. "The people are certainly unhappy with the military controlling the government."
Pixis looked toward Erwin. "So, Erwin, how is that child? We need her."
Erwin nodded. "Historia Reiss is currently very safe."
"Then what's there to discuss?" Commander Heren said bluntly. "Let that little girl inherit the throne and shut the people up."
"Heh. What, you just toppled one false king and now you want to prop up another puppet?" Yago scoffed.
"What do you mean?!" Commander Heren bristled at once. Still, he didn't dare lash out, knowing Yago's identity.
"Let me remind you," Yago said coldly, "Historia is not some soft persimmon you can knead at will. She also inherited one of the Nine Titans—the Jaw Titan. You know what the power of an intelligent Titan entails. And besides, she has us backing her."
Every word made Yago's stance clear: Historia had support.
Zackly seemed to want to explain.
"Now isn't the time for that. What we're discussing is letting that child inherit the throne. No one will treat her as a puppet. A king should have a king's authority."
Yago replied, "Sounds nice. But why should we believe you? You never truly know a person's heart."
At once, the meeting erupted into heated argument. Yago's attitude was unyielding, and in the end it came down to one conclusion: everything depended on Historia's own wishes. The military was not allowed to coerce or morally pressure Historia.
...
At this moment, Historia was staying with her fellow new recruits.
"It's alright, Eren. It's not your fault. We should be glad we stopped my father's plot. He only wanted to create another puppet.
"Doctor Grisha must have acted for humanity's future as well. That so-called Founding power, left in royal hands, can't truly be used as it should. Perhaps only in your hands can it really show its strength." Historia comforted the downcast Eren.
Hearing her words, Eren finally regained a bit of vitality. Mikasa and Armin, who had been worrying all along, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Historia's right," Armin agreed. "I also believe Mr. Grisha wouldn't slaughter people at will. Back then, he risked his life to treat patients, make medicine, and saved the entire Shiganshina District."
Eren lowered his head and looked at his palm, memories of his father flashing through his mind. Then he said resolutely,
"Alright. I have to see the secret my father left in the basement!"
...
Sunlight filtered through the gaps between her fingers and fell on her face. The warm, dry sunlight made Pieck—accustomed to the damp, sticky heat at a Titan's nape—feel somewhat unaccustomed.
All around were pedestrians: busy small vendors, women leading children to buy groceries, and occasionally Garrison soldiers in Rose uniforms patrolling with rifles on their backs.
"It feels nice," Pieck said lazily. "But are we really going to fight here?"
Beside her were Zeke with his face wrapped up, Reiner, and Bertholdt. Somehow, they had slipped into Orvud District. One had to admire the courage of the Marleyan warriors—or was it that, relying on their Titan powers, they dared to act so recklessly?
"Interesting," Zeke clicked his tongue. "The island devils are far more capable than I imagined. That device that lets them fly around is amazing. And I didn't expect there to be newspapers here, either."
Reiner and Bertholdt remained silent. Compared to Zeke and Pieck, the two of them had lived on the island for five years. What difference was there, really, between so-called devils and ordinary people?
Bertholdt had once felt so guilty he wanted to kill himself. Without their destruction, perhaps the people inside the walls would have lived peacefully forever.
Reiner was even worse. Bertholdt had noticed that Reiner now seemed to be suffering from mental issues.
After finishing the day's news, Zeke folded the newspaper. Behind his glasses, a strange glint flashed in his eyes.
"Eren Yeager… and the true royal bloodline?"
"Hey, you four—what are you sneaking around for?" A Garrison soldier eyed the four tightly wrapped figures, feeling something was off, and shouted with a frown.
"Bertholdt, you're up."
...
I recommend checking out my new Pokémon fanfic, "Pokémon System: Me, the Strongest Champion of the League"! It features a system that isn't overpowered, keeping the story balanced and engaging. The main character isn't Ash, but an original, cool MC, which makes it even more enjoyable to read. I'd love to hear your feedback!