AN: "We hated writing this chapter. You'll see why." -Crod42, 2018
Chapter Three: Loose Ends
Rod let an exhausted sigh as he began approaching the farmland. It had been quite some time since he had been here. Mostly, it would be Alma coming to visit him when time allowed, but he almost never came here. Out of all his secrets, this one was the most personal. He hoped that Greta would be able to placate his children's curiosities on his whereabouts. Last thing he needed was for them to know about Alma and… her.
He stared outside at the rich fields. The late afternoon sun was casting a spectacular glow on the ripening crops and livestock. He caught a glimpse of the blonde hair of the young child who wasn't supposed to exist, carrying a basket of vegetables toward one of the storehouses. At least she had the sense of carrying her weight unlike a certain youngest son of his. Curiously, she stopped and stared at the approaching carriage, but he chose to avert his gaze. Now wasn't the time for her.
A small smile crossed his features when he spotted the reason he was here sitting underneath a tree. He wondered what she could be reading this time. Perhaps the tale of the star-crossed lovers she looked up to. It was always her favorite fantasy minus the double suicide at the end. Naturally, his unannounced arrival tore her gaze from her book. Standing with a soft gasp, her brown eyes sparkled with joy as she ran towards the carriage, her shoulder-length chestnut hair flowing with the wind.
"My Lord!" she greeted as the carriage came to a halt. "What an unexpected surprise."
Rod smiled fully, stepping out onto the road. "Lady Alma. Your beauty remains untarnished." He gently kissed her hand, causing a blush to appear on her face.
"You're too kind," Alma replied. "Please, come inside. You must be thirsty."
"I am indeed," Rod said.
He followed her into her quaint cottage. It was a place she could be free from any distractions, which was perfect for what was about to happen. Once the door closed behind them, their lips met with a fiery passion. Behind closed doors, they were no longer lord and maidservant but simply two long-time lovers reuniting.
"After all this time, you've still got it," Rod said, running his hand down her bare back.
"Anything for you, Rod. You look like you've got something on your mind. Was it not to your satisfaction completely?" Alma replied in a sultry tone, the sheet slipping slightly off her shoulder.
"Oh, trust me. You've always known how to satisfy me just as I know how to satisfy you." He proved by kissing a sensitive spot in her neck.
"There was never any doubt. But you're avoiding the question, my love. What prompted this surprise visit? Surely there must be something more than just an overwhelming desire to see me," she purred.
Rod sighed. "Alma, I figured out a way for you to come back."
She sat up quickly, fully disregarding her state of undress. "Rod, don't tease me! Do you really mean that?"
He gave her that winning smile she always loved. "I do."
"When, and what will I need? I would leave today if it means returning with you." Her eyes glittered with hope.
He sat up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Well, eventually, you'll need clothes."
"I suppose that would be the decent thing to do." A pleasurable sound escaped her lips and she almost succumbed to his advances once more until a thought occurred to her. "What about… her?" Alma's eyes darkened as her face turned hard and cold.
"Greta will not be a problem, my love," Rod assured, releasing his grip on her.
"I wasn't referring to Greta." Alma responded, scanning his eyes. "What about… the child?"
"I think it's time to put Historia out of our lives. As soon as we reach the city, I will get rid of her. She has done nothing but cause you pain and stress. We have no more use of her."
Alma leaned over and kissed him tenderly. "You always know exactly what to say to make my day better. How soon do we need to leave, love?"
"That depends." He gave her an impish look. "How much more of this can you take?"
"As much as you're willing to give me, as anytime I get to spend with you." Her expression turned lusty again, and they gave in to the dark desires of their flesh once more.
Straightening his jacket, Rod heaved another sigh. His illegitimate daughter never knew who he was to her. True, she knew him as the lord of this farmland, but not the fact that he was her father. It was going to be a shocking revelation, though he knew it would be temporary. All of this was. "Kenny, please keep an eye on Alma while I speak with my daughter," he requested.
