Chapter Twenty-Five: A Puppetmaster's Apprehension

(Stohess District)

Military Police officers usually had to room with someone in Headquarters. For officers rising in the ranks, one way or another, they would be able to purchase their own homes within the Interior. It was a nice goal to look forward to, though few were lucky to even get to that point. Since they weren't rich nobles, they had no financial way to afford servants, which was a shame considering the interior state of one such house.

The dining room table collapsed on itself thanks to a severe weight that had pushed it past its limitations. The chairs and the couches had their cushions tossed all around as if there were thrown at an enemy. There were holes in the walls leading to the bedroom that happened to be missing a crucial component: the door. Voices could be heard from inside interlaced with grunts and the sound of a body hitting the wall. Repeatedly.

"Tell me about the weapons shipment," a male voice ordered with a growl.

"You bastard!" a female voice swore, her breath catching on the final word. "My delivery guy should be here within another hour."

"Oh, that's just what I like to hear. Tell me more about these weapons."

"Nngh… curved knives perfect for slicing flesh open. Oh, yes! A few more guns when you eventually… break yours." There was a brief shriek that emitted from the woman. "Ammo. Lots of fucking ammo! Enough to keep even a guy like you from shooting blanks."

"Hey, you trying to tell me something?"

A loud moan erupted from the woman that managed to silence him. "Let's just say… you aren't perfect, Kenny," the woman explained while panting.

The psychopath of the Interior looked up at her with his typical grin. "Oh, Caven, you wound me. You know how that makes me feel."

Corporal Caven rolled her eyes and pushed Kenny away from her. "Drink some water for a change, you unquenchable maniac."

He snorted, putting on his hat. "Kill the mood, why don't you?"

"Your version of a good time usually involves gunfights and dismemberment. Mine includes physical pursuits that don't always destroy my fucking house!" She still didn't put her clothes back on, so she wasn't that angry at him.

"Your own damn fault for not having a bigger house," he responded.

"Well, in that case, if you want back in, you'll have to do things my way next time."

"Which house are you talking about?"

"Guess." With a smirk, Caven mockingly blew a kiss at him as she started cleaning up.

Kenny glowered at the woman of his… affections wasn't the word to use. Pastimes seemed more appropriate. "I should shoot you for that, bitch."

"Please. I'm the only woman in the entire world who would do more than just tolerate your existence," she reminded him.

"In that case, let's elope. I've got the cash for it."

Caven scoffed at him. "Kenny, a week in marriage with you would destroy my sex drive. Save it for the repairs you'll be financing in full."

The man leered at her. "Oh, honey, I love it when you talk dirty to me."

She threw the empty wine bottle at him, barely missing his head. "Don't call me honey."

He stared at the glass shards. "I'm not paying for that."

"You already did. That was the one you brought over."

Kenny gave a growl and stalked towards her with lecherous intent. "I'm gonna teach you a lesson."

"Oh, dear God, Kenny." She shoved him back again. "I need my reproductive organs. Look. I'm a naked woman with big breasts and a fine ass. Just… watch and do it yourself."

He frowned, taking a seat on the bed. "Ugh, and I thought Rod could kill the mood fast. Oh, yeah. That reminds me: he's coming over."

Caven froze. "When?"

"Couple of hours from now," he answered offhandedly. "You should probably put something on by then. He sees you like that, you'll be the new wife of the Reiss patriarch."

The blonde shuddered. "Hell, no. He can keep the old hag he has. I wouldn't want to be tied into that family."

"Should've thought of that before you helped me set Kyler up," Kenny reminded her coldly. "Once you're entangled with the Reiss family, you're either useful, or decomposing in the ground."

She grinned at him. "Well, lucky for me, I've got just the kind of information that will keep me useful. Maybe I'll even play up the charm, just to see how he responds."

"I wouldn't. He'll fuck you," he warned. "Ugly tub of lard doesn't need a lot of convincing."

"Good to know he's such a weak-minded fool. Great leadership for humanity," she quipped sarcastically.

"Well, with his precious daughter taking the throne, I think we'll start seeing some changes." He paused for a moment. "Hey, Caven, wanna be a Titan?"

"Fuck, no! I don't need that kind of bullshit. I've already got my hands full trying to handle you, and keep my superiors off my ass."

"But think about the good stuff," he told her.

She gave him a blank look. "You just want an excuse to have sex with a woman the size of a four-story building."

