"Lady Mikasa, this is my son, Shikishima."
A cold silence filled the harbor port's air. The implications were clear.
Eren stared dead ahead, a quiet fury raging inside of him. This is no better than forcing Historia to bear children...
Jean's fists tightened by his sides. Damn it, we've been had!
Armin's palm began to sweat. No… Was this a failsafe to assure Mikasa follows through on her promise?
"Lady Kiyomi," Hanji cleared her throat, involuntarily voicing everyone's thoughts. "You didn't mention you had a son. We were under the presumption that you were the... only Oriental left."
"My apologies, it didn't occur to me that information needed to be known. You see, being the last of a bloodline provides more protective measure than you might think. The other nations would not seek to eradicate the Orientals, purely based on human decency. It is a well-kept secret only Hizuru knows." Kiyomi smiled. "Take this as a sign of good faith."
Good faith, my ass. Levi scowled. This is just a trap to make sure we keep our end of the deal.
The tall man stepped forward. "Captain Shikishima Azumabito."
Before Mikasa could move, Levi unexpectedly was one step ahead. "Captain Levi… Ackerman."
The man's eyes widened at the similarity of surname. Mikasa's eyes widened as well for a different reason- Why did the captain reveal that?
"Siblings?" Shikishima raised an eyebrow.
"Married!" Hanj interjected cheerfully.
"Oi, Hanji." Levi chastised, while Mikasa flushed in embarrassment at the side.
The man didn't flinch. "I was under the impression she was the last of her family."
Levi finally saw the man's true colors with that single statement. He resisted the urge to make a sound of annoyance.
So it seems Hizuru was going to play the family card... he can play the same game.
"Very distant relatives… from her father's side." Levi replied nonchalantly. "Mikasa is also a precious subordinate of mine, someone I call friend and family. Everyone in the corp feels the same."
Shikishima eyed the soldiers standing behind him. He could feel their piercing gaze, almost embedding their protectiveness over their comrade.
His lips twitched... and then offered a smile and laughed. "Hah! What an intimidating bunch you are! I'm glad to meet the island devils. Such comradery is commendable. I am inspired!"
"I'm glad you think so, Captain Azumabito!" Hanji replied with the same cheerfulness.
"Please, call me Shikishima. I get called that enough back home. My presence here is not of military nature." He grinned, shaking Hanji's hand with enthusiasm. "Now, the real reason I am here."
His eyes turned to Mikasa and visibly softened.
"Lady Mikasa." Shikishima bowed respectfully. "It is an honor to meet you."
She returned the gesture in kind. "Captain Azumabito."
"My mother has said her praises. I must say, I am disappointed."
A few soldiers felt the instinct to grab their non-existent swords.
"No words are enough to describe your beauty."