"Sure thing, boss," the man responded, flashing Alma an unsettling smirk. "It's been a while, maid."
Alma glared at him, a slight shiver running down her spine. Kenny had always made her uneasy, though she was unable to put her finger on why that was, exactly. "I wish I could say the pleasure was all mine, but I think that would be Rod's line." Her uncouth comment fell easily from her curled lips.
Kenny chuckled. "Haven't changed a bit. Your comebacks still suck."
"Kenny, for once, shut up," Rod ordered, opening the door to the main estate.
Inside, the adorable, blonde girl from earlier, gazing up at him with blue eyes of wonder. As expected, she was dressed in red vest and white shirt like she usually wore when she was working, and her skirt was a bit dirty. She was probably scrubbing the floors earlier.
Rod removed his hat and said, "Historia, my name's Rod Reiss. I wish we could've met sooner. You see, I'm your father."
The young girl's mouth fell open and a soft gasp escaped her. "I'm afraid I don't understand, my lord. Why, I mean, how?"
Slowly, he reached out and petted her head. "All will be explained in due time. Just come with me, Historia. Your new life awaits you."
Her blue eyes held confusion but she hesitantly reached a hand out toward him. "Y-yes…. Father," she responded hesitantly.
"That's a good girl," Rod said with a smile as he led her outside.
They didn't get five steps when Kenny whipped out his knife. "Surprise," he said, his smirk turning into a savage grin.
Alma screamed, taking several steps back. "Rod! What's going on? What is all this?" Her voice shook with fear.
Kenny snapped his fingers and five men wearing dark clothes and hats stepped out of the darkness of the night, surrounding them. "He knows exactly what this is." He, along with another man, grabbed Alma's arms and pushed her to her knees. "The fall of Wall Maria made you reckless, old man. I suppose you thought you could get your pretty little secrets to safer ground, huh?"
"Rod, please, don't let them do this! You promised me…" Alma began to weep.
Rod's expression remained neutral, not reacting to this whole thing.
Historia was a different story. "Let Mom go!" she demanded, glaring at Kenny.
Alma's fear-filled eyes hardened. "She's lying! She's not my daughter, I don't even know her!" She cried loudly, desperately trying to save herself. "Do whatever you want with her. Just please, let me go!"
"That a fact?" Kenny looked at Rod. "Well, Lord Reiss? Maybe it was just a coincidence you three were out here at this time."
Rod looked down at Historia, who looked so terrified. He let out a sigh and let his daughter go. "So be it. That is correct. These two have nothing to do with me."
"I thought so," Kenny replied, shoving Alma down further.
"Rod, you bastard! You promised me…" she screamed, tears streaming down her face.
"Shut up," Kenny said, bringing the knife closer to her face. "You were never officially employed at this estate. Hell, I would reckon that you don't even exist."
Alma knew then her fate was as good as sealed. "No, please! I'm begging you. Just let me live! Please! Don't do this," she pleaded frantically. Her words fell on deaf ears.
Slowly, Historia approached her, trying not to cry. "M-Mother…"
Alma's cold eyes looked up to meet that of the child she never wanted. "If only you'd never been born! Then I-"
A slash from Kenny's knife silenced her for good, blood from her slit throat spraying the ground. The man released her, and Alma's body fell to the ground. Historia couldn't move or speak, the book she had been carrying falling out of her hand.
Kenny tsked. "Well, she was an ugly bitch anyways. You'll thank me someday, kid." He walked up to her and prepared to kill her the same, the knife still slick with her mother's blood.
"Wait," Rod said suddenly. "Not like this."
The murderer raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Arrange to have her join the military. Let her find her purpose there as Titan food."
Kenny chuckled, shoving the girl into the hands of the other men. "As you command, my lord."
Not a single word of protest left Historia's mouth, still frozen in shock.