"You only live once."

Caven just stared at him for a long time. Then, a smirk came on her face. "I'll pass… but why don't you tell me what you'd do if I said yes."

Kenny knew that tone and lunged at her with his trademark speed.

It wasn't unusual for there to be raised voices when the nobles gathered to discuss politics within the walls of the castle in Wall Sina. What was unusual was for such robust conversations to take place before a formal meeting had even started. And yet, such was the case this particular morning. The boardroom where Frieda had "solved the food shortage" two years before was filled with many of the same faces as before. Notably absent, however, was the young queen herself, and the dead traitor, Mikkel Haus.

Finally having had enough of the yelling, Rod cleared his throat loudly. "Gentlemen, please take your seats."

"Rod, do you have any idea what your daughter managed to spark?" Aurille demanded, slamming his hand on the table in a fit of rage. "She might as well have said, 'Will all nobles please form a line at the noose, please?"'

Caspar Bohn, the youngest and also the only new face in the room, snorted. "That would have gone over even better than Miss Stadler's history lecture." The red-haired man shook his head. "Whose idea was it to have her give a speech anyway?"

Carl gave him a flabbergasted look. "That's your biggest concern? A boring lecture on the history of this country, boy?"

Aurille paid them no heed as his target was the big man himself. "Damn it, Rod. You can't let her take the throne. She'll throw everything we've worked so hard to make into the fire."

"You act as if she's going to take over full rulership with nobody to guide her. Have you forgotten? She is my daughter. She will be leading under my direct supervision. She won't have ultimate power, no matter how much she wishes it," Rod fired back, glaring at the noble asshole.

Emeric cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Rod, your children… we need to talk about them. While we don't doubt your commitment to the ruling of this nation, your heirs haven't done you any favors. A bar fight that led to your eldest son's arrest, and the outburst your youngest son delivered during the Queen's sermon. They have raised many questions and concerns."

Rod turned his attention to Emeric. "Need I remind you about your own son's indiscretions? Running away with his boyfriend and leaving his fiancée at the altar is hardly any less concerning."

"Except Emeric is not the head of the Royal Family. You are," Henri pointed out casually. "If there's one thing we all in agreement on, it's that your children have a history of being… unruly and inappropriate."

"You think Frieda appearing before a suitor in her birthday suit was going to be forgotten?" Aurille spat. "Your children are this country's future rulers. After you're gone, what do you think is going to happen?"

"And having us killed won't change that," Carl added for good measure. "The problem still remains minus our criticisms."

Rod slammed his hands on the table. "Silence! You forget your places. These are children. They can be unruly at times, yes, but what child is not? I am taking measures to rectify the mistakes of the past and not allowing them to continue going forward. These were growing pains, and they are well on their way to becoming the upstanding men and women that the future of humanity needs. Frieda is ready. She's grown and developed into a fine, young woman over the past two years. This is not my decision. This is hers. She is requesting that she be given more responsibility in overseeing humanity and solving the ongoing Titan crisis."

Henri sighed and began pacing back and forth. "Alright. There's a best case scenario and a worst case. Best case is Frieda gets what she wants and doesn't interfere negatively with our lives. Say she does try to go after us after achieving the crown. What then? You're a survivor, Rod. That much is clear. What contingencies do you have in mind?"

"As I stated earlier, she will not be ruling independently. She will still be under guidance from yours truly, as well as the entire group here acting as advisors. Even as much as I trust her, it's foolish to hand the entire rule of humanity over to a twenty-one year old woman," Rod explained. "As we witnessed, at times, she can be, rather emotional."

"Which brings me to my next point. She is your daughter; therefore, she's liable to make her own rules to suit her benefits," Henri added. "If she turns her attention on us, on you even, what then?"

"She won't," Rod replied confidently. "And even if she tried, she would fail. She has no support, no friends within the Walls. Even if some of the common folk support her, without the network of nobility that support her exclusively, any attempts to go against me would avail her nothing."

Aurille glowered at the man. "That damn goddess you pray to, you'd better pray that you're right. Mikkel was replaceable, but the rest of us aren't. If you're wrong, if things go south… you'll find that same network you've built coming after you."

Eyes blazing with fury, Rod pulled out one of his own, personal guns and aimed it at the asshole's head. "You put too much stock in your life, Aurille," he said quietly. "Without me, what would you have? Being a pig farmer in Wall Maria would be the highlight of your life."

