Chapter 2: Assignment

Jean was browsing the papers handed over to him when he heard the knocking on the door of his office.

"Enter." he said, not looking who it was as he busied himself on reading the content about the military exercises currently taking place.

"Sir Kirstein, Commander Eliot is requesting your presence in his office." the young soldier informed him after he saluted to the military advisor.

"Got it. Will be there in a minute." he replied, putting down all the papers on his table.

Jean assumed that being called in the office of a high ranking military officer had something to do with the activities conducted between Paradis and other countries. It was an urgent call as this military commander rarely seeked his presence, unless it was that important he heard his opinion.

"Commander Eliot, Sir Kirstein is already here." the young soldier notified the commander after he knocked the door.

"Please enter." he heard the old man said who was waiting inside.

"Sir Eliot, good morning." Jean greeted him as he entered the office. He had a high respect for this military officer, being able to draw line between the Yeagerist faction and military. He was one of the people who did not fully adapt the ideation of Yeagerist and instead, he stood up for the peace his blonde friend, Armin, was advocating.

"Kirstein, thank you for accommodating my request." Commander Eliot said as he took a glass of wine and offered it to the tall soldier. "I don't want to beat the bush around, I wanted you to supervise and lead one of the units we assigned in the current exercises we have with other countries."

"What do you mean sir?" Jean said with uncertainty on his voice, wondering what exactly the request was. As a military advisor, his jobs were specific on giving strategic plan based on the present activities and aiding the military trainings. Although he could lead a team, it was now a thing in the past as it could occupy much of his time. And this meant he couldn't be with his family which was his priority now.

"We cannot assign all the supervising positions to the Yeagerists. It must be well balance between military and Yeagerist. You know that we are short of people here in military as the cadets are joining the faction, but it doesn't mean we would let the faction to take over the important activities we are establishing with other countries. There will be a disaster in the future for sure." the commander elaborated, looking at the large window before turning to him.

Jean recognized the need of the commander. He was correct, if all things fell under Yeagerist, there would definitely affliction to come. This might greatly affect the political stability of their Queen, who was now considering all aspects to protect their island. But right now, he couldn't give his superior a proper response. He was weighing his responsibilities between his newly established family and the request he received.

Commander Eliot discerned that Jean was hesitant. He assumed that his subordinate didn't want to leave his family. However, he wanted the soldier to further think about it as he gave him the sign up forms.

"Kirstein, think about it. I'll give you two days to decide. Right now, we don't have anyone to replace you if you decline the request." Commander Eliot said with a firmed voice.

For Jean however, it was more on a mission than a simple request.

"I'm home." Jean said as he quickly took off his shoes and unbuttoned the upper part of his shirt. He immediately made his way to the kitchen room.

"You're late today." greeted by a confused and low voice he heard coming from the kitchen where Mikasa was now preparing his dinner.

Jean kissed her forehead before sitting down.

"I'm so sorry, work has been filed up. Didn't notice the time though." the tall soldier quickly explained before he ate the dinner his wife prepared which composed of bread, meat and wine.

"I have something to tell you." Jean told her after finishing up the bread.

"What is it?" his wife asked who was now sitting across and staring at directly at him.

Jean observed his wife pretty face before detailing out what happened that day. Sure, she was the same when they were children. Her black hair, even now her best asset which captivated him after so many years. Her voice, firm but sweet that he could listen all day. And her eyes, one of the rarest being descendent from oriental clan.

And his eyes moved to the red scarp around her neck. He thought that even her feelings for Eren, eternal and could not be replaced, still the same. Nothing really changed.

"I would like to have your opinion on this one." Jean handed over the papers he grabbed from his bag.

"Military activities application form." as she read quietly but enough for the tall soldier sitting across her to heard.

"Yes." acknowledging what she had read. "Commander Eliot requested me to participate in the military activities between Paradis and other countries. He specifically wanted me to supervise a unit as part of it." Jean giving out more details of the request.

"So it means you'll be away for us." Mikasa concluded, though Jean couldn't tell if that was a disappointment or something she casually said.

"If you don't agree, I'll decline the request." taking back the papers he brought to her.

"Wait, what will happen if you decline?" his wife inquired with dissatisfaction.

"Don't worry about what will happen if I decline. I'll handle it." Jean assured his pretty wife.

"No, tell me." Mikasa refused, this time with firmed tone on her voice.

Jean sighed as he knew Mikasa would not let the conversation to end without the information she needed.

"Well, some Yeagerist will take over my position as supervisor in that unit. The commander wanted to avoid that as he insisted we should have an equal position with that faction. He also said it would cause instability if we let the Yeagerist to lead every military activity." Jean explained as he cleared his throat.

"I see. Don't decline it." she responded, looking at her husband directly. "Don't worry about us. We can take care ourselves. I guarantee that nothing will happen to us. You just need to trust me."

Jean grabbed her right hand, lightly squeezing it. He believed in her and she was a strong woman afterall. However, it was not his concern. He just wanted to be with them and spend time together with her as he felt there was something missing he needed to fullfill.

"Alright, I'll accomplish this form tomorrow. We need to get rest now." Jean said with a hint of disappointment.