Rod turned to her one final time before he departed. "One last thing. No longer will you be Historia Reiss. Your name is Krista Lenz." His tone left no room for argument.
Nothing more was said as the newly-christened Krista was taken away.
"Well, time to go home," Kenny announced jovially, putting the knife away.
For once, Rod agreed with him. He entered the carriage and had the driver immediately depart, leaving Alma's lifeless body behind in the dust. His work here was done.
The lake that was four miles away from the Reiss estate was always a place Rod's brother liked to frequent back when he was alive. It was tranquil, quiet, and perfect for people that wanted to be alone. Rod could only imagine what Uri would say if he was still alive. He probably would've offered age-old wisdom in some shape or form. Rod's musings were interrupted when Greta and Kenny approached from behind, the latter of which taking everything in stride.
"Were you followed?" Greta asked, anxious about the whole situation.
"Relax, sweetheart," Kenny replied, taking off his hat. "Uncle Kenny has you covered."
Greta practically seethed at that remark. "This is no laughing matter."
"Oh, just lighten up already," Kenny complained with a shake of his head. "The whore is dead and the kid's off to get eaten by Titans. Shouldn't you be breaking out the booze right now?"
"Enough!" Rod intervened, not in the mood to deal with Kenny's crap. "The situation has become precarious. Someone leaked the information about us to Grisha."
"Hold it right there," Greta cut in angrily. "What do you mean that she's off to be eaten by Titans? She's supposed to be lifeless beside that former whore of yours, Rod! What are you playing at?"
"I don't care what you think of her, Greta," Rod said without looking at her. "She may not be your daughter, but she is still mine. As a Reiss, she deserves to at least die a good death."
"What, you mean I'm not good enough?" Kenny objected with an insulted look. "That hurts, Rod. That cuts me."
Rod glared at him. "I honestly could care less, Kenny."
"Still, would've been nice to get to know the kid," he lamented. "She was a born firespitter. Hell, most of your kids are. Little Flo still has time." He chuckled. "Uncle Kenny can teach her a thing or two."
"Don't you dare talk about my children," Greta ordered, her death glare putting Rod's to shame.
Kenny rolled his eyes. "Sheesh, you take one kid on a field trip, and you lose it."
When Greta had discovered the truth of what had transpired at the Garber Estate several sleepless nights later from a traumatized Urklyn, the entire household knew of her anger. "HOW DARE YOU EXPOSE HIM TO SUCH AN ATROCITY?!" Greta thundered. "To hell with your need to 'show him what becomes of those who endanger our family' or whatever bullshit line you're trying to use as a fucking excuse! HE IS A BOY, Rod!" She emphasized, "A YOUNG TEENAGE BOY! Not a man! He's barely spoken to his sisters, and he shakes with fear whenever Ackerman is in the house. YOU ARE A MONSTER FOR PUTTING HIM THROUGH WHAT YOU DID!"
It was another week after that so-called "exchange" before Greta spoke to her husband directly once more. Her fury and disdain boiled before finally cooling when Rod placated her by offering a weak apology to Urklyn for the graphic, hellish scenes that he had borne witness to that stormy night. Kenny, of course, didn't regret a damn thing, and Greta hated him to his core. While she couldn't get rid of him permanently, she could at least ban him from the estate itself. The lake was the best workaround for said ban.
"If you two could please focus?" Rod asked calmly. "Alma and Historia are no longer our problem, but it does not solve the other issues. We need to find the person or persons responsible for the leak, and get rid of them fast. No one is above suspicion."
"Hey, hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Kenny asked.
"Exactly what I said." Rod turned to face him. "I know you don't like me, Kenny. For all I know, you were the one who told Grisha about my daughter."
"Oh, come on, Rod. I'm a loyal servant to the crown." He gave one of his mock-bows. "Surely, what could I gain from letting some crazy guy into your home so he could go on a killing spree?"
