"Commander, have you recovered?" Yago sized up Commander Erwin, who looked full of energy. Compared with the dejected commander from a few days ago, it was like night and day.
Erwin smiled and said, "Maybe your words from a few days ago scolded me awake. If I were to sink into despair and give up, how could I face those soldiers who sacrificed themselves?"
Yago said awkwardly, "Commander, you can't say that casually. I didn't scold you."
Levi spoke up from the side, his tone clearly displeased.
"You brat, you really know how to cause me trouble. You're just dumping those five guys on me to manage?"
Yago gave an embarrassed smile. He naturally knew who Levi meant by those five people—who else but those five Ackermans?
To be honest, when it came to how to deal with those five Ackermans that day, the big shots from all sides couldn't agree. The noble representatives suggested executing these unruly existences outright, while the military hoped to make use of them. After all, the strength of an Ackerman was obvious—one well-used Ackerman was worth a hundred elite soldiers.
The two sides argued endlessly. In the end, Historia, who was present, put forward an idea: put these Ackermans into the Survey Corps, with humanity's strongest soldier, Levi, responsible for commanding and managing them.
This opinion received support from the vast majority of the military, and the nobles' opposition also diminished a lot—after all, Levi's reputation spoke for itself.
Of course, no one considered the opinion of the person involved, Levi himself. So Levi was very unhappy with Yago, who had proposed this idea to Historia.
"Captain, the more capable you are, the more work you do. I believe you can handle it—just a few Ackermans," Yago said with a smile.
Levi looked at Yago's smiling face and really wanted to leave a fist mark on it. Just a few Ackermans? Are you looking down on us Ackermans?
Speaking of those Ackermans, Yago found it very strange. Because in older Eren's memories, there seemed to have never been these Ackermans. What was going on?
When Yago walked out of the Claude estate, he looked at the city wall very close to the manor, and an outrageous thought popped into his head. Could it be that the Ackermans in older Eren's memories were trampled to death by countless Colossal Titans when Eren initiated the Rumbling?
Of course, that thought was ridiculous—but how could Yago know the truth?
At this moment, Erwin suddenly interjected,
"After Historia ascends the throne, I will propose organizing the operation to retake Maria. What do you think?"
Eren was somewhat excited. "Commander! I'll participate!"
Yago, however, looked somewhat grave. Although many things had already changed, he didn't dare to gamble. In older Eren's memories, the commander had sacrificed himself in that operation to retake Maria, and the entire Survey Corps had only nine survivors.
However, before Yago could answer, he heard a Wall Church priest shout,
"Prepare at once! Her Majesty the Queen is about to arrive! The ceremony is about to begin!"
Immediately, everyone sprang into action. Jean Kirstein and Connie also carried the still-struggling Sasha over.
Fortunately, without meat, Sasha gradually recovered her reason. Under the guidance of a servant, Sasha went inside to join Mikasa, Annie Leonhart, and Ymir.
Armin also came running over, panting.
"S-sorry, I almost got here late." Yago handed Armin a cup of water, not knowing what the kid had been up to just now.
Soon, everything was ready. Several honorary soldiers stood at the lowest step before the throne.
The beautiful and captivating Historia, dressed in royal robes, slowly walked toward the throne. Behind her followed Annie Leonhart, Mikasa, Ymir, and Sasha—the four honorary soldiers.
When they reached the throne, the most senior high priest of the Wall Church carefully took out an exquisite crown, solemnly chanting an unknown melody, and finally placed it slowly upon Historia's head.
With the crown on, a trace of royal majesty seemed to be added to Historia's beautiful face.
Looking at Historia's small face, Yago also curved his lips into a faint smile. With the power of the Titans as a trump card and her closest companions at her side, Historia probably wouldn't have to shoulder those burdens anymore—at the very least, she wouldn't be forced to become pregnant for the so-called Founding Titan.
However, just as Yago was smiling, he suddenly felt a chill down his back. Startled, Yago scanned around, and his gaze met that of Annie Leonhart standing beside Historia.
What confused Yago was that the look Annie Leonhart gave him seemed somewhat… cold? As if saying: Just you wait! You're definitely not getting away with this!
Yago looked at Annie Leonhart and put on a confused expression. What did I do? Why are you looking at me like that?
The ceremony continued. Historia delivered a highly stirring speech that drew endless applause from everyone present.
Finally, at the Wall Church high priest's shout of "All hail Her Majesty the Queen!", everyone paid their respects to Historia.
Nobles and famous merchants bowed in salute. Soldiers in dress uniforms and high-ranking military officials placed their right fists over their left chests in a military salute.
Unexpectedly, Historia also placed her right fist over her left chest in return. This made everyone suddenly realize that this queen had once been a brave soldier who dared to fight Titans.
At once, the nobles gained a bit more respect for the queen, while the soldiers felt a bit closer to her. Sunlight streamed through the glass into the palace, shining upon Historia and cloaking this queen in radiance. Before the throne, that girl had become a monarch.
Queen Historia announced her succession to the throne. The next segment was Sasha's moment of jubilation—the lavish banquet began.