The noble smirked back. "And without me, you'd lose half the informants your family has gathered over the years. I am the face for all those people. Could the great Rod Reiss be able to live in a world where you don't know everything that goes on in his own country? If you can, pull the trigger now."

Caspar leaned forward in his seat, his eyes darting between the pair. This was his second time being included in these meetings, and silently relished the tense entertainment this was providing.

Rod lowered his weapon, but the stony expression stayed on his face as he spoke. "Each one of you is here because you have an important role to play when it comes to ruling the Walls. You claim loyalty to the ruler, and until Frieda takes the throne, and even after, you will answer to me. Mikkel died because of his treachery. Don't think I won't hesitate to end any of you if you decide to act against me."

The five nobles glanced at each other, Caspar having some nervousness attached to his expression, before giving nods to Rod. With that out of the way, they were sent off to due their duties, but Henri remained behind.

"Rod, do you have a moment?" he asked once everyone was gone.

"What do you need, Henri?" Rod asked bluntly.

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I did some digging into Corporal Caven. It's confirmed that she is an arms dealer, but all the pies she has her fingers in are impressive. She's careful, too. Not selling weapons at one area for too long, even goes so far to make deals with the other side so that she can't be easily tracked."

Rod took the sheet of paper, and unfolded it, skimming the contents quickly. "Impressive. She was part of the investigation against Corporal Hauer, even providing the smoking gun to her 'traitorous acts'… Now, this is interesting. She aided in taking down Sgt. Engel for arms dealing. Taking out the competition. Sounds like she's rather ruthless."

"She is," Henri confirmed. "She's rising up the ranks quick. I also checked out the information she gave us concerning a contact of the Restorer. Lieutenant Sigmund Blau of the Garrison. He took a position guarding the Walls within the Interior, and, like all the rest, took up drinking to pass the time. Apparently, certain people of our network felt more confident to have loose lips around drunkards who probably won't remember their own birthdays by the morning."

Rod nodded. "Thanks for the information. This should make my interactions with her later this afternoon quite interesting."

"Just be careful, Rod," his friend warned. "She may be a woman, but she will probably feed you your own teeth if you try anything."

"This is a business meeting, not a social visit. I'm sure I can handle this woman. Besides, I'm sending my bodyguard first to make sure that she's ready for our discussion."

"Are you sure this necessary, and not just another of your stupid fantasies?" Caven glared at Kenny.

The blonde woman was now wearing pants, a black lace bra, and a see-through blouse, her blue eyes flashing with anger. At the moment, the psychopath was binding her hands and feet to a chair in front of the broken table. The cushions had all been replaced, and the room was back to looking semi-normal, if you ignored the table. And the holes in the walls. And the weapons on the couch.

"Look, if you're not tied up, he's not gonna feel safe. Consider this me making everyone happy." Kenny smirked at her.

"Don't look so smug, you bastard." She let out an annoyed grunt. "I helped you frame Kyler, and I'm your weapons supplier. Isn't that enough for your boss?"

"Rod's a paranoid asshole, sweetheart," he said simply. "He suspected his own son of treason. Keep that in mind."

Caven shook her head. "Fine, but you'd better convince him quickly. These ropes are cutting into my skin."

"Oh, that was for the wine bottle you threw at me."

Before the two could continue their banter, the front door was opened without even a knock. Rod entered the house with a cold look on his face. "Good afternoon, Corporal. I trust that Kenny has been…" He stopped when he noticed the damage. "What happened here?"

"Unfinished renovations," Caven answered coolly. "Kenny was kind enough to provide some for me."

"I didn't even need a hammer," Kenny added.

"Forget it. I don't want to know." Rod cleared his throat and gazed at the woman intently. "You've made quite a name for yourself, Corporal, legitimately and illegitimately. A steady job in the Military Police, and an infamous arms dealer on the side. Impressive."

"Buttering up both sides of the bread, I see," Caven noted, masking her annoyance with the man's tendency to monologue. "Where are you going with this?"

"I remember the first time that you got involved with my family." He took a seat across from her. "You were an opportunistic private looking for anything to help you rise above your current station. So, when Kyler Hauer was accused of treason, you jumped at the chance to prove it. A few well-placed documents and "witnesses" here and there, and the traitor was unmasked, and you were promoted."