Greta walked up to him until the two were nose-to-nose… well, as much as her height would allow. "I, for one, hope you are responsible, Kenny. It will finally give me the excuse to kill you, loathsome parasite, once and for all."
His response was an evil grin as he stared down at her. "Well, in that case, I hope it is me so I can watch you try."
"Can I get through a simple conversation without these pointless interruptions and bickerings?" Rod demanded. "We destroyed the leak with Garbers two years ago, but information is still circulating. As I said, no one is above suspicion, and I will find out who's responsible one way or another."
"And how are you going to do that?" Greta wondered.
"I go back and find out who the Garbers associated themselves with. From the servants to the nobles, I will get names. I don't care how long it takes."
"Damn, Rod. You're really fired up today," Kenny commented.
"My family is at risk, Kenny," he explained. "Traitors will not get any mercy from me."
Kenny snorted. "I think you mean 'Traitors will not get any mercy from Kenny the Ripper while I sit on my fat ass doing nothing.'"
"Get out of my sight," Rod growled.
"By your command, Your Majesty." With another mock-bow, Kenny departed from their presence.
"Rod, what will you tell Frieda?" Greta asked once the man was out of earshot.
"She tried to flee out of fear seeing her mother's gruesome murder, and she was gunned down," he answered simply. "Her body was burned to ashes and scattered on the farmland she held so dear."
"Good." There was still an edge in her tone, indicating that there was more to be said.
Rod let out a sigh. "I don't suppose an apology would be enough, would it?"
"You had a child with another woman, Rod," she said. "That's not something you can just let go and forgive." She turned her blue eyes on him. "What did you do when you saw her?"
"I gave her one last day to be happy."
Greta looked more than a bit disgusted by that. "I hope that gave you some satisfaction, because that's the last attention you'll be having for quite some time."
"I understand, Greta." Rod had the decency to look a little bit ashamed.
She started to walk away, but then she stopped. "What did I do wrong that Alma didn't, Rod?" Three years ago, she was far angrier to ask such a question, but now, she wanted the truth.
"She understood me like no one else has," Rod answered honestly. "I'm sorry, Greta, but it's the truth."
Greta felt something filling up in her eyes. "I understand you enough to know what you are: an egocentric, adulterous pig." This time, she made the effort to walk away without looking back.
Rod heaved another sigh as he skipped a stone across the lake. Greta had every right to be angry with him, but there was nothing she could do about it. Any normal couple would have divorced by this point, but that wasn't an option for the Reiss family. You were either in the family for life, or you were dead.
Crod42: Ugh… I'm gonna be sick.
MickeyTaco: Look on the bright side, Alma is dead, and we never have to endure another scene between her and Rod. *shudders*
Crod42: First time publishing a borderline M-Rated sex scene, and we used it on those two. What a waste. Enjoy your cold showers, everyone.
MickeyTaco: Can I kill Rod off now?
Crod42: Put the pen down, Mickey. We need him alive for the sake of the story.
MickeyTaco: Can I at least maim or seriously injure him?
Crod42: I'll send you Alma's corpse. Will that make you feel better?
MickeyTaco: …maybe slightly.
Crod42: I should probably mention, my dear readers, that Mickey is, in fact, a woman. Her help was much needed for this story. I was very hesitant about putting M-Rated sexual content in this story, but-
MickeyTaco: *cuts in* This is where I can assist in hopefully handling such things with tact and preventing them from being too graphic.
TheDoctor: *whispers* "You're welcome." *vanishes*
Crod42 (awkward silence): Anyways, I'd feel cleaner writing a graphic scene than writing another intimate scene with some of the worst people in Attack on Titan.
MickeyTaco: You mean like Annie?
Crod42: -_-
MickeyTaco: We would say that we hoped you enjoyed this chapter but even if you didn't (Crod42: Cause we sure didn't!), we look forward to reading your reviews and we will see you in the next chapter!