"Thank you for telling me everything that I already know, Lord Reiss, but I'm waiting for you to get to the point," she said tersely.

Rod ignored her. Typical. "Even as a corporal, you still have that opportunistic streak within you, which makes you both a valuable ally in what I have planned… and a possible liability. Tell me, Corporal, which one are you going to be?"

Caven didn't even hesitate. "Considering how you were able to string together false charges against my superior officer in less than a week and completely destroy her reputation, I'd be a fool to go against you. What is it you want from me?"

"Ever heard of a man named Henri Nach?"

She nodded. "Former captain within the Military Police. Took up a seat within the government. Why? You looking for a hit job? I'm sure Kenny's more than capable of such a feat."

"He is, but that's hardly the reason I brought him up," he corrected. "You will be reporting to him on the Military Police activities he cannot obtain with his position. Commander Dok can only provide him so much, and the allies Henri has are not deep enough to search every corner of the regiment."

"And you thought of me. I'm flattered." She gave him a cold look. "What's in it for me?"

"You will be compensated accordingly depending on the information I receive, and you get to continue living." The icy tone in his voice was enough to freeze an entire district. "There is more you will be doing on top of this." Rod stood up and stared out the window. "Outside of these Walls lie the Scout Regiment. You know them as the regiment no sane person would dare join without seeking a death wish. They seek freedom from the Titans, but I have reason to believe that by seeking freedom, they will eventually turn their sights on us." He glanced back at her. "Which is why you will help create the First Interior Squad, an elite army of officers able to exterminate any threats using ODM gear. Kenny Ackerman will be placed in charge of said squad."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" The psychopath popped off the wall he was leaning against and gave the man a confounded look. "You trying to turn me into a law man, Rod? I'd rather eat a bullet."

"That can be arranged," Rod assured, crossing his arms. "But if that's how you wish to die because you couldn't let go of your pride to uphold to oath you swore to my family… what a waste."

Kenny's eyes narrowed dangerously. "That same, damn regiment hunted down the Ackermans and Asians ever since the fucking creation of this country. You expect me to work with them?"

"What happened in the past is irrelevant, Kenny. That's why I haven't killed you ever since you and my brother first met."

"I'm still a wanted man, Rod. How the hell are you going to explain me going from 'The Most Wanted Man in the Walls' to training the fucking Military Police?" Kenny shot back.

"Simple: I don't. Each member of this squad will follow orders to the letter without question. If they try to out you as training them, they will face the ultimate consequence, something I believe you have no issue doing." Rod glared up at the taller man. "This is not up for debate, Kenny. You will form that squad, you will make sure they are ready, or I'll do what my brother failed to do and cut your head off. Is that clear?"

The bodyguard immediately put a gun against Rod's head. "What if I say, 'Go fuck yourself, you old tub of lard,' and shoot you now?"

To Caven's astonishment, Rod had the audacity to smirk at him. "You won't. Not when I have something you desperately want, Kenny."

"And what's that?"

"A reason to exist. That's what my brother gave to you that day. He could've just snuffed out your life in the blink of an eye, but he didn't. He felt pity for the discrimination your people suffered, felt pity for you. With that pity, he gave you a means to use your talents to something meaningful. You willing to throw that all away just because you don't like the Military Police?"

Kenny's glare intensified as he rested a finger on the trigger. One push and he could say goodbye to this pathetic man. It was so easy… and yet, he found himself lowering his weapon and a grin stretching across his face. "Well, who am I to argue with the great Lord Reiss?"

"Keep that in mind the next time you have an urge to shoot me," he warned, smoothing out his suit to remove any wrinkles that encounter gave him. "The world is changing, and we are the humans lucky enough to witness it, but the security of these Walls must remain. That will be all." With that, he exited the house, hoping never to return to this love den Kenny and Caven created. "Dear Goddess, I need a drink," he muttered as he entered the carriage.

Crod42: I take full responsibility for the brain bleach images of Kenny getting it on with Corporal Caven.

MickeyTaco: Good. You should. I want nothing to do with that crap. Rod isn't the only one who needs a drink right about now.

Crod42: You know, it could have been A LOT worse, considering Kenny's personality. But that's besides the point. It took a little longer for us to figure out how to get this chapter to be interesting, so tension was the word of the week. I think you all will like where it leads. We hope you enjoyed this chapter (despite the first scene), we look forward to your reviews, and we'll see you all in the next one.